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
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
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 learning.
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.
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 Part 3
Part 4 Part 5
Incorrect omissions Omission of prepositions, 46 Miscellaneous examples 49
Unnecessary words Unnecessary propositions 61 Unnecessary articles 63 Use of the infinitive 69 Miscellaneous examples 70
Misplaced words Wrong position of adverbs 75 Miscellaneous examples 77
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
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.
Misused 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:
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.
Accuse of, not for. Don't say: She accused the man for stealing. Say: She accused the man of stealing.
Note: Charge takes with1 The man was charged with murder.
Accustomed to, not with. Don't say: I'm accustomed with hot weather. Say: I'm accustomed to hot weather.
Note: Also used to: He is used to the heat.
Afraid of, not from. Don't say: Laura is afraid from the dog. Say: Laura is afraid of the dog.
Aim at, not on or against. Don't say: She aimed on {or against) the target. Say: She aimed at the target,
Mote Use the preposition at to denote direction, throw at, shout at, fire at, shoot at. Shoot (without the at) means to kill He shot a bird (= hehit and killed it)
Angry with, not against. Don't say: The teacher was angry against him. Say: The teacher was angry with him.
noteIWegetangrywithapersonbutatathing Hewasangry atThe weather 'not with the weather)
Mote 2 Also annoyed with, vexed with, indignant with a person, but at a thing.
Anxious (= troubled) about, not for. Don't say.'They're anxious for his health. Say: They're anxious about his health.
Noie Anxious meaning wishing very much lakes for Parents are anxious for their children's success.
Arrive at, not to. Don't say: We arrived to the village at night. Say:: We arrived at the village at night.
Note Usearrive in with countries andlarge cities. Mr Smith has arrived in London (or New York. India, etc )
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 useashamed of meaning shy Ashamed means feeling shame or guilt about something. Shy means feeling nervous with someone Instead of saying1 I'm ashamed (or shamed) of my teacher, say I'm shy of my teacher
Believe in, not to. Don't say: We believe to God.
/ Say: We believe in God. Note: To believe in means tohave faith in. To believe (without thein) means
to regard something as true: / 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.
Note: W e say: by train, by boat, by plane, by bike; also, by land, by sea, by air, by bus; in a bus or on a bus; by car or in a car, by taxi or in a taxi; on horse-back, on a donkey, on a bicycle; on foot.
14 Complain about, not for. Don't say: Annette complained for the weather.
/ Say: Annette complained about the weather. Note When talking about illness w e use 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.
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 lakes with. 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 caie never to use consist in the passive iorm.
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. Noie The noun cure takes for1 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 upon ' can't rely on (or upon) him.
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 People die of illness, of hunger, of thirst, of or from wounds; from overwork; by violence, fay thesword, by pestilence; in battle; for their country, for a cause, through neglect; on the scaffold; at the stake.
25 Different from, n o t 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. Mote1 Before a person we usewith or in, before a thing we useat, about or
by and before a gerund w e useat: Keith is very disappointed the prize. W e usethat (optional before a newclause)' /was (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 thing maybe divided in half or in two Paul divided (or in two).
at not winning disappointed
the apple in half
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 pass
29 Dressed in, not with. Don't say: The woman was dressed with black.
/ Say:The woman was dressed in black. Note1 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. Note: W e saywith the 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: H e exchanged his collection of matchboxes for some foreign stamps. Note1 In exchange for He 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 Fullof,notwithorfrom. Don't say: The jar was full with (or from) oil.
/ Say: The jar was full of oil. Note1 Fill takes with Jane filled the glass with water
Getridof, not from. Don't say: I'll be glad to get rid from him.
/ Say:I'llbeglad togetridofhim.
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: Bad at, clever at, quick at, slow at, etc. However, weak 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: Hewas 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 dependent on: 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.
Insist on, not to. Don't say: He always insisted to his opinion.
