This book has been designed to meet the requirements of students whose mother tongue is not English, Its main purpose is to help to correct the common mistakes to which foreign learners of English are liable. The method adopted throughout this work is uniform. All the errors dealt with are singled out, for they have to be recognized before they can be corrected: then correct forms are substituted for incorrect ones; finally, simple explanations are given wherever necessary to justify particular usages.
1. Common Mistakes in English with Exercises b y T. J. Fitikides, B.A.. F.I.L. Senior English Master The Pancyprian Gymnasium, Nicosia Author of Key Words for Easy Spelling Lessons in Greek-English Translation Errors, like straws, upon the surface flow; He who would search for pearls must dive below. John Dryden
3. Preface Preface to the first edition This book has been designed to meet the requirements of students whose mother tongue is not English, Its main purpose is to help to correct the common mistakes to which foreign learners of English are liable. The method adopted throughout this work is uniform. All the errors dealt with are singled out, for they have to be recognised before they can be corrected: then correct forms are substituted for incorrect ones; finally, simple explanations are given wherever necessary to justify particular usages. Exercises are set al the end to ensure that the principles may become firmly fixed in the students' !t is no! claimed that this manual is exhaustive. Nevertheless, the difficulties tackled are real, and the examples arc representative of the mistakes commonly made by foreign students of English, being the result of observations made over a long period of time. Much care has been given to the preparation of the Index, which it ?s hoped will make the book a useful work ol My acknowledgements are due to MrVV. H G. Popplestone. who has read my manuscript and made many valuable T. .J. F August J 9.3ft
4. Preface to the Sixth Edition It is now more than 60 years since this book was first published. It has gone through many revisions, and additions have been made at different times in its history. With the millennium 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 modern 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 vti, with an addition for this edition.
5. Useful lists and summaries Have another look at... Prepositions after certain words 14 Use of the gerund 19 Use of certain tenses 27 Negatives 37 Third person singular, simple present 50 Indefinite article 53 Verb TO BE 55 Definite article 68 Questions 79 Correct order of words 82 Use of certain prepositions 88 Use of will and shall 106 Singular and plural 130 Irregular verbs in everyday use bear to He 198-199 light to write 200-201
6. How this book should be used Tliis 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 appropriate section dealing with his mistake by a number in the margin of his exercise book. For example, a misuse of a preposition of time (at, on or in) is indicated by 383 in the margin 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 will be his With regard to its second use. as an actual text book, we strongly recommend that the 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 have 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 of the 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 results will be achieved if it is used by the student both as a text book and as a book of reference. T.J.F. January 1961 While the above is still true, there is also a self-study use for this little book. With more varied teaching materials available now, it can also be used as a self-study book by VII
7. Contents Part 1 Misused forms Using the wrong preposition 1 Misuse of the infinitive 13 Use of the wrong tense 18 Miscellaneous examples 28 Un-English expressions 40 Part 2 Incorrect omissions Omission of prepositions, 46 Miscellaneous examples 49 Part 3 Unnecessary words Unnecessary propositions 61 Unnecessary articles 63 Use of the infinitive 69 Miscellaneous examples 70 Part 4 Misplaced words Wrong position of adverbs 75 Miscellaneous examples 77 Part 5 Confused words Prepositions often confused 83 Verbs often confused 89 Adverbs often confused 107 Adjectives often confused 109 Nouns often confused 116 Confusion of number 122 Confusion of parts of speech 129 Exercises 137 Index 182
8. How this book should be used students of English as a foreign language who are preparing work either as part of their studies or for their occupations. With a view to this, it is suggested that, when a question of correct usage arises, the student should look first for the core word in the index and so find the section detailing the usage. For example, is it by foot or on foot? Look up foot in the index and you will be directed to Section 13 which will explain that on foot is correct. Students and teachers will decide for themselves what is the best way to use this book. What is constant is the quality of content and how helpful it is to all those who use English as a foreign language.
9. Part 1 used forms Using the wrong preposition Mistakes are often made by using the wrong preposition after certain words. The following list includes the words which most often give trouble: 1 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. 2 Accuse of, not for. Don't say: She accused the man for stealing. / Say: She accused the man of stealing. N o t e : Charge t a k e s w i t h 1 The man was charged with murder. 3 Accustomed to, not with. Don't say: I'm accustomed with hot weather. / Say: I'm accustomed to hot weather. N o t e : Also used to: He is used to the heat. 4 Afraid of, not from. Don't say: Laura is afraid from the dog. / Say: Laura is afraid of the dog. 1
10. Part 1 5 Aim at, not on or against. Don't say: She aimed on {or against) the target. / Say: She aimed at the target, Mote U s e t h e preposition at to d e n o t e d i r e c t i o n , t h r o w a t , shout at, fire at, shoot at. S h o o t ( w i t h o u t t h e at) m e a n s to kill He shot a bird (= h e hit a n d killed it) 6 Angry with, not against. Don't say: The teacher was angry against him. / Say: The teacher was angry with him. n o t e I W e g e t angry w i t h a p e r s o n b u t at a t h i n g He was angry at The weather 'not with the weather) Mote 2 A l s o a n n o y e d w i t h , v e x e d w i t h , indignant w i t h a p e r s o n , b u t a t a thing. 7 Anxious (= troubled) about, not for. Don't say.'They're anxious for his health. •/ Say: They're anxious about his health. Noie Anxious m e a n i n g w i s h i n g v e r y much l a k e s for Parents are anxious for their children's success. 8 Arrive at, not to. Don't say: We arrived to the village at night. / Say:: We arrived at the village at night. Note U s e arrive in w i t h c o u n t r i e s a n d l a r g e cities. Mr Smith has arrived in London ( o r New York. India, etc ) 9 Ashamed of, not from. Don't say: He's now ashamed from his conduct. / Say: He's now ashamed of his conduct. Note it isn't correct to u s e ashamed of m e a n i n g shy Ashamed means feeling s h a m e or guilt a b o u t s o m e t h i n g . Shy m e a n s f e e l i n g n e r v o u s w i t h someone I n s t e a d of s a y i n g I'm ashamed 1 (or shamed) of my teacher, say I'm shy of my teacher
11. Misused forms 10 Believe in, not to. Don't say: We believe to God. / Say: We believe in God. N o t e : To believe in m e a n s t o h a v e faith i n . To b e l i e v e ( w i t h o u t t h e in) m e a n s t o r e g a r d s o m e t h i n g as t r u e : / believe everything he says. 11 Boast of or about, not for. Don't say: James boasted for his strength. / Say: James boasted of (or about) his strength. 12 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. Note Take care of' He takes care of his money. 13 Travel by train, etc., not with the train, etc. Don't say: He travelled with the train yesterday. / Say: He travelled by train yesterday. N o t e : W e say: by t r a i n , by b o a t , by plane, by bike; also, by l a n d , by sea, by air, by bus; in a bus o r o n a bus; by car o r in a car, by t a x i o r in a taxi; on horse-back, on a donkey, o n a bicycle; o n f o o t . 14 Complain about, not for. Don't say: Annette complained for the weather. / Say: Annette complained about the weather. Note W h e n t a l k i n g a b o u t illness w e u s e complain of. W e say She complained of a sore throat. 15 Composed of, not from. Don't soy: Our class is composed from thirty students. / Say: Our class is composed of thirty students. 3
12. Part 1 16 Confidence in, not to. Don't say: I have great confidence to you. / Say: I have great confidence in you. Note In confidence: Let me tell you something in confidence {= a i a secret) 17 Conform to, not with. Don't say:'We must conform with the rules. / Say. We must conform to the rules. Noie comply l a k e s w i t h . We'll comply with your request. 18 Congratulate on, not for. Don't say: I congratulate you for your success. / Say: I congratulate you on your success. 19 Consist of, not from. Don't say: A year consists from twelve months. / Say: A year consists of twelve months. Note Take great c a i e n e v e r t o u s e consist in t h e passive i o r m . 20 Covered with, not by. Don't say: The mountains are covered by snow. / Say: The mountains are covered with/in snow. 21 Cure of, not from. Don't say: The man was cured from his illness. / Say: The man was cured of his illness. N o i e T h e n o u n cure takes for 1 There is no cure for that disease 22 Depend on or upon, not from. Don't say: It depends from her. / Say: It depends on (or upon) her. Note Rely on or u p o n ' can't rely on (or upon) him.
