Z 31820520a NEW EDITION Common Mistakes T.J. Fitikides Get it right every time! EsPearson Education Limited Edinburgh Gate, Hariow Essex CM20 2JE, England and Associated Companies throughout the word ‘wowelongman-el.com This edition © Pearson Education Limited 2000 ‘The right of Timothy Fiikides to be identified as author of this work has been asserted on his behalf in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, All rights reserved: no pat of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, eletronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the express permission ofthe Copyright holders, First published 1936 Second edition 1937 ‘Third eition 1939 Fourth edition 1947 ith edition 1963 Sixth edition 2000, Printed in Malaysia ISBN 0 582 34458 1 Formatted by CjB Editorial Plas [srupisNiA VEDECKA Kathu Pliciakéhokraje 19 -09- 2007 | 2007. 12a 15) Preface Preface tothe first edition ‘is book hasbeen designed to mest the requirements of dens whose mother tongue aot English. ts main uous to ep to corres the common mistakes to which Toveig learners of English are lable. “The method adoped throughout his works wilorm. All the ero dealt wih ae singled out, for they have 10 be teeopise before they canbe coretd then core forms Tre Ssosthated for incorrect ones; finaly simple Gxplanations are gen whrever necosary to jst particular usages: Exerc are et the endo ensure hat The principles may become Sly xed in the student" minds Tl is not claimed that this manual is exhaustive Nevertheless, the difcltes tacked are teal, and the amples are representative of the mistakes commonly trade by foreign students of English, beng the result of Gherwtone made overlong period of tie. Mach car hasbeen given othe preparation of the Index, which its hoped wil make the Dook a wsfl work of My aknowledgements rds to MW... Poppet My acknowledgeients are det Me rlestone, i tee read my manuscript and made many valuable suggestions. TLE “August 1936Preface Preface to the Sixth Edition It is now more than 60 years since this book was fist published. It has gone through many revisions, and additions have been made at different times in its history: With the nilleanium approaching it was decided that there were some points of usage which are no longer relevant and so this new edition has been prepared. The content has been completely reviewed in the light of modem English usage, and the type- faces and design up-dated for clarity ‘And yet the original concept and, indeed, most of the original mistakes listed, are still pertinent to students of English even in the year 2000, This little book has sold several hundred thousand copies all over the world and ‘seems likely to go on doing so, ‘The author's note on how the book should be used is on. page vi, with an addition for this edition, Part Part2 Part3 Part 4 Pats Contents Misused forms Using the wrong preposition Misuse ofthe infinitive Use of the wrong tense “Miscellaneous examples UncEnglish expressions Incorrect omissions Omission of prepositions ‘Miscellaneous examples Unnecessary words Unnecessary propositions ‘Unnecessary articles Use ofthe infinitive ‘Miscellaneous examples Misplaced words ‘Wrong position of adverbs ‘Miscellaneous examples Confused words Prepositions often confused Verbs often confused Adverbs often confused Adjectives often confused. Nouns often confused Confusion of number Confusion of pats of speech Exercises Index 61 6 75 83 89 107 109 16 mw 19 a7 182Useful lists and summaries Have another look at Prepositions after certa Use of the gerund Use of certain tenses Negatives ‘Third person singular, simple present Indefinite article Verb 10 a8 Definite article Questions Correct order of words Use of certain prepositions Use of will and shall, Singular and plural Irregular verbs in everyday use Dear tole light to write How this book should be used ‘This book is intended for two uses. It may be used as a reference book and as an ordinary text book. ‘As a book of reference it should be consulted with every composition. The teacher may refer the student to the lppropriate section dealing with his mistake by a number in the margin of his exercise book. For example, a misuse of a preposition of time (a, om oF i) is indicated by 383 in the Inargin to enable the student to look up his mistake and correct it, This method has been tested and found more effective than the common practice of writing the correct form for the student. It is axiomatic that the greater the student's individual effort, the more thorough willbe his learning ‘With regard to its second use, as an actual text book, we strongly recommend thatthe teacher should start off with the exercises on pages 137 to 181, These are arranged under the headings of the various parts of speech: nouns, ‘adjectives, pronouns, etc. However, before an exercise Is attempted, the teacher should make certain that the students hhave comprehended the particular usage involved. An ‘occasional reference to some specific section may be made ‘whenever this is deemed necessary, but under no Circumstances is it advisable to go through the various sections ofthe book consecutively or to commit to memory rules concerning usage Despite the fact that this book has been designed for two Separate uses, the writer is of the opinion that the best, resulls will be achieved i it is used by the student both as a text book and as a book of reference, TAR January 1961 While the above is still tru, there is also a self-study use for ths litle book. With more varied teaching materials available now, it can also be used as a self-study book byHow this book should be used students of English asa foreign language who are preparing work either as part of their studies or for their occupations. ‘With a view to this, iti suggested that, when a question of correct usage arises the student should look frst forthe core ‘word in the index and so find the section detailing the usage, For example, i it by foot or on foot? Look up foot in the index and you will be ditected to Section 13 which will ‘explain that on foot is correct. Students and teachers wil decide for themselves what is the best way to use this book. What is constant isthe quality ‘of content and how helpful itis to all those who use English asa foreign language Part Misused forms Using the wrong preposition Mistakes are often made by using the wrong preposition after certain words, The follwing list includes the wonds which most often give trouble: [Absorbed (= very much interested) in, not at. Don't say: The man was absorbed at his work, Say: The man was absorbed in his work. Accuse of, not for. ‘Don't say: She accused the man for stealing Y Say: She ageused the man of stealing. hese Chg ae wth ro charged th Accustomed to, not with Don't say: I'm accustomed with hot weather. F- Say: Y'm accustomed to hot weather, 4 Afraid of, not from. Don say: Laura is afraid from the dog. Say Laura is afraid of the dog5 Part Aim at, oto or agains ant sa: She sie on (or asin the ta ‘Say: She aimed at the target. Sea gar Angry with, not against, Don't say: Te teacher was angry against him, Say:The teacher was angry with him. oe tana mith ats sang ate oe 2 Ao ama wth vt ith gant with» youn, tat Anxious (= troubled) about, not for. Don't say: They're anxious for his health Say: They're anxious about his health Av ot Bont: Weed othe vag tight ‘Say: We arrived at the village at night. Mi Ashamed of, not from. Don't say: He's now ashamed from his conduc. Say: He's now ashamed of his conduct. ting tans gt tory Syren ees srr fe mar are 9 10 3 14 15 Believe in, not to. Don't say: We believe to God. Say: We believe in God. greStmetaep ne bare neta as Boast of or about, not for Don't say: James boasted for his strength. Say: James boasted of (or about) his strength Careful of, with or about, not for. Don't say: Elke's very careful for her health, ‘Say: Elke's very careful of/about her health. (Or You should be more careful with your money. ‘Travel by train, ete. not with the train, et. Dont say: He traveled with the train yesterday. Say He travelled by train yesterday: oe yt by sty plane, yk: by an by Dysuby oestrone yearn ca bya ora hort, on donkey ons bean fot Complain about, not for. Don't say: Annette complained for the weather. Say’ Annette complained about the weather, ag tn tr ncn ct ao ‘Composed of, not frm. Dom say: Our clas is composed from thirty students. Say’: Out class is composed of thirty students.Part 16 Confidence in, not to Don't say: Uhave great confidence to you, Say: [have great confidence in you. oe: canine ete sot cnet 17 Conform to, not with Don't say: We must conform with the rules. 