COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES- I ENGLISH GRAMMAR (CONTINUED) 9. COMMON ERRORS IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF SPEECH In Unit I and the two previous lessons of this unit, you had acquired an awareness of rules connected with a) the many aspects of verbs, b) articles and c) usage of prepositions, for proper and meaningful construction of sentences. This lesson covers a very vital aspect of the English language and pertains to Common Errors that occur during the process of communication.
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Objectives By the end of this lesson you will:
i. ii. iii.
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Identify Common Errors in different areas of speech Rectify the errors Avoid Common Errors
Introduction This lesson deals with the common errors made while speaking and writing. It is important that we learn to identify the mistakes people make. In order to identify these errors, it is essential that we learn which kinds of errors are commonly made. The kinds of errors that are commonly made may be categorized in different groups. This section deals with the different types of commonly made errors. Descriptions for each kind of error are given. With the help of explanations given, you will begin to identify and correct mistakes of similar nature. Becoming aware of commonly made errors will help you become conscious when speaking and writing. This, in turn, will help you speak correctly and have the desired effect on the targeted audience, hence improving communication. Try to understand the following sections carefully. Then attempt to solve the exercises given. The answers are given at the end of the chapter. The most common errors are made in the following areas of speech:
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Use of ‘me’ and ‘I’
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Comparatives and Superlatives Tenses in Verbs Prepositions Word Order Learning about these avoidable errors, identifying them and ensuring they do not occur, will help you become more conscious while communicating in the language.
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Me, I Many native and non-native speakers of English have trouble deciding when to use the word ‘me’ and when to use the word ‘I’. Before using the pronoun ‘me’ or ‘I’, we must determine the context in which it is used in the sentence. We need to know whether it is used as the object or the subject. ‘I’ is used when the speaker refers to him/herself as the subject in the sentence. Similarly when the speaker compares him/herself to someone or something, he/she uses the word ‘‘I’. ‘Me’ is used when the speaker refers to him/herself as the object in the sentence. Similarly, when someone else gives something to or does something with the speaker, he/she refers to him/herself as ‘me’. For Example: I am working on a project with Mohan. Although we both put in long hours, he is faster than I. I will ask him to help me when he is done, so that we can complete our work on time. Let us now understand what the subject and object of a sentence is. If we look into grammar textbooks, we will find many different uses and ways to understand these terms. However, for the purpose of understanding the two terms for this lesson we will look at them very simplistically. The subject of a sentence is the main noun in it. It is the ‘do-er’ in the sentence. The object of the sentence is the secondary noun (i.e. the noun that is not the do-er.) E.g.: Rajeev talked with Malika in the party.
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(Who is this sentence talking about? Rajeev. Therefore, Rajeev is the ‘do-er’, making him the subject. Whom did Rajeev do something with? Malikatherefore Malika becomes the object.) Let us look at a few more examples with the pronoun ‘I’. For Example: “My sister is a better student than I”. “Ramu is taller than I” In both these sentences ‘I’ refers to the speaker who compares him/herself to his/her sister and Ramu. Using the word ‘me’ instead of ‘I’ in these sentences is the most common mistake made by most people. Let us do a simple test to check whether we have used the correct pronoun at the end of the second sentence. In this sentence, my height is being compared to that of Ramu. We can check by building on to the sentence, like this. “Ramu is taller than (how tall) I (am.)” Since this makes sense, we are able to use it. We can even check it like this. “Ramu is taller than (how tall) me (is.)” Now we can see this doesn’t sound right at all. Does it? Remember, one gets better at the correct usage of the English language when one makes a conscious effort to practice speaking correctly and paying close attention to good literature. Now look at these sentences. Which of the two pronouns will you use to fill in the blanks? (I/Me)… “She slept for as long as _______” “My neighbour seems to know more about what is going on in my home than ________” Let’s check what you have done: Is it…“She slept for as long as me.”? OR “She slept for as long as I.”? Let us see which of the following sentences makes better sense? 1. “She slept for as long as me (slept).” OR 2. “She slept for as long as I (slept).” If you picked the second choice, you are absolutely correct. The second one is the correct choice, because if we were to simplify the sentence even further, we would say “I slept” and not “Me slept.” Similarly which of these two sentences is correct?
