THE COMMONALITY OF ERRORS
These are the
grammar rules you are probably breaking without realising it
Proper grammar and
usage are important for clear communication. There are a number of
English-language nuances that are often overlooked. For example, many words or
phrases sound alike, but have different meanings (like the infamous there,
their, they’re). In these cases, it’s important to choose wisely. Otherwise,
your message can get lost. Though reading the sentence aloud can help you
determine whether you are using the appropriate phrases, be careful not to
choose a word or phrase because it ‘sounds right’. Some rules just require
memorisation. Follow these tips:
‘Each’ is singular
Each is a singular noun, and it therefore takes a
singular verb. Consider the sentence, “Each of my brothers is very talented.”
Although ‘brothers’ is a plural noun, the verb ‘to be’ modifies ‘each’, not
‘brothers’, which is a part of a prepositional phrase. “Each of my brothers are
very talented” is incorrect.
Less v/s fewer
You may have seen this common mistake while at the
grocery store: The sign for the ‘10 items or less line’ should actually read
‘10 items or fewer’. Fewer is used when the subject is quantifiable (that is,
if you can count it). For example, “I have fewer books than you” is correct
usage. “Less” refers to a more abstract idea that doesn’t have a true plural.
“If I go home after work, I am less inclined to go to the gym.”
A lot is two words
Never use ‘a lot’. A lot should always be written as
two words. ‘Allot’ means “to assign as a share or portion”.
Overuse of literal
The adverb ‘literally’ is used a lot in speech, but
more often than not, the word is exaggerated beyond its actual meaning. “I am
literally dying of thirst” is not grammatically correct unless you are truly
dying of thirst.
Historical v/s historic
Historic and historical are also frequently confused.
Historical events are events that happened in the past. Historic events are
ones that are particularly significant or memorable. People also often confuse
whether ‘a historic/historical’ or ‘an historic/historical’ is correct. As a
rule of thumb, ‘an’ is used preceding a vowel sound, thus ‘an hour’ is correct.
Because you pronounce the ‘h’ in ‘historic/historical’, ‘a’ is the correct
indefinite article.
Everyday and every day
What’s the difference between everyday and every day?
‘Everyday’ is an adjective. “Everyday tasks can be mundane.” ‘Every day’ is an
adverb that refers to each and every day. “I run every day.”
Saying ‘I could care less’
People often confuse ‘I could care less’ with ‘I
couldn’t care less.’ Which phrase is correct? “I couldn’t care less” indicates
extreme apathy. You are unable to care less about a certain situation. “I
couldn’t care less” is correct. ‘I could care less’ means that you have the
mental capacity to be even more indifferent than you already are.
businessinsider.in
ET27JUN18
No comments:
Post a Comment