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There’re a number of words and phrases which regularly cause difficulty for learners of English of all nationalities students often spend a lot of time searching through general dictionaries and grammars for information about these difficult items
This work is taken from a book titled 'Common Errors', of course it talks about the common mistakes that the speaker or writer might commit
We start with letter A
No 1: a
x I hope you all have a enjoyable stay
√ I hope you all have an enjoyable stay
Always use an (Not a) before a word beginning with a vowel sound : ‘an egg’, ‘an envelope’x My husband is doing a MSc in civil engineering
√ My husband is doing an MSc in civil engineering
Use an (Not a) before an abbreviation that begins with a vowel sound
x Sometimes it's difficult to live a honest life
√ Sometimes it's difficult to live an honest life
Use an (Not a) before words beginning with h when the h is not pronounced like an honor, an hour and so on
x A bottle of milk is in the fridge
√ There's a bottle of milk in the fridge
x A party will be at the language school
√ There will be a party at the language school
In many sentences, the verb be is used to mean 'exist' or 'take place', if the subject hasn't been mentioned before, it's placed immediately after the verb and the sentence begins with there
No 2: a lot of
x She makes us do a lots of homework
√ She makes us do a lot of homework
√ She makes us do lots of homework
a lot of, or lots of WITHOUT a
No 3: above
x There were above a hundred people in the crowd
√ There were over a hundred people in the crowd
Don't use above with numbers (unless referring to points on a scale): ' He is over eighty years of age,' 'I receive over twenty letters a day,' But 'Don't let the temperature get above thirty degrees,'
No 4: above-mentioned
x I would be grateful if you would send it to the address above-mentioned
√ I would be grateful if you would send it to the above-mentioned address
Above-mentioned ALWAYS comes before the noun it modifies: 'above-mentioned person', 'above-mentioned company',
No 5: absent
x The sales manager was absent at the meeting
√ The sales manager was absent from the meeting
absent from, not at
x I went to her house at four o'clock but she was absent
√ I went to her house at four o'clock but she wasn't in
absent = not present at something that you're supposed to attend: absent from school
No 6: Accept
x These people accept to take risks in order to succeed
√ These people accept the need to take risks in order to succeed
x The company will not accept to buy new machines
√ The company will not agree to buy new machines
We accept a person's advice, opinion, or suggestion But agree to do something. Compare: 'I accepted her suggestion and agreed to see the doctor that evening'
x To tell you the truth, I can't accept people who think about money all the time
√ To tell you the truth, I can’t stand/bear/abide people who think about money all the time
can’t stand/bear/abide = can’t tolerate
No 7: accommodation
x I can’t find the right accomodation
√ I can’t find the right accommoation
accommodation (double c, double m)
√ Accommodation in london are very expensive AmE
√ Accommodation in London is very expensive
In British English accommodation (= a place to live or spend the night) is always uncountable. In American English it can be countable
No 8: accord
x People think he resigned on his own accord
√ People think he resigned of his own accord
of your own accord , NOT on
No 9: according to
x According to me, we should spend more money on education
√ In my opinion, we should spend more money on education
According to can’t be followed by me or for
No 10: accuse
x Some unemplyed men accuse women for taking their jobs
√ Some unemployed men accuse women of taking their jobs
accuse someone of something, not for
No 11: accustomed
x Having lived in England for two years, I’m now accustomed myself to the cold weather
√ Having lived in England for two years, I’m now accustomed to the cold weather
be/grow accustomed to something or accustom yourself to something
Compare: ‘He soon grew accustomed to the harsh working conditions.’ ,‘He soon accustomed himself to the harsh working conditions,’
Note that more informal alternative ‘He soon got used to the harsh working conditions. ’
x It took me six months to get accustomed with the climate
√ It took me six months to get accustomed to the climate
get accusomed to something not with
x Where I come from, we’re not accustomed to see so many things in the shops
√ Where I come from, we’re not accustomed to seeing so many things in the shops
be accustomed to + v-ing
No 12: actual
x We’d like to know more about the actual crisis, not the economic problems of the past
√ We’d like to know more about the present/current crisis, not the economic problems of the past
actual = real (as opposed to ‘guessed’, ‘supposed , etc.’): ‘People think he is over fifty but his actual age is forty-eight.’
present/current = happening or existing now
No 13: actually
x We need to produce and export more than we do actually
√ We need to produce and export more than we do at present
actually = strange as it may seem; in fact (despite what is said or thought): ‘People think we’ve got lots money, but actually we’re very poor.’
