Some of the Most Common English Mistakes Made by ESL Students!
Incorrect: It’s seven twenty o’clock.
Correct: It’s seven twenty.
Incorrect: Your coat is broken.
Correct: Your coat is torn.
Incorrect: Susan didn’t make a fault anyway.
Correct: Susan didn’t make a mistake anyway.
Incorrect: Would you mind posting this letter for me ? Yes, certainly.
Correct: Would you mind mailing this letter for me ? Of course not. OR ( Not at all )
Incorrect: He becomes better.
Correct: He got better.
Incorrect: We’ll have a hearing test tomorrow.
Correct: We’ll have a listening test tomorow.
Incorrect: I recommend you to take a long vacation.
Correct: I recommend that you take a long vacation.
Incorrect: The last bus leaves at eleven o’clock. It’s about eleven now, Hurry up!
Correct: The last bus leaves at eleven o’clock. It’s nearly ( almost ) eleven now, Hurry up!
Incorrect: It was still bright outside.
Correct: It was still light outside.
Incorrect: Come to here.
Correct: Come here.
Incorrect: Common students in US don’t wear a uniform.
Correct: The average students in US don’t wear a uniform.
Incorrect: Who cooked this salad ?
Correct: Who made this salad ?
Incorrect: Different from me, she is proficient in English.
Correct: Unlike me, she is proficient in English.
Incorrect: Little children are difficult to understand that.
Correct: It is difficult for children to understand that.
Incorrect: Don’t step on the grass.
Correct: Keep off the grass.
Incorrect: I get my salary twice a month.
Correct: I get paid twice a month..
Incorrect: Would you like a drink ?
Correct: Would you like something to drink ?
Incorrect: Let me examine your pulse.
Correct: Let me feel your pulse.
Incorrect: I have no exercise talent.
Correct: I am not athletic.
Incorrect: Don’t expect me too much.
Correct: Don’t expect too much from (of ) me.
Incorrect: I forget my hat in the house.
Correct: I left my hat in the house.
Incorrect: Lend me some money, for instance 500 dollars, Lin
Correct: Lend me some money, say 500 dollars, Lin
Incorrect: I have a free time.
Correct: I am free.
Incorrect: The sun rises from the East.
Correct: The sun rises in the East.
Incorrect: The thief got in from the window.
Correct: The thief got in through the window.
Incorrect: Let’s begin from page 10.
Correct: Let’s begin at ( on ) page 10.
Incorrect: Did you attend college ?
Correct: Did you go to college ?
Incorrect: I wanted to go to Europe last summer, but it was too expensive so I gave up to go.
Correct: I wanted to go to Europe last summer, but it was too expensive so I gave up the idea.
Incorrect: I am going back my home.
Correct: I am going home.
Incorrect: His temperature went down.
Correct: His temperature came down.
Incorrect: I like green color.
Correct: I like green.
Incorrect: Today’s newspapers has his articles on Taiwan.
Correct: Today’s newspapers carries his articles on Taiwan.
Incorrect: Give me money, if you have.
Correct: Give me money, if you have any.
Incorrect: You’ll have a cold if you sleep with your window open.
Correct: You’ll catch a cold if you sleep with your window open.
Incorrect: Somebody’s knocking on the door. Go and see who he is.
Correct: Somebody’s knocking on the door. Go and see who it is.
Incorrect: The head office is in Taipei.
Correct: The main office is in Taipei.
Incorrect: He cannot read and write.
Correct: He cannot read or write.
Incorrect: Where is here.
Correct: Where are we.
Incorrect: How heavy are you ?
Correct: How much do you weigh ?
Incorrect: He was talking in a high voice.
Correct: He was talking loud.
Incorrect: Most Westerners havehigh noses.
Correct: Most Westerners have long noses.
Incorrect: Are you home tomorrow.
Correct: Are you at home tomorrow.
Incorrect: Howdoes she look like ?
Correct: What does she look like ?
Incorrect: This is the way how I did it.
Correct: This is how I did it. or This is the way I did it.
Incorrect: How do you think about Taiwan.
Correct: What do you think about Taiwan.
Incorrect: How can I do ?
Correct: What can I do ?
Incorrect: – “How long have you been in Taiwan ?” -” Six months ” -“How about Chinese food ?”
Correct: – “How long have you been in Taiwan ? ” -” Six months ” -“Do you like Chinese food ?”
Incorrect: I visited her ill mother in the hospital.