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“My neighbour seems to know more about what is going on in my home than I”.? OR “My neighbour seems to know more about what is going on in my home than me.”? Using the pronoun ‘me’ comes more naturally to native and non-native speakers alike. Therefore, it is extremely important to be aware of this, and use the two words appropriately. One usually uses this pronoun (‘me’) when the two nouns (someone else, and the speaker) are doing things together, or if someone else is doing something for or giving something to the speaker. See the examples below: 1. Rita helped me with my work. 2. Shalini will go to college with me. 3. Hari bought some books for me.
Self-Check Questions Fill in the blanks with the correct pronoun ‘me’ or ‘I’. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Mummy sent ___ to the market. Although he is normally slower than ____, he won the race. My friend is more studious than ____. The professor wanted ____ to invite the dignitary. Hari thought he is shorter than ___. Please lend ___ the book.
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Comparatives and Superlatives Comparative words are words that are used to compare two nouns. These words have the suffix –er added to the base adjective. A common mistake that people make when using comparatives is that they add the –er suffix when they use the words “more” or “less” before it. We should only use the word “more” or “less” if we do not change the base word. For Example: Let us see which of the following sentences is correct:-
1. A sparrow is smaller than a pigeon OR 4
2. A sparrow is more small than a pigeon OR 3. Alsatians make better watchdogs than terriers. OR 4. Alsatians are more good watchdogs than terriers. If you have read and understood the rules you will have no difficulty in choosing sentences ‘a’ and ‘c’. Now let’s look at this sentence: “The pigeon is a small bird.” Now, if we needed to compare the sparrow to the pigeon we could use either of the following sentences: 1. The sparrow is more small than the pigeon. 2. The sparrow is smaller than the pigeon.
OR
While both sentences are correct, the second one is more commonly used, and therefore, is more acceptable. Superlative words are those that are used when we show the relationship between three nouns. It is usually used for the noun that is the most or the least. We may either use words like ‘most’ or ‘least’ before the base adjective or we may add the suffix ‘–est’. Some Examples: 1. I am tall. My mother is taller than I. My father is taller than my mother. (comparative) THEREFORE, My father is the tallest. (superlative) OR (we may also say: My father is the most tall in my family.) 2. Javed’s house is big. Bobby’s house is bigger than Javed’s house. (comparative) Meera’s house is the biggest of the three. (superlative) You will now need to apply your knowledge of previously learnt concepts of prepositions, articles and the tenses in verbs (from Unit I) to identify the mistakes and correct them in the next few segments.
Self-Check Questions Fill in the blanks with the commonly acceptable Superlative/Comparative of the adjective given in brackets. 7. My brother is ________ than I. (short) 5
8. The mango is the _______ of all fruits. (sweet) 9. My mother has long hair. My sister has ____ hair than her. (long) 10. The river Godavari is the ______ in south India. (long)
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Verbs (Incorrect Use of Tenses in Verbs) Often, people use the incorrect form of a verb by using the INCORRECT tense. The most common mistake is using verbs in the continuous tense. The common verbs which cannot be used in the continuous tense include be, see, smell, love, like, hate, think, suppose, remember, forget, believe, trust, know, understand, wish, owe, contain, consist, hear, taste, has, belong, look, etc. For Example: Incorrect: Correct:
I am owing my success to the support I am getting from my parents. I owe my success to the support that I get from my parents.
Incorrect:
I am supposing that the programme will begin on time.
Correct:
I suppose the programme will begin on time.
Additionally, the Present Perfect Tense should not be used with adverbs or adverb phrases which represent past time (e.g. last night, yesterday, last Monday, last month, in 1998, etc.) When denoting past time, we should use the Simple Past tense. For Example: Incorrect:
I have finally finished the work last night.
Correct:
I finally finished the work last night.
Incorrect:
I have stopped reading novels at night since last month.
Correct:
I stopped reading novels at night last month.
Self-Check Questions Rewrite the following sentences using the Verb in correct tense. 11. 12. 13. 14.
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I am smelling something good. We are understanding the proposal. I have visited London in 2005. We have met them one year ago.