13. Misused forms 23 Deprive of, not from. Don't say: Nelson Mandela was deprived from his freedom. / Soy: Nelson Mandela was deprived of his freedom. 24 Die of an illness, not from an illness. Don't say: Many people have died.from malaria. / Say: Many people have died of malaria. Note P e o p l e die of illness, of h u n g e r , of thirst, of or f r o m w o u n d s ; from o v e r w o r k ; b y v i o l e n c e , fay t h e s w o r d , by p e s t i l e n c e ; in b a t t l e ; for their country, for a c a u s e , t h r o u g h n e g l e c t ; on t h e s c a f f o l d ; a t t h e s t a k e . 25 Different from, not than. Don't say: My book is different than yours. / Say: My book is different from yours. 26 Disappointed by, about or at, not from. (a) by/at/about: Don't say: Phillipa was disappointed from the low mark she got in the test. / Say: Phillipa was disappointed by/about/at the low mark she got in the test. (b) with/in: Don't say: Jane was disappointed from her son. / Say: Jane was disappointed with/in her son. Mote 1 B e f o r e a p e r s o n w e u s e w i t h o r in, b e f o r e a t h i n g w e u s e at, about or b y a n d b e f o r e a g e r u n d w e u s e at: Keith is very disappointed at not winning the prize. W e u s e t h a t ( o p t i o n a l b e f o r e a n e w c l a u s e ) ' / w a s disappointed (that) I didn't get an invitation. 27 Divide into parts, not in parts. Don't say: I divided the cake in four parts. / Say: I divided the cake into four parts. Note A t h i n g m a y b e d i v i d e d in half or in t w o Paul divided the apple in half (or in two). 5
14. Part 1 28 No doubt (n) of or about, not for. Don't say: I've no doubt for his ability. / Say: I've no doubt of (or about) his ability. Note- Doubtful of: / am doubtful of his ability to p a s s 29 Dressed in, not with. Don't say: The woman was dressed with black. / Say:The woman was dressed in black. Note 1 The woman ivas in black is also correct 30 Exception to, not of. Don't say: This is an exception of the rule. / Say: This is an exception to the rule. N o t e : W e say w i t h t h e exception of: She liked all her subjects with the exception of physics 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. Note 1 In exchange f o r H e gave them his old car in exchange for a new one. 32 Fail in, not from. Don't say: Steven failed from maths last year. / Say: Steven failed in maths last year. 33 Full of, not with or from. Don't say: The jar was full with (or from) oil. / Say: The jar was full of oil. Note 1 Fill takes w i t h J a n e filled t h e glass w i t h w a t e r
15. Misused forms 34 Getridof, not from. Don't say: I'll be glad to get rid from him. / Say: I'll be glad to getridof him. 35 Glad about, not from or with. Don't say: Francis was glad from (or with) receiving your letter. / Say: Francis was glad about receiving your letter. 36 Good at, not in. Don't say: My sister's good in maths. / Say: My sister's good at maths. Note 1 : B a d at, clever at, quick at, slow at, etc. However, w e a k in: He's weak in grammar. Note 2 : He's good in class means that his conduct is good. 37 Guard against, not from. Don't soy: You must guard from bad habits. / Say; You must guard against bad habits. 38 Guilty of, not for. Don't say: He was found guilty for murder. / Say: He was found guilty of murder 39 Independent of, not from. Don't say: Clare's independent from her parents. / Say: Clare's independent of her parents. Note: W e say d e p e n d e n t o n : A child is dependent on its parents. 40 Indifferent to, not for. Don't say: They're indifferent for politics. / Say;They're indifferent to politics. 7
16. Part 1 41 Insist on, not to. Don't say: He always insisted to his opinion. / Say: He always insisted on his opinion. No'.e Persist take;, i n He persisted in his silly ideas 42 Interested in, not for. Don't say: She's not interested for her work. / Say: She's not interested in her work. Note Also take an interest in She takes a great interest in music 43 Jealous of, not from. Don't say: He's very jealous from his brother. / Say: He's very jealous of his brother. 44 Leave for a place, not to a place. Don't say:They're leaving to England soon. / Say: They're leaving for England soon. 45 Live on, not from. Don't say: He lives from his brother's money. / Say: He lives on his brother's money. .Note Feed o n 1 Some birds feed on insects 46 Look at, not to. Don't say: Look to this beautiful picture. / Say: Look at this beautiful picture. N o t e Also gaze at, stare at, e t c B u i . look after (= t a k e c a r e o f ) ; look for 1 (= t r , to find), look over (= e x a m i n e ) ; look into (= e x a m i n e closely), look on or upon (= consider), look d o w n o n (= h a v e a l o w o p i n i o n o f ) , look up to != r e t p r j . ec ; | 0 0 k o u t f o r ;= expect); look f o r w a r d t o (= e x p e c t w i t h p'easure), look to (= rely o n )
17. Misused forms 47 Pfe-rded to, not with. Dcrfi say: Angela was married with a rich man. Say: Angela was married to a rich man- Note Also engaged to Sally was engaged to Peter for a year be'cre tney go; married. 48 Opposite to, not from Don't say:Their house is opposite from ours. -/ Say: Their house is opposite to ours. Note O p p o s i t e ours is also c o r r e c t 49 Pass by a place, not from a place. Don't say: Will you pass from the post-office? / Say: Will you pass by the post-office? Note A l s o pass t h e post-office is c o r r e c t . 50 Play for a team, not with a team. Don't say: He plays regularly with that team. / Say: He plays regularly for that team. 51 Pleased with, not from. Don't say:The teacher is pleased from me. / Say: The teacher is pleased with me. N o t e . W e say pleased at or pleased w i t h if a n a b s t r a c t n o u n or a c l a u s e f o l l o w s ; They were pleased at (or with) what he said; They were pleased et (or with) her results 52 Popular with, not among. Don't say: John's popular .among his friends. / Say: John's popular with his friends. 53 Prefer to, not from. Don't say: I prefer a blue pen from a red one. J Say: I prefer a blue pen to a red one. Note A ' s o preferable to This car is preferable to niy old one. Q
18. Part 1 54 Preside at or over, not in. Don't say: Who presided in the last meeting? / 5ay:Who presided at (or over) the last meeting? 55 Proud of, not for. Don't say: He's very proud for his promotion. / Say: He's very proud of his promotion. Note W e say take \ai pride in A craftsman takes a pride in his work 56 Rejoice at or in, not for. Don't say: We rejoiced for her success. / Say: We rejoiced at (or in) her success. 57 Related to, not with. Don't say: Are you related with Simon in any way? •/ Say Are you related to Simon in any way? Note Also relation to. Is he any relation to you? 58 Repent of, not from. Don't say: He repented from his crime. / Say: He repented of his crime. Note Repentance ^akes for . H e feels repentance - lor his s i n 59 Satisfied with, not from. Don't say: Are you satisfied from your marks? / Say: Are you satisfied with your marks? Noty Also content w i t h , delighted w i t h , unhappy w i t h , happy w i t h , displeased w i t h , dissatisfied w i t h , disgusted with. 60 Similar to, not with. Don't say: Your house is similar with mine. / Say: Your house is similar to mine.
19. Misused forms 61 Sit at a desk etc., not on a desk etc. Don't say: The bank manager was sitting on his desk. / Say: The bank manager was sitting at his desk. Note A l s o sit at a table. B u t on a chair, o n a bench, on a sofa, e t c ; in an arm-chair, in a tree o r u p a tree. A bird s o m e t i m e s perches (= sitsl on a tree 62 Spend on, not for. Don't say: \ spend a lot of time for my computer. / Say: I spend a lot of time on my computer. 63 Succeed in, not at. Don't say: 1 hope he'll succeed at his work. / Say: I hope he'll succeed in his work. N o t e . A p e r s o n succeeds t o a property, a title, or a n o f f i c e : Queen Elizabeth I! succeeded to the throne in 1952 A l s o o n e p e r s o n C3n succeed a n o t h e r . 64 Superior to, not from or than. Don't say: This is superior from (or than) that. / 5«y.This is superior to that. N o t e A l s o inferior to, junior t o , senior t o , subsequent to, prior to. 65 Sure of, not for. Don't say: I'm quite sure for her honesty. / Say: I'm quite sure of her honesty. N o t e : A l s o certain of I em quite certain of >t 66 Surprised at or by, not for. Don't say: Harold was surprised for the loud bang. / Say: Harold was surprised at/by the loud bang. N o t e . Also astonished at/by, amazed at/by, alarmed at/by, pu2zled at/by, shocked at/by
20. Part 1 Have another look at... Prepositions after certain words Note carefully the prepositions used after the follow in accuse of guilty of accustomed to independent of afraid of indifferent to aim at insist angry with, at interested in arrive at. in jealous of ashamed of look at believe in married to boast of no doubt of or about careful of, with, about pleased wit it complain about prefer to composed of proud of conform to related ro congratulate on repent of consist of satisfied with cure of similar to depend on succeed in deprive of superior to die of sure of different from surprised at, by dressed' m suspect of fail in tired of full of translate into good Ql warn of, about guard against
21. Misused forms 67 Suspect of, not for. Don't say: I suspect Kate for stealing the pen. / Say: I suspect Kate of stealing the pen. Note A l s o suspicious of: O o g s are suspicious of strangers 68 Take by» not from. Don't say: Robert took his brother from the hand. / Say: Robert took his brother by the hand. M o t e : A l s o : h o l d by, catch by, seize by, snatch by, grasp by. 69 Tie to, not O K . Don't say;The girl tied the string on the kite. / i'i7y:The girl tied the string to the kite. U'.nt A l s o b i n d t o : T h e prisoner was bound to r^p IMA-I? 70 Tired of, not from. Don't say: The boys are tired from eating boiled eggs. / .V<2y:Thc boys are tired of eating boiled eggs. 71 Translate into, not to. Don't say; Translate this passage to English. / Say: Translate this passage into English. 72 Tremble with cold, etc., not from cold. etc. Don't say: The man was trembling from cold. / Sm':The man was trembling with cold. Not? A l s o shake w i t h a n d shiver w i t h . T h e thief i^as shaking yvith le-)' 73 Warn (a person) of danger, not about danger. Don't say: They were warned about the danger. / Say: They were warned of the danger. No'? i U s e w a r n a b o u t for specific t h i n g s r h p y v/amed w, abom t i , j f'j-i,'. m -th' road 13
22. Part 1 N o t e 2 W e w a r n a p e r s o n a g a i n s t a f a u l t . Wis teacher warned him against breaking the rules. 74 Write in ink, not with ink. Don't say: I've written the letter with ink. / Say: I've written the letter in ink. Note W e use in w h e n w e a t e r e l e r r m g to t h e final w o r k The drawing was done in charcoal Dora writes her letters in green ink W h e n w e a r e referring T O t h e instrument u s e d w e u s e w i t h The children art- l e a r n i n g tn write with a pen Helen prefers to paint with a thin brush (See Exercises 73-76 on pages 168-170) Misuse of the infinitive Use the gerund and not the infinitive: (a) After prepositions or preposition phrases: 75 Without, etc. + -ing. Don't say: Do your work without to speak. / Say: Do your work without speaking. 76 Instead of, etc. + -ing. Don't say: He went away instead to watt. / Say: He went away instead of waiting. (b) After words which regularly take a preposition: 77 Capable of + -ing. Don't say:They're quite capable to do that. / Say: They're quite capable of doing that. Note Also incapable of; t o +• t h e infinitive f o l l o w s a b l e or u n a b l e He-
23. Misused forms 78 Fond of + -ing. Don't say: She's always fond to talk. / Say: She's always fond of talking. 79 Insist on + -ing. Don't say: Simon insisted to go to London. / Say: Simon insisted on going to London. 80 Object to + -ing. Don't say: I object to be treated like this. / Say: I object to being treated like this. 81 Prevent from + -ing. Don't say: The rain prevented me to go. / Say: The rain prevented me from going. 82 Succeed in 4- -ing. Don't say: Paula succeeded to win the prize. / Say: Paula succeeded in winning the prize. 83 Think of + -ing. Don't say: 1 often think to go to England. / Say: 1 often think of going to England. 84 Tired of i- -ing. Don't say: The customer got tired to wait. / Say: The customer got tired of waiting. 85 Used to + -ing. Don't say: She's used to get up early. / Say: She's used to getting up early. 15
24. Part 1 (c) After certain verbs: 86 Avoid -i- -ing. Don't say: You can't avoid to make mistakes. / Say: You can't avoid making mistakes. N o t e ' Also can't help (= c a n ' t a v o i d ) . / can't help laughing. 87 Enjoy + -ing. Don't say: I enjoy to play football. / Say: I enjoy playing football. N o t e : U s e t h e g e r u n d or t o + infinitive after v e r b s m e a n i n g to like or t o dislike H e likes 1 reading English books, o r H e likes to read English books. 88 Excuse + -ing. Don't say: Please excuse me to be so late. / Say: Please excuse my being so late. Or: Please excuse me for being so late. 89 Finish + -ing. Don't say: Have you finished to speak? / Say: Have you finished speaking? N o t e , t o t infinitive or t h e g e r u n d f o l l o w verbs m e a n i n g t o begin She began to speak, or She began speaking. 90 Go on (continue) + -ing. Don't say: The music went on to play all day. / Say: The music went on playing all day. N o t e : Also keep o n ; She kept on playing the piano. 91 Mind (object to) + -ing. Don't say: Would you mind to open the door? / Say: Would you mind opening the door?
