1. WRONG USE OF ENGLISH VOCABULARY Page 3-23
2. SPELLING ERRORS Page 24-25
3. ERRORS ON TENSES Page 26-29
4. SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT Page 30-33
5. MISSING VERB Page 34-36
6. PASSIVE AND ACTIVE SENTENCES Page 37-39
7. NEGATIVE TRANSLATION Page 40-45
8. COMPLEX SENTENCES Page 46-47
WRONG USE OF ENGLISH VOCABULARY
PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT AN ENGLISH VOCABULARY OR WORD CAN BE IN MANY FORMS. ONE ENGLISH WORD MAY PLAY THE ROLE OF VERB, NOUN, ADVERB OR ADJECTIVE. IN ORDER TO BE ACCURATE IN YOUR WRITING OR SPEAKING ACTIVITY, YOU HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO REFER TO THE OXFORD DICTIONARIES.
1. The class is very noise. (Wrong)
2. The class is very noisy. (Correct)
Explanation:
The word noise has been used wrongly. The word noise is supposed to be replaced with the word noisy because in this sentence, the word noisy plays the role of adjective (adjective talks more about noun) Furthermore, the word noisy (adjective) describes the class. If you would like to use the word noise which is a noun, you may say “I can’t stand the noise.” You can also say, “The noise is driving me crazy”.
1. NOISE: NOUN
2. NOISY: ADJECTIVE
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1. She advice her sister not to sleep too late at night. (Wrong)
2. She advises her sister not to sleep too late at night. (Correct)
Explanation:
The word advice has been used wrongly because advice is a noun. The word advice is supposed to be replaced with the word advise which plays the role of verb. Furthermore, the difference between these two words is the spelling. If you would like to use the word advice (noun), you may say “I can’t accept your advice because you have never been through this problem before”. You can also say, “I am not going to listen to your advice”.
1. ADVICE: NOUN
2. ADVISE: VERB
1. I did many mistake on my second year at university. (WRONG)
2. I did many mistakes on my second year at university. (CORRECT)
Explanation:
The word many is an adjective and it means more than one. Therefore, you have to add “s” at the end of the word mistake. The word mistake is a noun and is also a countable noun. If you wish not to add “s” at the end of the word mistake, you may say, “I only did one big mistake when I was at University.”
1. MISTAKE: ADJECTIVE
2. MISTAKE: MEANS ONE
3. MISTAKES: MEANS MORE THAN ONE
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1. I was in home when the accident occurred. (Wrong)
2. I was at home when the accident occurred. (Correct)
Explanation:
The word in which is a preposition has been used wrongly in this sentence. The preposition in is normally used when you are describing something in a sealed box or envelope. If you want to use in for people, you may say “I am in my room.” The preposition at is used because it tells us exactly where we are. However, the use of preposition at in this sentence is not specific enough. Therefore, you may add “I was in my room/bedroom/bathroom/living room/kitchen.” after the first sentence in order to specify your exact location.
IN: PREPOSITION
AT: PREPOSITION
1. Thanks you for your efforts. (Wrong)
2. Thanks for your efforts. (Correct)
Explanation:
In this sentence, the word you is not supposed to be used as the word thanks contain the letter “s”. If you wish not to add s in the word thanks, you may just say “Thank you.” or “Thank you for your efforts / kindness / time /commitment / cooperation.”
THANKS: VERB
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1. What do you usually do at weekends? (Wrong)
2. What do you usually do on weekends? (Correct)
Explanation:
The word at (preposition) has been wrongly used in this sentence. The preposition on is supposed to be used because at is used for specific purposes. The preposition on is supposed to be used in this sentence because the word weekends (noun) is not specific. The exact time is not mentioned at all in this sentence. The preposition on can also be used to describe date such as “I will arrive on 21st of August 2008”. On the other hand, you may use at when you want to specify the exact time. You may say “I will arrive at 5 p.m.” or “I will be there at 8.00 a.m.”.
AT: PREPOSITION: TIME (…at 2.00 p.m.)