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Prepositions Prepositions are often used incorrectly. They are sometimes used when not required. At other times the incorrect prepositions are used. Study the following examples carefully. Please be aware that unfortunately, there is no easy rule that we can learn to avoid these errors. We can just be aware of the kinds of errors people commonly make and start monitoring our own usage with this knowledge. A. Used where they are unnecessary
1. The teacher told to the students to keep quiet. 2. He ran so fast that I could not catch up him. 3. Young people look up for guidance from elders. 4. He approached to the Principal for a testimonial. 5. Many children find it difficult to cope up with the heavy syllabus. 6. Many people desire for things which are not good for them. 7. The workers demanded for higher wages and a bonus. 8. The clerk was dismissed because he did not attend on his office regularly. 9. His face fell down when his father rebuked him in the presence of his friends. 10. The employee could not explain for his action to his employer. 11. The police searched in the pockets of the thief. 12. We should not discuss about our private matters in public. 13. During the running commentary, the gentleman at the mike described about many unnecessary details. 14. The poor man was happy to hear that his two sons had passed out in the competitive examination. 15. The fielder picked up the ball and returned it back to the wicket keeper. 16. Workers should not criticize on their employers. 17. She resembles to her mother. 18. In his inaugural address, the principal stressed on the value of discipline. 19. The boy regretted for his mistakes when it was too late. 20. The English teacher emphasized on the importance of correct usage. B. Incorrect use of prepositions 1. Will you kindly accede with my request? (to) 2. He was accused for the theft of the ring. (of) 3. He did not succeed when he applied to the post of a clerk. (for) 4. The man who is blind in both eyes could still make beautiful pottery. (of) 5. Parents are often blind of the faults of their children. (to) 6. Care must be bestowed to the correct use of Prepositions. (on) 7. Kapil was found capable to leading the Indian team. (of) 8. Hot weather is not conducive for your victory. (to) 9. He deals with textiles and has become rich. (in) 10. Many people died by cholera in the old town. (of) 11. She has a good ear to music. (for) 12. His qualifications entitle him to be eligible to the top post in the company. (for) 7
13. Diet is essential in health. (to) 14. He flew in a rage when he saw his son’s Progress Report. (into) 15. The master asked them to stop talking and carry out their work. (on) 16. They found him guilty for conspiracy. (of) 17. His indifference in his duty brought about his dismissal. (to) 18. Knock on the door and it will be opened. (at) 19. He was married with a rich girl. (to) 20. Refrain to do evil. (from doing) C. Prepositions Omitted 1. Many students abstained the class today. (abstained from) 2. Whom are you afraid? (afraid of) 3. This is an opinion I do not agree. (agree with) 4. Did you apply the job in the P and T Department. (apply for) 5. He pleaded the master to excuse him. (pleaded with) 6. Don’t argue that man; he is a drunkard. (argue with) 7. The train arrived at Madras late an hour. (late by) 8. He knocked the door but it was not opened. (knocked at) 9. He had an accident when he hurriedly descended the bus. (descended from) 10. He embarked his new adventure with the blessings of his mother. (embarked on) 11. Please suggest me a way out of this difficulty. (suggest to) 12. The minister promised to enquire the matter. (enquire into) 13. After her son got married, she handed the keys of the safe to her daughter-inlaw. (handed over) 14. The new manager was introduced the members of the staff. (introduced to) 15. The lion pounced the lamb and killed it. (pounced upon) 16. He succeeded the throne of her father. (succeeded to) 17. Please supply me the necessary stationary. (supply to) 18. The cash on hand does not tally the account book. (tally with) 19. Please work a good solution for this intricate problem. (work out) 20. He passed himself as a government official. (passed himself off)
Self-Check Questions Identify the incorrect use or omission of Prepositions in the following sentences and rewrite the sentences correctly. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
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The teacher highlighted on the need to regularly revise lessons. She explained about her problems to her friends. Please take care about your health. Nourishment is necessary in gaining strength. Did you look the handbag for the keys? There was a war India and Pakistan.
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Errors in Use of Articles We find that very often, Articles are used very casually in sentences. This results in a number of errors being made. These could relate to incorrect use, unnecessary use and omission of Articles. Let us look at a few examples in the context of the rules pertaining to Definite and Indefinite Articles. Incorrect: I am going to meet the friend. Correct: I am going to meet a friend. Incorrect: A movie we saw today was very good. Correct: The movie we saw today was very good. Incorrect: I eat apple everyday. Correct: I eat an apple everyday.