25. 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 After words which regularly take a preposition, such as fond of, insist on, tired of, succeed in. Examples: I'm tired of doing the work again. He succeeded in catching the rat. 3 After certain verbs, such as avoid, enjoy, finish, stop, risk, excuse. Examples: They enjoy playing football. The wind has stopped bloxving. 4 After the adjectives busy and worth. Examples: Lena was busy writing a book. This date is vjorth remembering. 5 After certain phrases, such as it's no use, it's no good, I can't help, would you mind, look forward to. Examples: 1 think it's no use trying again. J can't help feeling angry about it. Use the gerund or the infinitive after certain verbs, such as begin, like, dislike, hate, love, prefer. Example: He began to talk or He began talking. 17
26. Part % 92 Practise + -ing. Don't say: You must practise to speak English. / Say: You must practise speaking English. 93 Remember + -ing. Don't say: I don't remember to have seen b\ra. / Say: I don't remember seeing him. Or; I don't remember having seen him. 94 Risk + -ing. Don't say: We couldn't risk to leave him alone. / Say: We couldn't risk leaving him alone. 95 Stop f -rag. Don't say: The wind has almost stopped'to b'rAv. / Say: The wind has almost stopped blowing. Note y i v e u p '= xto-pl g;.ve u:: smoking. (d) Afiei ce.rtah: adjectives: 95 Busy + -ing. Don't say: tie was busy to revise the exams. Say: He was busy revising for the exams. 97 Worth + -ing. Don't say. Is today's film worth to see? / Say: Is today's film worth seeing? (e) After certain phrases: 98 Have difficulty in + -ing. Don't say: She has no difficulty to do it. / Say: She has no difficulty in doing it.
27. Misused forms 99 Have the pleasure of + -ing. Don't say: I had the pleasure to meet him. / Say: I had the pleasure of meeting him. Not? take pleasure in Ho takes great pleasure in h*tpt'100 It's no use + -ing. Don't say: It's no use to cry like a baby. / Say: It's no use crying like a baby. 101 It's no good + -ing. Don't say: It's no good to get angry. / Say: It's no good getting angry. 102 Look forward to + -ing. Don't say: I look forward to see him soon. / Say: I look forward to seeing him soon. 103 There is no harm in +• -ing. Don't say: There's no harm to visit her now. / Say: There's no harm in visiting her now. (See Exercises 63 and 64 on page 164.) Use of the wrong tense 104 Using the past tense after did instead of the infinitive without to. (a) To ask questions: Don't say: Did you went to school yesterday? / Say. Did you go to school yesterday? (b) To make negatives: Don't say: 1 did not went to school yesterday. 19
28. Part 1 / Say: I did not go to school yesterday. U s e t h e p r e s e n t infinitive w i t h o u t to, n o t t h e p a s t t e n s e a f t e r t h e auxiliary did. N o t e : t h e a n s w e r t o a q u e s t i o n b e g i n n i n g w i t h did is a l w a y s in t h e p a s t tense. Did you s e e the picture? -Yes . I saw the picture; or Yes, I did. 105 Using the third person singular after does instead of the infinitive without to. (a) To ask questions: Don't say: Does the gardener waters the flowers? / Say: Does the gardener water the flowers? (b) To make negatives: Don't say: The man doesn't waters the flowers. / Say: The man doesn't water the flowers. A f t e r t h e auxiliary does u s e t h e infinitive w i t h o u t to, a n d n o t t h e t h i r d person o f t h e present. N o t e T h e a n s w e r t o a q u e s t i o n b e g i n n i n g w i t h Does is a l w a y s in t h e present t e n s e , third p e r s o n : Does he like the cinema? - Yes, he flkes the cinema, or Yes, he does. (For Sections 104-105 see Exercises 33 and 34 on pages 152-153.) 106 Using the third person singular after can, must, etc., instead 6f the infinitive without to. Don't say: Ian can speaks English very well. / Say: Ian can speak English very well. A f t e r t h e verbs can, must, may, shall, a n d w i l l , u s e t h e infinitive w i t h o u t to, a n d n o t t h e third p e r s o n o f t h e p r e s e n t . 107 Wrong sequence of tenses. Don't say: Rachel asked me what I am doing. / Say: Rachel asked me what I was doing. W h e n t h e v e r b in t h e m a i n c l a u s e is i n t h e p a s t t e n s e , u s e a p a s t t e n s e in s u b o r d i n a t e clauses.
29. Misused forms N o t e . This rule d o e s n ' t a p p l y (1) t o verbs w i t h i n q u o t a t i o n s . (2) to facts t h a t are t r u e at all t i m e s W e say: 1 S h e s a i d , 'I a m w a i t i n g for your a n s w e r ' 2 H e s a i d t h a i L o n d o n is a great city 108 Using will/11 instead of would/'d in a subordinate clause. Don't say: He said (that) he will/'ll come tomorrow. / Say: He said (that) he would/'d come tomorrow. W i l l / ' i l c u n G e s t o w o u l d / ' d in s u b c c m a t e c a u s e s , w h e n t h e v e r b >n t h e n a m clause: is .n a past t e r s e 109 Using may instead of might in a subordinate clause. Don't say: Last Sunday Ailsa told me that she may come. / Say: Last Sunday Ailsa told me that she might come. M a y c h a n g e s t o m i g h t in s u b o r d i n a t e clauses, w h e n t h e verb in t h e m a i n ciduse is m t h e past s'mple tense Note T h e c o n j u n c t i o n t h a t is n e v e r p r e c e d e d by a c o m m a 110 Using can instead of could in a subordinate clause. Don't say: Ben thought he can win the prize. / Say: Ben thought he could win the prize. C a n c h a n g e s t o c o u l d :n s u b o r d i n a t e d o u s e s , w h e n t h e v e r b in t h e m a i n clause is ir t h e oast s i m p l e t e n s e . (For Sections 107-110 see Exercises -22 and 23 on pages 147-148.) 111 Using the past simple tense after to + the infinitive. Don't say: He tried to kicked the ball away. / Say: He tried to kick the ball away. Don t use t h e simple past t e n s e a l t e r t o . 21
30. Part 1 112 Using the past simple tense after an auxiliary verb, instead of the past participle. Don't say: I've forgot to bring my book. S Say: I've forgotten to bring my book. U s e t h e p a s t p a i t i c i p l e ( a n d n o t t h e p a s t tense) w i t h t h e auxiliary verb h a v e a< its p^rts. 113 Using must or ought to to express a past obligation. Don't say: You ought to come yesterday. •/ Say: You ought to have come yesterday. Or: You should have come yesterday. D o n ' t u s e must a n d o u g h t t o as p a s t tenses To express a p a s t d u t y ( w h i c h w a s n ' t d o n e ) u s e t h e p e r f e c t infinitive w i t h o u t t o after a u g h t t o or should, or expressions s u c h as h a d t o , w a s o b l i g e d to. N o t e ' In indirect s p e e c h u s e must a n d o u g h t t o as past t e n s e s : H e said he must do it. 114 Using the present perfect instead of the simple past tense. Don't say: I have seen a good film yesterday. / Say: I saw a good film yesterday. U s e t h e simple past t e n s e ( a n d n o t t h e p r e s e n t p e r f e c t ! for a n a c t i o n comple m t h e past a t a s t a t e d t i m e . N o t e ' W h e n a s e n t e n c e h a s a w o r d or a p h r a s e d e n o t i n g p a s t t i m e , like yesterday, last night, last w e e k , last year, t h e n , ago, etc., a l w a y s use a simple past t e n s e . 115 Using the simple past tense instead of the present perfect. Don't say: 1 saw the Parthenon of Athens. / Say: I have seen the Parthenon of Athens. If w e a r e s p e a k i n g of t h e result of a past a c t i o n r a t h e r t h a n o f t h e a c t i o n it w e must use t h e present perfect tense W h e n s o m e b o d y says, / have seen P a r t h e n o n , h e o r s h e is n o t t h i n k i n g so m u c h of t h e p a s t a c t o f s e e i n g it, a t h e present result of t h a t past a c t i o n .