At present = now
No 14: address
x I'll give you my adress
√ I'll give you my address
address (Double D)
No 15: advice
x I adviced him to tell the police
√ I advised him to tell the police
Advice is a noun Advice is a verb
x She gave me a good advice
√ She gave me some good advice
Advice is an uncountable noun
Note the alternative: ' She gave me a good piece of advice'
No 16: advise
x I asked my lawyer for her advise
√ I asked my lawyer for her advice
Advise is a verb
Advice is a noun
No 17: affair
x There's a new affair in the middle of Helsinki which sells them
√ There's a new shop in the middle of Helsinki which sells them
affair = a thing, matter, or happening: 'The murder of the politician was a terrible affair.'
No 18: affect
x It's a magazine about computers and their affects on your lives
√ It's a magazine about computers and their effects on your lives
Affect (with a) is a verb. To affect something is to have an effect on it :'Smoking affects your health.' (= Smoking has an effect on your health).
No 19: afford
x A newspaper can be a afforded by most people
√ Most people can afford a newspaper
afford is rarely used in passive
x My father couldn't afford paying for my education
√ My father couldn't afford to pay for my education
afford (to do) something
x My father couldn't afford himself to lend me any money
√ My father couldn't afford to lend me any money
Afford isn't a reflexive verb (reflexive means showing that the action of the verb affects the person who performs the action e.g. he cut himself, cut is a reflexive verb and himself is a reflexive pronoun) definition from Oxford dictionary
x I want to get my coat back because I can’t afford the money for a new one
√ I want to get my coat back because I can’t afford (to buy) a new one
Money is rarely used as an object of afford
No 20: afraid
x The road to the airport was very busy and we were afraid to miss the plane
√ The road to the airport was very busy and we were afraid of missing the plane
Be afraid to do something = be unwilling to do something because you’re frightened : ‘She was afraid to eat in case it was poisonous’.
Be afraid of doing something = be worried or anxious about something which might happen
No 21: after
x The flight had been very pleasant until a man sitting after me started to shout
√ The flight had been very pleasant until a man sitting behind me started to shout
after = following in time or order: ‘I’ll see you after lunch.’ ‘Remember to put a full stop after the last word.’
Behind = at the back of
x After a week we’re going to Italy
√ In a week’s time we’re going to Italy
In a week OR in a week’s time = after or at the end of a week
x Most of the people on the bus were after sixty
√ Most of the people on the bus were over sixty
The preposition over is used with ages (and numbers) to mean more than
x I promised to meet Hitomi at the exhibition a week after
√ I promised to meet Hitomi at the exhibition a week later
The use of after as an adverb (in place of later) is very colloquial (colloquial= informal) and is likely to be regarded as non-standard by careful user
√ AmE A police car arrived within minutes and soon after, an ambulance came
√ BrE A police car arrived within minutes and soon afterwards, an ambulance came
In British English the use of after as an adverb (in place of afterwards) is common in informal usage but is regarded by careful users as non-standard
√ After you’ll leave, we will write to you every day
√ After you leave/have left, we will write to you every day
After is followed by the present simple tense (or present perfect) for future reference, NOT shall/will + verb
No 22: after all
x After all, I’d like to thank you all for coming here today
√ Finally, I’d like to thank you all for coming here today
Use after all when (1) you want to intoduce an idea which seems to contradict something which has been said before: ‘They had planned to go by train, but they went by car after all’ (2) you want to remind someone of a fact which they should consider: ‘I’m not surprised you’re tired. After all, you were working all night.’ Remember that we use finally to conclude so finally = to conclude
No 23: afternoon
x The afternoon I met them at the hotel and we went to the beach
√ In the afternoon I met them at the hotel and we went to the beach
In the morning/afternoon/evening
Compare: the next afternoon I met them again
x On the afternoon we have two hours of classes
√ In the afternoon we have two hours of classes
When talking about a particular afternoon, use on