ON: PREPOSITION: DATE (…on 14th of February 2008)
1. I like to watch education programmes on television. (Wrong)
2. I like to watch educational programmes on television. (Correct)
Explanation:
The word education is noun. Therefore, it cannot be used in this sentence. The word educational which is an adjective is supposed to be used instead. If you wish to use the word education (noun), you may say “Education can be obtained through the media as it provides many educational programmes.
EDUCATION: NOUN
EDUCATIONAL: ADJECTIVE
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1. To success, one should work hard to achieve succeed. (Wrong)
2. In order to succeed, one should work hard to achieve success. (Correct)
Explanation:
The word succeed (verb) is used in the first part of the sentence because it plays the role of verb while the word success (noun) is used at the last part of the sentence because it plays the role of noun. If you wish to use the word successful, you may say, “I want to be a successful businessman/teacher/engineer/architect and etc.”
SUCCESS: NOUN
SUCCEED: VERB
SUCCESSFUL: ADJECTIVE
1. They need to do his work properly. (Wrong)
2. They need to their work properly. (Correct)
Explanation:
The word their (pronoun) is supposed to be used before the word work (noun) in this sentence because the subject “they: pronoun” has been used. The pronoun (his) can be used if the subject is “he” or male names. Even though the word their is a pronoun, it plays the role of adjective in this sentence because it describes the noun work.
THEY: SUBJECTIVE PERSONAL PRONOUN
THEIR: OBJECTIVE PERSONAL PRONOUN
HE: SUBJECTIVE PERSONAL PRONOUN
HIS: OBJECTIVE PERSONAL PRONOUN
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1. She needs to do her works properly. (Wrong)
2. She needs to do her work properly.) (Correct)
Explanation:
Work is NOT a countable noun. It is actually an uncountable noun. There must be no “s” at the end of the word work. If you would like to emphasize the amount of work you are doing, you may say, “I have a lot of things to do today.”
WORK: UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
JOB (S): COUNTABLE NOUN
1. She was a highest mark. (Wrong)
2. She got the highest mark. (Correct).
Explanation:
The verb was has been used wrongly in this sentence because the verb was is usually used to describe things or people. The verb got is supposed to be used in this sentence because we have an object in this sentence which is “the highest mark”. You may use the verb was if you say “She was the cleverest student in my class.”
Was: be verb
Got: active verb
1. I want you to buy some apples bananas at the market this evening. (Wrong)
2. I want you to buy some apples and bananas at the market this evening. (Correct)
Explanation:
A conjunction (and) is missing in the sentence. You must put the word and between the words bananas and apples because two types of fruits were mentioned in the sentence.
AND: CONJUNCTION
1. Either you I will have to go to the next class. (Wrong)
2. Either you or I will have to go to the next class. (Correct)
Explanation:
The word or which is a conjunction is missing in this sentence.
OR: CONJUNCTION
1. Areena is the woman that told me about the accident. (Wrong)
2. Areena is the woman who told me about the accident. (Correct)
Explanation:
The word “Which” is used to connect independent and dependent clauses. The word which may be used if the subject is non-human. In this sentence, the subject is human being. Therefore, the word who is supposed to be used.
WHICH: RELATIVE PRONOUN
WHO: RELATIVE PRONOUN
More examples….
1. Throughout the year, we had organized many excited activities. (Wrong)
2. Throughout the year, we had organized many exciting activities. (Correct)
3. We were so excited throughout the activities. (Correct)
**Excited and exciting are adjectives. However, excited is meant for people while exciting is meant for games/activities/programmes. **
1. We met on March. (Wrong)
2. We met in March. (Correct)
3. We met on 23rd of March. (Correct)
1. We met on 1979. (Wrong)
2. We met in 1979.
1. I thought you wanted to meet me in the night. (Wrong)
2. I thought you wanted to meet me at night. (Correct)
1. I live in 88, Mozart Road, P.O. Box 55620, New York, United States. (Wrong)
2. I live at 88, Mozart Road, P.O. Box 55620, New York, United States. (Correct)
3. I live in England. (Correct)
Explanation:
The preposition in has been wrongly used. Preposition in is used when you mention about year, month and a place in general such as in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, England and United Kingdom. The preposition in is also used to indicate a particular period of time such as “...in the morning/ afternoon/ evening.” However, the preposition at is used to mention nighttime (…at night). The preposition on is used to mention date (…on 14th of February 1979) and day (…on Monday).
