Common Errors Page - 5

Common Errors in English

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Incorrect	John said that, "I know the answer."
Correct	John said, "I know the answer."
Incorrect	Although he was ill, but he went to work as usual.
Correct	Although he was ill, he went to work as usual.
Incorrect	You may not realize that how important time is.
Correct	You may not realize how important time is.
Incorrect	He is a more nicer person than you.
Correct	He is a nicer person than you.
Incorrect	John's work is more perfect than Tom's.
Correct	John's work is better than/superior to Tom's.
Incorrect	This book is the most unique of all.
Correct	This book is unique.
Incorrect	I don't have enough money to buy big house.
Correct	I don't have enough money to buy a big house.
	Note : If the noun is specified, the is used I want to buy a computer. The computer must be versatile in function.
Incorrect	Why do you need hundred dollars ?
Correct	Why do you need a hundred dollars ?
Incorrect	He has good knowledge of English grammar.
Correct	He has a good knowledge of English grammar.
Incorrect	Japanese are industrious and frugal.
Correct	The Japanese are industrious and frugal.
	Note : Once the is omitted, the meaning changes from people to language. Not all the Chinese are proficient in Chinese. Is French a beautiful language ?

Incorrect	I seldom go to theatre.
Correct	I seldom go to the theatre.
Incorrect	Smiths invited me to a dinner.
Correct	The Smiths invited me to a dinner.
	Note : It is a common practice in English to use a family name to refer to a certain family and its members. Such a family name mus tbe pluralized and preceded by the definite article the.
Incorrect	Uncle's advice is great significance.
Correct	Uncle's advice is of great significance.
Incorrect	The judge has decided the case.
Correct	The judge has decided upon the case.
Incorrect	Do you want to try my new car ?
Correct	Do you want to try out my new car ?
Incorrect	I enjoyed during the holidays.
Correct	I enjoyed myself during the holidays.
Incorrect	Mary felt sorry about the matter but she did not voice.
Correct	Mary felt sorry about the matter but she did not voice it.
Incorrect	Many people in the past died from malaria.
Correct	Many people in the past died of malaria.
Incorrect	We were astonished by his sudden resignation.
Correct	We were astonished at his sudden resignation.
Incorrect	He took his girlfriend in the hand.
Correct	He took his girlfriend by the hand.

Incorrect	What is the difference of these two things ?
Correct	What is the difference between these two things ?
Incorrect	What is the time on your watch ?
Correct	What is the time by your watch ?
Incorrect	Lucy has been absent from Monday ?
Correct	Lucy has been absent since Monday ?
	Note : To express the idea of from a certain time to now, we normally say "from ... to/till now ?". Every week, I work from Monday to Saturday.
Incorrect	We will tolerate no interference with our internal affairs.
Correct	We will tolerate no interference in our internal affairs.
	Note : ( In means to meddle ; With means to hinder/obstruct. ) I don't allow any interference with my work.
Incorrect	The answer of this question is quite complicated.
Correct	The answer to this question is quite complicated.
Incorrect	Under the help of an influential friend, he got the job.
Correct	With the help of an influential friend, he got the job.
	Note : To express various states or conditions, we use under. Business improved under the new management.
Incorrect	Nobody is bound to suffering.
Correct	Nobody is bound to suffer.
Incorrect	Some people are not used to live in a hot country.
Correct	Some people are not used to living in a hot country.
Incorrect	Susan is incapable to complete the task by herself.
Correct	Susan is incapable of completing the task by herself.
Incorrect	Nobody can avoid to make mistakes.
Correct	Nobody can avoid making mistakes.