When speaking generally, use in: on the afternoon/morning/evening of 3rd July BUT in the evening/morning/afternoon
No 24: age
x I met a group of youngsters at my age in Trafalgar square
√ I met a group of youngsters (of) my own age in Trafalgar square
(of) my own age, NOT at
No 25: agenda
x In the left-hand pocket you will find a little red agenda that I need urgently
√ In the left-hand pocket you will find a little red diary that I need urgently
agenda = a list of topics for discussion at a meeting
diary = a book in which a person writes appointments or things to be remembered
No 26: ages
x The glasses haven’t been washed since ages
√ The glasses haven’t been washed for ages
remember that we use since for beginning a period but for is used length of a period
No 27: ago
x It’s a month ago since I left Germany
√ It’s a month since I left Germany
Don’t use ago before since
x I’m writing in reply to your letter that I’ve received two days ago
√ I’m writing in reply to your letter that I received two days ago
The present perfect tense is NOT used with words showing past time such as yesterday, last week, a year ago
x The inspector asked to see his ticket, as I had done a few minutes ago
√ The inspector asked to see his ticket, as I had done a few minutes before
Ago is used of a period in the past that is measured from the present moment
Before is used of a period that is NOT measured from the present
A few minutes ago = before now
A few minutes before = before then
x The accident happened at ten years ago
√ The accident happened ten years ago
Don’t use at to introduce a time expression with ago
No 28: agree
x Unfortunately not many people agreed helping us
√ Unfortunately not many people agreed to help us
Agree + to – v
x I don’t agree the people who say women should stay at home
√ I don’t agree with the people who say women should stay at home
agree with someone or something = have the same opinion as
x In many ways I agree to his statement
√ In many ways I agree with his statement
agree with = have the same opinion as: ‘I fully agree with you/your opinion.’
‘The bank manager has agreed to our request for a loan.’
x In some ways I’m agree with those who want stricter punishments
√ In some ways I agree with those who want stricter punishments
agree is a verb NOT an adjective
Although I didn’t really like him, I agreed his invitation
Although I didn’t really like him, I accepted his invitation
accept an invitation, NOT agree
No 29: agreed
x We were both agreed with him
√ We both agreed with him
Agreed can’t be used as an adjective when it’s followed by with. Compare: ‘When it comes to the question of finance, we’re all agreed.’ = have the same opinion
No 30: aid
x Many more will die unless there is an increase in foreign aids
√ Many more will die unless there is an increase in foreign aid
Aid = support or help and it’s an uncountable noun
No 31: aim
x I started to learn English with the aim to become a teacher
√ I started to learn English with the aim of becoming a teacher
With the aim of + v-ing
Note however: ‘My aim is to become a teacher.’
x Everybody should be given the chance to reach their aims
√ Everybody should be given the chance to achieve their aims
achieve an aim, NOT reach
No 32: alive
x Every alive creature in the sea is affected by pollution
√ Every living creature in the sea is affected by pollution
Alive is the opposite of dead
Living is the opposite of non-living
Alive always follows the noun it modifies: ‘Some of the fish in the boat were still alive.’
x Our teacher, Mr Collins, is very alive
√ Our teacher, Mr Collins, is very lively
Alive = not dead = it’s rarely modified
Lively= full of energy and action
No 33: all
x I like all the kinds of music
√ I like all kinds of music
Don’t use the after all when the reference is general. Compare: ‘I like all kinds of fruit.’(general reference) ‘I like all the kinds of fruit that my wife likes’ specific reference
x We all were delighted when we heard the news
√ We were all delighted when we heard the news
x We all must try to find a solution to the problem
√ We must all try to find a solution to the problem
All usually goes immediately after the (first) auxilary verb :‘You should all pass the exam if you work hard.’ ‘They have all been working hard.’ When there’s no auxilart verb, all is placed immediately before the main verb: ‘They all passed the exam.’ However, when the main verb is be, all is placed immediately after it: ‘The letters are all on your desk.’
