Introduction
Hi, I'm Duc. Today I want to share something that many TOEIC students ask me about: the grammar mistakes Vietnamese learners most often make on the TOEIC exam. Sometimes these errors aren't just about lacking knowledge — they come from deeply ingrained language habits. I've made plenty of these mistakes myself and learned from them, so I hope this post helps you spot the areas where you can improve.
Table of Contents
1. Missing Articles
The Problem
One of the most common errors I see is leaving out articles (a, an, the) when translating from Vietnamese to English. Vietnamese has no articles, so many learners simply forget to use them — or don't know when to.
The Right Approach
Articles are essential in English because they clarify exactly which noun you're referring to. For example:
The cat is on the roof.
How to Fix It
- Study the rules for definite and indefinite articles.
- When writing or speaking, always double-check that you've used the correct article.
Common Error
- Saying "I have book" instead of "I have a book."
2. Tense Confusion
The Problem
Many learners mix up English tenses — especially past and present — because they translate directly from Vietnamese, which doesn't mark tense through verb changes.
The Right Approach
Each English tense has its own specific use. For example:
I have eaten breakfast.
How to Fix It
- Study the differences between the main tenses: simple present, simple past, present perfect, and so on.
- Practice by writing sentences in different tenses.