4 Say: We must conform tothe rules, ot comply eh cma tounge 18 Congratulate on, not for. Don't say: I congratulate you for your succes. Say: Leongratulate you on your sucess. 19° Consist of, not from. Don't say: A year consists from twelve months. ¥ Say: A year consists of twelve months 20 Covered wit, not by. Don't say: The mountains are covered by snow. ¥ Say: The mountains are covered within snow. 21 Cure of, not from. Don't say: The man was cured from his illness Say: The man was eured of his iness, 22. Depend on or upon, not from. Don't say: It depends from her Say: It depends on (or upon) her. ote Rayon upon cay anor wan hn 2B Py 25 26 2 Misused forms Deprive of, not from. Don't say: Nelson Mandela was deprived from his freedom. ‘Say: Nelson Mandela. was deprived of his freedom. Die of an illness, not from: a iliness. Don't say: Many people have died from malaria. Say’ Many people have died of malaria, rs clei fs, of uae a oo. am yd rom Irv by teen bye by pests nse or er cy fer acaon tough gc on ese ot eae Different from, not than. Don't say: My book is different than yours. Say: My book is different from yours Disappointed by, about ora, not from. (@) tyfatabout Don’t say: Phillipa was disappointed from the low mark she got in the tex. Say: Phillipa was disappointed by/aboutlat the low mark she got in the test. ©) within Don't say Jane was disappointed from her son, Say: Fane was disappointed within her son. Upandroe# yeu wee at fat vey doapeved wht ne (the eget an natn Divide into parts, notin pars Don say: | divided the cake in four pats, Say: I divided the cake into four parts ae: i be in al xin tw a ede eli atPart 28 No doubt (x) of or about, not for. Don't say: I've no doubt fr his ability, ¥ Say: I've no doubt of (or about) his ability, 29. Dressed in, not with Don't say: The woman was dressed with black, ¥ Say: The woman was dressed in black, 30. Exception to, not of Don’t say: This is an exception ofthe rule. ¥ Say: This s an exception to the rule at ty with the nepton Sh aa es th the teepton af 31 Exchange for, not by. Don't say: He exchanged his collection of matchboxes by some foreign stamps Say: He exchanged his collection of matchboxes for ‘some foreign stamps, Noe nenhiange for en sarin ntange fr a 32. Fallin, not from. Don't say: Steven failed from maths last yea Say: Steven filed in maths last yea 33, Fall of, not with or from. Don't say:"Te jar was full with (or from) ol Say: The jar was fll of ol Note aes tha late is wth er 37 38 9 Misused forms Get sid of, not from, Don't say: 1 be glad to get rd from him, ‘Say: Pl be glad to get rid of him. Glad about, not from or with Don't say: Francis was glad from (or with) receiving ‘your lete Say; Francis was glad about receiving your letter. Good at, notin Don't say: My sister's good in maths Say! My sister's good at maths Ro tN godt cs meas tat cond 08 Guard against, not from: Don't say: You must guard from bad habits. Say: You must guard against bad habits Guilty of, not for Don't say: He was found guilty for murder. Say’ He was found guilty of murder. Independent of, not from. Don’ say: Clare's independent from her parents ‘Say’: Clare's independent of her parents, ey dopandet on: ss dependent on se. Indifferent to, not for. Don't say: They're indifferent for politics. Say: They'e indifferent t politics,4a a3 a 45 48 Part Insist on, not to. Don’t say: He alvays insisted to his opinion. Say: He always insisted on his opinios, No at sin He pete ni tye Interested in, not for. Don't say: She's not interested for her work. Say: She's not interested in her work. Note AS tk inte iS ar rt inet in Jealous of, not from. ‘Don't say: He’s very jealous from his brother. Say: He's very jealous of his brother. Leave for a place, not toa place. Don't say: Theyre leaving to England soon, Say: They're leaving for England soon, Live oa, not from. Don't say: He lives from his brother's money. Say: He lives on his brother's money. tte: fod on Same fod on Look at, not fo, Don't say: Look to this beautiful picture Say: Look at this beautifal picture Misused forms 47 Martied to, not with 7 Don't say: Angela was martied with a rich man, J Say: Angela was married to a rich man. hs: engage say sac egapd to ora jo eo 48 Opposite 1, not from Don't say: Their house is opposite from ours. Say: Their house is opposite to ours. ote Oppo ort cet 49. Pass by a place, not from a place. Don't say: Will you pass [rom the post-office? Say: Wil you pass by the post-office? he pa te potter orec 50. Play fora team, not with a team. Don't say: He plays regularly with that team. Say: He plays regularly for that tam. 51, Pleased with, not rom. Don’ say The teacher is pleased from me. Say: The teacher is pleased with me. ote Wes lad a x pat wth 4a ane noun cus ‘Stow yaw ed tar ts yo pm t 52. Popular with, not among, Don’ say: John’s popular among his friends. ¥ Say: John’s popular with his fiends. 53. Prefer to, not from. Don't say: I prefer a blue pen from a red one, ¥ Say! | prefer a blue pen to a red one oe: peel pater tytn54 55 56 s7 58 59 Part Preside ator over, notin Don’t say: Who presided in the last meeting? Say: Who presided at (or over) the last meeting? Proud of, not for Don't say: He's very proud for his promotion. Say: He's very proud of his promotion a: Hey a a ri Afar pd i Rejoice ator in, not for Don't say: We rejoiced for her succes Say: We rejoiced at (or in) her succes. Related to, not with Don't say: Are you related with Simon in any way? Say: Are you related to Simon in any way? Repent of, not from, Don't say: He repented from his erime. Say: He repented of his crime. Satisfied with, not from: Don't say: Are you satisfied from your marks? Say: Are you satisfied with your marks? Sia it edt Sena nae NP Similar to, not with Don't say: Your house is similar with mine. Say: Your house is smi Misused forms Sit ata desk etc, not on a desk et. Don't say: The bank manager was siting on his desk ‘ayThe bank manager was sitting at his desk te ost at al Su on aon needa af nn Spend on, not or. Don't say: 1 spend alot of time for my computer Say: I spend a lot of time on my computer. Succeed in, not at Don't say: Thope he'l succeed at his work ‘Say: Thope hel succeed in his work a: pers send 3 rp 2 ra fie: ie ee Seed steer 150 one peoncn med var 64 Superior to, not from or than. 6 Don't say This is superior fom (or than) that. ‘Say: This is superior to that. oe ner, air tsi to, abseqent pt. Sure of, not for. Don't say: Tm quite sue for her honesty. Say: Pm quite sure of her honesty. ‘Surprised at or by, not for Don't say: Harold was surprised for the loud bang. Say’ Harold was surprised