Correct: I visited her sick mother in the hospital.
Incorrect: There is a limit in my patience.
Correct: There is a limit to my patience.
Incorrect: Please wait inside the white line.
Correct: Please wait behind the white line.
Incorrect: Is your house insured for fire ?
Correct: Is your house insured against fire ?
Incorrect: I introduce Mr. Smith to you !
Correct: May I introduce Mr. Smith to you !
Incorrect: She was first prize.
Correct: She took first prize.
Incorrect: Do you have any automatic camera ? Yes I have it .
Correct: Do you have any automatic camera ? Yes, I have one.
Incorrect: That was a traffic accident on my way here. It is why I was late.
Correct: That was a traffic accident on my way here. That is why I was late.
Incorrect: She is wearing blue jeans pants.
Correct: She is wearing blue jeans.
Incorrect: Keep the right.
Correct: Keep to the right.
Incorrect: Last night I didn’t keep my diary.
Correct: Last night I didn’t write anything in my diary.
Incorrect: The train was late about an hour.
Correct: The train was about an hour late.
Incorrect: Leave your hand from the end of the wire.
Correct: Let go of the end of the wire.
Incorrect: I was ten minutes late for the English lesson.
Correct: I was ten minutes late for the English class.
Incorrect: How many Chinese letters do you know ?
Correct: How many Chinese characters do you know ?
Incorrect: He is fighting for his life.
Correct: He is fighting for his bread.
Incorrect: Why do you say like that.
Correct: Why do you say that.
Incorrect: I have no house to live.
Correct: I have no house to live in.
Incorrect: What a dirty face ! Look at the mirror.
Correct: What a dirty face ! Look in the mirror.
Incorrect: He lost conciousness for a long time.
Correct: He was unconcious for a long time.
Incorrect: He made a world record.
Correct: He set a world record.
Incorrect: Her marriage was happy.
Correct: Her married life was happy.
Incorrect: Maybe I think so.
Correct: I think so.
Incorrect: The club’s members are 55.
Correct: There are 55 members in the club.
Incorrect: They didn’t understand my mind.
Correct: They didn’t understand what I was thinking.
Incorrect: This is where you mistake.
Correct: This is where you are mistaken.
Incorrect: I felt good mood.
Correct: I am in a good mood.
Incorrect: Please allow me more two hours.
Correct: Please allow me two more hours.
Incorrect: My watch doesn’t move at all. I must get it checked up.
Correct: My watch isn’t running, I must get it checked up.
Incorrect: We moved house to Johor last month.
Correct: We moved to Johor last month.
Incorrect: He is our common friend.
Correct: He is our mutual friend.
Incorrect: It was my first time to go abroad.
Correct: It was the first time I had gone abroad.
Incorrect: While walking along the street, I met my friend.
Correct: While walking along the street, I met a friend of mine.
Incorrect: My this book cost me nearly 300 dollars.
Correct: This book of mine cost me nearly 300 dollars.
Incorrect: My room is narrow.
Correct: My room is small.
Incorrect: I’ll visit my native place for the first time in ten years this summer.
Correct: I’ll visit my birth place for the first time in ten years this summer.
Incorrect: Is this seat empty.
Correct: Is this seat taken.
Incorrect: Don’t be noisy.
Correct: Be quiet.
Incorrect: It is not of only your business.
Correct: It is none of your business.
Incorrect: I will do anything I can do for you.
Correct: I will do anything I can for you.
Incorrect: This is the key of my room.
Correct: This is the key to my room.
Incorrect: I am going to take a two-year course of English.
Correct: I am going to take a two-year course in English.
Incorrect: He treated me very friendly.
Correct: He treated me in a friendly way.
Incorrect: This is the largest department store of the world.
Correct: This is the largest department store in the world.
Incorrect: It’s a novel of three volumes.
Correct: It’s a novel in three volumes.
Incorrect: He is a student of Harvard University.
Correct: He is a student at Harvard University.
Incorrect: Do you know the meaning of the word of bumpy ?
Correct: Do you know the meaning of the word bumpy ?
Incorrect: He had a child of his former wife.
Correct: He had a child by his former wife.
Incorrect: She married old.
Correct: She married late in life.
Incorrect: I saw it on the newspapers.
Correct: I read ( saw ) it in the newspapers.
Incorrect: He is a liar, and you are one too.
Correct: He is a liar, and you are too.
Incorrect: Open page 20 of your books.
Correct: Open your books to page 20.