/ Say: He always insisted on his opinion. No'.e Persist take;, in He persisted in his silly ideas
42 Interested in, not for. Don't say: She's notinterested forher 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 on1 Some birds feed on insects
46 Look at, not to. Don't say: Look to this beautiful picture.
/ Say: Look at this beautiful picture.
Note1 Also gaze at, stare at, etc Bui.
look after (= take care of);
look for(= tr, to find),
look over (= examine);
look into (= examine closely),
look on or upon (=consider),
look down on (=have a lowopinion of),
look up to !=retpecrj.; lookout for ;=expect);
lookforwardto(=expectwith p'easure),
look to (= rely on)
47 married to, not with. Dont 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 Opposite ours is also correct
49 Passbyaplace,notfromaplace. Don't say: Will you pass from the post-office?
/ Say: Will you pass by the post-office? Note Also pass the post-office is correct.
50 Playforateam,notwith a team. Don't say: H e 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.
Note. W e say pleased at or pleased with if an abstract noun or a clause follows; 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'sopreferable to This car ispreferable to niy old one.
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-. He feels repentance lor his sin
59 Satisfied with, not from. Don't say: Are you satisfied from your marks?
Say: Are you satisfied with your marks? Noty Also content with, delighted with, unhappy with, happy with,
displeased with, dissatisfied with, disgusted with.
60 Similar to, not with. Don't say: Your house is similar with mine. Say: Your house is similar to mine.
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 Also sit at a table. But on a chair, on a bench, on a sofa, etc; in an arm-chair, in a tree or up a tree. A bird sometimes 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. Note. A person succeeds to a property, a title, or an office: Queen Elizabeth I!
succeeded to the throne in 1952 Also oneperson C3nsucceed another.
64 Superior to, not from or than. Don't say: This is superior from (or than) that.
/ 5«y.This is superior to that.
Note Also inferior to, junior to, senior to, 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. Note: Also 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.
Note. Also astonished at/by, amazed at/by, alarmed at/by, pu2zled at/by, shocked at/by
Have another look at...
Prepositions after certain words
Note carefully the prepositions used after the follow in words:
accuse of accustomed to afraid of aim at
angry with, at arrive at. in ashamed of believe in boast of careful of, with, about complain about composed of
conform to congratulate on consist of cure of
depend on deprive of die of different from dressed'm
fail in full of good Ql guard against
guilty of independent of indifferent to insist interested in jealous of look at married to
no doubt of or about pleased wit it prefer to proud of
related ro repent of satisfied with similar to succeed in superior to sure of surprised at, by suspect of
tired of translate into warn of, about
67 Suspect of, not for. Don't say: I suspect Kate for stealing the pen.
/ Say: I suspect Kate of stealing the pen. Note Also suspicious of: Oogs 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. Mote: Also: hold by, catch by, seize by, snatch by, grasp by.
69 Tieto,notOK. Don't say;The girl tied the string on the kite.
/ i'i7y:The girl tied the string to the kite. U'.nt Also bind to: The prisoner was bound to r^p I M A - 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? Also shake with andshiver with. Thethief i^asshaking
yvith le-)'
73 Warn (a person) of danger, n o t about danger. Don't say: They were warned about the danger.
/ Say: They were warned of the danger.
No'? i Usewarn about for specific things rhpy v/amed w, abom t i , j f'j-i,'. m -th' road
Note 2 W e w a r n a person against a fault. 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 when w e ate relerrmg to the final work The drawing was done incharcoal Dora writes herletters ingreen inkWhenwearereferringTO the instrument used we usewith The children art- learning 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: H e 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; to +• the infinitive follows able or unable He- <sunable to do anything
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.
(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.
Note' Also can't help (= can't avoid). / can't help laughing.
87 Enjoy + -ing.
Don't say: I enjoy to play football. Say: I enjoy playing football.