aby the loud bang. tA santa ay, amazed yada, ued a. ‘hovked ty 4"2 Part ‘Misused forms Suspect of, not for Don't say: I suspect Kate for stealing the pen. ‘Say: I suspect Kate of stealing the pen. oe io pis Ose supa of ge Take by, not from, Don't say: Robert took his brother from the hand. ‘Say: Robert took his brother by the hand. now: fs ld by ate by. se by sab. rap by ‘Te to, not on. Don't say: The gil ted the string on the kite. Say’The gel tied the string tothe kite. i: Aa ble: he ones Bond esa ‘Tired of, not from. Don't say: The boys ar tired from eating boiled eggs. Say’The boys are tired of eating boiled eges. ‘Translate into, not 0. _ Don't say: Translate this passage to English. Say’ Tanslate this passage into English, ‘Tremble with cold, et, not from cold, etc. Don't say:The man was trembling from cold. Say:The man was trembling with cold. te Ao shake wth an shiver with Te hx hahig with x ‘Warn (a person) of danger, not about danger. Don’t say:They were warned about the danger. Say: They were warned ofthe danger. eee aot te hyo te™ 75 76 n Part ‘Weite in ink, not with ink Don't say: Pve written the letter with ink Say" I've writen the letter in ink (Gee Exercises 73-76 on pages 168-170) Misuse of the infinitive Use the gerund and not the infinitive: (c) After prepositions or preposition phrases: Without, etc. + -ing, Don't say: Do your work without to speak. ‘Say: Do your work without speaking. Instead of, ete. + ing. Don't say: He went aviay instead to wat. ‘Say: He went away instead of waiting. (©) After words which regularly take a preposition: Capable of + “ng. Don't say: They'e quite capable to do that. ‘Say: They're quite eapable of doing that ote Ao pb oft «hint ons abo unable ie (Nihal tae ane 8 35 Misused forms Fond of + ing. Don’ say: She's always fond to talk Say: She's always fond of talking. Insist on + ing. Don't say: Simon insisted to go to London. Say; Simon insisted on going to London, ) Object to + sng. Don't say: I object to be treated lke this. Say: [objet to being treated like this. Prevent from ing. Don't say: The ran prevented me to go. ‘Say: The rain prevented me from going. Succeed in + ing. Don't say: Paula succeeded to win the prize ‘Say: Paula succeeded in winning the prize Think of + ing, Don't say: 1 often think to goto England. Say: [often think of going to England. ‘Tired of + “ing. Don't say: The customer got tired to wat Say: The customer got tred of waiting. Used to + ing. Don't say: She's used to get up early Say’ She's used to geting up early. 686 a7 Part 1 (6 After certain verbs: Avoid + ing Don't say: You ca Say: You can't avoid making se: oath oan ac ean ble lupin. Enjoy + ing Don't say: 1 enjoy to play footbal Say’ I enjoy playing football Excuse + ing. Dom’ say: Please excuse me to be so late Say: Please exeuse my being 0 late (Or, Please excuse me for being s0 late Finish + ing. Don't say: Have you finished to speak? Say: Have you finished speaking? he ort ei teresa taba Se Began fo penk Sn begn senting. Go on (continue) + ing Don't say: The musi went on to pl Say:The music went on playing all day. a: io bep om Se hep on lying sl day. Mind (object to) + -ing Don't say: Would you mind to open the door? Say: Would you mind opening the door? Misused forms Have another look at. Use of the gerund Use the gerund (and not the infinitive): 1 After prepositions. Examples: He worked without stopping. She played instead of working. 2 Alter words which rgularly take a preposition, such tas fond of, insist om, tired of, succeed in. ‘Examples: I'm tired of doing the work again. He succeeded in catching the rl 3 After certain verbs, such as avoid, enjoy, finish, stop, ‘isk, excuse ‘Examples: They enjoy playing football-The wind has “stopped blowing. 4. After the adjectives busy and worth. ‘Examples: Lena was busy writing a book. This date is orth remembering. 5 After certain phrases, such as if no use, its no good, can't help, would you mind, look forward to. ‘Examples: [ think is no ue trying again I can’ help, feeling angry about it. ‘Use the gerund or the infinitive after certain verbs, such a begin ike, dist, hate, ove, prefer ‘Example: He began to talk or He began talking.2 93 94 95 9 98 Part1 Practise + ing. Don't say: You must practise to speak English, ‘Say You must practise speaking English Remember + ing. Don't say: I don't remember to have seen him, Say; I don't remember seeing him. (Or. don't remember having seen him. Risk + ing. Don't say: We couldn't risk to leave him alone, ‘Say: We coulda’t risk leaving him alone. Stop + ing. Don't say: The wind has almost stopped to low. Say: The wind has almost stopped blowing. (G) After certain adjectives: Busy + ing. Don't say: He was busy to revise the exams. Say; He was busy revising for the exams. Worth + sing. Don say: Is today’s film worth to seo? Say’ Is today’s film worth seeing? (e) After certain phrases Have difficulty in + ing Don't say: She has no dificuty todo it. Say’: She has no difficulty in doing it Misused forms 99° Have the pleasure of + -ing Don't say: Thad the pleasure to meet him. 1 Say: Thad the pleasure of meeting him oe Ao tak pln: takes pret plete nei oe: 100 It’s no use + ing. Don't say: I'S no use to cry like @ baby. Say: Is no use crying like a baby. 101 1s no good + ing =~ Don't say: I's no good to get angry. Say: Its no good getting angry. (02 Look forward to + «ing. 7 Don't say: Look forward to see him soon, Say: [Took forward to seeing him soon. 103 There is no harm in + sing. Don't say: There's no harm to visit her now. Say! There's no harm in visiting her now. (Gee Exercises 63 and 64 on page 164) Use of the wrong tense 104 Using the past tense after did instead ofthe infinitive without to (@) To ask questions: Don't say: Did you went to school yesterday? ¥ Say: Did you goto school yesterday? (©) To make negatives: Don't say: I did not went to school yesterday.Part Y Say! 1 did not go to school yesterday: 105 Using the thd person singular after does instead of, the infinitive without to. (4) To ask questions Don't say: Does the gardener waters the flowers? Say! Does the gardener water the flowers? (©) To make negatives: Don't say: The man doesn’t waters the flowers. Say: The man doesn't water the flowers Ar aur om ante eew. en Se pen ere roa seme er (For Sections 104-105 sce Exercises 33 and 34 on pages 152-153) 106 Using the third person singular after ean, must, ee, instead ofthe infinitive without to Don't say: Ian can speaks English very well Say: Ian ean speak English very wel, Aw te wean ma ay shal dni ner iro 107 Wrong sequence of tenses. Don't say: Rachel asked me what lam doing. Say: Rachel asked me what [ was doing ‘Misused forms ey txts tn 108 Using will instead of would/d in a subordinate clause. Dom’ say: He said (that) he willl come tomorrow. Y Say! He said (that) he would come tomorrow. 109 Using may instead of might in a subordinate clause. Don't say: Last Sunday Ailsa told me that she may Y- Say: Last Sunday Ailsa told me that she might come. Atay hres igi sake dss, ne win en Che sin epsom oe ceruncn hatin pad 8 ons 110 Using ean instead of could in a subordinate clause Don’ say: Ben thowght he can win the prize. 1 Say! Ben thought he could win the prize. Can dongs tocoudin sone cles hes the ve man de SRiteoms ante se (or Sections 107-110 see Exercises 22 and 23 on pages 147-148.) 