Incorrect: Our Chinese students are diligent.
Correct: We Chinese students are diligent.
Incorrect: Don’t make the office out of order.
Correct: Don’t leave the office in a mess.
Incorrect: I like to paint this door to black.
Correct: I’d like to paint this door black.
Incorrect: I have a Chinese pen friend.
Correct: I have a Chinese pen pal.
Incorrect: Give me a phone.
Correct: Give me a phone call.
Incorrect: Is there any place for me in the car.
Correct: Is there any room for me in the car.
Incorrect: Let’s play together.
Correct: Why don’t you come over ?
Incorrect: I was very pleasant today.
Correct: I had a very good time today.
Incorrect: He got 87 points in chemistry.
Correct: He got an 87 in chemistry.
Incorrect: Chang is a popular name in Taiwan.
Correct: Chang is a common name in Taiwan.
Incorrect: I’m a public servant.
Correct: I work for the government.
Incorrect: She is pure.
Correct: She is naive.
Incorrect: I have a question to you.
Correct: I have a question to ask you.
Incorrect: This book deserves to read several times.
Correct: This book deserves to be read several times.
Incorrect: I like red tea.
Correct: I like black tea.
Incorrect: History repeats.
Correct: History repeats itself.
Incorrect: I make a rule of going to bed early and get up early.
Correct: I make a rule to keep early hours.
Incorrect: I went to the sea.
Correct: I went to the beach.
Incorrect: The door was shut when I returned home.
Correct: The door was closed when I returned home.
Incorrect: Shall we sit in that sofa ?
Correct: Shall we sit on that sofa ?
Incorrect: This steak is soft.
Correct: This steak is tender.
Incorrect: His new book will be sold well.
Correct: His new book will sell well.
Incorrect: There’re a lot of sparrows stopping on the telephone lines.
Correct: There’re a lot of sparrows sitting on the telephone lines.
Incorrect: He hit me strongly.
Correct: He hit me hard.
Incorrect: My pay cannot support my living.
Correct: My pay is not enough to live on.
Incorrect: He wants to establish a sweet home.
Correct: He wants to establish a happy home.
Incorrect: Why don’t you take a driving license.
Correct: Why don’t you get a driving license.
Incorrect: Last year I went to Seattle. I liked there very much.
Correct: Last year I went to Seattle. I liked it very much.
Incorrect: My mother likes to drink thick tea.
Correct: My mother likes her tea strong.
Incorrect: I think it will not rain tomorrow.
Correct: I don’t think it will rain tomorrow.
Incorrect: Is your camera this kind ?
Correct: Is your camera like this ?
Incorrect: His house was struck by thunder last night.
Correct: His house was struck by lightning last night.
Incorrect: My grandmother lived to eighty-five.
Correct: My grandmother lived to be eighty-five.
Incorrect: I have a lot of work to be done.
Correct: I have a lot of work to do.
Incorrect: To drink too much is bad for one’s health.
Correct: Drinking too much is bad for one’s health.
Incorrect: Today is hot.
Correct: It’s hot today.
Incorrect: My father will be home today afternoon.
Correct: My father will be home this afternoon.
Incorrect: What is the total sum?
Correct: How much does it come to?
Incorrect: We changed our train at Woodland.
Correct: We changed trains at Woodland.
Incorrect: I traveled to Europe.
Correct: I made a trip to Europe.
Incorrect: I very like swimming.
Correct: I like swimming very much.
Incorrect: Wait for your turn, please.
Correct: Wait your turn, please.
Incorrect: What time is your watch.
Correct: What time is it by your watch.
Incorrect: I don’t know what did he say.
Correct: I don’t know what he said.
Incorrect: What do you feel now ?
Correct: How do you feel now ?
Incorrect: What season do you like best ?
Correct: Which season do you like best ?
Incorrect: Welcome you to Taiwan.
Correct: Welcome to Taiwan.
Incorrect: Where is the capital of Australia.
Correct: What is the capital of Australia.
Incorrect: He has a wide shoulders.
Correct: He has a broad shoulders.
Incorrect: We enjoyed the cool wind.
Correct: We enjoyed the cool breeze.
Incorrect: I bought this book with 50 dollars.
Correct: I bought this book for 50 dollars.
Incorrect: He played all yesterday without working.
Correct: He played all yesterday instead of working.
Incorrect: Don’t work too hard. Yes, I won’t
Correct: Don’t work too hard. All right, I won’t
Incorrect: What will you do over the weekend ? I will play tennis with Tom on Sunday.
