SOME COMMON ERRORS IN ENGLISH

The purpose of this chapter is to draw the attention of people to some common mistakes in English spoken especially by non-native speakers.

TAUTOLOGY

Tautology is the superfluous use of words. That is, the repetition of the same meaning in the combined use of two words, which have similar meaning. You should always avoid it.

CAN BE ABLE

Not: I can be able to do it (Can = to be able) But: I can do it or I will be able to do it

VERY PERFECT

Not: She is very perfect in sewing. (Perfect = very or extremely good) But: She is a very good seamstress. Or she is a perfect seamstress.

Or She is perfect in sewing.

TRUE FACT

Not: I have told you the true fact. (A fact is necessarily true)

But: I have told Or I have told you the truth the factum

STILL YET

These two words should never be used together

Not: But: I taught him well, still yet he failed the examination. I taught him well, still he failed the examination.

SHOULD IN CASE

Use either should or 'in case'

Not: Keep a seat for me should in case I come late.

But: Keep a seat for me in case I come late. Or should I be late do keep a place for me.

RETURN BACK

Return means to bring back, put back, come back etc.

Not: I have returned back your book Ma

But: I have brought back your book or I have returned your book.

REPEAT AGAIN

It is better to use only 'repeat' than adding 'again' to it.

Say: Please, repeat what you said

Or Please say it again.

Not. Please repeat what you said again.

FELLOW COMPANIONS

A fellow means a companion

Not: I am travelling with three fellow companions

But: I am travelling with three companions.

PREFER TO

The verb 'prefer' always takes 'to' not 'than' after it. Say: I prefer my black shoes to my red ones

Not: I prefer my black shoes 'than' my red ones.

BORROW, LEND

To 'borrow' means to take someone else's belonging for a while.

To 'lend' means to give out on loan Not: Please borrow me your pen.

But: Please lend me your pen

CUT MY HAIR

Often people use certain verbs as if they themselves are the ones performing the action, although they actually mean to say someone else performed the action for them.

Not: I went to the barber to cut my hair.

But: I went to the barber to have my hair cut. (by the barber)

I went to repair my car I went to have my car repaired (unless, of course, you are the mechanic). But:

Not:

ON BEHALF

'On behalf' means for somebody 'not' in the person's absence'.

Not: My brother doesn't allow me to drive his car, but as he has now travelled abroad, I shall drive the car on his behalf (meaning in his absence)

Say: My friend was supposed to give a talk to the students today, as he will be too busy to come, I will give the talk on his behalf

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