111 Using the past simple tense after to + the infinitive. Don’ ay: He tried to kicked the ball away. 1 Say: He tried to kek the bal away. art whe slept ese ert, 2112 Using the past simple tense after an auxiliary verb, instead of the past participle Don't say: I've forgot to bring my book, 1 Say: Pve forgotten to bring my book. eth pst paler te se hey ve have and ‘rar 113 Using must or ought foto express a past obligation. Don't say: You ought to come yesterday. ‘1 Say: You ought to have come yesterday. (Or You should have come yesterday, ('Upauencn sina waratiged ea en ha mn utes 114 Using the present perfect instead of the simple past tense. Don say: Ihave seen a good film yesterday 4 Say: I saw a good film yesterday. ese se won ir en eee en nes ‘eter st get wel ot je tam, aga Sse Se pa 115 Using the simple past tense instead of the present perfect Don't say: I saw the Parthenon of Athens. Say: Thave seen the Parthenon of Athens. see eet are ‘ie inane ne ‘Misused forms 116 Using the simple past tense with a recent action, instead of the present perfect. Don't say: Te clock struck, Say: The clock has struck Intra he ple poeoe ft a rw 117 Using the simple present instead of the present perfect. Don't say: Pm at this school two year. Say: I've been at this school two years, tie hepa ces at te spl va acon bg the 118 Using the simple present instead of the present perfect alter a sine clause of time. Don't say: Since he came, we're happy. ¥ Say: Since he came, we've been happy. 119 Using the simple present instead ofthe present Don't say: Look! Two boys fight. 1 Say’ Look! Two boys are fighting [pesruneior ci wth re ont na arg mae ot Tanna are eatg a ono 120 The continuous form of the tense misused Don’t say: Pm understanding the lesson now. ‘Y- Say: Vunderstand the lesson now. ‘nda tno Blew love bong, ree anit mean, ee 23Part 121 Using the present continuous fora habitual ation, instead of the simple present. Don't say: Every morning I'm going for a walk Say: Every morning T go fora walk. [Bmops mth sea dosti a otras ate He away aking Soha te atc 122 Using the verb fo use forthe present habitual action. Don't say: use to get up at six every morning YF Say! 1 get up at six every morning (Or. Pm accustomed to gesting up at six, ete Tebow nantes abate ees ey ‘srg ete 123 Using the past continuous for a habitual ation, instead ofthe simple past tense. Don't say: Last year I was walking to schoo! every day Say: Last year I walked to school every day ‘ine we Stn oak pmo ing en me 1124 Using the past tense instead ofthe past perfect. Don't say:'The tran already left before I arrived. Say: The train had already eft before I artived. os Pte cone aarti nh pat od ‘Misused forms (ul be nce ay hy rr aye a fe ht gaa bona 125 Using the past perfect instead of the simple past tense, Don't say: finished the book yesterday 1 Say’ [finished the book yesterday. nt he et pte us a arta a ina pes rin (See Section 124) 126 Using the future ina clause of time, instead of the present tense. Don't say: I'l see you when I shall come back Say: I'l see you when T come back. 127 Using the future inthe if clause instead ofthe present tense. Don’ say: If he'l ask me, 1 will stay. YY Say: Ihe asks me, I will stay. Ue Dern eens ae oral he ce ad he te jou wat emo sone money by ose ee 128 Using the present tense after as if or as though instead ofthe past. Don't say: Janine talks as if she knows everything. Say: Janine talks as if she knew everything Ue thes tne teh phases as hah Heathen ‘enon er aah weld tate eng te tn th nD oo a aePart (Misused forms 129 Using the past conditional of wish instead of the present indicative. Don't say: T would wish to know more English, 1 Say: Lwish (that) Llnew more English. ae psn st wih ees so mean lowe by 2 that cc cones ene 130 Using a wrong tense with an improbable condition. Don't say: Ihe would/d ask me, I would’ stay. Say: Ihe asked me, I would stay. 131 Using @ wrong tense witha counterfactual condition. Don't say: If he would’ have asked me, I would/d stay. YY Say: fhe had/'d asked me, I would” have stayed. ‘oa ated hat i ape coon yh a pa a “tote patcononain theme nae The ect Bete eat ‘bate tan ease 132 Using the infinitive instead ofa finite verb. Don’ say: Sir, to go home to get my book? Say: Sir, may T go home to get my book? Tein sigan a acon itt ere a peor ot ie ce Seana re eh! i wh. 133 Mixing up the tenses. Don't say: They asked him to be captain, but he refuses 1 Say: They asked him to be captain, but he refused. you ep ih tr ot te key te ve asin est. ‘Mounts ete mae Seow compote (See Exercises 24-30 on pages 148-151)Part Miscellaneous examples 134 Confusion of gender. Don't say: The door is open, please shut her. ¥ Say:The door is open, please shut it In hn rome ole rani gr ano ‘Cen nme ore mar andthe Be perm ne sea thoes speraned Engand pdebera 135 Using the possessive 's with inanimate objects Don't say: Her room's window is open. Say: The window of her room is open. ‘Winn ts uy ate ect, Te co of et ‘Deh ofo ae here ee ih reo ir inc ‘Tike date of tay Te s2oah rai fice = Pe mance ote ona sa ads wrk ght 2 weak’ Rly, ‘pounds wore. om sr meses te 136 Using the objective case after the verb to be. Don’t say: It was him. Say! Iwas he. feelin vpn wt eco ee ro A3p-bsing the objective case afer the conunstion han Dan say My ster tale than me 4 Say hy ste is tlt than La. ‘Te onthe acer arden ny ele by eH the cena ee ong ar pron geome te: he ct cnt nse lure mh se thane. Misused forms 138 Using the subject pronoun after between. Don’ say: I's seeret between you and 1 Say: Isa secret between you and me, ewan etn spoon ke cca er a 139 Using an object pronoun before a gerund. Don say: Him laughing at her was what made her angry. Say: His laughing at her was what made her angry. Where nin aa rn he pec on nan mt 140 Using an object pronoun in a double genitive Don't say: A friend of him told us the news. Y Say: friend of his told us the news. we wen cae ete fs mame shi mn crane ert ‘ohnin eps upose sera eng nc eae ‘end ies my tery gon fs Wes 14 Misuse of sel forms. Don say: Michael snd myself are here. Y Say! Michael and I are here ue thesme pan ones Lye be, 6 emp esing a: sete sl peers nas eng: Se hea tate Sh ar hart 142 Using hisself or theirseues instead of himself or themselves. Don't say: They fll down and hut thelrslves. ¥ Say: They fell down and hurt themselves. 2Part1 1143 Misuse of noun/verb homonyms. Don't say: Becky played a good play of ches. Say: Becky played a good game of chess Sone ets an ers ohne stem nd andes isp hp ah oh tar eee Fe Atetusmts ane har nay oe de Seton min yr bce 144 Using the relative pronoun which for persons. Don't say: ve a brother which i at school ¥ Say: ve a brother who is at school Coe wen tpn air Brg The ah pono ‘thers wo aoe hom 145 Using what or which after everything ec. Don't say: Iheard everything which (Or what) he ssid. 1 Say: Theard everything (that) he said. Doyen pons wih a wht everyting ‘uth, enying 2 tot uct» meting et that Mirnecoors ortanovont 1146 Who and whom. Don't say: I saw the woman whom you said lived next door. 1 Say: I saw the woman (who) you said lived next door ‘era whem ote glk. Waste tate postions tar an asa io wm ea ice ow wg os wereseting ws an (For Sections 144-146 soe Exercise 18 on page 145.) ‘Misused forms 147 Using who, whom, or which after the supedatve, instead of that. Don't say: It’ the best which I've seen. Say: Is the best (that) I've seen, Lethe ete hat who, whom 2 whi tease en 148 The same as/same that Don't say: Amelia bought the same bag that me. Say: Amelia bought the same bag as me. eh same a eon yar daa nh (tanec at eran 149 Using who? or what? instead of which? Don say: Who ofthe two boys isthe taller? 1 Say! Which ofthe two boys is the taller? ue: Pe rite pan what sosintngy cr: Whats your 'sipure ura aaa eae pet Wha ou foe res me (Compare Section 144) 150 Who? and Whom? (Who? Don't say: Whom do you think will be chosen? Say: Who do you think will he chosen? ©) Wom? Don't say: Who do you think I saw yesterday? ¥ Say: Whom do you think I saw yesterday? aPartt (or Sections 149 and 150 see Exercise 19 on page 145.) 