Correct: What are you going to do over the weekend ? I am going to play tennis with Tom on Sunday.
Incorrect: My father bought me a black small leather wallet yesterday.
Correct: My father bought me a small black leather wallet yesterday.
Incorrect: Most of the time, it is difficult for Sam in finishing his work on time.
Correct: Most of the time, it is difficult for Sam to finish his work on time.
Incorrect: These thugs are quite capable to do really hasty things.
Correct: These thugs are quite capable of doing really hasty things.
Incorrect: I very enjoyed it.
Correct: I really enjoyed it.
Incorrect: If you determine to make the grade in the entrance examination, you must work extra hard.
Correct: If you are determined to make the grade in the entrance examination, you must work extra hard.
Incorrect: Please handle this gold watch carefully. It worths more than five thousand dollars.
Correct: Please handle this gold watch carefully. It is worth more than five thousand dollars.
Incorrect: I ran into Maria yesterday morning. She looked healthily.
Correct: I ran into Maria yesterday morning. She looked healthy.
Incorrect: I am the only son in the family. I have not brothers.
Correct: I am the only son in the family. I have no brothers.
Incorrect: My borther has been busy in preparing for his final examination.
Correct: My brother has been busy preparing for his final examination.
Incorrect: As the citizens of Hong Kong, we are necessary to help the police in their fight against crime.
Correct: As the citizens of Hong Kong, it is necessary for us to help the police in their fight against crime.
Incorrect: The children were very dangerous as the knife-wielding madman was running amok in the kindergarten.
Correct: The children were in great danger as the knife-wielding madman was running amok in the kindergarten.
Incorrect: Mr. Teow arrived at the office lately this morning.
Correct: Mr. Teow arrived at the office late this morning.
Incorrect: Joseph did not go to the concert last week, I did not go too.
Correct: Joseph did not go to the concert last week, I did not go either.
Incorrect: We have been waiting for half an hour. She has still not come.
Correct: We have been waiting for half an hour. She has not come yet.
Incorrect: The hinges of the door had rusted. We had to push hardly to open it.
Correct: The hinges of the door had rusted. We had to push hard to open it.
Incorrect: The sea was very rough that the ferry service had to be suspended.
Correct: The sea was so rough that the ferry service had to be suspended.
Incorrect: It is unkind of him to ask a little child to do such many things in a day.
Correct: It is unkind of him to ask a little child to do so many things in a day.
Incorrect: The three women quarrelled for more than an hour angrily outside the boutique.
Correct: The three women quarrelled angrily for more than an hour outside the boutique.
Incorrect: You should describe what has happened detailly.
Correct: You should describe what has happened in detail.
Incorrect: I received a letter from my sister two days before.
Correct: I received a letter from my sister two days ago.
Incorrect: The driver, as well as four passengers, were injured in the head-on collision.
Correct: The driver, as well as four passengers, was injured in the head-on collision.
Incorrect: More than one convict were sentenced to death.
Correct: More than one convict was sentenced to death.
Incorrect: One of my students have sent me a birthday card.
Correct: One of my students has sent me a birthday card.
Incorrect: Sophie is one of the most intelligent students that has ever existed in our school.
Correct: Sophie is one of the most intelligent students that have ever existed in our school.
Incorrect: Reading detective stories are my favorite passtime.
Correct: Reading detective stories is my favorite passtime.
Incorrect: ” Snow White and the seven Dwarfs ” are a very popular fairy tale.
Correct: ” Snow White and the seven Dwarfs ” is a very popular fairy tale.
Incorrect: Five hundred miles are a long distance.
Correct: Five hundred miles is a long distance.
Incorrect: Either you or he are the one who stole the watch.
Correct: Either you or he is the one who stole the watch.
Incorrect: The quality of these products is more superior than that of the others.
Correct: The quality of these products is superior to that of the others.
Incorrect: The living standard in Japan is higher than Korea.
Correct: The living standard in Japan is higher than that in Korea.
Incorrect: My younger brother is taller than me.
Correct: My younger brother is taller than I.
Incorrect: Which of the two girls is the most intelligent.
Correct: Which of the two girls is more intelligent.
Incorrect: The patient felt much better in the morning than afternoon.
Correct: The patient felt much better in the morning than in the afternoon.
Incorrect: What we need is the most perfect plan.
Correct: What we need is a most perfect plan.