Note: Usethe gerund or to + infinitive after verbs meaning to like or to dislike1 He likes reading English books, or He 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?
Note, to t infinitive or the gerund follow verbs meaning to 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.
Note: Also keep on; 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?
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.
Practise + -ing. Don't say: You must practise to speak English. Say: You must practise speaking English.
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.
Risk + -ing.
Don't say: We couldn't risk to leave him alone. Say: We couldn't risk leaving him alone.
Stop f -rag. Don't say: The wind has almost stopped'to b'rAv. Say: The wind has almost stopped blowing. Note yive up '= xto-pl g;.ve u:: smoking.
(d) Afiei ce.rtah: adjectives:
Busy + -ing. Don't say: tie was busy to revise the exams. Say: He was busy revising for the exams.
Worth + -ing.
Don't say. Is today's film worth to see? Say: Is today's film worth seeing?
(e) After certain phrases:
Have difficulty in + -ing.
Don't say: She has no difficulty to do it. Say: She has no difficulty in doing it .
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'<g others
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: 1didnotwent toschool yesterday.
Say: I did not go to school yesterday. Use thepresent infinitive without to, notthepast tense after theauxiliary did.
Note: theanswer toa question beginning with did isalways inthepast tense. Did you see 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. After theauxiliary does usetheinfinitive without to, andnotthethird person of thepresent. Note Theanswer toa question beginning with Does isalways inthepresent tense, third person: 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. After theverbs can, must, may, shall, and will, usethe infinitive without to,
and notthethird person of thepresent.
107 Wrong sequence of tenses. Don't say: Rachel asked me what I am doing.
/ Say: Rachel asked me what I was doing. When theverb inthemain clause isinthepasttense, useapast tensein
subordinate clauses.
Note. This rule doesn't apply (1) to verbs within quotations. (2) to facts that are true at all times W e say: 1 She said, 'I am waiting for your answer' 2 He said thai London 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.
Will/'il cunGes to would/'d in subccmate causes, when the verb >nthe nam clause: is .n a past terse
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. May changes to might in subordinate clauses, when the verb in the main
ciduse is m the past s'mple tense Note The conjunction that is never preceded by a comma
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. Can changes to could :n subordinate douses, when the verb in the main clause
is ir the oast simple tense.
(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 the simple past tense alter to.
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. Use the past paiticiple (and not the past tense) with the auxiliary verb have 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.
Don't use must and ought to as past tenses To express a past duty (which wasn't done) use the perfect infinitive without to after aught to or should, or expressions such as had to,was obliged to.
Note' Inindirect speech usemust andought to aspast tenses: Hesaid 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.
Use thesimple past tense (and notthepresent perfect! foranaction comple m the past at a stated time.
Note' When a sentence hasa word or a phrase denoting past time, like
yesterday, last night, last week, last year, then, ago, etc., always usea simple past tense.
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 wearespeaking oftheresult ofapast action rather than oftheactionit we must use the present perfect tense When somebody says, /have seen Parthenon, he or she is not thinking so much of the past act of seeing it, a the present result of that past action.
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 j u s t f i n i s h e d , w e m u s t u s e t h e p r e s e n t p e r f e c t instead of the simple past tense, For example, immediately after the clock strikes, w e shouldn't say The clock struck, bul 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 thepresent perfect (and notthesimple present) foranaction begun inthe past and continuing into the present. I've been at this school two years means 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. The verb after a since clause of time is generally in the present perfect tense.
19 Using the simple present instead of the present continuous.
Don't say: Look! Two boys fight. / Say: Look! Two boys are fighting.
Note. W e also use the present continuous for the future'when something is pre-arranged or expected with some certainty 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, verbs denoting a state rather than en act have no continuous forms, like understand, know, believe, like, love, belong, prefer, consist, mean, hear, see. etc.
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. Use thesimple present (and notthe present continuous) to express a present
habitual action.