x All of us didn’t want to go to bed
√ None of us wanted to go to bed
Use none of with an affirmative verb, NOT all of with a negative verb
x I was alone in the house as all my parents were at work
√ I was alone in the house as bot of my parents were at work
all is used for three or more people or things
both is used for two people or things
x if you sit down and listen, I will explain all the situation
√ if you sit down and listen, I will explain the whole situation
x he spent all the journey talking about accidents
√ he spent the whole/entire journey talking about accidents
all is rarely used with the singular form of a countable noun. Compare: ‘All the walls have been painted green.’ (plural) ‘The whole wall has been painted green’(singular
No 34: allow
x It’s not allowed to talk in the library
√ People are not allowed to talk in the library
√ Talking in the library isn’t allowed
it is NOT used as a preparatory subject before allow
all right
x The man was covered in blood but the woman was allright
√ The man was covered in blood but the woman was all right
x I hope you’re feeling allright now
√ I hope you’re feeling all right now
allright (one word) does not exist . Note that, although it’s widely used, alright (one L) is considered non-standard by careful users of British English
No 36: almost
x The suitcase almost was too heavy to lift
√ The suitcase was almost too heavy to lift
When there’s no auxiliary verb, almost is placed immediately before the main verb: ‘She almost fell over.’, However, when the main verb is be, almost is placed immediately after it: ‘He’s almost blind.’ Otherwise almost goes immediately after the (first) auxiliary verb: ‘I had almost finished the letter when the telephone rang
No 37: alone
x I think I will buy a dog because sometimes I feel alone
√ I think I will buy a dog because sometimes I feel lonely
alone = by yourself (not with anyone): ‘I’ve thought about getting married, but I prefer living alone.’ Lonely = sad because you’re alone
x A child learns a lot by doing things alone
√ A child learns a lot by doing things on his or her own
alone = without other people present
on your own = without anyone’s help or supervision ; independently: ‘He built the car all on his own
No 38: already
x I think my English has improved a bit allready
√ I think my English has improved a bit already
already = by now: ‘The plane has already taken off.’
All ready = all perpared : ‘The suitcase are all ready to take out to the taxi.’
Allready (one word) doesn’t exist
x Most of the food is cold already when you get it
√ Most of the food is already cold when you get it
when there’s no auxiliary verb , already is usually placed immediately before the main verb: ‘They already know.’ However, when the main verb is be, already is usually placed immediately after it: ‘They are already aware of the problem.’ Otherwise already goes immediately after the (first) auxiliary verb: ‘They have already discussed the various solutions
No 39: also
x Of course, there also are people who steal because they're greedy
√Of course, there are also people who steal because they're greedy
x We also would like to be given more fresh food
√We would also like to be given more fresh food
Also usually goes immediately after the (first) auxiliary verb: 'I would also like to play squash if I had the time.' When there's no auxiliary verb, also is placed immediately before the main verb: 'I also play tennis in the summer.' However when the main verb is be, also is placed immediately after it: I'm also interested in golf
x I don't like your climate and I don't like English food also
√ I don't like your climate and I don't like English food either
In a negative clause use either, not also
No 40: alternate
√AmE We decided to make alternate arrangements in case the hotel was fully booked
√BrE We decided to make alternative arrangements in case the hotel was fully booked
remember that AmE refers to American English and BrE refers to British English
In British English alternate and alternative have different meanings
Alternate = (1) happening in turn, first one then the other : alternate periods of sun and rain
(2) every second (day, week, etc): Our local football team plays at home on alternate Saturdays
Alternative = (of two or more things) that maybe used, had, done, etc., instead of another; other
Note that in American English alternate can also be used with the same meaning as alternative
This work is taken from a book titled 'Common Errors', of course it talks about the common mistakes that the speaker or writer might commit
We start with letter A
No 1: a
x I hope you all have a enjoyable stay
√ I hope you all have an enjoyable stay
