10 Grammar Conflicts That Can Cause Confusion

Misunderstandings often happen as a result of a breakdown in communication: what the speaker said versus what the receiver understood. These are not always simple grammar mistakes but conflicts you may be repeating. Each grammar conflict could cause confusion between you and another person — whether you're speaking or writing in English.

Below are ten common grammar conflicts that can help you avoid confusion and express yourself more clearly.

1. I Did It By Myself vs. I Did It Myself

By myself is an adverbial phrase that means alone.

Myself is a relexive pronoun that means using my own ability.

Examples:

I fixed the computer by myself. (No one helped me.)
I fixed the computer myself. (I used my own skill.)

2. He’s / She’s / It’s — Past or Present?

We do not use ’s as a contraction for was. “He’s tired” always means He is tired (now) — never He was tired.

Examples:

He was tired. (Past)
He’s tired. (Present)

Mixing these can confuse your listener about when something happened.

3. At First, First, or First of All?

At first is an adverbial phrase that means at the beginning (time expression).
First at the beginning of a sentence acts as an adverb meaning the beginning of a sequence (order).
First of all is an adverbial phrase that means before anything else(used to introduce a first point).

Examples:

At first, I was nervous, but I relaxed later.
First, start your meeting with a greeting. Second,... Third,...
First of all, thank you for being here.

4. Hear vs. Listen
Hear is a verb that means you notice a sound.

Listen is a verb that means you focus on a sound.

Examples:

Did you hear that noise?
Listen to what he’s saying.

5. Looks vs. Seems
Looks is a linking verb that refers to appearance.

Seems is a linking verb that refers to impression or feeling.

Examples:

She looks tired. (Her eyes are red.)
She seems tired. (She keeps falling asleep.)

Tip:

Use looks / seems + adjective → looks tired

Use looks like / seems like + noun phrase → looks like she is tired

6. Because vs. So
Because is a subordinating conjunction that gives a reason.

So is a coordinating conjunction that gives a result.

Examples:

I can’t run fast because I hurt my leg.
I hurt my leg, so I can’t run fast.

7. –ing vs. –ed Forms
–ing is an adjective formed from the present participle that describes something (event or thing).

–ed is an adjective formed from the past particple that describes a person’s feelings.

Examples:

The movie was exciting.
I was excited by the movie.

8. Most vs. Most Of
Most acting as a determiner is general.
Most of acting as a determiner phrase refers to a specific group (followed by the + noun).

Examples:

Most people like coffee.
Most of the people in my office like coffee.

9. Other vs. Another
Other is a plural reference used with plural count or noncount nouns.
Another is a singular reference used with singular nouns.

Examples:

Do you have other cars?
Do you have another car?

Incorrect:

X Do you have other car?
X Do you have another cars?

10. Fun vs. Funny
Funny is an adjective that describes something that makes you laugh.
Fun is an adjective that describes something enjoyable.

Examples:

The movie was funny. (It made me laugh.)
The game was fun. (I enjoyed it.)

Final Thoughts

Small grammar conflicts can sometimes create big misunderstandings. By becoming aware of these common problem areas, you can communicate your ideas more clearly and sound more confident when speaking or writing in English.

Ready to sharpen your grammar and express yourself more naturally? Join my Grammar Focus tutorials — focused grammar lessons designed to help you develop your understandng of English grammar and use it with confidence in real conversation. Contact me today to learn more or book a class.