A small set of grammar fixes delivers the biggest lift in school writing. An English tutor starts with sentence boundaries, commas, subject-verb agreement, and pronoun clarity because these errors confuse readers and cost marks quickly; below is exactly what to correct first, how to practise it, and when a private tutor speeds results.
The grammar fixes that move marks most
Teachers deduct points when sentences run together, commas land in the wrong places, verbs do not agree with their subjects, and pronouns point to the wrong noun. An English tutor prioritizes these four because they affect every paragraph. Correcting them improves clarity immediately and raises grades without rewriting your ideas.
Step by step: how to repair common errors
Begin by locating run-ons and fragments. Read a paragraph aloud and pause at each period. If two complete thoughts are joined only by a comma or by nothing at all, you have a run-on. Repair it by adding a period, adding a comma plus a coordinating conjunction such as and or but, or turning one clause into a dependent clause that begins with because or although.
If a line is missing a subject or a finite verb, expand it into a full sentence. An English tutor will model two examples, then have you fix three on your own so the pattern sticks.
Next, place commas where they help readers. Use a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clause; place commas around nonessential details; add a comma before a coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses.
Read the sentence once and mark where a reader might stumble; test the rules, then commit to one consistent choice. For quick reinforcement, a tutor will run a short comma warmup at the start of each session using sentences drawn from your current assignment.
Then, check subject-verb agreement. Circle the subject, then the main verb. If the subject is singular, the verb should be singular; if plural, the verb should be plural. Watch for phrases that come between subject and verb, collective nouns like team, and tricky indefinite pronouns such as everyone and each that take singular verbs.
A private tutor teaches you to strip away prepositional phrases to see the true subject, so agreement decisions become easy.
Finally, clarify pronoun reference. When you write it, this, that, or they, the reader must be able to point to a single clear noun. If more than one noun could match, replace the pronoun with a specific noun or add a short phrase that names the intended referent. An English tutor often keeps a brief pronoun log beside the draft that lists each pronoun and the noun it replaces so ambiguity disappears during revision.
Quick takeaways you can apply during tonight’s revision
Read one paragraph at a time and run a simple loop that fixes any run-on or fragment, applies the comma rules, confirms agreement, and replaces vague pronouns. Keep sentences shorter while you practise so you can see each decision clearly. When you finish, read the paragraph aloud again and listen for places where you needed to backtrack; those are spots to simplify.
Why these fixes matter in school writing
Markers read quickly and reward clarity. When sentences are complete, commas guide the eye, verbs agree, and pronouns point to exact nouns; readers trust your argument, and your grade rises. These rules also travel from English into science reports, history essays, and application letters. A skilled English tutor shows how to apply the same checks to lab reports and document-based questions so the payoff compounds across classes.
A fast practice routine, an English tutor will run
Begin with a few minutes of model examples on the day’s rule. Switch to guided practice on lines from your own draft. Finish with a timed micro edit where you apply the loop to a single paragraph and mark your corrections. A tutor tracks one metric per week, such as run-ons repaired or comma accuracy and celebrates progress so motivation stays high.
External proof you can trust
For clear, teacher-aligned guidance on punctuation, see the Purdue OWL comma rules overview. It matches the steps above and is a dependable study aid.
Internal references and next steps
If you want targeted help from a subject specialist, see our English tutor page for writing and literature support, or review broader one-to-one help with a private tutor who can integrate study skills with writing improvement. To book a timeslot that fits your week, visit the contact page, and we will set up a short plan call.
FAQ
What should I fix first if I only have ten minutes?
Repair run-ons and fragments, then check commas before conjunctions that link two complete clauses. Those two changes usually yield the biggest clarity gain in the shortest time.
How can I tell if a sentence is too long?
Length is not the problem; structure is. If a sentence contains more than one complete clause, check that each junction has the right punctuation and connector. If meaning blurs, split the line and keep the strongest version.
Do these rules change for creative writing?
Style can bend rules on purpose, but school assignments are graded for clarity first. Apply the checks for essays and reports; experiment with style only after your reader can follow each idea.
When is a private tutor worth it?
If feedback repeats the same grammar notes or if you lose marks even when your ideas are strong, a few sessions with an English tutor can build habits quickly and raise grades across subjects.
Ready to strengthen grammar and clarity with an experienced English tutor? Book a session now: https://www.tutoringexpert.ca/english/