Always use an (Not a) before a word beginning with a vowel sound : ‘an egg’, ‘an envelope’x My husband is doing a MSc in civil engineering
√ My husband is doing an MSc in civil engineering
Use an (Not a) before an abbreviation that begins with a vowel sound
x Sometimes it's difficult to live a honest life
√ Sometimes it's difficult to live an honest life
Use an (Not a) before words beginning with h when the h is not pronounced like an honor, an hour and so on
x A bottle of milk is in the fridge
√ There's a bottle of milk in the fridge
x A party will be at the language school
√ There will be a party at the language school
In many sentences, the verb be is used to mean 'exist' or 'take place', if the subject hasn't been mentioned before, it's placed immediately after the verb and the sentence begins with there
No 2: a lot of
x She makes us do a lots of homework
√ She makes us do a lot of homework
√ She makes us do lots of homework
a lot of, or lots of WITHOUT a
No 3: above
x There were above a hundred people in the crowd
√ There were over a hundred people in the crowd
Don't use above with numbers (unless referring to points on a scale): ' He is over eighty years of age,' 'I receive over twenty letters a day,' But 'Don't let the temperature get above thirty degrees,'
No 4: above-mentioned
x I would be grateful if you would send it to the address above-mentioned
√ I would be grateful if you would send it to the above-mentioned address
Above-mentioned ALWAYS comes before the noun it modifies: 'above-mentioned person', 'above-mentioned company',
No 5: absent
x The sales manager was absent at the meeting
√ The sales manager was absent from the meeting
absent from, not at
x I went to her house at four o'clock but she was absent
√ I went to her house at four o'clock but she wasn't in
absent = not present at something that you're supposed to attend: absent from school
No 6: Accept
x These people accept to take risks in order to succeed
√ These people accept the need to take risks in order to succeed
x The company will not accept to buy new machines
√ The company will not agree to buy new machines
We accept a person's advice, opinion, or suggestion But agree to do something. Compare: 'I accepted her suggestion and agreed to see the doctor that evening'
x To tell you the truth, I can't accept people who think about money all the time
√ To tell you the truth, I can’t stand/bear/abide people who think about money all the time
can’t stand/bear/abide = can’t tolerate
No 7: accommodation
x I can’t find the right accomodation
√ I can’t find the right accommoation
accommodation (double c, double m)
√ Accommodation in london are very expensive AmE
√ Accommodation in London is very expensive
In British English accommodation (= a place to live or spend the night) is always uncountable. In American English it can be countable
No 8: accord
x People think he resigned on his own accord
√ People think he resigned of his own accord
of your own accord , NOT on
No 9: according to
x According to me, we should spend more money on education
√ In my opinion, we should spend more money on education
According to can’t be followed by me or for
No 10: accuse
x Some unemplyed men accuse women for taking their jobs
√ Some unemployed men accuse women of taking their jobs
accuse someone of something, not for
No 11: accustomed
x Having lived in England for two years, I’m now accustomed myself to the cold weather
√ Having lived in England for two years, I’m now accustomed to the cold weather
be/grow accustomed to something or accustom yourself to something
Compare: ‘He soon grew accustomed to the harsh working conditions.’ ,‘He soon accustomed himself to the harsh working conditions,’
Note that more informal alternative ‘He soon got used to the harsh working conditions. ’
x It took me six months to get accustomed with the climate
√ It took me six months to get accustomed to the climate
get accusomed to something not with
x Where I come from, we’re not accustomed to see so many things in the shops
√ Where I come from, we’re not accustomed to seeing so many things in the shops
be accustomed to + v-ing
No 12: actual
x We’d like to know more about the actual crisis, not the economic problems of the past
√ We’d like to know more about the present/current crisis, not the economic problems of the past
actual = real (as opposed to ‘guessed’, ‘supposed , etc.’): ‘People think he is over fifty but his actual age is forty-eight.’
present/current = happening or existing now
No 13: actually
x We need to produce and export more than we do actually
√ We need to produce and export more than we do at present
actually = strange as it may seem; in fact (despite what is said or thought): ‘People think we’ve got lots money, but actually we’re very poor.’