Self-Check Questions Identify the incorrect use or omission of Articles in the following sentences and rewrite the sentences correctly. 21. 22. 23. 24.
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I have the feeling I’m going to catch the cold. The juice of orange can be had without sugar. A doctor came to see my mother who is ill. A doctor was very kind. I will be joining an university.
Errors in Word Order The order or arrangement of words in a sentence is very important. The common order is: The subject comes before the verb, and the object comes after the verb. Look at the following example. Incorrect: It is necessary to go to work on time always. The words in this sentence are not in correct order. The correct order should be: Correct: It is necessary to always go to work on time. If the order of words in the sentences is incorrect, we can easily give INCORRECT information. This hinders proper understanding on the part of the targeted audience. It is important that you develop the skill in identifying
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these errors and correct them. You may sharpen these skills by extensive reading and listening to good spoken English. Let us look at some other examples: Incorrect: Correct:
I am looking in the house for my English book. I am looking for my English book in the house
Incorrect: Correct:
Give me it. Give it to me.
Incorrect: Correct:
She took her dog in the park for a walk. She took her dog for a walk in the park.
Self-Check Questions Rearrange the words in the correct order in the following sentences. 25. 26. 27. 28.
She came to learn dance to India. He gave to her the book. I had at a friend’s place my lunch. He was unable to find in our neighbourhood a flat.
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Summing Up In this sub-unit you learnt that there are many kinds of errors that people make when using the English language. The errors that we have highlighted are just a few of the many kinds of mistakes that are made. You have had a chance to practice identifying and correcting the following inaccuracies:
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Misuse of Me and I Comparatives and Superlatives; Tenses in Verbs Unnecessary Use of Prepositions Incorrect use of prepositions Omission of Prepositions Errors in Use of Articles Errors in Word Order
Answers to Self-Check Questions
1. Mummy sent me to the market. 2. Although he is normally slower than I, he won the race. 10
3. My friend is more studious than I. 4. The professor wanted me to invite the dignitary. 5. Hari thought he is shorter than I. 6. Please lend me the book. 7. My brother is shorter than I. 8. The mango is the sweetest of all fruits. 9. My mother has long hair. My sister has longer hair than her. 10. The Godavari is the longest river in south India. 11. I smell something good. 12. We understand the proposal. 13. I visited London in 2005. 14. We met them one year ago. 15. The teacher highlighted the need to regularly revise lessons. 16. She explained her problems to her friends. 17. Please take care of your health. 18. Nourishment is necessary for gaining strength. 19. Did you look into the handbag for the keys? 20. There was a war between India and Pakistan. 21. I have a feeling I’m going to catch a cold. 22. The juice of an orange can be had without sugar. 23. A doctor came to see my mother who is ill. The doctor was very kind. 24. I will be joining a university. 25. She came to India to learn dance. 26. He gave the book to her. 27. I had my lunch at a friend’s place. 28. He was unable to find a flat in our neighbourhood.
9.10 References 1. Rau, Sadasiva VN. Competition,
Speak Better English.
Chennai: Sura College of
9.11 Glossary •
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Articles: a small class of words that are linked to nouns; they typically have a grammatical function identifying the noun as a noun rather than describing it (English the definite article is ‘the’, the indefinite article is ‘a’ or ‘an’ Comparative: of or pertaining to comparison; being, noting, or pertaining to the intermediate degree of the comparison Object: a noun, noun phrase, or noun substitute representing by its position in the sentence the goal of the action of a verb Prepositions: a member of a set of words used in close connection with, and usually before, nouns and pronouns to show their relation to some other part of a clause. Pronoun: a word that substitutes for a noun or a noun phrase, such as “I”, “you”, “them”, “it“, “ours”, “who“, “which”, “myself” and “anybody”
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Subject: the part of a sentence or utterance that the rest of the sentence asserts something about and that agrees with the verb. Suffix: a letter or group of letters added at the end of a word or word part to form another word, for example, “-ly” in “quickly” or “-ing” in “talking” Superlative: of, pertaining to, or noting the highest degree of the comparison of adjectives and adverbs