Note. Usethepresent continuous to express a habitual action with the word
always or with a verb denoting a continuous state: 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.
The verb to use doesn't express a habit in the present. /use means / employ. I use a pen to write with.
Note1 Used to expresses a past state or habit and it usually refers to some old situation which no 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. Use thesimple past tense to express a habit inthepast, andnotthe past
continuous Note: Usethe past continuous tense to describe events in the past happening at
the time another action took 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.
Use the past perfect when the time of one past action is more past than that of another. Puttheaction which wascompleted first inthepast perfect and the second action in the past tense.
Note: Don't use the present tense and the past perfect in the same sentence. It would be incorrect to 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. Don't use the past perfect unless there is another verb jn the past tense inthe
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.
Iftheverb inthemain clause isinthefuture, theverb inthetime clause must be in the present tense
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.
Use the present tense in a future conditional in the if clause and the future tense in the main clause
Note: But the future tense may be used in an if clause 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.
Use the past tense after the phrase as if or as though. He talks as if he knew everything, m e a n s He talks as he would talk if he knew everything.
Note: Usethesubjective were with theverb to be after as if: Weacts as if he were a rich man.
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. Use the present tense of wish to express a present meaning, followed by a
that clause containing a past tense.
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 animprobable condition bythepast tense andusetheconditional in the main clause. This use of the past tense doesn't indicate a time but a degree 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 counterfactual (that didn't happen) condition by the past perfect and use thepast conditional inthemam clause. This useofthepast perfect doesn't indicate a time butan impossible happening.
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? The infinitive simply names an action without reference to person, number or
time Therefore, it can't make sense without the help of a finite verb.
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 youbegin with a verb referring to past time, keep theverb forms in the past. The same rule applies to tenses throughout a composition.
(See Exercises 24-30 on pages 148-151.)
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 mentioned. 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.
Note: Don't use the Past Continuous (/ was going) for a past habitual action, but for dn action in the past continuing at the time another action rook place / was going to the cinema 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 present. 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
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
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
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 learning.
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.
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 Part 3
Part 4 Part 5
Incorrect omissions Omission of prepositions, 46 Miscellaneous examples 49
Unnecessary words Unnecessary propositions 61 Unnecessary articles 63 Use of the infinitive 69 Miscellaneous examples 70
Misplaced words Wrong position of adverbs 75 Miscellaneous examples 77
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
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.
Misused 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:
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.
Accuse of, not for. Don't say: She accused the man for stealing. Say: She accused the man of stealing.
Note: Charge takes with1 The man was charged with murder.
Accustomed to, not with. Don't say: I'm accustomed with hot weather. Say: I'm accustomed to hot weather.
Note: Also used to: He is used to the heat.
Afraid of, not from. Don't say: Laura is afraid from the dog. Say: Laura is afraid of the dog.
Aim at, not on or against. Don't say: She aimed on {or against) the target. Say: She aimed at the target,
Mote Use the preposition at to denote direction, throw at, shout at, fire at, shoot at. Shoot (without the at) means to kill He shot a bird (= hehit and killed it)
Angry with, not against. Don't say: The teacher was angry against him. Say: The teacher was angry with him.
noteIWegetangrywithapersonbutatathing Hewasangry atThe weather 'not with the weather)
Mote 2 Also annoyed with, vexed with, indignant with a person, but at a thing.
Anxious (= troubled) about, not for. Don't say.'They're anxious for his health. Say: They're anxious about his health.
Noie Anxious meaning wishing very much lakes for Parents are anxious for their children's success.
Arrive at, not to. Don't say: We arrived to the village at night. Say:: We arrived at the village at night.
Note Usearrive in with countries andlarge cities. Mr Smith has arrived in London (or New York. India, etc )
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 useashamed of meaning shy Ashamed means feeling shame or guilt about something. Shy means feeling nervous with someone Instead of saying1 I'm ashamed (or shamed) of my teacher, say I'm shy of my teacher
Believe in, not to. Don't say: We believe to God.