31. Misused forms 116 Using the simple past tense with a recent, action, instead of the present perfect. Don't say: The clock struck. / Say: The clock has struck. If w e ^ r e s p e a k i n g o f a n a c t i o n just f i n i s h e d , w e m u s t use t h e p r e s e n t p e r f e c t instead of t h e simple p a s t t e n s e , For e x a m p l e , i m m e d i a t e l y a f t e r t h e clock strikes, w e s h o u l d n ' t s a y The clock struck, b u l The dock has struck. 117 Using the simple present instead of the present perfect. Don't say: I'm at this school two years. / Say: I've been at this school two years. Use t h e p r e s e n t p e r f e c t ( a n d n o t t h e simple p r e s e n t ) f o r a n a c t i o n b e g u n in t h e past a n d c o n t i n u i n g into t h e p r e s e n t . I've been at this school two years m e a n s I'm stilt here. 118 Using the simple present instead of the present perfect after a since clause of time. Don't say: Since he came, we're happy. / Say: Since he came, we've been happy. T h e verb a f t e r a since c l a u s e o f t i m e is g e n e r a l l y in t h e p r e s e n t p e r f e c t tense. 19 Using the simple present instead of the present continuous. Don't say: Look! Two boys fight. / Say: Look! Two boys are fighting. N o t e . W e also u s e t h e p r e s e n t c o n t i n u o u s for t h e f u t u r e ' w h e n s o m e t h i n g is pre-arranged o r e x p e c t e d w i t h s o m e c e r t a i n t y Lorna is arriving tomorrow at six. Tom and I are eating out tonight. 20 The continuous form of the tense misused. Don't soy: Pm understanding the lesson now. / Say: I understand the lesson now. As a rule, v e r b s d e n o t i n g a s t a t e r a t h e r t h a n en a c t h a v e n o c o n t i n u o u s f o r m s , like understand, know, believe, like, love, belong, prefer, consist, mean, hear, see. e t c . 23
32. Part 1 121 Using the present continuous for a habitual action, instead of the simple present. Don't say: Every morning I'm going for a walk. / Say: Every morning I go for a walk. U s e t h e s i m p l e present ( a n d n o t t h e p r e s e n t c o n t i n u o u s ) t o express a p r e s e n t habitual action. N o t e . U s e t h e present c o n t i n u o u s t o express a h a b i t u a l a c t i o n w i t h t h e w o r d a l w a y s or w i t h a v e r b d e n o t i n g a c o n t i n u o u s s t a t e : He is always talking in class; He is living in London. 122 Using the verb to use for the present habitual action. Don't say: I use to get up at six every morning. / Say: I get up at six every morning. Or: I'm accustomed to getting up at six, etc. T h e v e r b t o use d o e s n ' t express a habit in t h e present. / use m e a n s / employ. I use a pen to write with. Note 1 Used t o expresses a past s t a t e o r h a b i t a n d it usually refers t o s o m e old situation w h i c h n o longer exists: / used to see him every day; My father used to play football very well. 123 Using the past continuous for a habitual action, instead of the simple past tense. Don't say: Last year I was walking to school every day. / Say: Last year I walked to school every day. U s e t h e simple past t e n s e t o express a h a b i t in t h e past, a n d n o t t h e past continuous N o t e : U s e t h e past c o n t i n u o u s t e n s e t o describe e v e n t s in t h e past h a p p e n i n g at t h e t i m e a n o t h e r a c t i o n t o o k place: / was walking to school when I met him. 124 Using the past tense instead of the past perfect. Don't say: The train already left before I arrived. / Say: The train had already left before I arrived. U s e t h e past p e r f e c t w h e n t h e t i m e o f o n e p a s t a c t i o n is m o r e past t h a n t h a t of another. P u t t h e a c t i o n w h i c h w a s c o m p l e t e d first in t h e past p e r f e c t a n d t h e s e c o n d a c t i o n in t h e p a s t t e n s e .
33. Misused forms N o t e : D o n ' t u s e t h e p r e s e n t t e n s e a n d t h e p a s t p e r f e c t in t h e s a m e s e n t e n c e . It w o u l d b e i n c o r r e c t t o say: My brother says that he had not gone to the cinema last night. 125 Using the past perfect instead of the simple past tense. Don't say: I'd finished the book yesterday / Say: I finished the book yesterday. D o n ' t u s e t h e p a s t p e r f e c t unless t h e r e is a n o t h e r v e r b j n t h e past t e n s e in t h e same sentence. (See Section 124.) 126 Using the future in a clause of time, instead of the present tense. Don't say: I'll see you when I shall come back. / Say: I'll see you when I come back. If t h e v e r b in t h e m a i n c l a u s e is in t h e f u t u r e , t h e v e r b in t h e t i m e c l a u s e m u s t b e in t h e present t e n s e 127 Using the future in the if clause instead of the present tense. Don't say: If he'll ask me, I will/'ll stay. / Say: If he asks me, I will/'ll stay. U s e t h e p r e s e n t t e n s e in a f u t u r e c o n d i t i o n a l in t h e if c l a u s e a n d t h e f u t u r e t e n s e in t h e m a i n c l a u s e N o t e : B u t t h e f u t u r e t e n s e m a y b e u s e d in a n if c l a u s e expressing a request: If you will/'ll give me some money I will/'ll buy you a drink. 128 Using the present tense after as if or as though instead of the past. Don't say: Janine talks as if she knows everything. / Say: Janine talks as if she knew everything. U s e t h e p a s t t e n s e a f t e r t h e p h r a s e as if or as t h o u g h . He talks as if he knew everything, m e a n s He talks as he would talk if he knew everything. N o t e : U s e t h e s u b j e c t i v e w e r e w i t h t h e v e r b t o be after as if: W e a c t s as if he were a rich man. 25
34. Part 1 129 Using the past conditional of wish instead of the present indicative. Don't say: I would wish to know more English. / Say: I wish (that) I knew more English. U s e t h e present t e n s e of w i s h t o express a present m e a n i n g , f o l l o w e d by a that c l a u s e c o n t a i n i n g a p a s t t e n s e . 130 Using a wrong tense with an improbable condition. Don't say: If he would/'d ask me, I would/'d stay. / Say: If he asked me, I would/'d stay. Express a n improbable c o n d i t i o n by t h e p a s t t e n s e a n d u s e t h e c o n d i t i o n a l in t h e m a i n c l a u s e . This u s e o f t h e past t e n s e d o e s n ' t i n d i c a t e a t i m e b u t a d e g r e e of probability 131 Using a wrong tense with a counterfactual condition. Don't say: If he would/'d have asked me, I would/'d stay. / Say: If he had/'d asked me, I would/'d have stayed. Express a c o u n t e r f a c t u a l ( t h a t d i d n ' t h a p p e n ) c o n d i t i o n by t h e past p e r f e c t a n d use t h e past c o n d i t i o n a l in t h e m a m c l a u s e . This u s e of t h e past p e r f e c t d o e s n ' t indicate a t i m e b u t a n i m p o s s i b l e h a p p e n i n g . 132 Using the infinitive instead of a finite verb. Don't say: Sir, to go home to get my book? / Say: Sir, may I go home to get my book? T h e infinitive simply n a m e s a n a c t i o n w i t h o u t r e f e r e n c e t o p e r s o n , n u m b e r o r t i m e T h e r e f o r e , it c a n ' t m a k e s e n s e w i t h o u t t h e h e l p of a finite v e r b . 133 Mixing up the tenses. Don't say: They asked him to be captain, but he refuses. / Say: They asked him to be captain, but he refused. If y o u b e g i n w i t h a v e r b referring t o p a s t t i m e , k e e p t h e v e r b f o r m s in t h e past. The s a m e rule applies t o t e n s e s t h r o u g h o u t a c o m p o s i t i o n . (See Exercises 24-30 on pages 148-151.)
