Common Errors in English
Common Errors in English
The subject of the clause must agree in number with the verb of the clause. For
example saying ‘He eats mango’ instead of saying ‘he eat mango’
English follows a specific word order, and deviating from it can lead to confusion. For
instance , saying “Yesterday I to the store went” instead of “Yesterday I went to the
store”
Misusing homophones:
Homophones are words that sound alike but have different meanings. Using the wrong
homophone can result in confusion or a change in the intended meaning. For example,
using "their" instead of "there" or "you're" instead of "your.“
Confusing verb tenses:
Using the wrong verb tense can alter the meaning of a sentence or make it
grammatically incorrect. For instance, saying "I will see her yesterday" instead of "I saw
her yesterday.“
Spelling mistakes:
English spelling can be tricky, with many words having irregular spellings or
silent letters. Common spelling errors include misspelling words like "definitely"
as "definately" or "accommodate" as "accomodate.“
Run-on sentences:
A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are combined
without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions. It can make the sentence
confusing or hard to read. For example, "I went to the store I bought some milk.“
Lack of agreement between pronouns and antecedents:
When using pronouns, they must agree in number and gender with their
antecedents (the words they refer to). For example, saying "Everyone should
bring their own lunch" instead of "Everyone should bring his or her own lunch.“
Misusing prepositions:
Prepositions can be challenging because their usage is often idiosyncratic.
Using the wrong preposition can result in grammatically incorrect sentences. For
example, saying "I'm going on the cinema" instead of "I'm going to the cinema."
REASONS BEHIND WHY WE MAKE ERRORS
Pronunciation:
English pronunciation can be challenging, as it does not always follow
consistent rules. Many words are pronounced differently from how they are
spelled, leading to errors in pronunciation.
Spelling:
English spelling can be complex and irregular. There are many exceptions
to spelling rules, which can lead to misspellings. Additionally, words that
sound similar may be spelled differently, causing confusion.
Grammar:
English grammar has numerous rules and exceptions. Errors can arise from
incorrect verb conjugation, subject-verb agreement, incorrect use of
tenses, or misuse of pronouns.
False cognates:
False cognates are words in different languages that look or sound similar
but have different meanings. Non-native English speakers may mistakenly
use words that resemble English words but have different definitions,
resulting in errors.
Colloquialisms and idioms:
English has numerous idiomatic expressions and colloquial phrases that may not be
easily understood by non-native speakers. Misusing or misinterpreting these phrases
can lead to errors.
Lack of vocabulary:
Limited vocabulary can lead to errors when attempting to express ideas. Non-native
speakers may use incorrect words or struggle to find the appropriate words to
convey their intended meaning.
Expand Vocabulary: Improve your vocabulary by learning new words and their proper usage. Practice
incorporating new words
into your speaking and writing.
Practice Speaking and Listening: Engage in conversations with native English speakers or other learners.
Listen to English
podcasts, watch movies or TV shows in English, and actively
participate in discussions.
This helps improve your pronunciation, fluency, and comprehension
skills.
Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback and guidance from teachers or any suitable person.
Take note of the corrections and apply them in your future communication.
Proofread and Edit: When writing in English, carefully proofread your work for grammatical errors,
spelling mistakes, and
awkward phrasing. Edit your sentences to ensure clarity and coherence.
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your English language skills. It will reinforce
your knowledge and
help you become more comfortable with the language.
AS IT IS SAID, IT IS
HUMAN TO ERR; AND THE
ONLY FINAL AND DEADLY
ERROR, AMONG ALL OUR
ERRORS, IS DENYING THAT
WE HAVE EVER ERRED.