Incorrect: Which of these two shirts do you prefer more.
Correct: Which of these two shirts do you prefer.
Incorrect: No sooner had I arrived home when it began to rain.
Correct: No sooner had I arrived home than it began to rain.
Incorrect: Mike found it more easier to work out a mathematical problem than to write a poem.
Correct: Mike found it easier to work out a mathematical problem than to write a poem.
Incorrect: Charles loves Angel more than Simpson.
Correct: Charles loves Angel more than Simpson does.
Incorrect: I saw where my mistakes lay and how to make up for them.
Correct: I saw where my mistakes lay and how I could make up for them.
Incorrect: My archrival, Frankie, he scored very high marks in the last test..
Correct: Frankie, my archrival, scored very high marks in the last test.
Incorrect: I felt very difficult to deal with this physics problem.
Correct: I found it very difficult to deal with this physics problem.
Incorrect: The general meeting is scheduled to be held this afternoon at three.
Correct: The general meeting is scheduled to be held at three this afternoon.
Incorrect: She ran into her boyfriend yesterday morning in Fair Avenue.
Correct: She ran into her boyfriend in Fair Avenue yesterday morning.
Incorrect: Having not finished her housework, Mrs. Smith could not go window-shopping with her friends.
Correct: Not having finished her housework, Mrs. Smith could not go window-shopping with her friends.
Incorrect: All the students are in interested in joining the club.
Correct: No student is interested in joining the club.
Incorrect: I do not understand what is he talking about.
Correct: I do not understand what he is talking about.
Incorrect: There were three thousands of spectators watching the final match.
Correct: There were three thousand spectators watching the final match.
Incorrect: I’ve got many homeworks to do.
Correct: I’ve got a lot of homework to do.
Incorrect: I went shopping at CauseWay Bay yesterday and bought a trousers.
Correct: I went shopping at CauseWay Bay yesterday and bought a pair of trousers.
Incorrect: There are more than four million peoples in Singapore..
Correct: There are more than four million people in Singapore.
Incorrect: I feel boring.
Correct: I feel bored.
Incorrect: Would you give me some advices before I go to the interview.
Correct: Would you give me some advice before I go to the interview.
Incorrect: We went fishing last Saturday and John got five fishes.
Correct: We went fishing last Saturday and John got five fish.
Incorrect: Typhoon Andrew has caused widespread damages to the crops.
Correct: Typhoon Andrew has caused widespread damage to the crops.
Incorrect: Congratulation ! You have passed the driving test at long last.
Correct: Congratulations ! You have passed the driving test at long last.
Incorrect: I am afraid that this is the dirty mean to gain success.
Correct: I am afraid that this is the dirty means to gain success.
Incorrect: Chinese are more conservative than English.
Correct: The Chinese are more conservative than the English.
Incorrect: Cow is a useful animal. Correct: The cow is a useful animal.
Incorrect: I have got headache. Correct: I have got a headache.
Incorrect: Comparing with that in Singapore, the living standard in Hong Kong is very high.
Correct: Compared with that in Singapore, the living standard in Hong Kong is very high.
Incorrect: Finishing his homework, Walters went to the football pitch with his friends.
Correct: After finishing his homework, Walters went to the football pitch with his friends.
Incorrect: Sophia felt embarassing when I asked her how old she was.
Correct: Sophia felt embarassed when I asked her how old she was.
Incorrect: It is more hygenic to drink boiling water.
Correct: It is more hygenic to drink boiled water.
Incorrect: I have cut my hair at the barber’s once a month.
Correct: I have my hair cut at he barber’s once a month.
Incorrect: I am sorry to have kept you waited.
Correct: I am sorry to have kept you waiting.
Incorrect: There is a stranger stand at the door.
Correct: There is a stranger standing at the door.
Incorrect: The robbers run into goldsmith’s shop, shouted, ” This is a robbery “.
Correct: The robbers run into goldsmith’s shop, shouting, ” This is a robbery “.
Incorrect: Anybody is found picking the flowers will be prosecuted.
Correct: Anybody who is found picking the flowers will be prosecuted.
Incorrect: Being no other business, the chairman declared the meeting closed.
Correct: There being no other business, the chairman declared the meeting closed.
Incorrect: Laura has spent half a day to revise his lessons.
Correct: Laura has spent half a day revising his lessons.
Incorrect: Finally, Ricky succeeded to enter the University.
Correct: Finally, Ricky succeeded in entering the University.