/ Say: We believe in God. Note: To believe in means tohave faith in. To believe (without thein) means
to regard something as true: / 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.
Note: W e say: by train, by boat, by plane, by bike; also, by land, by sea, by air, by bus; in a bus or on a bus; by car or in a car, by taxi or in a taxi; on horse-back, on a donkey, on a bicycle; on foot.
14 Complain about, not for. Don't say: Annette complained for the weather.
/ Say: Annette complained about the weather. Note When talking about illness w e use 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.
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 lakes with. 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 caie never to use consist in the passive iorm.
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. Noie The noun cure takes for1 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 upon ' can't rely on (or upon) him.
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 People die of illness, of hunger, of thirst, of or from wounds; from overwork; by violence, fay thesword, by pestilence; in battle; for their country, for a cause, through neglect; on the scaffold; at the stake.
25 Different from, n o t 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. Mote1 Before a person we usewith or in, before a thing we useat, about or
by and before a gerund w e useat: Keith is very disappointed the prize. W e usethat (optional before a newclause)' /was (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 thing maybe divided in half or in two Paul divided (or in two).
at not winning disappointed
the apple in half
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 pass
29 Dressed in, not with. Don't say: The woman was dressed with black.
/ Say:The woman was dressed in black. Note1 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. Note: W e saywith the 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: H e exchanged his collection of matchboxes for some foreign stamps. Note1 In exchange for He 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 Fullof,notwithorfrom. Don't say: The jar was full with (or from) oil.
/ Say: The jar was full of oil. Note1 Fill takes with Jane filled the glass with water
Getridof, not from. Don't say: I'll be glad to get rid from him.
/ Say:I'llbeglad togetridofhim.
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: Bad at, clever at, quick at, slow at, etc. However, weak 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: Hewas 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 dependent on: 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.
Insist on, not to. Don't say: He always insisted to his opinion.
/ Say: He always insisted on his opinion. No'.e Persist take;, in He persisted in his silly ideas
42 Interested in, not for. Don't say: She's notinterested forher 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 on1 Some birds feed on insects
46 Look at, not to. Don't say: Look to this beautiful picture.
/ Say: Look at this beautiful picture.
Note1 Also gaze at, stare at, etc Bui.
look after (= take care of);
look for(= tr, to find),
look over (= examine);
look into (= examine closely),
look on or upon (=consider),
look down on (=have a lowopinion of),
look up to !=retpecrj.; lookout for ;=expect);
lookforwardto(=expectwith p'easure),
look to (= rely on)
47 married to, not with. Dont 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 Opposite ours is also correct
49 Passbyaplace,notfromaplace. Don't say: Will you pass from the post-office?
/ Say: Will you pass by the post-office? Note Also pass the post-office is correct.
50 Playforateam,notwith a team. Don't say: H e 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.
Note. W e say pleased at or pleased with if an abstract noun or a clause follows; 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'sopreferable to This car ispreferable to niy old one.
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-. He feels repentance lor his sin
59 Satisfied with, not from. Don't say: Are you satisfied from your marks?
Say: Are you satisfied with your marks? Noty Also content with, delighted with, unhappy with, happy with,
displeased with, dissatisfied with, disgusted with.
60 Similar to, not with. Don't say: Your house is similar with mine. Say: Your house is similar to mine.
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 Also sit at a table. But on a chair, on a bench, on a sofa, etc; in an arm-chair, in a tree or up a tree. A bird sometimes 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. Note. A person succeeds to a property, a title, or an office: Queen Elizabeth I!
succeeded to the throne in 1952 Also oneperson C3nsucceed another.
64 Superior to, not from or than. Don't say: This is superior from (or than) that.
/ 5«y.This is superior to that.
Note Also inferior to, junior to, senior to, 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. Note: Also 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.