15 Using one other instead of another. Don't say: Please give me one other book, Say: Please give me another book. 152 Using the superlative instead of the comparative. Don't say: John is the tallost ofthe two boys 7 Say: John is the taller ofthe two boys. nthe conpantie nh to pope rg coe ST 153 Using from after the comparative instead of than Don't say: Amy is taller from her brother. 1 Say: Amy istller than her brother. cero act ecard han fom, 154 Using the comparative instead of the superlative, Don't say: Cairo i the larger city in Arica, Say; Caro isthe largest city in Afra, 155 Using the more instead of most. Don’ say: The more people will agree with me. Say! Most people will agree with me. mente mae en ou ee oe: hth mrt he The oe ean, te mee [Min ear noun hppa bcars ‘Misused forms “156 Using more good or more bad instead of better Don't say: This one looks more good than that. ¥- Say: This one looks better than that. ‘Te anise egies comps: goad, eeor be sed wane, wont (For Sections 151-156 see Exercises 7 and 8 on Page 140.) 157 Using home instead of at home. on’ say: In the afternoon I stay home. Say! Inthe aftermoon I stay at home. 1158 Using from instead of one of or among. Don't say: She is from the nicest girls T know, Say She is one of the nicest girs I know. cng fomin te seston among 159 Using the passive infinitive (to be + past participle) instead ofthe active (fo + infinitive) Don't say: English isn't easy tobe learned. Say: English isn't easy to learn. “re ada eny te aha, ped ee ee ened Besewe inne 160 Using an intransitive verb in the pasive form. Don't say: She was disappeared from the house. Say: She disappeared from the house 3part 161 Mixing up one form of the verb with another. Don't say: I's better to enjoy yourself when you're young rather than wasting time worrying about the future. Say: I's better to enjoy yourself when you'e young than to waste time worrying about the future. 162 Wrong sequence of moods, on’ say: If you would/'d do me this favour, I wil” be very grateful to you, Say: If you would/'d do me this favour, I would'd be very grateful to you (Or If you willl do me this vou, I wild be very riteful to you 163 The unrelated participle. Don't say: Being in a hurry, the door was left open. Say! Being in a hurry, he let the door open. ate cae te gel te stra opto as he ‘one gor, theo se sng im te Sh oe oe 164 Te qeton him i? mised Do He payed wel yy a? 1 Saeed eh yay het seeesena ert retest "ieee mm ome (See Exercise 36 on page 154.) ‘Misused forms "165 Misuse of the gerund to express purpose. Don't say: Icome here for learning English Say 1 come here to learn English es rp ng init, at se gn 166 Yes or No in answer to negative questions. Question: Dida’t you see the game? Yes, ~ that is I saw i Answer No, — that is, I didn't se it 167 Using a double negative. Don't say: She says she's not afraid of nobody. Say: She says she's not afraid of anybody. (Or She says she's afraid of nobody. {any ong saying, reed aay. none > ‘hyon nowher'satyanem rather morse (See Exercise 38 on page 155.) 168 Using ome time or two times instead of once or twice. Don't say: 1 was absent one time or two times. Say! I was absent once or twice. 169 Using « day, et. instead of one day ete Don't say: A day they went sight-secing in Florence, Say: One day they went sight-seeing in Florence orn anh ey a mang tena seve 35 eePart 170 Using the other day instead of the next day etc Don’t say: Davi slept well and was beter the other day. ¥ Say: David slept well and was better the next day (or on the following day), tener a 171 Using one and a half, instead of half past one, etc. Don't say: Lessons begin at eight and a haf. Say: Lessons begin at half past eight Inssing ns. ha pat ane al pat, half st ts 172 Using as usually instead of as usual Don't say: As usualy he left his pen at home. Say: As usual, he left his pen at home. 173 Using acconding to my opinion instead of in ‘ny opinion. Don't say: According to my opinion, she's right. Say: In my opinion, she's right ae ising esa in eink Se yan tink a a 174 Using af the end instead of in the end, Don't say: At the end they reached the city. Say: Inthe end they reached the city 175 Using under the rain instead of in the ran. Don’t say: They played football under the rin ¥ Say: They played football inthe rain Misused forms the negative in the present + past simple in one two ways: putting not(n) after the verb. Use this method the following twenty-one verbs. ms, are, was, were; have, has, had; shall, should; wuld cam coud; may, mihi mat needs dare sw t0; used. 0 ‘Tm not ready. You must’t do that. He can't ‘well. He oughtn' to go. conversation, not is often shortened to n't. We say for do not, doesn’ for does not, didn't fr did not, for had not, wouldn't for would not, ete. But we ‘shan for shall not, won't for will ot, can’t for t) Je do, does, did, with not and the present infinitive to) Use this method with all verbs except ‘twenty-one given above. word order is: ++ do (does, did) + not + wave I don't go there very often. He doesnt teach ‘They didn't see the game. ‘They ‘They donot (don't) know anything. az »Part 5 176 Using the reason is because instead of the reason is that. Don't say: The reason is because I believe it, Say, The reason is that I believe it ‘The nate ts ue, tee he aon eeu 177 Using a country instead of the county. Don't say: T spend my holidays in a country Say: Lspend my holidays in the country, Acoso, nt ht 178 Using if instead of whether. Don't say: asked Paul if he was going. 1 Say! | asked Paul whether he was going. Whee ont relic se whee ott Uk eth Hoe ot tipo strerhory hl pene hn he coer 179 Using any fortwo, instead of either. Don't say: Any ofthese two books is good. Say: Either ofthese two books is good. 180 Using tikes me instead of I like. Don't say: The cinema likes me very much. Say’ ike the cinema very much, Sc ame etl 6 es cot nd eae cee Misused forms 181 Using neither... or instead of neither... nor Don't say: Sara speaks neither English or French, Say: Sara speaks neither English nor French Sener mu be lo aa ty ones yer shedins car ge uo ae 182 Using both in a negative sentence instead of neither. Don't say: Both of them didnt goto school today. Say: Neither of them went to school today. fare cheers ari de 188 Using aso or t00 in a negative sentence instead of either, Don't say: Joe hasnt come also (or too). Say: Joo hasn't come either. 184 Using and in a negative sentence instead of or. Don't say: I don’ like red and orange. I want the blue one 4 Say: don't ike red or orange. 1 want the blue one. ee Fo uy et tien nd ee 185 Using til instead of before or when. Don't say: Td reached the schoo til the rain started. ¥ Say: Vd reached the school before the rain started (Or Ti reached the school when the rain started. ete on sic mf il ene 0Part Un-English expressions Mistakes often result from too close a translation into English of foreign idiomatic expressions. The following are ‘examples of such mistakes: 186 Take an exam, not give an exam. Don’ say: The pupil gave his exam. Say: The pupil fook his exam. oe: The tee gv orth a Thee ak eS 187 To be right or wrong, not fo have right or wrong. Don't say: You've right o” You've wrong, 1 Say: You'e right or You're wrong. 188 To be busy, not fo have work Don't say: have much work this morning. Say: Pm very busy this morning. 