Common mistakes in English
March 18th, 2014 in Common Mistakes
Some common errors in English are listed below.
Incorrect: Have you received any informations?
Correct: Have you received any information?
The word information is uncountable in English. It does not have a plural form.
Incorrect: We have bought new furnitures.
Correct: We have bought new furniture.
The word furniture does not have a plural form in English. To denote the singular aspect of the noun, you can use ‘an article of furniture’ or a ‘piece of furniture’.
Incorrect: The machineries were expensive.
Correct: The machinery was expensive.
The word machinery does not have a plural form. It is uncountable and takes a singular verb.
Incorrect: The sceneries here are beautiful.
Correct: The scenery here is beautiful.
Incorrect: Do not carry heavy luggages during travel.
Correct: Do not carry heavy luggage during travel.
Incorrect: He conveyed these news to his relatives.
Correct: He conveyed this news to his relatives.
The words scenery, luggage and news are uncountable in English. They do not have a plural form.
Incorrect: There is no place in this compartment.
Correct: There is no room in this compartment.
Incorrect: Have you read this poetry?
Correct: Have you read this poem?
Incorrect: I went to watch a drama.
Correct: I went to watch a play.
Incorrect: He has gone to foreign.
Correct: He has gone abroad.
Correct: He has gone to foreign countries.
Incorrect: She is my cousin sister.
Correct: She is my cousin.
The pronoun she itself indicates the gender, and hence there is no need to mention the noun sister.
Incorrect: All he said is true.
Incorrect: What all he said is true.
Correct: All that he said is true.
Correct: What he said is true.
All can mean ‘everything’ in the structure ‘all that’.
Incorrect: Suppose, if you arrive late, you will miss the show.
Correct: Suppose you arrive late, you will miss the show.
Correct: If you arrive late, you will miss the show.