At present = now
No 14: address
x I'll give you my adress
√ I'll give you my address
address (Double D)
No 15: advice
x I adviced him to tell the police
√ I advised him to tell the police
Advice is a noun Advice is a verb
x She gave me a good advice
√ She gave me some good advice
Advice is an uncountable noun
Note the alternative: ' She gave me a good piece of advice'
No 16: advise
x I asked my lawyer for her advise
√ I asked my lawyer for her advice
Advise is a verb
Advice is a noun
No 17: affair
x There's a new affair in the middle of Helsinki which sells them
√ There's a new shop in the middle of Helsinki which sells them
affair = a thing, matter, or happening: 'The murder of the politician was a terrible affair.'
No 18: affect
x It's a magazine about computers and their affects on your lives
√ It's a magazine about computers and their effects on your lives
Affect (with a) is a verb. To affect something is to have an effect on it :'Smoking affects your health.' (= Smoking has an effect on your health).
No 19: afford
x A newspaper can be a afforded by most people
√ Most people can afford a newspaper
afford is rarely used in passive
x My father couldn't afford paying for my education
√ My father couldn't afford to pay for my education
afford (to do) something
x My father couldn't afford himself to lend me any money
√ My father couldn't afford to lend me any money
Afford isn't a reflexive verb (reflexive means showing that the action of the verb affects the person who performs the action e.g. he cut himself, cut is a reflexive verb and himself is a reflexive pronoun) definition from Oxford dictionary
x I want to get my coat back because I can’t afford the money for a new one
√ I want to get my coat back because I can’t afford (to buy) a new one
Money is rarely used as an object of afford
No 20: afraid
x The road to the airport was very busy and we were afraid to miss the plane
√ The road to the airport was very busy and we were afraid of missing the plane
Be afraid to do something = be unwilling to do something because you’re frightened : ‘She was afraid to eat in case it was poisonous’.
Be afraid of doing something = be worried or anxious about something which might happen
No 21: after
x The flight had been very pleasant until a man sitting after me started to shout
√ The flight had been very pleasant until a man sitting behind me started to shout
after = following in time or order: ‘I’ll see you after lunch.’ ‘Remember to put a full stop after the last word.’
Behind = at the back of
x After a week we’re going to Italy
√ In a week’s time we’re going to Italy
In a week OR in a week’s time = after or at the end of a week
x Most of the people on the bus were after sixty
√ Most of the people on the bus were over sixty
The preposition over is used with ages (and numbers) to mean more than
x I promised to meet Hitomi at the exhibition a week after
√ I promised to meet Hitomi at the exhibition a week later
The use of after as an adverb (in place of later) is very colloquial (colloquial= informal) and is likely to be regarded as non-standard by careful user
√ AmE A police car arrived within minutes and soon after, an ambulance came
√ BrE A police car arrived within minutes and soon afterwards, an ambulance came
In British English the use of after as an adverb (in place of afterwards) is common in informal usage but is regarded by careful users as non-standard
√ After you’ll leave, we will write to you every day
√ After you leave/have left, we will write to you every day
After is followed by the present simple tense (or present perfect) for future reference, NOT shall/will + verb
No 22: after all
x After all, I’d like to thank you all for coming here today
√ Finally, I’d like to thank you all for coming here today
Use after all when (1) you want to intoduce an idea which seems to contradict something which has been said before: ‘They had planned to go by train, but they went by car after all’ (2) you want to remind someone of a fact which they should consider: ‘I’m not surprised you’re tired. After all, you were working all night.’ Remember that we use finally to conclude so finally = to conclude
No 23: afternoon
x The afternoon I met them at the hotel and we went to the beach
√ In the afternoon I met them at the hotel and we went to the beach
In the morning/afternoon/evening
Compare: the next afternoon I met them again
x On the afternoon we have two hours of classes
√ In the afternoon we have two hours of classes
When talking about a particular afternoon, use on
