Common English Errors
Mixing up their with there or they’re is a common writing error.
Their is a possessive pronoun. It indicates belonging:
They could not believe that their own son could treat them so badly.
Their objective was to overthrow the government and seize power.
There is an adverb. It usually indicates location.
I saw a man hiding there.
There is something wrong [...]
revert or revert back?
Category: Common English errors
Avoid saying “revert back.”
The meaning of revert is to return or go back to a position, idea, habit, or practice.
So, saying “revert back” is like saying “return back” or “go back back.” The “back” is redundant here.
Here are some correct uses of the word revert:
After being off drinks for three weeks, he reverted to his [...]
We have sometimes heard people say:
If I would have been there, I would have helped you.
If I would have done my homework, I would be playing now.
If you would have seen him dance, you would have laughed!
etc.
These usages are grammatically wrong. Never say: If I would have [past participle]…
All the examples above refer to past [...]
Saying “cope up with” is a common mistake made by English learners. The correct usage is “cope with.”
To cope with a (difficult) situation is to successfully deal with it. Here are some examples of correct usage:
The airport staff struggled to cope with the holiday rush.
We’re finding it hard to cope with the loss of Bruno, [...]
The following sentences are grammatically incorrect:
“Let’s discuss about this with Phiroz tomorrow.”
“We were discussing about your article yesterday.”
“They have already discussed about my problem.”
The preposition “about” should not be used with the verb “discuss.” The corrected sentences are:
“Let’s discuss this with Phiroz tomorrow.”
“We were discussing your article yesterday.”
“They have already discussed my problem.”
NOTE: “about” can [...]
Advice or Advise?
Category: Common English errors
Advice (spelt with a “c”) is the noun form.
I need some advice on investing.
She gave me some good advice.
Advise (spelt with an “s”) is the verb form.
I have been advised to take rest.
I would advise you to file your tax returns early.
Did India loose the match or lose it?
Was the scarf loosely tied or losely tied?
Did Renuka lose her purse or loose it?
Was the drunkard talking loosely or losely?
People often write “loose” when they mean “lose.” This is no surprise, because these words have similar pronunciations. Loose is pronounced LOOS and lose is pronounced LOOZ.
Let’s clear [...]
Were you looking for “English grammer“? Next time, make that “English grammar“!
Grammar is one of the most misspelt words on the internet. This happens because the word grammar is pronounced as if it were spelt grammer. So people continue to write “grammer” even after being told a dozen times that it is actually “grammar.” As [...]
All of us are not…
Category: Common English errors
So when we say “all of us are not going” it does not mean “none of us is going”; it actually means “some of us are going, while some are not.”
..more
Have you heard someone say:
I think so it is raining outside.
or
I don’t think so it is raining outside.
These are bad sentence constructions. In both cases, the “so” is unnecessary. The correct forms are:
I think it is raining outside.
and
I don’t think it is raining outside.
When you say “I think so” or “I don’t think so,” the [...]