35. Mfsused forms Haw look at ... Use of certain tenses 1 Use the Simple Present for habitual or frequent ac'icns, and use the Present Continuous for actions taking place at the present moment. Examples: 1 read the newspaper every day. I'm reading an English book (now). 2 Use the Simple Past when a definite time or date is mentioned, and use the Present Perfect when no time is Examples: 1 did my homework last night. I've done my homework (so I can watch TV - or whatever - now). 2 Express habitual or repeated actions in the past either by the Simple Past or by the phrase used to. Example: 1 went (or 1 used to go) to the cinema every week last year. N o t e : D o n ' t u s e t h e P a s t C o n t i n u o u s (/ was going) for a past h a b i t u a l action, b u t for d n a c t i o n in t h e past c o n t i n u i n g at t h e t i m e a n o t h e r action rook place / was going t o t h e c i n e m a when I met him. 4 The only correct tense to use is the Present Perfect if the action began in. the past and is still continuing in the Example: I've been in this class for two months. 5 Be very careful NOT to use the future but the Present tense in a clause of time or condition, if the verb in the main clause is in the future. Example: 1 will/'ll visit the Parthenon when 1 go (or if I go) to Athens. 77
36. Part 1 Miscellaneous examples 134 Confusion of gender. Don't say: The door is open, please shut her. S Say: The door is open, please shut it. In English only n a m e s of p e o p l e a n d a n i m a l s h a v e g e n d e r ( m a s c u l i n e c feminme) I n a n i m a t e t h i n g s a r e neuter, a n d t a k e t h e p r o n o u n it m t h e singular N o t e : It's possible t o use m a s c u l i n e or f e m i n i n e p r o n o u n s w h e n i n a n i m a t e t h i n g s a r e p e r s o n i f i e d : England is proud of her navy. 135 Using the possessive '$ with inanimate objects. Don't say: Her room's window is open. / Say: The window of her room is open. W i t h i n a n i m a t e objects w e usually u s e t h e of s t r u c t u r e T"he d o o r of the car. 'The leg of the table The surface of the water W i t h t h e n a m e s of p l a c e s a n d o r g a n i s a t i o n s w e c a n use either- L o n d o n ' s streets = T h e streets of L o n d o n . Italy's c l i m a t e . = T h e c l i m a t e of Italy. T h e school's m a i n office = T h e m a i n office of t h e s c h o o l . Note H o w e v e r , w e d o say a day's w o r k , a night's rest, a w e e k ' s holiday, a pound's w o r t h , etc., especially w i t h similar m e a s u r e s of t i m e 136 Using the objective case after the verb to be. Don't say: It was him. / Say: It was he. T h e p r o n o u n c o m i n g after t h e verb t o b e must b e in t h e n o m i n a t i v e case, a n d not m t h e o b j e c t i v e in w r i t t e n c o m p o s i t i o n . H o w e v e r , t h e o b j e c t i v e case is n o w usually u s e d in c o v e r s a t i o n ' It's m e . l t w a s him/her/them, etc 137 Using the objective case after the conjunction than. Don't say: My sister is taller than me. / Say: My sister is taller than I (am). T h e w o r d than is a c o n j u n c t i o n , a n d c a n only b e f o l l o w e d by a p r o n o u n in t h e n o m i n a t i v e case T h e v e r b c o m i n g after t h e p r o n o u n is g e n e r a l l y o m i t t e d . Note Use t h e o b j e c t i v e case in s p o k e n E n g l i s h . You're much taller than me
37. Misused forms 138 Using the subject pronoun after between. Don't say: It's a secret between you and I. / Say: It's a secret between you and me. B e t w e e n ii j preposition, arid all p r e p o s i t i o n ; takt- t h e objective case "hem 139 Using an object pronoun before a gerund. Don't say: Him laughing at her was what made her angry. / Say: His laughing at her was what made her angry. vVnen ive usi a n - i n g verb as a noj'i, t f v p r e c e d ' n c n o u n or p r o n o u n 1 f".iy,i be possess.ve 140 Using an object pronoun in a double genitive. Don't say: A friend of him told us the news. / Say A friend of his told us the news. W e use t h e d o u b l e q e n t i v e ; o f + n a m e + ' s , h i s , m i n e etc i w h = n w e v.,in>. v.. empli.jSise t h e p e r s o n w h o possesses rather t h a n the th.no w r v c h n c oov.psse' A f r i e n d o f h i s is simply a n o t h e r w a y of saving o n e o f h i s f r i e n d s 141 Misuse of -self forms. Don't say: Michael and myself are here, / Say: Michael and I are here. U s e I'-n? s r r o l e D e r . c i a p r o n o u n s I, y o u , t i e , etc . if no emoh r ip'i-'-.;i>'; Note U s e t h e -self p r o n o u n s n t w o v , a v s > 1) *'cr emoha:,.'.-. $h>> herself hun . i j i 'p'le^veiv h'' , r herself. 142 Using hisself or then selves instead of himself or themselves. Don't say: They fell down and hurt theirselvcs. / Say: They fell down and hurt themselves. T h e ret'exive p r o n o u n s , t h u d p e r s o n , are h i m s e l f a n d t h e m s e l v e s , a n d c o t hsself and theirseivei 29
38. Part 1 3 Misuse of noun/verb homonyms. Don't say: Becky played, a good play of chess. ' Say: Beck / played a good game of chess. 1 S o m e verbs a n d n o u n s d o h a v e t h e s a m e f o r m a n d a n a l o g o u s m e a n i n g in English The police fight a haid fighr Heather dreams long vivid dreams Ifyo-j lie the lie will eaten you out 1 The company danced an African dance However, w e seldom use t h e s a m e w o r d like this. Usually w e try t o a v o i d it in ? o m e w a y : She fought a long battle with them. if you lie you will be caught out The company did an African dance. 14 Using the relative pronoun which for persons. Don't say: I've a brother which is at school. f Say: I've a brother who is at school. Only use w h i c h as a relative p r o n o u n f o r a n i m a l s or t h i n g s . T h e right p r o n o u n to use for p e o p l e is w h o ( w h o s e , w h o m ) . 45 Using what or which after everything, etc. Don't say: I heard everything which (or what) he said. / Say: I heard everything (that) he said. Don't use the relative p r o n o u n s w h i c h a n d w h a t a f t e r e v e r y t h i n g , a ( ( , something, anything, a fot, (not much), little, o r nothing W e c a n use t h a t after these words, oi .'t Can b e o m i t t e d . 46 Who and whom. Don't say: I saw the woman whom you said lived next door. / Say: I saw the woman (who) you said lived next door. W e rarely u s e w h o m in m o d e r n English W e still u s e it after p r e p o s i t i o n s t o , by, w i t h , after, on etc. For e x a m p l e . The girl to whom you were speaking is Nigerian. W e prefer t o a v o i d this n o w a d a y s b y c h a n g i n g t h e order of t h e sentence. The girl you were speaking to •$ Nigerian. V o u c a n also u s e t h a t in place of w h o : The girl that you were speaking to is Nigerian (For Sections 144-146 see Exercise 18 on page 145.)
39. Misused forms 147 Using who, whom, or which after the superlative, instead of that. Don't say: It's the best which I've seen. / Say: It's the best (that) I've seen. U s e t h e relative t h a t ( n o t w h o , w h o m , or which) after a superlative it c a n , however, be omitted. 148 The same as/same that. Don't say: Amelia bought the same bag that me. / Say: Amelia bought the same bag as me. A f t e i t h e same w e use as unless it's f o l l o w e d by a s u b o r d i n a t e clause, m w h i c h case w e u?-e that, or o m i t i t M r s m i t h o r d e r e d t h e s a m e m e a l ifhati h e ordered before. Note S o m e t i m e s w e use that instead of w h o or w h i c h after same H e w o r e - the same d o m e s t h a t h e w o r e or> S u n d a y 149 Using who? or what? instead of which? Don't say: Who of the two boys is the taller? U s e t h e i n t e r r o g a t i v e p r o n o u n w h i c h ? for b o t h p e o p l e a n d t h i n g s , asks for one o u t of a d e f i n i t e n u m b e r Note T h e i n t e r r o g a t i v e p r o n o u n w h a t ? d o e s n ' t imply c h o i c e W h a t ' s your telephone number? It's also u s e d to ask for a person's p r o f e s s i o n . Whats your father? - He's a /ai-vyer (Compare Section 144.) 150 Who? and Whom? (a) Who? Don't say: Whom do you think will be chosen? / Say: Who do you think will be chosen? (b) Whom? Don't say: Who do you think I saw yesterday? / Say: Whom do you think I saw yesterday? In s e n t e n c e o< w h o is t h e subject o f w i l l be chosen, do you think is a 31
40. Part 1 pdrenibeMS In s e n t e n c e (b) w h o m is Hie o b j e c t of I s a w , do you think is a parenthesis (For Sections 149 and 150 see Exercise 19 on page 145.) 51 Using one other instead of another. Don't say: Please give me one other book. / Say: Please give me another book. A n o t h e r is f o r m e d f r o m a n a n d o t h e r , but ir.s'ead of b e i n g w r i t t e n a n o t h e r it's w r i t t e n rf'- o n e w o r d a n o t h e r . 52 Using the superlative instead of the comparative. Don't say: John is the tallest of the two boys. f Say: John is the taller of the two boys. V I J C rhp '.o reparative w h e n t w o p e o p l e or thinqs are c o m p a r e d See 1 5 4 53 Using from after the comparative instead of than. Don't say: Amy is taller from her brother. / Sav: Amy is taller than her brother. Adjectives (or adverbs) 54 Using the comparative instead of the superlative. Don't say: Cairo is the larger city in Africa. ^ Say: Cairo is the largest city in Africa. Use the superlative w h e n m o r e t h a n t w o persons or t h i n g s are c o m p a r e d 55 Using the more instead of most. Don't say: The more people will agree with me. / Say: Most people will agree with me. Use m o s t (riot the more) w h e n y o u m e a n (he majority of tlo'e Use t h e m o r e rn s e n t e n c e s like The more I complain, the more- faugh The m c e w e w r i t e , t h e happier our furor D e c o m e s .
