This post is based on real examples from students’ writing. I have chosen these examples from areas that frequently cause confusion and regularly appear in the written work I correct. The goal is to raise awareness of these common mistakes so they can be avoided in the future.
1. At the beginning of the class, I had to make a presentation based on a new.
Correction: At the beginning of the class, I had to make a presentation based on some news.
Why? The word “news” is uncountable, so “a new” is incorrect. You could also make it countable by using a piece of news or a news story.
2. The man who he knew the answer.
Correction: The man who knew the answer.
Why? The word “he” is unnecessary because who is the subject of knew. Therefore, there are two subjects.
3. It is a very environmentally friendly transport.
Correction: It is a very environmentally friendly means/mode of transport.
Why? The word transport is uncountable in this sentence.
4. Although the bad weather, cycling is a better option.
Correction: Despite the bad weather, cycling is a better option.
Why? “Although” should introduce a full clause (e.g., “Although the weather was bad…”). Use “despite” before a noun phrase.
5. I’ve to say that it won’t always be easy.
Correction: I have to say that it won’t always be easy.
Alternative (informal): I’ve got to say that it won’t always be easy.
Why? “I’ve” as a contraction of “I have” isn’t typically used in this way unless followed by “got.”
6. My dad had left me to go with him.
Correction: My dad let me go with him.
Why? “Left me” is the past of leave, which doesn’t match the intended meaning (permission). Also, notice that let wouldn’t be followed by to in this example.
7. I was not used to train that hard.
Correction: I was not used to training that hard.
Why? After “be used to,” the verb should be in the gerund form (“training”). Not to be confused with “used to” + infinitive to talk about past habits.
8. In Spain is normal to have a small nap after lunch.
Correction: In Spain, it is normal to have a small nap after lunch.
Why? Add “it” as the subject of “is normal,” and include a comma after “In Spain.”
9. This website it has some tools to improve your photos.
Correction: This website has some tools to improve your photos.
Why? Remove “it,” which is redundant.
10. It doesn’t matter if you don’t like superheroes, you can try reading a comic.
Correction: It doesn’t matter if you don’t like superheroes; you can try reading a comic.
Why? Use a semicolon or a full stop to separate the two independent clauses. For further reading, click here.
11. It’s tail was wagging.
Correction: Its tail was wagging.
Why? No apostrophe is used here because this is a possessive adjective. Use the apostrophe with it when you contract “has” or “is”.
For more posts tackling common mistakes, visit:
10 Common Mistakes in English
Common mistakes in First-B2 (Part 1)
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