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Gowher Ahmad Naik, Lovely Professional University Unit 4: Functional Grammar: Common Errors

Unit 4: Functional Grammar: Common Errors Notes

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction
4.1 Common Errors
4.2 Miscellaneous Examples
4.3 Review Questions
4.4 Further Readings

Objectives

After reading this unit, students will be able to:
• Avoid grammatical errors in each and everyday conversation and in writing.
• Learn to write correct English in different parts of speech.

Introduction

We tend to commit grammatical errors in our everyday conversation and in writing, without being
aware of them. The importance of the English language is increasing day by day in the academic
curriculum as well as in competitive examinations. Grammar is the base and the foundation on which
rests the structure of a language. A perfect harmony is attained in a sentence when one speaks or
writes correctly. This section is a practical guide to the reader/learner to avoid errors in the usage of
the English language.

4.1 Common Errors

4.1.1 Errors in the Use of Nouns
Incorrect Correct
1. I must help him. After all, we are brothers 1. I must help him. After all, we are brethren of
of the same profession. the same profession.
Explanation: Brothers refers to the brothers in
a family. Brethren refers to a community or
members of a guild or a society.
2. He does everything for conscience’s sake. 2. He does everything for conscience sake.
3. Has the agendum for tomorrow’s metting 3. He the agenda for tomorrow’s metting been
been drawn up? drawn up?
Explanation: Agendum is not used in English.
Agenda (Programme of a metting) is trated
as singular.
4. Custom on exports and imports is collected 4. Customs on exports and imports arecollected
at the airport. at the airport.
5. The old lady who was crushed to death by 5. The old lady who was crushed to death by a
a speeding truck was walking in the centre speeding truck was walking in the middle of
of the road. the road.

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