41. Misused forms 1 56 Using more good or more bad instead of better or worse. Don't say: This one looks more good than that. / Say: This one looks better than that. T h e adjectives g o o d a n d b a d h a v e r r e g u l a r f o r m s of c o r r o a n s o n good, better, b e s t and b a d , w o r s e , w o r s t . (For Sections 151-156 see Exercises 7 and 8 on page 140.) 157 Using home instead of at home. Don't say: In the afternoon I stay home. / Say: In the afternoon I stay at home. Use t h e p h r a s e a t h o m e t o m e a n no p r e p o s i t i o n .3 necessary He wants to go home 1 58 Using from instead of one of or among. Don't, say: She is from the nicest girls I know. / Say: She is one of the nicest girls I know. A v o i d u s i n g from in t h e sense of o n e o f or a m o n g . 1 59 Using the passive infinitive (to be + past participle) instead of the active (to + infinitive). Don't say: English isn't easy to be learned. / Say: English isn't easy to learn. T h e a d j e c t i v e s e a s y , d i f f i c u l t , h a r d , h e a v y , g o o d , etc., are generally f o l l o w e d by t h e active infinitive. 160 Using an intransitive verb in the passive form. Don't say: She was disappeared from the house. / Say: She disappeared from the house. As a ' u l e , d o n ' t use intransitive v e r b s , like a p p e a r , s e e m , b e c o m e , c o n s i s t , in t h e passive f o r m Intransitive v e r b s d o n ' t h a v e a n object 33
42. Part 1 161 Mixing up one form of the verb with another. Don't say: It's better to enjoy yourself when you're young rather than wasting time worrying about the future. / Say: It's better to enjoy yourself when you're young than to waste time worrying about the future. O o n ' t mix o r e f o r m of [ h e verb w i t h a n o t h e r If t h e first v e r b in a c o m p a r i s o n is m t h e infinitive, t h e s e c o n d m u s t also b e in t h e infinitive 162 Wrong sequence of moods. Don't say: If you would/'d do me this favour, I will/'ll 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 will/'ll do me this favour, I will/'d be very grateful to you. 163 The unrelated participle. Don't say: Being in a hurry, the door was left open. / Say: Being in a hurry, he left the door open. Take c a r e to provide the logical subject relating t o t h e participle p h r a s e In t h e s e n t e n c e g i v e n , t h e logical subject t o being in haste is he a n d n o t t h e door. 164 The question phrase isn't it? misused. Don't say: He played well yesterday, isn't it? / Say: He played well yesterday, didn't he? U s e t h e q u e s t i o n p h r a s e isn't it only w h e n t h e p r e c e d i n g s t a t e m e n t c o n t a i n s t h e w o r d is: It is a hot day, isn't itl Note In this f o r m of q u e s t i o n , u s e t h e s a m e t e n s e a n d p e r s o n as in t h e preceding s t a t e m e n t a n d u s e t h e c o r r e c t auxiliary if, h o w e v e r , t h e p r e c e d i n g s t a t e m e n t is in the n e g a t i v e f o r m , t h e q u e s t i o n p h r a s e o m i t s not. W e say I They a r e o n holiday, aren't t h e y ? T h e y a r e n ' t o n holiday, are t h e y ? 7 Y o u speak English, don't y o u ? Y o u d o n ' t Speak F r e n c h ; do y o u ' (See Exercise 36 on page 154.)
43. Misused forms 165 Misuse of the gerund to express purpose. Don't say: I come here for learning English. / Say: I come here to learn English. Express p u r p o s e by using t h e infinitive, n o t t h e g e r u n d 166 Yes or No in answer to negative questions. Question: Didn't you see the game? . Yes, - that is, I saw it. Answer: , ... No, - that is, 1 didn t see it. In a n s w e r i n g n e g a t i v e q u e s t i o n s , say Yes if t h e a n s w e r is a n a f f i r m a t i o n , a n d No if it's a n e g a t i v e . T h a t is, a n s w e r w i t h o u t a n y regard t o t h e n e g a t i v e f o r m of t h e q u e s t i o n . 16 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. In English t w o n e g a t i v e s a r e e q u a l to a n a f f i r m a t i v e s t a t e m e n t . Y o u s h o u l d avoid using t w o negative w o r d s m the same clause w h e n not is u s e d , none c h a n g e s t o any, nothing t o a n y t h i n g , n o b o d y t o a n y b o d y , no one to a n y o n e , n o w h e r e t o a n y w h e r e , neither . nor t o either or (See Exercise 38 on page 155.) 168 Using one time or two times instead of once or twice. Don't say: I was absent one time or two times. / Say: I was absent once or twice. U s e once a n d t w i c e i n s t e a d of one t i m e a n d t w o times 169 Using a day, etc., instead of one day, etc. Don't say: A day they went sight-seeing in Florence. / Say: One day they went sight-seeing in Florence. U s e o n e ( n o t a or an) w i t h day, night, morning, a f t e r n o o n a n d evening, w h e n t h e o n e m e a n s on a certain .... 35
44. Part 1 170 Using the other day instead of She next day, etc. Don't say: David slept well and was better the other day. / Say: David slept well and was better the next day (or on the following day). Noie T h e o t h e r d a y 15 an n \ o m me.iniiio, a f e w days a g o ' r n H dn old t'.fnd the other day 171 Using one and a half, instead of half past one, etc. Don't say: Lessons begin at eight and a half. / Say: Lessons begin at half past eight. T. ell:r",g ' m e , say h a l f p a s t o n e f h a l f p a s t tVL'o, h a l f p a s t t h r e e , - i t 172 Using as usually instead of as usual. Don't say: As usually, he "left his pen at home. / S'nv As usual, he left his pen at home. 173 Using according to my opinion instead of hi my opinion. Don't say: According to my opinion, she's right. / Say: In my opmion, she's right. Note A v o i d using the p h r a s e a s I t h i n k instead of i t h i n ! ; S a y H e ' ; lazy d.-'d ' think he'H fail, not as I think) 174 Using at the end instead of in the end. Don't say: At the end they reached the city. / Say: In the end they reached the city. I n t h e e n d m e a n s finally or at last a t t h e e n d m e a n s at t h e f a r t h e s t p o i n t or part '"here's a n mdp*. at the end of this book There's a holiday at the end of this montn 1 75 Using under the rain instead of in the rain. Don't say: They played football under the rain. / Sav: They played football in the rain. Note Also in t h e s u n a n d in t h e sh3de H e i v a s sitting in the sun {01 in (he shade',
45. Misused forms Have another look at ... Express the negative in the present + past simple in one of two ways: 1 By putting not (n't) after the verb. Use this method with the following twenty-one verbs. am, is, are, was, were: have, has, had; shall, should; will, would, can, could; may, might; must; need; dare; ought ... to; used ... to. Examples: I'm not ready. You mustn't do that. He can't write well. He oughtn't to go. In conversation, not is often shortened to n't. We say don't for do not, doesn't for does not, didn't for did not, hadn't for had not, wouldn't for would not, etc. (Bui we say shan't for shall not, won't for will not, can't for 2 Use do, does, did, with not and the present infinitive (without to). Use this method with all verbs except those twenty-one given above. The word order is: SUBJKCT -i- do (does, did) + not + INFINITIVE Examples: I don't go there very often. He doesn't teach English.They didn't see the game. 3 Use other words of negative meaning to express negatives: no, nobody, no one, nothing, nowhere. Example: They know nothing or They do not (don't) know anything. 3
46. Part 1 176 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 w o r d reason d e n o t e s c a u s e , t h e r e f o r e t h e reason is because is fepeiinon T h e correct idiorn is the reason is t h a t . . . 177 Using a country instead of the country. Don't say: I spend my holidays in a country. / Say: I spend my holidays in the country. A country is a place like F r a n c e , India, or E g y p t . The country is a rural area w h e r e there are n o t o w n s o r cities. 178 Using if instead of whether. Don't say: I asked Paul if he was going. / Say: I asked Paul whether he was going. W h e r e or not is i m p l i e d , u s e w h e t h e r , n o t if. U n l i k e w h e t h e r , if d o e s n o t expect a Y e s or N o reply: ' s h a " speaJc ro him if he comes 179 Using any for two, instead of either. Don't say: Any of these two books is good. / Say: Either of these two books is good. Either m e a n s o n e o r t h e o t h e r of t w o , a n y m e a n s o n e of t h r e e or m o r e Any of these books will do. 180 Using likes me instead of I like. Don't say: The cinema likes me very much. / Say: I like the cinema very much. Note The cinema appeals to m e is c o n e d , a n d m e a n s / like the cinema very much
47. ?Vl»sysed 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. Semembei N e i t h e r m u s t b e f o l l o w e d by n o r a n d not by or. E i t h e r is f o l l o w e d by o r s h e d u n k s c i t h e r o r a n g e [uice or a p p l e junre 182 Using both in a negative sentence instead of neither. Don't nay: Both of them didn't go to school today. / Say: Neither of them went to school today. Remembsr C h a n g e b o t h into n e i t h e r in a n e g a t i v e s e n t e n c e a n d use h positive? v t r b 1 SB Using also or too in a negative sentence instead of either. !)on'r say: Joe hasn't come also (or too). / Say: Joe hasn't come either. Rpmfvt'her L . ' i a n q e a l s o or t o o into w i t h e r in r. n e g a t i v e sen t e r e s 184 U:,ing and in a negative sentence instead of or. Don't say: I don't like red and orange. I want the blue one. / Soy: I don't like red or orange. I want the bine one. i he mednn-q of t h e first i.&ntence is t h a t y o u d o n ' ' like trie t w o L O I O U I S toother The i n t e n d e d m e a n i n g is t h a t y o u d o n ' t like either of t h e m , even separately Note If w*. |om clauses w i t h different suoiects w e u s e a n d e v e n after a n e g a t i v e . H e didn't w r i t e t o m e a n d I w a s w o r n e d . 185 Using till instead of before or when. Don't say: I'd reached the school till the rain started. / Say: I'd reached the school before the rain started. Or Ed reached the school when the rain started. B e f o r e or w h e n i n t r o d u c e s a c l a u s e of t i m e , if t h e verb of t h e m a i n clause d e n o t e s a n a c t i o n c o m p l e t e d b e f o r e t h a t of the t i m e c l a u s e . 39
48. Part 1 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. Dcn't say: The pupil gave his exam. / Say:The pupil took his exam. Not*?. T h e t e a c h e r gives or sets t h e e x a m T h e s t u d e n t takes t h e e x a m or sits the e x a m 187 To be right or wrong, not to have right or wrong. Don't say: You've right or You've wrong. / Say: You're right or You're wrong. 188 To be busy, not to have work. Don't say: I have much work this morning. / Say: I'm very busy this morning. Note 1 W e c a n say I have a lot of work to do this morning 189 It's cold, etc., not it has cold, etc. Don't say: It has cold this winter. / Say: It's 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. M o l e ' W e c a n also say We had a walk o< W e t o o * a walk along the over.