Incorrect: I am used to watch television with the light on.
Correct: I am used to watching television with the light on.
Incorrect: After dinner, my mother suggested to go for a walk.
Correct: After dinner, my mother suggested going for a walk.
Incorrect: The government is considering the possibility to build a new airport on Lantau island.
Correct: The government is considering the possibility of building a new airport on Lantau island.
Incorrect: Would you mind to pass me the salt, please ?
Correct: Would you mind to passing me the salt, please ?
Incorrect: I am going to watch the cinema tonight.
Correct: I am going to a movie tonight.
Incorrect: My son will marry next month.
Correct: My son will get married next month.
Incorrect: My sister is going to marry with a doctor.
Correct: My sister is going to marry a doctor.
Incorrect: You can sit my next seat.
Correct: You can sit next to me.
Incorrect: I think you cheat me!
Correct: I think you are lying to me!
Incorrect: My head is sick.
Correct: I have a headache.
Incorrect: Which team you support hah.
Correct: Which team do you root for.
Incorrect: This is my older brother.
Correct: This is my elder brother.
Incorrect: Thanks to see me.
Correct: Thanks for dropping by. ( coming ).
Incorrect: Where are you come from ?
Correct: Where do you come from ?
Incorrect: I want to reduce my weight.
Correct: I want to lose weight.
Incorrect: Bobby is a black beautiful dog.
Correct: Bobby is a beautiful black dog.
Incorrect: We had a lot of difficulty to find the place
Correct: We had a lot of difficulty ( in ) finding the place.
Incorrect: Killing the robbers are something the detective would not do.
Correct: Killing the robbers is something the detective would not do.
Incorrect: I was difficult to get a good job.
Correct: It was difficult to get a good job.
Incorrect: It is capable of getting his work done without help.
Correct: He is capable of getting his work done without help.
Incorrect: Rose is capable to cook Indian food
Correct: Rose is able to cook Indian food.
Incorrect: My father is busy in his business.
Correct: My father is busy with his business.
Incorrect: Sorry, Jane is busy with cleaning up her room.
Correct: Sorry, Jane is busy cleaning up her room.
Incorrect: Some people argue that fate is determining everything.
Correct: Some people argue that fate determines everything.
Incorrect: Every one of us determines to win this match.
Correct: Every one of us is determined to win this match.
Incorrect: This film is worth being watched.
Correct: This film is worth watching.
Incorrect: These stamps worth nothing now.
Correct: These stamps are worth nothing now.
Incorrect: He looked fearfully because he had seen a ghost.
Correct: He looked frightened because he had seen a ghost.
Incorrect: Tom looked angry at me because I had broken his valuable vase.
Correct: Tom looked angrily at me because I had broken his valuable vase.
Incorrect: I am no afraid of any threats.
Correct: I am not afraid of any threats.
Incorrect: We have not money left.
Correct: We have no money left.
Incorrect: Tims was dangerous because his sampan had overturned.
Correct: Tims was in danger because his sampan had overturned.
Incorrect: Joanna was painful when her boyfriend left her.
Correct: Joanna was in pain when her boyfriend left her.
Incorrect: We are necessary to help the poor in our community.
Correct: It is necessary for us to help the poor in our community.
Incorrect: We are not easy to find a good school in Singapore.
Correct: It is not easy to find a good school in Singapore.
Incorrect: I have watched some films late.
Correct: I have watched some films lately.
Incorrect: I was only late five minutes but Mary was already gone.
Correct: I was only five minutes late but Mary was already gone.
Incorrect: Lorna likes the kitten. I like it either.
Correct: Lorna likes the kitten. I like it too.
Incorrect: Edward never went to a party, so did David.
Correct: Edward never went to a party, neither did David.
Incorrect: I will go but I have not finished my homework too.
Correct: I will go but I have not finished my homework yet.
Incorrect: She is yet talking on the phone.
Correct: She is still talking on the phone.
Incorrect: Michelle is working hardly for the test.
Correct: Michelle is working hard for the test.
Incorrect: Veronica is a hard student.
Correct: Veronica is a hard-working student
Incorrect: He worked enough hard that he finally became a billionaire.
Correct: He worked so hard that he finally became a billionaire.
Incorrect: We have never been to so a nice place.
Correct: We have never been to such a nice place.
Incorrect: We have got such much to do but only so many hours in a day.
Correct: We have got so much to do but only so many hours in a day.
Incorrect: The old man was walking towards the entrance although it had closed slowly.
