ENGLISH-27

 ENGLISH-27

Some common mistakes in using English

Common mistakes noted in writing /speech, by users arise from improper devotion to the process of using a language as laid out by authorities. Instead of learning the appropriate use of words/ statements, some persons right away use improper terms with utter disregard to the ‘language culture” as some of them earnestly believe that their grasp of the ‘process’ of grammatically organizing statements is both perfect and complete, though in reality these skills claimed are distant in the horizon with no prospect of  them being frequently used. Our mission being what it is, we can ill-afford to stay undaunted by such slip-shod presentations however innocent the user may be.

Let us consider a common error among non-native users of English .

“ In spite of” and ’Despite” are equivalents; yet, some persons use “Despite of” in place of ‘Despite’ .Such a usage is incorrect. There are several other errors that need being attended to .

2 I want other one is incorrect and its correct form is I want the other one .Sadly, this subtlety is fading off  in that “the other” /”another” are indeed determined by the number of items available for consideration.

3 What do you usually take for breakfast? [incorrect]                                                                    What do you usually have for breakfast? [correct]

4 She said me to call her [incorrect]    She told  me to call her [correct]

5 I stopped pay attention [incorrect]  I stopped paying attention [correct]

6 Listen your teacher [incorrect] Listen to your teacher [correct]                                    Prepositional veb “Listen to”

7 Sorry I did not listen you [incorrect] Sorry I did not hear you [correct]  ‘Hear’ is the physical act of ‘receiving’ the sound and ,“listen to” means to  grasp or understand it. 

8 He is surgeon.[incorrect] He is a surgeon[correct] Use of article before job titles is the correct approach. 

9 I have gone to Chennai yesterday [incorrect] I went to Chennai yesterday [correct]

10 He is married with a Doctor [incorrect] He is married to a Doctor. [correct]  This incorrect usage is repeated in Wedding invitations  across South India ;if one critically views the expression ‘He is / was married with a Doctor’  can mean that He and a Doctor were married on the same day though to different spouses.

 

11 Let me give you an advice [incorrect] Let me give you some advice or a piece of advice [correct] Advice is not countable.

12 How I can contact you [incorrect]  How can I contact you[ correct]

13 One of my friend lives in Mumbai [incorrect] One of my friends lives in Mumbai [correct]

14 It is so nice place [incorrect] It is such a nice place[ correct].    

15 The technology is changing rapidly [incorrect]  Technology is changing rapidly [correct]

Several such incorrect usages are found among non-native users. At least let us be aware of the right form of using the language.

Source :  English with Alex is gratefully acknowledged.

Prof. K.Raman