Note. Also astonished at/by, amazed at/by, alarmed at/by, pu2zled at/by, shocked at/by
Have another look at...
Prepositions after certain words
Note carefully the prepositions used after the follow in words:
accuse of accustomed to afraid of aim at
angry with, at arrive at. in ashamed of believe in boast of careful of, with, about complain about composed of
conform to congratulate on consist of cure of
depend on deprive of die of different from dressed'm
fail in full of good Ql guard against
guilty of independent of indifferent to insist interested in jealous of look at married to
no doubt of or about pleased wit it prefer to proud of
related ro repent of satisfied with similar to succeed in superior to sure of surprised at, by suspect of
tired of translate into warn of, about
67 Suspect of, not for. Don't say: I suspect Kate for stealing the pen.
/ Say: I suspect Kate of stealing the pen. Note Also suspicious of: Oogs 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. Mote: Also: hold by, catch by, seize by, snatch by, grasp by.
69 Tieto,notOK. Don't say;The girl tied the string on the kite.
/ i'i7y:The girl tied the string to the kite. U'.nt Also bind to: The prisoner was bound to r^p I M A - 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? Also shake with andshiver with. Thethief i^asshaking
yvith le-)'
73 Warn (a person) of danger, n o t about danger. Don't say: They were warned about the danger.
/ Say: They were warned of the danger.
No'? i Usewarn about for specific things rhpy v/amed w, abom t i , j f'j-i,'. m -th' road
Note 2 W e w a r n a person against a fault. 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 when w e ate relerrmg to the final work The drawing was done incharcoal Dora writes herletters ingreen inkWhenwearereferringTO the instrument used we usewith The children art- learning 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: H e 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; to +• the infinitive follows able or unable He- <sunable to do anything
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.
(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.
Note' Also can't help (= can't avoid). / can't help laughing.
87 Enjoy + -ing.
Don't say: I enjoy to play football. Say: I enjoy playing football.
Note: Usethe gerund or to + infinitive after verbs meaning to like or to dislike1 He likes reading English books, or He 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?
Note, to t infinitive or the gerund follow verbs meaning to 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.
Note: Also keep on; 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?
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.
Practise + -ing. Don't say: You must practise to speak English. Say: You must practise speaking English.
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.
Risk + -ing.
Don't say: We couldn't risk to leave him alone. Say: We couldn't risk leaving him alone.
Stop f -rag. Don't say: The wind has almost stopped'to b'rAv. Say: The wind has almost stopped blowing. Note yive up '= xto-pl g;.ve u:: smoking.
(d) Afiei ce.rtah: adjectives:
Busy + -ing. Don't say: tie was busy to revise the exams. Say: He was busy revising for the exams.
Worth + -ing.
Don't say. Is today's film worth to see? Say: Is today's film worth seeing?
(e) After certain phrases:
Have difficulty in + -ing.
Don't say: She has no difficulty to do it. Say: She has no difficulty in doing it .
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'<g others
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: 1didnotwent toschool yesterday.
Say: I did not go to school yesterday. Use thepresent infinitive without to, notthepast tense after theauxiliary did.
Note: theanswer toa question beginning with did isalways inthepast tense. Did you see 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. After theauxiliary does usetheinfinitive without to, andnotthethird person of thepresent. Note Theanswer toa question beginning with Does isalways inthepresent tense, third person: 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. After theverbs can, must, may, shall, and will, usethe infinitive without to,
and notthethird person of thepresent.
107 Wrong sequence of tenses. Don't say: Rachel asked me what I am doing.
/ Say: Rachel asked me what I was doing. When theverb inthemain clause isinthepasttense, useapast tensein
subordinate clauses.
Note. This rule doesn't apply (1) to verbs within quotations. (2) to facts that are true at all times W e say: 1 She said, 'I am waiting for your answer' 2 He said thai London 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.