IN: PREPOSITION
1. …in the morning/afternoon/evening.
2. …in Paris/New York
ON: PREPOSITION
1. …on 4th of December, on Monday.
AT: PREPOSITION
1. ..at night.
2. at 100 Alice Road, P.O. Box 93250, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. (address)
(normally used to indicate location)
1. The club members have learned a lot about how to safe one’s life. (Wrong)
2. The club members have learned a lot about how to save one’s life. (Correct)
Explanation:
The word safe is actually an adjective. Therefore, the word save is supposed to be used in this sentence as the word save is a verb. You may use the word safe (noun) when you say “She is safe for now” or “I am looking for a safe place to hide from the police.” On the other hand, the word safety is a noun. If you wish to use the word safety (noun), you may say “I am concerned about my daughter’s safety.” or “Please pay attention on the student’s safety throughout the outdoor activities.”
SAFE: ADJECTIVE
SAVE: VERB
SAFETY: NOUN
1. I am proud at your success. (Wrong)
2. I am proud of your success. (Correct)
Explanation:
Proud and of are just like Romeo and Juliet. They are inseparable. Avoid saying “I am proud with you.”
1. She needs to do her works properly. (Wrong)
2. She needs to do her work properly. (Correct)
Explanation:
The word work is uncountable noun. It is just like the other uncountable nouns such as sugar, salt and money. Therefore, you do not have to add s to the word work. If you wish to emphasize the amount of work you have in the office or at home, you may say “I have a lot of work to do.”
Work: Noun (Uncountable)
1. Her English mark was the lowest among her friend. (Wrong)
2. Her English mark was the lowest among her friends. (Correct)
Explanation:
As we make comparison, the number of the compared items or people must be more than one. Therefore, the word friend which is a noun has to be plural (friends) because it is illogical to compare a person with himself or herself. Furthermore, the word among (preposition) is used in the sentence. According to the Oxford dictionary, the word among means surrounded by some people or things.
Friend: Noun (Singular)
Friends: Noun (Plural)
1. Eventhough she was sick, she still gave me her sweetest smile. (Wrong)
2. Even though she was she still gave me her sweetest smile. (Correct)
Explanation:
The word even though is an adverb. There must be no space between even and though. This spelling error always occurs in student’s essay.
EVEN THOUGH: TRANSITIONAL MARKER
1. We must take action to reduce blood lackness. (Wrong)
2. We must take action on blood shortage. (Correct)
Explanation:
Students tend to disregard the importance of dictionary when it comes to selecting the right words when writing an essay. The word lackness does not exist in English language. Therefore, the students must refer to dictionary in order to find out whether the word is noun, verb, adjective or adverb as English word can be in many forms.
1. Three weeks after that…. (Wrong)
2. Three weeks later…(Correct)
Explanation:
There is nothing wrong with the adverb after in this sentence. However, the words after that is usually used in daily conversation. The adverb later is normally used in academic essay which requires formality.
AFTER THAT: USED IN DAILY CONVERSATION
LATER: USED IN ACADEMIC ESSAY
1. Drugs taking among teenagers on the rise. (Wrong)
2. Drugs abuse among teenagers is on the rise. (Correct)
Explanation:
Students tend to disregard the importance of dictionary when it comes to selecting the right words when writing an essay. The word taking has been wrongly used in this sentence. The word abuse is most appropriate. Therefore, the students must refer to dictionary in order to find out whether the word is noun, verb, adjective or adverb as English word can be in many forms.
More examples …..
1. They fighted well in the war. (Wrong)
(fighted does not exist in English language)
2. They fought well in the war. (Correct)
1. During the year, we had organized many exciting activities. (Wrong: The word during is used only when you talk about something that is done in a short term.
For example: I slept during the examination. / I interrupted a lot during the discussion. (Correct)
2. Throughout the year, we had organized many exciting activities. Correct: The word throughout is used to indicate something or things that you have done in a long period of time.
1. I want him to chance his bad attitude. Wrong: The word chance is a noun. The word change is supposed to be used because change is a verb. The meaning of the word chance has nothing to do with this sentence.