Correct: The old man was walking slowly towards the entrance although it had closed.
Incorrect: He has completed the course satisfactory.
Correct: He has completed the course satisfactorily.
Incorrect: My sister treats the baby motherly.
Correct: My sister treats the baby in a motherly way.
Incorrect: Please give me a detail description of the robbery.
Correct: Please give me a detailed description of the robbery.
Incorrect: I want to know the detail of the plan.
Correct: I want to know the details of the plan.
Incorrect: It was a long time before when I met her for the first time.
Correct: It was a long time ago when I met her for the first time.
Incorrect: She has not told him her name ago.
Correct: She has not told him her name before.
Incorrect: Judy, as well as Joei, play the piano.
Correct: Judy, as well as Joei, plays the piano.
Incorrect: It is me who won the first prize last year.
Correct: It is I who won the first prize last year.
Incorrect: The standard of living of Singapore people are reasonably high.
Correct: The standard of living of Singapore people is reasonablyhigh.
Incorrect: I like apple.
Correct: I like apples.
Incorrect: An American old couple visited him last week.
Correct: An old American couple visited him last week.
Incorrect: Ball games is my hobby.
Correct: Ball games are my hobby.
Incorrect: Ten thousand dollars are a large sum of money.
Correct: Ten thousand dollars is a large sum of money.
Incorrect: Five years are much too long for me. I cannot wait.
Correct: Five years is much too long for me. I cannot wait.
Incorrect: The clerk and typist have been with this company for two years.
Correct: The clerk and typist has been with this company for two years.
Incorrect: The manager and the secretary was out.
Correct: The manager and the secretary were out.
Incorrect: Neither they nor I are to blame for this mistake.
Correct: Neither they nor I am to blame for this mistake.
Incorrect: Either of you have given me the gift.
Correct: Either of you has given me the gift.
Incorrect: Many people prefer to buy Malaysia products.
Correct: Many people prefer to buy Malaysian products.
Incorrect: Japan spare parts are rather expensive nowadays.
Correct: Japanese spare parts are rather expensive nowadays.
Incorrect: My cousin dead in that accident.
Correct: My cousin died in that accident.
Incorrect: You have to on the switch before putting the disk in the computer.
Correct: You have to turn on the switch before putting the disk in the computer.
Incorrect: My aim is to communicate clear and concise with my colleagues.
Correct: My aim is to communicate clearly and concisely with my colleagues.
Incorrect: He gave me useful advices.
Correct: He gave me useful advice.
Incorrect: I like to eat good foods.
Correct: I like to eat good food.
Incorrect: She bought two photos albums.
Correct: She bought two photo albums.
Incorrect: He has three son-in-laws.
Correct: He has three sons-in-law.
Incorrect: The passengers’s luggage was misplaced.
Correct: The passengers’ luggage was misplaced.
Incorrect: The football’s players wives often watch them play.
Correct: The football players’ wives often watch them play.
Incorrect: Please supply us with 12 pieces of cushion covers.
Correct: Please supply us with 12 cushion covers.
Incorrect: Do you like to play the badminton.
Correct: Do you like to play badminton.
Incorrect: I looked at me in the mirror.
Correct: I looked at myself in the mirror.
Incorrect: He has a little interesting shop.
Correct: He has an interesting little shop.
Incorrect: The frigthen women screamed.
Correct: The frightened women screamed.
Incorrect: James is a matured man of forty.
Correct: James is a mature man of forty.
Incorrect: Pak Dollah is very loved by his grandchildren.
Correct: Pak Dollah is much loved by his grandchildren.
Incorrect: My report will stress on the problem of ‘junk food’.
Correct: My report will stress the problem of ‘junk food’.
Incorrect: You shouldn’t worry of getting married.
Correct: You shouldn’t worry about getting married.
Incorrect: My writing needs to be improving.
Correct: My writing needs to be improved.
Incorrect: Since that incident, I followed my friend’s advice.
Correct: Since that incident, I have followed my friend’s advice.
Incorrect: Some badminton players face problems such as do not have a job.
Correct: Some badminton players face problems such as not having a job.
Incorrect: I think there will never be another singer as Sudirman.
Correct: I think there will never be another singer like Sudirman.
Incorrect: You may need English in correspondence or meet foreigners.
Correct: You may need to know English when writing to or meeting foreigners.
Incorrect: This rice is not the same quality like you sold before.
Correct: This rice is not the same quality that you sold before.