Will/'il cunGes to would/'d in subccmate causes, when the verb >nthe nam clause: is .n a past terse
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. May changes to might in subordinate clauses, when the verb in the main
ciduse is m the past s'mple tense Note The conjunction that is never preceded by a comma
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. Can changes to could :n subordinate douses, when the verb in the main clause
is ir the oast simple tense.
(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 the simple past tense alter to.
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. Use the past paiticiple (and not the past tense) with the auxiliary verb have 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.
Don't use must and ought to as past tenses To express a past duty (which wasn't done) use the perfect infinitive without to after aught to or should, or expressions such as had to,was obliged to.
Note' Inindirect speech usemust andought to aspast tenses: Hesaid 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.
Use thesimple past tense (and notthepresent perfect! foranaction comple m the past at a stated time.
Note' When a sentence hasa word or a phrase denoting past time, like
yesterday, last night, last week, last year, then, ago, etc., always usea simple past tense.
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 wearespeaking oftheresult ofapast action rather than oftheactionit we must use the present perfect tense When somebody says, /have seen Parthenon, he or she is not thinking so much of the past act of seeing it, a the present result of that past action.
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 j u s t f i n i s h e d , w e m u s t u s e t h e p r e s e n t p e r f e c t instead of the simple past tense, For example, immediately after the clock strikes, w e shouldn't say The clock struck, bul 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 thepresent perfect (and notthesimple present) foranaction begun inthe past and continuing into the present. I've been at this school two years means 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. The verb after a since clause of time is generally in the present perfect tense.
19 Using the simple present instead of the present continuous.
Don't say: Look! Two boys fight. / Say: Look! Two boys are fighting.
Note. W e also use the present continuous for the future'when something is pre-arranged or expected with some certainty 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, verbs denoting a state rather than en act have no continuous forms, like understand, know, believe, like, love, belong, prefer, consist, mean, hear, see. etc.
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. Use thesimple present (and notthe present continuous) to express a present
habitual action.
Note. Usethepresent continuous to express a habitual action with the word
always or with a verb denoting a continuous state: 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.
The verb to use doesn't express a habit in the present. /use means / employ. I use a pen to write with.
Note1 Used to expresses a past state or habit and it usually refers to some old situation which no 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. Use thesimple past tense to express a habit inthepast, andnotthe past
continuous Note: Usethe past continuous tense to describe events in the past happening at
the time another action took 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.
Use the past perfect when the time of one past action is more past than that of another. Puttheaction which wascompleted first inthepast perfect and the second action in the past tense.
Note: Don't use the present tense and the past perfect in the same sentence. It would be incorrect to 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. Don't use the past perfect unless there is another verb jn the past tense inthe
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.
Iftheverb inthemain clause isinthefuture, theverb inthetime clause must be in the present tense
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.
Use the present tense in a future conditional in the if clause and the future tense in the main clause
Note: But the future tense may be used in an if clause 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.
Use the past tense after the phrase as if or as though. He talks as if he knew everything, m e a n s He talks as he would talk if he knew everything.
Note: Usethesubjective were with theverb to be after as if: Weacts as if he were a rich man.
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. Use the present tense of wish to express a present meaning, followed by a
that clause containing a past tense.
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 animprobable condition bythepast tense andusetheconditional in the main clause. This use of the past tense doesn't indicate a time but a degree 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 counterfactual (that didn't happen) condition by the past perfect and use thepast conditional inthemam clause. This useofthepast perfect doesn't indicate a time butan impossible happening.
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? The infinitive simply names an action without reference to person, number or
time Therefore, it can't make sense without the help of a finite verb.
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 youbegin with a verb referring to past time, keep theverb forms in the past. The same rule applies to tenses throughout a composition.
(See Exercises 24-30 on pages 148-151.)
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 mentioned. 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.
Note: Don't use the Past Continuous (/ was going) for a past habitual action, but for dn action in the past continuing at the time another action rook place / was going to the cinema 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 present. 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
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