Common English Speaking Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Making mistakes while speaking English is completely normal, especially for non-native speakers. These errors often occur due to direct translation from one’s native language, lack of regular practice, or confusion about grammar rules during conversations. However, consistently repeating these mistakes can affect clarity and confidence.

In this blog, you’ll discover the most common English speaking mistakes and practical ways to fix them. From tense errors to pronunciation slips, each example will help you understand how to speak more naturally and confidently in real-life situations.

Common English Speaking Mistakes and How to Fix Them

a. Using Incorrect Verb Tenses

Many learners mix up tenses while speaking, such as saying “I am go” instead of “I am going.”
Fix: Focus on tense consistency. Practice forming sentences in different tenses and use short dialogues to reinforce correct usage.

b. Misusing Prepositions

Common mistakes include phrases like “Discuss about” or “Complain for” instead of “Discuss” and “Complain about.”
Fix: Learn prepositions through fixed expressions (e.g., interested in, depend on) rather than as individual words.

c. Incorrect Word Order

A frequent mistake is changing word sequence, like “She very is beautiful.”
Fix: Follow the basic English sentence pattern — Subject + Verb + Object (She is very beautiful).

d. Confusing Similar Words

Learners often mix words like “say” and “tell”, or “speak” and “talk.”
Fix: Remember you say something but tell someone; speak is more formal, while talk is used casually.

e. Overusing Fillers (like, um, you know)

Fillers can make speech sound hesitant or unclear: “Like, I was like, you know, tired.”
Fix: Try pausing silently instead of using fillers. This makes your speech sound more confident.

f. Pronunciation Errors

Words like “comfortable” or “Wednesday” are often mispronounced.
Fix: Listen to native speakers, use pronunciation tools, and repeat words slowly to master correct sounds.

g. Forgetting Articles (a, an, the)

Example: “She is teacher” instead of “She is a teacher.”
Fix: Practice identifying where articles are needed. Reading aloud can help you get used to their natural placement.

h. Using Direct Translations from Native Language

Some phrases don’t translate well directly, leading to awkward sentences.
Fix: Learn idiomatic expressions and think in English while forming sentences rather than translating word for word.

Common Grammar Errors in Spoken English

Many learners make recurring grammar mistakes when speaking English, which can affect clarity and understanding. Here are some of the most frequent ones:

• Subject-Verb Agreement Errors: Saying “He go to school” instead of “He goes to school.” Always match the verb form with the subject.
• Incorrect Tense Usage: Using the wrong tense can confuse the listener. For example, “I am eat breakfast” should be “I am eating breakfast.”
• Omitting Articles: Commonly leaving out a, an, or the, as in “She is teacher” instead of “She is a teacher.”
• Wrong Prepositions: Using on, in, or at incorrectly, such as “I am good in English” instead of “I am good at English.”
• Double Negatives: Saying “I don’t know nothing” instead of “I don’t know anything.”

Tip to Fix: Practice speaking short sentences correctly, read aloud, and pay attention to how native speakers structure their sentences in daily conversations.

Why Do We Make Speaking Mistakes in English?

Making mistakes while speaking English is a natural part of learning. Understanding why these errors happen can help you correct them faster. Here are some common reasons:

• Influence of Native Language: Many learners directly translate sentences from their native language, which changes word order or meaning in English.
• Lack of Speaking Practice: Without regular speaking practice, learners struggle to recall words or form correct sentences in real time.
• Confusion Between Formal and Informal English: Mixing casual and professional expressions often leads to awkward phrasing or tone.
• Overthinking Grammar While Speaking: Focusing too much on grammar rules mid-conversation can interrupt fluency and confidence.

By identifying these causes, you can consciously work toward more natural, mistake-free English communication.

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Tips to Avoid English Speaking Mistakes

Improving your English speaking skills takes consistent effort and mindful practice. Here are some simple but effective tips to help you avoid common mistakes:

• Record and Listen to Yourself: Listening to your own speech helps you notice pronunciation errors, filler words, and grammar slips that you might miss while speaking.
• Speak Slowly and Clearly: Don’t rush your sentences. Speaking slowly gives you time to think about grammar and pronunciation, reducing mistakes.
• Practice with Language Learning Apps or Partners: Apps like Duolingo, ELSA Speak, or conversation partners can help you practice regularly and get instant feedback.
• Read Aloud to Improve Structure and Tone: Reading books, articles, or dialogues aloud improves sentence flow, pronunciation, and confidence in real conversations.

By applying these habits daily, you’ll notice a clear improvement in fluency and accuracy.

How Regular Practice Improves Fluency

Regular speaking practice is the key to becoming fluent and confident in English. When you speak every day, you train your brain to think in English rather than translate from your native language, which makes your responses faster and more natural.

Benefits of Daily Speaking Routines:

• Builds confidence and reduces hesitation.
• Improves pronunciation, rhythm, and word choice.
• Strengthens muscle memory for common phrases and sentence structures.

Importance of Feedback and Correction:

Speaking regularly is effective only when paired with constructive feedback. Whether from teachers, apps, or friends, feedback helps identify recurring mistakes and correct them early, leading to steady and lasting improvement in fluency.