49. Misused forms 191 Go for a ride on a bicycle, etc., not go for a walk on a bicycle, etc. Don't say: We went for a walk on our bicycles. / Say: We went for a ride on our bicycles. Nole W e ride o n a b i c y c l e , o n h o r s e b a c k , etc., b u t w e ride m a b u s , train, or o t h e r public v e h i c l e . 192 Mount or get on a horse, etc. not ride a horse, etc. Don't say: Peter rode his horse and went home. / Say: Peter got on his horse and rode home. Note To ride d e n o t e s a c o n t i n u o u s a c t i o n To m o u n t or to get on d e n o t e s a simple a c t i o n 193 Dismount or get off a horse, etc., not come down from a horse, etc. Don't say: They came down from their horses. / Say. They got off their horses. Note W e g e t o u t of a taxi oi a car W e get on or off t h e tram, t h e bus, e t c 194 Go on foot, not go with the feet. Don't say: 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: I make a shower every morning. / Say: I take a shower every morning. Or: 1 have a shower every morning. Note W h e n s p e a k i n g of t h e sea or the river, say. to bathe, to have a bathe, to go for a bathe, to go bathing, to go for a s w i m or to go s w i m m i n g 196 Ask a question, not make a question. Don't say: Naomi made me several questions. / Say: Naomi asked me several questions. 41
50. Part 1 197 Take an hour, not need an hour, etc. Don't say: I'll need an hour to do that. / Say: It'll 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 exercise, 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. Note W e say He made an interesting speech 201 Say one's prayers, not make or do one's prayer. Don't say: I make my prayer before I go to bed. / Say: I say my prayers before 1 go to bed. N o t e T o s a y g r a c e is t o ask G o d ' s blessing b e f o r e b e g i n m r g a m e a ' 1 202 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: I saw a strange dream last night. / Say: I had a strange dream last night. Or: 1 dreamt a strange dream last night. 204 Smoke a cigarette, etc., not drink a cigarette, etc. Don't say: He drinks too many cigarettes. / Say: He smokes too many cigarettes.
51. 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 truth. Don't say: Fiona always says the truth. / Say: Fiona always tells the truth. Or: Fiona always speaks the truth. Note A i s o t o t e l l a l i e ( n o ! t o s a y a lie): He told m e a lie. 207 See or watch a game, not to follow a game. Don't say: Did you follow the game? / Say: Did you see (or watch) the game? Note A v o i d s a y i n g fo follow the lesson w h e n y o u m e a n t o a t t e n d t h e cla 208 Turn (switch) the light on or off, n o t 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. Note W e l i g h t , b l o w o u t oi p u t o u t a l a m p , a c a n d l e , or a fire. 209 Give an example, not bring an example. Don't say: Can you bring a better example? / 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. N o t e . A v o i d to put a lesson, to put a goal Say instead, t o g i v e a l e s s o n , to score a goal.
52. Part 1 211 Set a watch by, not put a watch with. Don't say: I put my watch with the radio news. / Say: I set my watch by the radio news. 2 12 A watch is slow or fast, not goes behind or in front. Don't say: My watch goes two minutes behind. / Say: My watch is two minutes slow. Note W e c a n also say My watch loses or gains 213 Show a film, not play a film. Don't say: This film will be played shortly. / Say: This film will be shown shortly. 214 Have one's hair cut, not cut one's hair. Don't say: I'm going to cut my hair. / Say: I'm going to have my hair cut. Note A v o n j I'll m a t e & oair of shoes tor a suit oi clothes). Say instead I'll iiave a pair of shoes (or a suit of clothes) m a d e . 215 Learn by heart, not learn from out. Don't say: We have a poem to learn from out. / Sa^<: We have a poem to learn by heart. 216 Pvt on weight, not put weight. Don't say: I've put at least three kilos. / Say: I've put on at least three kilos. N o t e . T h e o p p o s i t e of t o put on w e i g h t is t o lose w e i g h t : She has lost five kilos 217 It works miracles, not it makes miracles. Don't Soy: That medicine makes miracles. / Say: That medicine works miracles.
53. Misused forms 218 Getting on with, not going with. Don't say: How is Susan going with her work? •/ Say: How is Susan getting on with her work? 219 This morning, etc., not today morning, etc. Don't say: I haven'i seen him today morning. / Say: I haven't seen him this morning. Note A , o i d today m o r n i n g , rodav a f f e r n c o n , today evening, yesterday night, th;$ night. Say: this m o r n i n g , t h i s a f t e r n o o n , t h i s e v e n i n g , last night, tonight. 220 Quietly, not slowly, slowly. Don't say: The boy came in slowly, slowly. / Say: The boy came in quietly. 221 Whaf's the matter not What have you? Don't say: What have you today? / Say: What's the matter with you today? Note W h a t ' s w r o n g ( w i t h you/?, W h a t ' s t h e t r o u b l e '.with you' ? a n d 1 W h a t ' s t h e p r o b l e m ? are aiso c o ' r e v 222 What do you ca!l ...? not How do you call Don't say: How do you call this in English? / Say: What do you call this in English? Note 1 If t h e q u e s t i o n isn't a b o u t a t h i n g , but a b o u t s o m e expression, w e ' d say. H o w d o y o u s a y t h i s in E n g l i s h ? (See Exercise 62 on pages 163-164.) 45
54. Part 2 Incorrect omissions Omission of prepositions The following are examples of mistakes made through the omission of the preposition after certain words: 223 Ask for a thing, not ask a thing. Don't say: She came and asked my book. / Say: She came and asked for my book. 224 Dispose/get rid of a thing, not dispose/get rid a thing. Don't say: He'll dispose/get rid all his property. / Say: He'll dispose/get rid of all his property. 225 Dream of a 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 at the door, not knock the door. Don't say: Who is knocking the door? / Say: Who is knocking at the door?
55. Incorrect omissions 228 Listen to a person or thing, not listen a person or thing. Don't say: They were listening the music. / Say: They were listening to the music. 229 Pay for a thing, not pay a thing. Don't say: How much did you pay the book? / Say: How much did you pay for the book? Note. A person can p a y another person H e / S h e c a n also p a y a bill, a n a c c o u n t , or a subscription He/She p a y s f o r a t h i n g that he/s.ne buys 230 Point to or at a person or thing, not point a person or thing. Don't say: He pointed the map on the wall. / Say: He pointed to the map on the wall. Or: He pointed at the map on the wall. Note Also p o i n t o u r H e pointed out the boy who did it T o p o i n t ( w i t h o u t a n y p r e p o s i t i o n ) m e a n s t o d i r e c t : Don't point the gun this way 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 to a person, not say a person. Don't say: Kevin said me, Come tomorrow. 1 / Say: Kevin said to me, 'Come tomorrow.' 47
56. Part 2 234 Search for a lost thing, not search a lost thing. Don't say:. They're searching the ball. / Say: They're searching for the ball. N o t e . I n s e a r c h of: The wolf goes in search of sheep T o s e a r c h s o m e o n e or s o m e t h i n g ( w i t h o u t t h e f o r ) m e a n s t o look in one's p o c k e t s or h o u s e : The policeman searched the man and his house. 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 to a person, not speak a person. Don't say: I'll speak him about that. / Say: I'll speak to him about that. N o t e : I'll s p e a k t o h i m m e a n s I'll do all the speaking; I'll speak w i t h h i m m e a n s I'll have a conversation with him. 237 Supply a person with something, not supply a person something. Don't say: Can you supply me all I need? / Say: Can you supply me with all I need? N o t e : Also provide a person w i t h : She provided her son with all he needed. 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 a number and then double it. 239 Wait for a person or thing, not wait a person or thing. Don't say: I'll wait you at the cinema. / Say: I'll wait for you at the cinema. N o t e . A w a i t t a k e s n o p r e p o s i t i o n : I'm awaiting your reply.