2. I want him to change his attitude. (Correct: Change is a verb).
MORE EXAMPLES……..
1. We had made many activities for this club. (Wrong)
2. We had organized many activities for this club. (Correct)
3. We had made a unique logo for this club. (Correct)
1. I really admire your brave. (Wrong)
2. I really admire your bravery. (Correct)
3. The soldiers are very brave. (Correct)
Brave: Adjective
Bravery: Noun
1. You are very importance to me. (Wrong)
2. You are very important to me. (Correct)
3. The importance of this subject is it promotes many moral values. (Correct)
Importance: Noun
Important: Adjective
1. They need courageous to face the problem. (Wrong)
2. They need courage to face the problem. (Correct)
Courageous: Adjective
Courage: Noun
1. The activities were in charged by Encik Randy. (Wrong)
2. The activities were led/supervised/monitored by Mr. Randy. (Correct)
3. Mr Randy is in charge of the activities. (Correct)
1. At there, we learned a lot about the consequences of using drugs. (Wrong)
(The words at there do not exist in English language)
2. There, we learned a lot about the consequences of using drugs. (Correct)
1. I met him tomorrow. (Wrong)
2. I met him yesterday. (Correct)
(Analyze the tense first before selecting the most appropriate adverb)
1. I also bought some shirts for my children instead of souvenirs. (Wrong)
2. I also bought some shirts for my children in addition to souvenirs. (Correct)
(If you use the word instead (preposition), it means you only bought the souvenirs.)
1. We visit to our grandparents every weekend. (Wrong)
2. We visit our grandparents every weekend. (Correct)
(The words visit to do not exist in English language)
1. Thanks a lot to those that give support for this club. (Wrong)
2. Thanks a lot to those who give support for this club. (Correct)
(The word that is for things while the word who is for people)
1. Last year, 90 students were attracted to the Red Crescent Club. (Wrong)
2. Last year, 90 students joined the Red Crescent Club. (Correct)
3. The students were attracted by the beauty of Japanese culture. (Correct)
1. They were tried to make their own canoe. (Wrong)
2. They tried to make their own canoe. (Correct)
1. Our main duty is to help injury victims. (Wrong)
2. Our main duty is to help injured victims. (Correct)
3. The victims suffered from minor injuries. (Correct)
1. He was badly injury. (Wrong)
2. He was badly injured. (Correct)
3. She injured herself. (Correct)
Injury: Noun
Injure: Verb
Injured: Adjective
1. On the next month, we visited to Police Headquaters at Bukit Aman. (Wrong)
2. Next month, we will visit the Police Headquarters at Bukit Aman. (Correct)
1. Exercise is good for your healthy. (Wrong)
2. Exercise is good for your health. (Correct)
3. You look very healthy. (Correct)
Healthy: Adjective
Health: Noun
1. The aim for this activity was to educate the students on how to use the First Aid Kit. (Wrong)
2. The main aim of this activity was to educate the students on how to use the First Aid Kit. (Correct)
1. Other than that, they were required to submit the written assignment. (Wrong)
2. Moreover, they were required to submit written assignment. (Correct)
3. Furthermore, they were required to submit written assignment. (Correct)
(The phrase other than that does not exist in English language.)
1. I hope all the activities like this will be do again next year. (Wrong)
2. I hope these types of activities will be held again next year. (Correct)
1. After the visiting, we talked about our childhood memories. (Wrong)
2. After the visit, we talked about our childhood memories. (Correct)
3. After visiting my uncle’s house, we went to the Museum. (Correct)
1. You must accept one’s different. (Wrong)
2. You must accept one’s differences. (Correct)
3. You look different today. . (Correct)
Different: Adjective
Difference: Noun
1. I am to tired to attend the party. (Wrong)
2. I am too tired to attend the party. (Correct)
To: Preposition
Too: Adverb
1. Other than swimming, we also collected some seashells. (Wrong)
(The phrase other than does not exist in English language.) . (Correct)
2. In addition to swimming, we also collected some seashells. . (Correct)
1. We decided to sleep onto the couch. (Wrong)
2. We decided to sleep on the couch. . (Correct)
(You can use the preposition onto when you are placing something onto something: Put the box onto the next table.) . (Correct)
1. I’m so happied. (Wrong)
2. I am so happy. (Correct)
(The word happied does not exist in English language.)