How Speaking Mistakes Affect Your Communication

Speaking mistakes can have a bigger impact than you might realize. Even small errors in grammar, pronunciation, or word choice can change the meaning of what you’re trying to say and make your message unclear. For instance, confusing verb tenses or using the wrong preposition may cause listeners to misunderstand your point.

Frequent mistakes can also affect how confident and fluent you sound. When you pause too often to correct yourself or use fillers like “um” and “like,” it can make conversations feel less natural. In professional or academic settings, these errors might create an impression of hesitation or lack of preparation.

By identifying and fixing your speaking mistakes early, you can express yourself clearly, build confidence, and make a stronger impact in every conversation.

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Difference Between Grammar Mistakes and Speaking Mistakes

While grammar mistakes and speaking mistakes may seem similar, they are not the same.

• Grammar Mistakes: These occur when rules of English are not followed, such as incorrect verb tenses, missing articles, or wrong sentence structure. For example, saying “She go to school yesterday” instead of “She went to school yesterday.” Grammar mistakes are often noticed more in writing but can appear in speech too.
• Speaking Mistakes: These include errors that happen during actual conversation, such as mispronunciation, using fillers excessively (“um, like, you know”), incorrect word choice, or awkward phrasing. For example, saying “I very like this book” instead of “I really like this book.”

Key Difference: Grammar mistakes focus on rules, while speaking mistakes affect the flow, clarity, and naturalness of your communication. Correcting both is essential to sound fluent and confident.

Simple Daily Exercises to Improve Spoken English

Improving your spoken English doesn’t require hours of study each day. Consistent, short exercises can make a big difference over time. Here are some simple daily practices:

• Read Aloud: Spend 10–15 minutes reading articles, stories, or dialogues out loud. This improves pronunciation, sentence flow, and confidence.
• Shadowing Technique: Listen to a short audio or video clip and try to repeat exactly what the speaker says, matching their tone, pace, and pronunciation.
• Think in English: Narrate your daily activities in English in your mind or out loud. For example, “I am making tea now” or “I need to finish my work before lunch.”
• Record Yourself: Record short conversations or sentences, then play them back to identify mistakes and monitor improvement.
• Use Word of the Day: Learn a new word daily and make 2–3 sentences using it throughout the day to expand vocabulary naturally.

By doing these exercises daily, you gradually build fluency, accuracy, and confidence in spoken English without feeling overwhelmed.

Best Online Tools and Apps to Practice Speaking

Practicing spoken English with the right tools can accelerate learning and help you correct mistakes effectively. Here are some highly recommended options:

• Duolingo: Offers short, interactive speaking exercises that improve pronunciation and vocabulary. Best for beginners and daily practice.
• ELSA Speak: Focuses on pronunciation, accent, and fluency using AI feedback. Ideal for mastering tricky sounds and improving clarity.
• HelloTalk: A language exchange app where you can chat or voice call with native English speakers worldwide. Great for real-life conversation practice.
• Tandem: Connects you with language partners for text, voice, or video conversations. Helps improve speaking skills and cultural understanding.
• BBC Learning English: Provides videos and audio lessons with exercises to practice pronunciation, sentence structure, and common expressions.
• Speechling: Offers daily speaking challenges with coach feedback, helping you improve accuracy and fluency consistently.

Using these apps regularly allows you to practice speaking anytime, track your progress, and gradually reduce common mistakes.

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How Listening Helps You Speak Better English

Listening is a powerful tool for improving spoken English because it exposes you to correct pronunciation, sentence structures, and natural expressions. By actively listening, you internalize how native speakers construct sentences and use words in context.

Ways Listening Improves Speaking:

• Enhances Pronunciation: Hearing the correct sounds and stress patterns helps you mimic them accurately.
• Expands Vocabulary: Listening to conversations, podcasts, or videos introduces you to new words and phrases in real-life contexts.
• Improves Sentence Structure: You naturally learn how to arrange words and use grammar correctly by paying attention to spoken English.
• Builds Confidence: Familiarity with common phrases and expressions makes it easier to respond during conversations.
• Tips to Practice Listening: Watch English movies, listen to podcasts, follow YouTube channels, or engage with native speakers. Combine listening with speaking by repeating what you hear to strengthen fluency.

Why Choose PlanetSpark?

Learning English goes beyond grammar and vocabulary, it’s about speaking confidently and expressing yourself clearly. At PlanetSpark, we help children and learners of all ages overcome common English speaking mistakes through engaging, interactive sessions designed for real-life communication.

• Personalized Learning: PlanetSpark offers tailored lessons to improve speaking, pronunciation, and fluency based on individual strengths and weaknesses.
• Interactive Practice: Our classes focus on conversation, role-plays, and real-life scenarios to help learners apply what they’ve learned naturally.
• Expert Educators: Experienced teachers provide instant feedback, correct common mistakes, and guide students toward confident English communication.
• Fun and Engaging: Lessons include games, stories, and activities that make learning enjoyable while building lasting language skills.

Conclusion

Making mistakes while speaking English is a natural part of learning, but identifying and correcting them is essential for fluency and confidence. From grammar errors and pronunciation slips to overusing fillers or misusing words, understanding these common mistakes helps you communicate more clearly and naturally.

Regular practice, listening actively, and using the right tools can significantly improve your spoken English. By applying the tips shared in this blog, reading aloud, recording yourself, practicing daily, and seeking feedback, you can gradually reduce mistakes and speak with confidence.