01/05/2018
Common mistakes made by us while using english language:
The English language can either be hard or simple to learn. Most of us consider it hard to learn especially in situation where we get introduced to the same at a very late stage in life. As a matter of fact, most of us speak the language without a proper consideration on the grammar and words.
Here, we’ll try to explore some of the common mistakes we make in relation to the English language.
1. Get vs. Gets
A very common mistake made by us which sees them adding the word ”s” to words unnecessarily.
Example: Unless you gets your act right
This is wrong. Unless the words “you” is replaced by “he” and “your” replaced by “his”. Better yet you can drop the letter “s” from “gets”.
2. Their vs. There
More often than not, these words are misused. “Their” refers to people whereas “there” is used to refer to places.
Example: I have been there.
They came with their goods.
3. Misuse of a comma
The main purpose of a comma in a sentence should be to indicate a pause in a long sentence or split a list of items mentioned. When a sentence is split, it accounts to the misuse of a comma.
Example: It takes him all day, to drive home.
This is referred to as sentence splitting and is in fact wrong. The comma basically confuses the sentence and creates what is commonly referred to as sentence fragments.
4. Blunder vs. Mistake
These two words basically mean the same thing and can never be used in a sentence at the same time.
Example: You have made a blunder mistake.
This is wrong because the sentence actually means, “You have made a mistake mistake.” It can either be “You have made a mistake” or “You have made a blunder”.
5. More vs. Better
At no point should they be used together in a sentence.
Example: This could never have turned out to be more better.
The word better in itself implies superiority hence the use of the word “more” in the sentence is seen as being unnecessary.
6. Does vs. Do
“Does” is used in singular form while “Do” indicates the plural nature of the subject.
Example: Why does he bother you a lot?
Why do they bother you a lot?
7. Which vs. That
This is one of the most popular mistakes. “That” should be used as a restrictive pronoun while “Which” should be used as a relative pronoun to imply the available options. In a nutshell, “Which” defines and ”That” limits.
Example: I never watch movies that are not HD.
(This means that you limit yourself to HD movies.)
I only watch HD movies which are available on DVD.
(It means that you can watch HD movies available on DVD and do not have to download them.)
8. Who vs. Whom
As a subjective pronoun, “Who” is used in situations where a pronoun acts as the subject of a particular sentence. On the other hand, “Whom” is used as an objective pronoun and used whenever a pronoun acts as an object in a sentence.
Example: Who is she?
To whom was the assignment given?
9. Putting a comma before the word “that”
This is a very common grammar mistake made by many of us. There is a school of thought of the opinion that, “that” should never have a comma before it while other provide for some discretion in certain scenarios.
Example: I did not think, that they were wrong.
This is wrong.
10. Un-capitalized words at the beginning of a quotation mark
Every time you start a quotation mark, it must be followed by a capital letter.
Example: He said, “Get up and head to school.”
11. Forgetting to put a question mark
This mostly happens in sentences that do not begin with “Why”, “What”, “How”, “Who”, and “When”.
Example: Are they not going to come back.
That is wrong. The sentence needs to end with a question mark. (?)
12. Accept vs. Except
When spoken, these words sound almost the same and can be confusing. ”Accept” means to agree to take something that’s being offered while “Except” means with the exclusion of something.
Example: Kindly accept this as a token of appreciation.
The book is new except the cover.
13. Its and it’s
”Its” is used to show possession while “it’s” is the short version of “it is”.
Example: It’s broken.
The vehicle broke its windscreen.
14. Envy vs. Jealousy
”Envy” is used to imply the pursuit to someone else’s success whereas “Jealousy” has a much more negative meaning implying a fear of competition.
Example: I envy you with all your success.
His jealous nature contributed to his poor judgement.
15. May vs. Might
”May” is normally used to imply a possibility while “Might” refers to uncertainty.
Example: Two shots may get you drunk.
It might rain today.
16. Fewer vs. Less
”Fewer” is mostly used on items that can be counted while “Less” is used for hypothetical quantities.
Example: Today, the market has fewer people.
Last year the company was less successful.
17. Since vs. Because
”Since” refers to time while “Because” is used to refer to causality.
Example: Since I started drinking, I’ve lost around 10 cell phones.
Because I’m highly intoxicated, I’ll not drive.
18. Bring vs. Take
The use of these two words basically depends on whether the object is moving towards or away from you.
Example: Take this to your mother.
Bring it to me.
19. Averse vs. Adverse
”Adverse” is used to refer to unfavourable while “Averse” refers to the state of being reluctant.
Example: The adverse effects of to***co.
A good number of people are averse to sleep at work.
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Hope it helps you to avoid these mistakes in future,