When speaking generally, use in: on the afternoon/morning/evening of 3rd July BUT in the evening/morning/afternoon
No 24: age
x I met a group of youngsters at my age in Trafalgar square
√ I met a group of youngsters (of) my own age in Trafalgar square
(of) my own age, NOT at
No 25: agenda
x In the left-hand pocket you will find a little red agenda that I need urgently
√ In the left-hand pocket you will find a little red diary that I need urgently
agenda = a list of topics for discussion at a meeting
diary = a book in which a person writes appointments or things to be remembered
No 26: ages
x The glasses haven’t been washed since ages
√ The glasses haven’t been washed for ages
remember that we use since for beginning a period but for is used length of a period
No 27: ago
x It’s a month ago since I left Germany
√ It’s a month since I left Germany
Don’t use ago before since
x I’m writing in reply to your letter that I’ve received two days ago
√ I’m writing in reply to your letter that I received two days ago
The present perfect tense is NOT used with words showing past time such as yesterday, last week, a year ago
x The inspector asked to see his ticket, as I had done a few minutes ago
√ The inspector asked to see his ticket, as I had done a few minutes before
Ago is used of a period in the past that is measured from the present moment
Before is used of a period that is NOT measured from the present
A few minutes ago = before now
A few minutes before = before then
x The accident happened at ten years ago
√ The accident happened ten years ago
Don’t use at to introduce a time expression with ago
No 28: agree
x Unfortunately not many people agreed helping us
√ Unfortunately not many people agreed to help us
Agree + to – v
x I don’t agree the people who say women should stay at home
√ I don’t agree with the people who say women should stay at home
agree with someone or something = have the same opinion as
x In many ways I agree to his statement
√ In many ways I agree with his statement
agree with = have the same opinion as: ‘I fully agree with you/your opinion.’
‘The bank manager has agreed to our request for a loan.’
x In some ways I’m agree with those who want stricter punishments
√ In some ways I agree with those who want stricter punishments
agree is a verb NOT an adjective
Although I didn’t really like him, I agreed his invitation
Although I didn’t really like him, I accepted his invitation
accept an invitation, NOT agree
No 29: agreed
x We were both agreed with him
√ We both agreed with him
Agreed can’t be used as an adjective when it’s followed by with. Compare: ‘When it comes to the question of finance, we’re all agreed.’ = have the same opinion
No 30: aid
x Many more will die unless there is an increase in foreign aids
√ Many more will die unless there is an increase in foreign aid
Aid = support or help and it’s an uncountable noun
No 31: aim
x I started to learn English with the aim to become a teacher
√ I started to learn English with the aim of becoming a teacher
With the aim of + v-ing
Note however: ‘My aim is to become a teacher.’
x Everybody should be given the chance to reach their aims
√ Everybody should be given the chance to achieve their aims
achieve an aim, NOT reach
No 32: alive
x Every alive creature in the sea is affected by pollution
√ Every living creature in the sea is affected by pollution
Alive is the opposite of dead
Living is the opposite of non-living
Alive always follows the noun it modifies: ‘Some of the fish in the boat were still alive.’
x Our teacher, Mr Collins, is very alive
√ Our teacher, Mr Collins, is very lively
Alive = not dead = it’s rarely modified
Lively= full of energy and action
No 33: all
x I like all the kinds of music
√ I like all kinds of music
Don’t use the after all when the reference is general. Compare: ‘I like all kinds of fruit.’(general reference) ‘I like all the kinds of fruit that my wife likes’ specific reference
x We all were delighted when we heard the news
√ We were all delighted when we heard the news
x We all must try to find a solution to the problem
√ We must all try to find a solution to the problem
All usually goes immediately after the (first) auxilary verb :‘You should all pass the exam if you work hard.’ ‘They have all been working hard.’ When there’s no auxilart verb, all is placed immediately before the main verb: ‘They all passed the exam.’ However, when the main verb is be, all is placed immediately after it: ‘The letters are all on your desk.’