189 Its cold ee. not it has cold, ete. Don't say: It has cold this winter. Say: Ws cold this winter 190 Go for a walk, not make a walk Don't say: We made a walk along the river. Say:We went for a walk along the river Misused forms 191 Go fora ride om a bieyele, etc, not go for a walk on a biel, ee Dont say: We went fora walk on our bicycles. Say: We went fora ride on our bieyeles. 192 Mount or get on a horse, ete. not ride a horse, et. Don't say: Peter rode his horse and went home. Say: Peter got on his horse and rode home. te Tobe re conto son To ment ta get on ries 193 Dismount or get off horse ee., not come down from a horse, ete. Don't say: They came down from their horses. YY Say:Tuey got of their horses. oe We gto ot 3. Megan aft ea te a ee 194 Go on foot, not go with the fet. Don't sa: Shall we go there with the feet? Say: Shall we go there on foot? 195 Take or have a shower, not make a shower, Don't say: [make a shower every morning, 1 Say: Ltake @ shower every morning. (Or Ihave a shower every morning. ote he sting fh ot a 0 ate havea ate 196 Ask a question, not make « question. Dom say: Naomi made me several questions ¥ Say: Naomi asked me several questions. 4a197 Take an hour, not need an hour, ee Don’ say: Il need an hour to do that. ¥ ‘Say: TE take me an hour to do that. 198 Give a discount, not make a discount Don’t say: He made me a small discount. Say: He gave me a small discount 199 Take exerese, not make exercise Don't say: You ought to make more exercise. Say: You ought to take more exercise. 200 Give or deliver a lecture, not make a lecture. Don't say: He made an interesting lecture. Say: He gave an interesting lecture. (Or. He delivered an interesting lecture. Ne: ee mad an nts ech, 201 Say one’s prayers, not male or do one's prayer. Don't say: I make my prayer before Igo to bed. Say: I say my prayers before [goto bed. 202 Pretend, not make oneself that Don’t say: She makes herself that she knows ¥ Say: She pretends to know. 203 Have a dream, not see a dream, Don't say: saw a strange dream lastnight ¥ Say: Vhad a strange dream lat night. (Or I dreamt a strange dream lastnight 208 Smoke a cigarete,et., not drink a cigarette, et. Don't say: He drinks too many cigarettes, ¥ Say: He smokes too many cigarettes 2 ‘Misused forms 205 Make a mistake, not do a mistake Don't say: I did one mistake in dictation, ¥ Say: I made one mistake in dictation. 206 Tell or speak the truth, not say the ruth on say: Fiona always says the truth Say: Fiona always tells the truth. (Or Fiona always speaks the truth 207 See or watch a game, not to follow a game. Don't say: Did you follow the game? Say: Did you see (or wateh) the game? 208 ‘Turn (switch) the light on or off, not open or shut the light. Don't say: Please open (or shut) the light. Say: Please turn on (or off the light. (Or. Please switch on (or off) the light. Noe Mh ow out pat ut i 9 ae oe 209 Give an example, not Dring an example Don’ say: Can you bring a better example? Y Say! Can you give a better example? 210 Give a mark, not put a mark, Don't say: The teacher put me a good mark. Say: The teacher gave me a good mark211 Set a wateh by, not put a watch with Don say: put my wateh with the radio news. 1 Say! Tset my watch by the radio news, 212 A watch is slow or fst, not goes behind or infront. Don't say: My watch goes two minutes behind. Say: My wateh is two minutes slow. ow can bo a oe gal 213 Show a film, not play afi Don't say: Ths film will be played shortly Y Say: Tis film will be shown shortly. 214 Have one's hair eut, not cut one’s hair Don't say: 'm going to cut my har. 1 Say: Ym going to have my hair eut. 215 Learn by heart, not learn from out Don't say: We have a poem to learn from out Say: We have a poem to lear by heart. 216 Put on weight, not put weight. Don't say: ve put at least three kilos. ¥ Say: I've put om atleast three kilos. a: he apn of tpt on weight tla wl Shas fst 217 It works miracles, not it makes miracles Don't say: That medicine makes miracles. Say That medicine works miracles. ‘Misused forms 218 Getting on with, not going with Don't say: How is Susan going with her work? Say: Hoow is Susan getting om with her work? 219 This morning, etc, not roday morning, ete Don't say: Uhaven't seen him today morning. Say! Thaven't seen him this morning. a: ity mann ty toa, aye, yey Note srt Sr esmoring Os atroon t ewnnga re oi 220 Quietly, not slowiy, slowly. Dom’ say: The boy came in slowly, slowly. ¥ Say: The boy came in quietly. 221 What's the matter not What have you? Don’ say: What have you today? Say: What's the matter with you today? ‘Whats the prosam? soca 222 What do you call ..? not How do you call ..? on say: How do you call this in English? ¥ Say: What do you call his in English? ‘Sino 6 you Sy hs Eis (See Exercise 62 on pages 163-164)Patz Incorrect omissions Omission of prepositions ‘The following are examples of mistakes made through the ‘omission of the preposition after certain words 223 Ask fora thing, not ask a thing Don’ say: She came and asked my book. Say: She came and asked for my book. 224 Disposelget rid of a thing, not dispose/eet rid a thing Don't say: He'll dspose/get rd all his property Say: Hel dspose/get rid of all his property 225 Dream ofa thing, not dream a thing Don't say: Young men dream glory and riches Say: Young men dream of glory and riches. 226 Explain to a person, not explain a person. Don't say: She explained me the matter. Say: She explained the matter to me. 227 Knock atthe door, not knock the door. Don't say: Who is knocking the door? 1 Say: Who is knocking atthe door? Incorrect omissions 228 Listen toa person or thing, not isten a person or thing. Don’t say: They were listening the music Y Say: They were listening to the musi 229 Pay for a thing, not pay ashing. Don't say: How much did you pay the book? Say: How much did you pay for the book? 230 Point to or at a person oF thing, not point a person on thing. Don't say: He pointed the map on the wall Say: He pointed to the map on the wal. (Or. He pointed at the map on the wal te: Ao pol ut plato ono tpl nthe Seep ec a pt rhs 231 Remind a person of something, not remind a person something, Don't say: Please remind me that later, Say: Please remind me of that later 232 Reply to a person, not reply a person Don't say: She's not replied me yet ¥ Say: She's not replied to me yet 233 Say toa person, not say a person. Don't say: Kevin sid me, Come tomorrows? Say: Kevin said to me, Come tomorrowpart2 234 Search for alos thing, not search a Tost thing. Don say: They're searching the ball Say! These searching forthe ball. oe man he ns of tee, ed re 235 Share with a person, not share a person. ‘Don't say: My friend shared me his book. Say: My friend shared his book with me. 236 Speak toa person, not speak a person, Don't say: speak him about that. Say: I'l speak to him about that. oe: st in ms eae pak wth ms 237 Supply a person with something, not supply a person something Don't say: Can you supply me all need? ¥ Say; Can you supply me with all! need? oe Ato provi parca wth proved hes with 238 Think of a person or thing, not think a person or thing. Don't say: Think a number and then double it Say: Think of «number and then double it 239 Wait for a person or thing, not zit a person or thing. Don say: wait you atthe cinema Say! I'l wait for you at the cinema, te: Ava ae ra epi aang Incorrect omissions 240 Wish fora thing, not wish @ thing, Don't say: He docsn't wish any reward, Say: He doesn't wish for any reward, 241 Write toa person, not write a person Don' say: 1 write her tomorrow. 