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 great care not to leave…

             Incorrect omissions                        Omission of prepositions The following are examples of mistakes made through…

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. 212.…

196. Ask a question, not make a question Don’t say: Naomi made me several questions. ✓ Say: Naomi asked me several questions. 197. Take an hour, not need an hour,…

Exercise 50: Use hung or hanged in the following 1. He was found guilty and ___________. 2. Mother _________ the clothes up to dry. 3. The picture __________ on the…

                 Un-English expressions Mistakes often result from too close a translation into English of foreign idiomatic expressions. The following are examples of such…

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…

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. In…

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…

151. Using one other instead of another Don’t say: Please give me one other book. √ Say: Please give me another book. Another is formed from an and other, but instead…