57. Incorrect omissions 240 Wish for a thing, not wish a thing. Don't say: He doesn't wish any reward. / Say: He doesn't wish for any reward. 241 Write to a person, not write a person. Don't say: I'll write her tomorrow. / Say: I'll write to her tomorrow. Note W h e n t h e direct o b j e c t of w r i t e is e x p r e s s e d , o m i t t h e preposition /'// write him a letter. (See Exercises 84 and 85 on pages 173-174.) Miscellaneous examples 242 The -s or -es of the third person singular omitted. Don't say: He speak English very well. / Say: He speaks English very well. Take g r e a t c a r e n o t t o l e a v e o u t t h e -s or -es f r o m t h e p r e s e n t t e n s e , w h e n t h e subject is h e , she, it, o r a n o u n in t h e singular (See 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 says. U s e d o n ' t (= d o not) w i t h I, w e , y o u , they, a n d w i t h plural n o u n s U s e doesn't (= does not) w i t h h e , she, it, a n d w i t h singular n o u n s . (See Exercise 32 on page 152.) 244 The -d or -ed of the past tense omitted. Don't say: I receive a letter yesterday. / Say: I received a letter yesterday. Take c a r e n o t t o l e a v e o u t t h e -d or -ed f r o m t h e p a s t t e n s e of regular verbs. W h e n s p e a k i n g , p r o n o u n c e t h e e n d i n g o f t h e p a s t t e n s e clearly. 49
58. Part 2 h another look at ... Third person singular, simple present 1 With the pronouns he, she, it, or any singular noun, the verb in the present tense takes a special ending, -s, -es gr -ies: he works, it catches, the sun rises, she worries. 2 When the first person of the verb ends in s, x, ch, sh, or o, the third person singular takes -es: I watch I finish I fix I go he watches he finishes he fixes he goes 3 When the first person of the verb ends in -y with a consonant before it, form the third person singular by changing y into ies: I carry I study 3 fly he carries he studies he flies N o t e : If t h e r e is a v o w e l b e f o r e t h e -y, w e o n l y a d d s f o r t h e t h i r d p e r s o n s i n g u l a r : he plays, he enjoys, he obeys. 4 A few verbs are irregular in the third person singular: I am I have he is he has 5 Modal verbs such as will, can, may, must, and ought do NOT change their form in the third person singular: I will I can I may I must he will he can he may he must Remember: The third person singular of verbs in the present tense takes -s, -es or -ies.
59. Incorrect omissions 245 The -s, -es or -ies of the plural form omitted. Don't say: I paid six pound for the book. / Say: I paid six pounds for the book. Take t a r e not l o i e a v e o u t t h e -s, -es or -ies of t h e plural n u m b e r . Note t h e f o l l o w i n g n o u n s h a v e irregular plurals, m a n , m e n ; w o m a n , w o m e n ; child, children; ox, o x e n ; foot, feet; t o o t h , t e e t h ; goose, geese; m o u s e , mice. 246 The possessive ending omitted. Don't say: A hen's egg is different from a pigeon. / Say: A hen's egg is different from a pigeon's. If t h e first n o u n in a c o m p a r i s o n is in t h e possessive c a s e , t h e s e c o n d m u s t also be in t h e possessive: My mother's nose is bigger than my father's 247 Omission of the article before a countable noun in the singular. Don't say: I've no money to buy car. / Say: I've no money to buy a car. A s a rule, u s e either t h e or a or a n b e f o r e a c o u n t a b l e n o u n in t h e singular 248 Omission of a or an after the verb to be. Don't say: I'm not teacher, I'm student. / Say: I'm not a teacher, I'm a student. U s e t h e indefinite article a or a n t o express a singular n o u n - c o m p l e m e n t of t h e verb t o b e There's an animal in there. It's a mouse. 249 Omission of a or an after the word half. Don't say: He drank half glass of milk. / Say: He drank half a glass of milk. N o t e . H a l f a g l a s s ( a n h o u r , a d a y , a m i l e , etc.) is t h e s h o r t e n e d f o r m of h a l f o f a g l a s s ( o f a n h o u r , o f a d a y , o f a m i l e , etc ) 250 Omission of a or one before hundred, etc. Don't say: Hundred years make a century. 51
60. Part 2 / Say: A hundred years make a century. Or: One hundred years make a century. Use t h e indefinite article a or t h e n u m e r a l one b e f o r e h u n d r e d a n d t h o u s a n d . S e e also S e c t i o n 5 2 7 . 251 Omission of a or an from make a noise, etc. Don't say: I told them not to make noise. / Say: I told them not to make a noise. Note Also t o make a mistake, to m a k e a f o r t u n e , t o m a k e a w i l l , to make an impression, t o m a k e an experiment, t o m a k e an a t t e m p t . 252 Omission of the before names of nationalities. Don't say: English are fond of sports. / Say: The English are fond of sports. Place t h e definite article b e f o r e t h e n a m e s of nationalities, describing a p e o p l e collectively t h e British, the F r e n c h , t h e D u t c h , t h e S w i s s , the C h i n e s e , the S u d a n e s e , e t c 253 Omission of the before names of musical instruments. Don't say: I play violin, but not piano. / Say: I play the violin, but not the piano. U s e t h e definite article b e f o r e t h e n a m e s of m u s i c a l i n s t r u m e n t s . 254 Omission of the before the word cinema, etc. Don't say: On Saturday I go to cinema. / Say: On Saturday I go to the cinema. U s e definite article b e f o r e t h e w o r d s cinema, t h e a t r e , concert, e t c (For Sections 247-254 see Exercises 16 and 17 on page 144.) 255 Omission of the verb to be from the passive. Don't say: Charles Dickens born in 1812. / Say: Charles Dickens was born in 1812. Form t h e passive f o r m by using t h e v e r b to be, c o m b i n e d w i t h t h e past participle of t h e verb required (to be + past participle)
61. Incorrect omissions Have another look at... Indefinite article Use the indefinite article: 1 Before every common noun in the singular, if it isn't preceded by the or some word such as this, that, my, his: I bought a new book (not: I bought new book). 2 Before the words hundred and thousand: A hundred soldiers were in the camp. 3 After the verb to be when a countable noun in the singular follows; Mary's father is a lawyer 4 In certain phrases: to make a noise, a mistake, a fortune, an impression; to have a headache, a pain, a cold, a cough. Don't use the indefinite article: 1 Before singular nouns that aren't used in the plural, such as advice, information, work, furniture, bread Example: He gave me good advice (not: a good advice). 2 After the phrase kind of or sort of: What kind of pen do you want? a, an or one Many languages use the numeral one instead of the indefinite article a or an. This is not so in English. One man ivent into one shop ought to be A man went into a shop. One is used only when the number is emphatic: One sivalloiv does not make a summer. 53
62. Part 2 256 Omission of the 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? P l a c e t h e auxiliary v e r b d q (does, did) b e f o r e t h e s u b j e c t t o ask q u e s t i o n s in t h e simple present a n d s i m p l e p a s t t e n s e s . N o t e : D o n ' t u s e t h e auxiliary d o w i t h m o d a l v e r b s , like c a n , may, must: Can you meet me tomorrow? (See Exercise 34 on page 153.) 257 Omission of auxiliary do when do is a principal verb. Don't say: Do pupils their work carefully? / Say: Do pupils do their work carefully? In t h e correct f o r m of t h e s e n t e n c e , t h e first d o m e a n s n o t h i n g o n its o w n and o n l y helps t o m a k e t h e q u e s t i o n . T h e s e c o n d d o is t h e principal v e r b of t h e s e n t e n c e , a n d h a s t h e m e a n i n g o f perform 258 Omission of the preposition indicating time. Don't say: I was born the third of December. / Say: I was born on the third of December. A s a rule, d o n ' t u s e a n o u n w i t h o u t a p r e p o s i t i o n t o s h o w t h e t i m e o f some action. N o t e : D o n ' t u s e a preposition w i t h last year, next year, some day, o n e day, this afternoon, etc. 259 Omission of the preposition after the infinitive. Don't say: They've no houses to live. / Say: They've no houses to live in. T h e infinitive of a n intransitive v e r b (like live, e t c . ) : it m u s t h a v e a preposition after it.
63. Incorrect omissions Have another look at... Verb TO BE ffiv&rtt Tense I arn/'m, you are/'re, he (she, it) is/'s; We, you. they are/'re. Past Tense /It^as, you were, he (she, it) was; We, you, they were. .Future Tense I, you, he (she, it) will/'H be; We, you, they will/'H be. Present Perfect I, you, have/'ve been, he (she, it) has/'s been; We, you. they have/'ve been. 'fast Perfect I, you, he (she, it) had/'d been; We, you, they had/'d been. •Future Perfect I, you, he (she, it) will/'llhave been; We, you, they will/'H have been. Uses of the verb TO BE as auxiliary Use the verb to be: 1 With the Present Participle to form the Continuous Tenses. . To be + Present Participle Example: The sun was shining in the sky, 2 With the Past Participle to form the Passive Form. To be + Past Participle Example: The letter was written by John,
64. Part 2 :60 Omission of there as an introductory word. Don't say: Once lived a great king. / Say: Once there/TTiere once lived a great king. U s e t h e a d v e r b there t o i n t r o d u c e t h e subject of a s e n t e n c e in w h i c h t h e v e r b stands b e f o r e t h e sub|ect !61 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. After t h e v e r b to k n o w t h e a d v e r b h o w a l w a y s c o m e s b e f o r e a n infinitive. !62 Omission of other after a comparative. Don't say: Homer was greater than all the Greek poets. / Say: Homer was greater than all the other Greek poets. Since H o m e r w a s 3 G r e e k p o e t , t h e first s e n t e n c e m a k e s h i m g r e a t e r t h a n himself, w h i c h is illogical. 163 Omission of before in comparisons. Don't say: I'd never seen such a thing. / Say: I'd never seen such a thing before. Don't leave o u t t h e w o r d before in m a k i n g a c o m p a r i s o n b e t w e e n o n e t h i n g a n d all others of t h e s a m e k i n d . >64 Omission of else after everybody, etc. Don't say: She is stronger than everybody. / Say: She is- stronger than everybody else. Use t h e w o r d else in m a k i n g a c o m p a r i s o n b e t w e e n o n e p e r s o n o r t h i n g a n d all others of t h e s a m e kind after e v e r y b o d y , anybody, a n y t h i n g , e t c . 165 Omission of the demonstrative pronoun one. Don't say: This is the only that I like. / Say: This is the only one that I like.
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