What are the most common writing errors?

The Most Common Writing Errors (And How to Fix Them)

Even skilled writers stumble into the same traps over and over. The good news? Most common writing errors are fixable once you know what to look for.

Showing, not telling is Writing 101—but it’s often ignored. Saying “She was angry” tells the reader nothing. But writing “Her fists clenched, and she turned away without a word” shows anger. That small shift brings scenes to life.

Another silent killer? Overusing “there is” or “there are.” These phrases pad your writing with fluff. Instead of “There was a cat on the windowsill,” say “A cat crouched on the windowsill.” Stronger. Clearer. More direct.

Poor cause and effect can confuse readers. If a character suddenly storms out, the reader needs to know why. Without proper buildup—without cause—emotional reactions feel random. Make sure every action has a logical trigger.

Vague writing is another trap. Phrases like “something felt off” don’t mean much. Replace them with sensory details. What did the character see? Hear? Smell? Specifics pull readers in.

And watch those speaker tags and action beats. “He said angrily” is weak. Better: “He slammed the door. ‘Get out.’” Action beats do the emotional heavy lifting.

Finally, don’t drown your story in too many characters. Introducing five new names in one scene overwhelms readers. Keep the cast tight, especially early on.

Style matters, too. Clichés, passive voice, and inconsistent tone—these stylistic mistakes sap energy from your prose. Clean them up, and your writing gains rhythm and impact.

Writing well isn’t about perfection. It’s about catching these common errors and refining until the story shines.