1 Say: Iil-write to her tomorrow. (See Exercises 84 and 85 on pages 173-174.) Miscellaneous examples 282 The - or -e ofthe third person singular omitted Don’ say: He speak English very wel: ¥ Say: He speaks English very wel. Micthwkormmateage (Gee Exercise 31 on page 151.) 243 Using don't instead of doesn't Don't say: He don’t care what he says Say: He doesn't care what he sys ona ihe you ty. ih pra os oe oe wn hs th les (See Exercise 32 on page 152.) 244 The «or -ed of the past tense omitted. Don’ say: I receive a letter yesterday. Y Say! Leceived a letter yesterday. ryPart 2 ave another look at Third person singular, simple present 1 With the pronouns he, she, it, or any singular noun, the verb inthe present tense takes a special ending, -e¢ or cies: he works, it catches, the sun mses, she worries. 2 When the first person of the verb ends in s, 2, ch, sh, Oro, the third person singular takes -e: Twatch finish fix 10 hhe watches hefinshes he fixes he goes 3 When the fit person ofthe verb ends in -y with a consonant before it form the third person singular by changing y into ies! Tearry study ny. he carries he studies he flies ‘se rea von beret. nl 2 sorte hed pon ‘Spur he pln he eon bobo 4 A few verbs are irregular in the thed person singular: Tam Thave: he is he has 5 Modal verbs such as will, can, may, must and ought {do Nor change ther form inthe third person singular: will Tean may! Tmust he wil hhecan he may he must Remember: The third person singular of verbs inthe present tense takes, es or ies. 50 Incorrect omissions 245 The -, -$ oF -es ofthe plural form omitted. Don’ say: I paid six pound for the book. Say’: paid six pounds for the book. 246 The possessive ending omitted. Don’ say: A hen’s egg is different from a pigeon. Say: A ben's egg is diferent from a pigeon’, 247 Omission of the article before @ countable noun i the singular, Don't say: Pve no money to buy ear Say: ve no money to buy a ear. 248 Omission of a ot an after the verb to be. Don’ say: I'm not teacher, P'm student. ¥ Say: 'm nota teacher, I'm a student 249 Omission of a or am after the word halt Don't say: He drank half glass of milk Say: He drank balf a glass of milk se alts lan our ai. mee) sersn em of atta set antow of oy afm) 250 Omission ofa of one before hundred, et, Don’ say: Hundred years make a century 51Part 2 Incorrect omissions ¥ Say: A hundred yoars make a century ‘Or: One hundred years make a century, Lethe nent ate arth rail an lohan an ths 251 Omission ofa or an from make a noise, et. Don't say: [told them not to make noise. Say: [told them not to make a noise. No: iat make a mistake, tomate 2 fon, o make i ‘omatenipresien tomate an sepetmen take ar atm, 252 Omission of the before names of nationalities. Don't say: English are fond of sports, Say: The English are fond of sports. ae hc rice ba tae of rans desing ee ghey thet eet he ath he Sn be en 253 Omision ofthe before names of musical instruments, Don't say: I play violin, but not piano, ¥ Say: play the violin, but not the piano, Us thd ace mn of means 254 Omission ofthe before the word cinema, et Don't say: On Saturday Igo to cinema. Say: On Seturday T goto the cinema, tote wien woes dems et, once, (For Sections 247-254 see Exercises 16 and 17 on page 144) 255 Omission ofthe verb tobe from the passive. Don't say: Charis Dickens bora in 1812. 4 Say: Charles Dickens was born in 1812. Form he pain fam by singe we tw, coi ith te pet pce ef he web equea taba pe pre 52 53Part? 256 Omission ofthe auxiliary do from questions, Don't say: You understand the problem? He understands the problem? She understood the problem? ¥ Say: Do you understand the problem? Does he understand the problem? Did she understand the problem? became pet se pe ie ma (Gee Exercise 34 on page 153.) 257 Omission of auxiliary do winen dois a principal verb. Don't say: Do pupils their work carefully? Say: Do pupils do their work carefully? ‘aps motte gunn Te sand dos pret oe Seroes rho ang 258 Omission ofthe preposition indicating time. Don't say: I was born the third of December, Say: Las bom on the third of December, 259 Omission ofthe preposition after the infinitive Don't say: They've no houses to live ¥ Say: They've no houses to live in Tete tana et he ee mt pein Incorrect omissions | Have another look at .. “Verb 10 8e Present Tense Yami'm, you arelre, he (she, it) iss; ‘ We, you they arere. Past Tense Las, you were, he (she, it) was, We, you, they were Future Tense 1, you, he (she, it) will We, you, they will be. Prosent Perfect, you, havel've been, he (she, it) has’s been; We, you, they havel've been. ust Perfect 1, you, he (she, it) had’ been; We, you, they had/d been. Future Perfect 1, you, he (she, it) willl have been; ‘We, you, they willl have been. Uses of the verb 70 BE as auxiliary Use the verb 0 be: | 1 With the Present Patciple to form the Continuous “Tenses, “To be + Present Partcple Example: The sun was shining in the sky. 2 With the Past Partciple to form the Passive Form, ‘To be + Past Patciple Example: The letter was written by John enero 5sPart2 260 Omission of there as an introductory word Dom say: Once lived a great king. Say: Once there/There once lived a gest king. 261 Omission of how after the verb to know: Don't say: She knows to play the piano. Say: She knows how to play the piano. 262 Omission of other after a comparative Don't say: Homer was greater than all the Greek poets. 4 Say: Homer was greater than all the other Greek poets. cen pe 263 Omission of before in comparisons. Don’ say Td never seen such a thing. 1 Say: Vd never seen such a thing before. 264 Omission of else after everybody, et Don't say: She is stronger than everybody. 1 Say: She is stronger than everybody ese ‘omer tne tind oer everybody anybody, anything, 265 Omission ofthe demonstrative pronoun one. Don't say: This isthe only that I ike. Say: This is the only one that Ike Incorrect omissions 266 Omission ofthe personal pronoun before the infinitive, Don’t say: 1 want to tell me the truth Y Say: Lwant you to tell me the truth Sgt in of ete eet wt wit i 267 Omission of it as subject of an impersonal verb, Don’t say: Is very hot in the Sudan. Say: Is very hot inthe Sudan. abe poral are caf an per 268 Omission ofthe pronoun subject from the principal clause. Don’t say: When he saw the teacher, stood up. ‘Y- Say: When he saw the teacher, he stood up. ‘naan gen wit an. Sbiesajet athena dase 269 Omission ofthe personal pronoun after a quotation, Don't say: ‘'m learning English, sa Say: tm learning English; he said. he ec te 270 ‘The object of the transitive verb omitted. Don’t say: T asked her for some paper, but she had not 1 Say: Lasked her for some paper, but she ad ‘none/dida’t have any. fc roca scree er: (ae ans et hd 7Part2 271 Omission of the direct object when there are two objects Don’ say: I asked him for some ink, and he gave me. Say: Vasked him for some ink, and he gave me some. Sone anti tse i, gst bu show a secede to tome be eo 272 The object ofthe verb enjoy omitted. Don't say: Tenjoyed during the holidays ¥ Say: Venjoyed myself during the holidays. (Or Tenjoyed my holidays. en ape at on en ct 273 Omission ofthe noun after an adjective. Don't say: The unfortunate was shot dead. ¥ Say: The unfortunate man was shot dead. oe: th ran stron accep han he ade id 98 274 Omission ofthe word and between numbers Don say: Eight thousand thirty-seven, Say: Eight thousand and thirty-seven. Lethon an tom anda, hse on ute 275 Omission ofthe word or between number. Don't say: ve only two, three friends. Y Say: I've only two or three friends ‘Were ang het tanec abt mbes Meh to oF ‘han men he ora popes ht eo a, Incorrect omissions 276 Omission ofthe word old from age Don’t say: My sister i iteen years. Say: My sisters fifteen years old. eee a ako My ses en yas aes Myst 277 For this use instead of for this reason. Don’t say: For this he wants to leave. Say: For this reason he wants to leave. wing fo tat ecase of hat . 