x All of us didn’t want to go to bed
√ None of us wanted to go to bed
Use none of with an affirmative verb, NOT all of with a negative verb
x I was alone in the house as all my parents were at work
√ I was alone in the house as bot of my parents were at work
all is used for three or more people or things
both is used for two people or things
x if you sit down and listen, I will explain all the situation
√ if you sit down and listen, I will explain the whole situation
x he spent all the journey talking about accidents
√ he spent the whole/entire journey talking about accidents
all is rarely used with the singular form of a countable noun. Compare: ‘All the walls have been painted green.’ (plural) ‘The whole wall has been painted green’(singular
No 34: allow
x It’s not allowed to talk in the library
√ People are not allowed to talk in the library
√ Talking in the library isn’t allowed
it is NOT used as a preparatory subject before allow
all right
x The man was covered in blood but the woman was allright
√ The man was covered in blood but the woman was all right
x I hope you’re feeling allright now
√ I hope you’re feeling all right now
allright (one word) does not exist . Note that, although it’s widely used, alright (one L) is considered non-standard by careful users of British English
No 36: almost
x The suitcase almost was too heavy to lift
√ The suitcase was almost too heavy to lift
When there’s no auxiliary verb, almost is placed immediately before the main verb: ‘She almost fell over.’, However, when the main verb is be, almost is placed immediately after it: ‘He’s almost blind.’ Otherwise almost goes immediately after the (first) auxiliary verb: ‘I had almost finished the letter when the telephone rang
No 37: alone
x I think I will buy a dog because sometimes I feel alone
√ I think I will buy a dog because sometimes I feel lonely
alone = by yourself (not with anyone): ‘I’ve thought about getting married, but I prefer living alone.’ Lonely = sad because you’re alone
x A child learns a lot by doing things alone
√ A child learns a lot by doing things on his or her own
alone = without other people present
on your own = without anyone’s help or supervision ; independently: ‘He built the car all on his own
No 38: already
x I think my English has improved a bit allready
√ I think my English has improved a bit already
already = by now: ‘The plane has already taken off.’
All ready = all perpared : ‘The suitcase are all ready to take out to the taxi.’
Allready (one word) doesn’t exist
x Most of the food is cold already when you get it
√ Most of the food is already cold when you get it
when there’s no auxiliary verb , already is usually placed immediately before the main verb: ‘They already know.’ However, when the main verb is be, already is usually placed immediately after it: ‘They are already aware of the problem.’ Otherwise already goes immediately after the (first) auxiliary verb: ‘They have already discussed the various solutions
No 39: also
x Of course, there also are people who steal because they're greedy
√Of course, there are also people who steal because they're greedy
x We also would like to be given more fresh food
√We would also like to be given more fresh food
Also usually goes immediately after the (first) auxiliary verb: 'I would also like to play squash if I had the time.' When there's no auxiliary verb, also is placed immediately before the main verb: 'I also play tennis in the summer.' However when the main verb is be, also is placed immediately after it: I'm also interested in golf
x I don't like your climate and I don't like English food also
√ I don't like your climate and I don't like English food either
In a negative clause use either, not also
No 40: alternate
√AmE We decided to make alternate arrangements in case the hotel was fully booked
√BrE We decided to make alternative arrangements in case the hotel was fully booked
remember that AmE refers to American English and BrE refers to British English
In British English alternate and alternative have different meanings
Alternate = (1) happening in turn, first one then the other : alternate periods of sun and rain
(2) every second (day, week, etc): Our local football team plays at home on alternate Saturdays
Alternative = (of two or more things) that maybe used, had, done, etc., instead of another; other
Note that in American English alternate can also be used with the same meaning as alternative