Incorrect: If we practice sports we will enjoy together.
Correct: If we play sports we will enjoy ourselves.
OR
If we play sports we will enjoy it together.
Incorrect: Mary’s friends advised her don’t be so proud.
Correct: Mary’s friends advised her not to be so proud.
Incorrect: I do not know why did this happen.
Correct: I do not know why this happened.
Incorrect: University life is not that hard as school life.
Correct: University life is not as hard as school life.
Incorrect: After the shower, the air was nice and cooling
Correct: After the shower, the air was nice and cool
(The adjective for something which is at a fairly low temperature is “cool”. The word “cooling” is used for something which causes something else to become cool.)
Incorrect: The alphabets F.R.C.P. after his name show that he is a medical specialist.
Correct: The letters F.R.C.P. after his name show that he is a medical specialist.
(The word for a single symbol used in the written form of a language is “letter”. An alphabet is a full collection of such letters.)
Incorrect: There were several incidences of burglary in that neighborhood.
Correct: There were several incidents of burglary in that neighborhood.
(The word for an occurrence is “incident”, the plural of which is “incidents”. The word “incidence” indicates the level of an occurrence.)
Incorrect: You must return back the book by next Friday or you’ll be fined.
Correct: You must return the book by next Friday or you’ll be fined.
Incorrect: They came out of the blues and snatched my dog away.
Correct: They came out of the blue and snatched my dog away.
Incorrect: Two hundred over people were present at the meeting.
Correct: Over two hundred people were present at the meeting.
Incorrect: I cannot understand that map; it is too complicating.
Correct: I cannot understand that map; it is too complicated.
Incorrect: I was boring watching that TV program.
Correct: I was bored watching that TV program.
Incorrect: Why the postman did not come today ?
Correct: Why didn’t the postman come today ?
Incorrect: She will finish schooling in two years’ time.
Correct: She will finish her schooling in two years’ time.
Incorrect: We’ll get down at the next bus stop.
Correct: We’ll get off at the next bus stop.
Incorrect: Mr. Choy is the personal manager of the company.
Correct: Mr. Choy is the personnel manager of the company.
Incorrect: The wasteful usage of water in factories leads to a shortage of water.
Correct: The wasteful use of water in factories leads to a shortage of water.
Incorrect: Twenty-five-year-old Thomas Pang is regarded as matured enough to be elected president of the party.
Correct: Twenty-five-year-old Thomas Pang is regarded as mature enough to be elected president of the party.
(The past participle of the verb may also be used adjectivally, but it should not be used to refer to human being.)
Incorrect: The presence of one corrupted member in the council led to bad administration.
Correct: The presence of one corrupt member in the council led to bad administration.
(The past participles of the verbs may also be used adjectivally, but they should not be used to refer to human being.)
Incorrect: The swimming pool is opened to club members five days a week.
Correct: The swimming pool is open to club members five days a week.
Incorrect: He was so tensed before the interview that he had to take a tranquilliser.
Correct: He was so tense before the interview that he had to take a tranquilliser.
Incorrect: I’ve waited three weeks but I didn’t get a single mail.
Correct: I’ve waited three weeks but I didn’t get any mail.
Incorrect: What kind of a flower is this ?
Correct: What kind of flower is this ?
Incorrect: The gold is a kind of precious metal.
Correct: Gold is a kind of precious metal.
Incorrect: Where are you going for the Deepavali ?
Correct: Where are you going for Deepavali ?
Incorrect: Do you play the table tennis ?
Correct: Do you play table tennis ?
Incorrect: She is taller compared to Ali.
Correct: She is taller than Ali.
Incorrect: I hope you would do it quickly.
Correct: I hope you will do it quickly/
(In Standard English would is used in conjunction with the past tense. It can be used with the present tense if a condition is involved. Eg. [ I think she would benefit if she studied a little more.])
Incorrect: I want to know what is the matter.
Correct: I want to know what the matter is.
Incorrect: He cut his hair.
Correct: He had his hair cut.
Incorrect: I’m having a headache.
Correct: I have a headache. OR I’ve got a headache.
(Have/ has is used to refer to possession ( I have a car ) or sensation ( I have a cold ))
Incorrect: I’ll give to you next week.
Correct: I’ll give it to you next week.
Incorrect: My one is very nice.
Correct: Mine is very nice.
Incorrect: Though I told him not to come but he insisted.
Correct: Though I told him not to come he insisted.
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