278 Better used instead of had better. Don't say: Better go home at once. Say: You'd better go home at once The concrete You ter go es woul be 2 gro ing fr yu tog 279 Up and down sed instead of upstairs and downst Don't say: He's up, he's down, Say: He's upstairs, e's downstairs. 280 Throw it used instead of throw it away. Don't say: It’ dirty, throw it. ¥ Say: I's dirty, throw it away. Trew toy ners io pt ity bronrg ade 281 1 don’ think wsed instead of I don't think so Don't say: I don't think. Say: 1 don't think so. 59Part2 282 Before yesterday, et. used instead of the day before yesterday, etc. Don't say: Lynne arrived before yesterday Say: Lynne arrived the day before yesterday. 1) Rs dy before yn th ay afer tomorow th wk 283 Thank you used instead of No, thank you. Don't say: Thank you (if you want to refuse an offer. ¥ Say! No, thank you, oe: thank oo ct an ale owas Ys pe pants Unnecessary words Unnecessary prepositions The words below do not require a preposition t0 go with them Because they have within them the meaning of the preperition. 284 Answer (= reply 0). Don't say: Please answer to my question. Say: Please answer my question. 285 Approach (= come near to), Don't say: Don't approach to that house. Say: Don’t approach that house. 286 Ask (= put a question to). Don’t say: 1 asked to the teacher about it Say: Lasked the teacher about it. 287 Attack (= go and fight against), Don't say: They attacked agains the enemy. ¥ Say: They attacked the enemy, he Wes to me an atack hy mde a atc ne ny 288 Comprise (= consist of Don't say:"The book comprises of five chapters. ¥ Say:The book comprises five chapters, (On The book is comprised of five chapters. 6Don't say: We entered into the classroom, 1 Say:We entered the classroom, 290 Finish (= come to the end of) Don't say: Ive finished from my work. ¥ Say: I've finished my work. 291 Leave (= depart from). Don't say: Brian lft from England last week, Say! Brian left England last week, 292 Obey (= act according to. Don't say: We should obey to our teachers 1 Say: We should obey our teachers. 293 Allow (to) or lt (= give permission to). Don't say: The driver allowed/et to John (to) sit in the front seat. Say: The driver allowedlet Job (to) sit in the front seat. Staton eee oop sah cs 294 Reach (= arrive at) Don't say: We reached at the school early. 1 Say: We reached the school carly. 295 Resemble (= be similar to) Don't say: Does she resemble to her father? Say; Does she resemble her father? Unnecessary words 296 Tall (= say to). Don’t say: I told to him to come at once. Say: Hold him to come at once. 297 Behind (= atthe back of. Don't say: Edward hid behind ofa large tre. Say: Edward hid behind a large tree. 298 Inside (= in the interior of. Don't say:"The boys went inside of the room. Say: The boys went inside the room. 299 Outside (= on the exterior of) Don't say: They stood outside ofthe door Say: They stood outside the door. 300 Round (= on all sides of) Don't say: The earth goes round of the sun, ¥ Say: The earth goes round the sun, (See Exercises 86 and 87 on page 174) Unnecessary articles 201 Wrong use ofthe with proper nouns. Don't say: The Serah wil go tothe England. 1 Say: Sarah will go to England,Part3 302 Wrong use of the with proper nouns in the possessive. Don't say: The Euripides’ tragedies ae famous, Say: Euripides’ tragedies are famous ‘ise ete a han alee oe 303 Wrong use of the with abstract nouns. Don't say: The bravery is «great virtue 1 Say: Bravery isa great virtue. sot rare Mapa genta sense, ace ote tt ow, ia anes wee ah: he re (Fie Span wren 304 Wrong use ofthe with material nouns Don't say: The god isa precious metal. Y Say: Gold isa precious metal, ‘eco! tom the Mendes son may es 305 Wrong use of the with plural nouns used in a general sense Don’ say: The dogs are faithful animal. Say: Dogs are faithful animals, ithe tear afr conmon noun ale in 306 Wrong use of the with names of languages. Don't wse: Tim speaks the English very wel. Say! Tim speaks English very well oe Wea se a Eg anguge ey. Unnecessary words 307 Wrong use of the with names of meals. Don't say: Well start after the breakfast. Say: Well start after breakfast foment cee 308 Wrong use ofthe with names of games. Don't say: My favourite game is the football Say: My favourite game is football Der aft are gare he ool. Rake. tens, ‘et vty beset a 308 Wrong use ofthe with names of diseases. Don't say: The cholera is a dreadful disease Say: Cholera isa dreadful disease, ‘try oma ala fever cough # adc 310 Wrong use of the with names of colours. Don't say: The green is a beautiful colour 1 Say: Green isa beautiful colour 311 Wrong use of the withthe names of the senses Don't say: The sight is one ofthe five senses. Y Say: Sight is one ofthe five senses. Sin yan bet arent ef re a a, 65Parts 312 Wrong use of the with names of days end months Don't say: The Sunday can be a day of prayer. ‘The December is the last month, ¥ Say: Sunday can be a day of prayer December iste last month, ‘art wt det sie te the nano an ors 313 Wrong use of the with man denoting the human race. Don't say: The man is born a sinner. ¥ Say: Manis born a sinner 314 Wrong use ofthe with school Don't say: My sister goes tothe school Say: My sister goes to school bea stdent 9010 he shoe ss sre to ame eal ast stoping tet. 315 Wrong use ofthe with church Don't say: On Sunday I go to the church Say: On Sunday I go to church, 1 gota church os to ae sini dsnuah ster 9 tba goo he bd 900 pon goo te pon gota met sn getahe mane Feta gto the hosp stat abe ns a ae sesame Unnecessary words 316 Wrong use ofthe with nature. Don’ say: The nature is beautiful in spring ¥ Say; Nature is beautiful in spring i nee terri 317 Wrong use ofthe with sociaty. Don’ say: A thief is a danger to the society. Say! A thief isa danger to society. a: he dent aie acy) acdsee he soe oe Gass fade {Seavert oy he soc ay ee a ' 318 Wrong use of the in the phrase in future ( trom now on). Don't say: You must be careful in the future Say:You must be careful in future. ame ae esi he reo a Rs Ht open nthe ae 319 Wrong use of the after whose. Don’ say: The boy whose the father is ill ha lf ¥ Say: The boy whose father is il ha lf. Da a ater te dtr hance ae te 320 Wrong use ofthe indefinite article before work, et. Don't say: Gillian has found a work atthe bank, Say: Gillian has found work atthe bank. Don ae hinted eh wor 0 wor, fn (Gee Exercise 17 on page 144.)Part3 Unnecessary words Use of the infinitive Mistakes are frequently made by using the infinitive without to after the following verbs, which do not require it 4321 Can + infinitive without to Don't say: My mother can to swim very well. Say: My mother can swim very well. ote apt ener canna on won Ate ‘Roromeantcntetsed nema 322 Could + infinitive without fo. Don't say: [could not to see you yesterday. ‘1 Say: 1 could notieoulda't see you yesterday. 323 May + infinitive without to. Don’ say: May Ito vist you next weekend? Say: May I visit you next weekend? 324 Might + infinitive without to. Don't say: He might to come in the morning. ¥ Say: He might come in the morning. 325 Must + infinitive without f0. Don't say: I must to see her at her office, Say: T must see her at her office. 326 Let + infinitive without fo. Don't say:‘Tom's father would not let him to go out. Say: Tom's father would not let him go out. 327 Make (to foree) + infinitive without 10. Don't say: You can't make Emma to understand, Say: You can't make Emma understand. 6