Why explaining the error matters as much as fixing it
Simply changing a wrong word into a right one is not enough in an exam — and it is not enough here either. On this page, every exercise asks you to go one step further: name the grammatical rule or the reason the correction is needed in this context. Signal words (like "since", "yesterday", or "if") are only hints — they never replace understanding why a structure is required.
A note on realistic errors
All errors on this page are typical of German-speaking learners of English — mistakes that come from transferring German grammar patterns (like word order or duration expressions) directly into English. Each error has exactly one clearly correct fix; where more than one natural phrasing exists, the exercises accept the sensible alternatives.
Thirteen common error categories
Each category below shows a typical incorrect sentence, its correct version, and the grammatical explanation — the rule and what it means in context.
Flashcards
Each card shows an incorrect sentence. Tap or click (or press Enter/Space when focused) to reveal the correction, the error category, and a short explanation.
Correction exercise
For each sentence: 1) click the word(s) you think are wrong, 2) type the correction for that spot, 3) check your answer. The solution is always available if you want to compare.
Test yourself
Eight sentences, each with three possible corrections — only one is right. A short explanation follows every answer.
Result
Choose a station
Short excerpts from five exam text types: Comment, Analysis, Summary, Mediation and News Report.
Station A — Spot the error
Click the one word that is grammatically wrong in each excerpt.
Station B — Correct the sentence
Type the fully corrected sentence. A model answer is always shown after checking.
Station C — Choose the correct explanation
For each correction, pick the explanation that correctly states the grammatical reason.
Station D — Proofread a complete paragraph
This short news report contains five errors. Rewrite it correctly, then compare with the annotated solution.
Proofread a full exam paragraph
The paragraph below contains exactly ten clearly identifiable errors. Rewrite it correctly in the box, then reveal the corrected version, the highlighted changes, an explanation for every correction, your score, and a proofreading checklist.