Happy: Adjective
1. The police fight with the criminals. (Wrong)
2. The police fight against the criminals. (Correct)
(If you say fight with, it means that the police are joining the criminals.)
1. The price of the food is not too much. (Wrong)
2. The price of the food is not expensive or affordable. (Correct)
(You may also use the word reasonable.)
1. You need to monitor the grow of the plants. (Wrong)
2. You need to monitor the growth of the plants. (Correct)
2. Children need adequate nutrients in order to grow normally. (Correct)
Grow: verb
Growth: Noun
1. She is very beauty. (I can’t stop admiring her beauty.) (Wrong)
2. She is very beautiful. (Correct)
3. I can’t stop admiring her beauty. (Correct)
Beautiful: adjective
Beauty: noun
Beautify: verb
1. They need many rooms to accommodation the participants. (Wrong)
2. They need many rooms to accommodate the participants. (Correct)
3. Their main concern is a proper accommodation as they will stay at the resort for two weeks. (Correct)
Accommodation: noun
Accommodate: verb
1. The table was full with flies. (Wrong)
2. The table was full of flies. (Correct)
1. The food was ready by the chef. (Wrong)
2. The food was cooked or prepared by the chef. (Correct)
3. I am ready. (Correct)
Ready: adjective
Cook: verb
Prepare: Verb
1. My father took us at the airport. (Wrong)
2. My father fetched us at the airport. (Correct)
3. She will take the envelope for you. (Correct)
1. We took a good sleep. (Wrong)
2. We had a good sleep. (Correct)
1. We all were very excited about the new pension scheme. (Wrong)
2. All of us were very excited about the new pension scheme. (Correct)
(The use of we all is not allowed as it is not a standard English. You may use it in your daily conversation but certainly not for academic purposes. )
1. That was the best holiday that I had been before. (Wrong)
2. That was the best holiday that I have ever had. (Correct)
3. I had never been to Paris. (Correct)
1. I choose black shoes than red shoes. (Wrong)
2. I prefer black shoes to red shoes. (Correct)
Choose: Verb
Prefer: Verb
1. I was glad my father safe me from being attacked by a grizzly bear. (Wrong)
2. I was glad my father saved me from being attacked by a grizzly bear. (Correct)
1. I felt save because the police was everywhere after the terrorist attack. (Wrong)
2. I felt safe because the police was everywhere after the terrorist attack. (Correct)
1. I saving some money for my children’s education. (Wrong)
2. I am saving some money for my children’s education. (Correct)
1. When I go out fishing, I always emphasize on my save. (Wrong)
2. When I go out fishing, I always emphasize on my safety. (Correct)
Safe: adjective
Save: verb
Safety: noun
1. We ate many types of local cuisine like shrimp paste and chicken curry. (Wrong)
2. We ate many types of local cuisine such as shrimp paste and chicken curry. (Correct.
(The word like is used in daily conversation but not for academic purposes.)
1. We barbecue that night. (Wrong)
2. We had a barbecue that night. (Correct)
1. I was the one who made the breakfast. (Wrong)
2. I was the one who prepared the breakfast. (Correct)
1. English language is a very hard subject. (Wrong)
2. English language is a very difficult subject. (Correct)
(The word hard (adjective) is used to describe a surface. You may use hard when you say “ It is hard for me to accept this failure.”)
1. He told a false story with his teacher. (Wrong)
2. He lied to his teacher. (Correct)
1. This is she skirt. (Wrong)
2. This is her skirt. (Correct)
3. She bought a skirt. (Correct)
4. She is wearing skirt. (Correct)
5. She loves skirts. (Correct)
1. Stealing is a bad attitudes. (Wrong)
2. Stealing is a bad attitude. (Correct)
(The word attitude is a countable noun. Therefore it can be in plural form. However, in the first sentence, the word a which is a determiner has been used. The word a means singular. Therefore, no s should be added to the word attitude.
1. Their will fix the roof in the afternoon. (Wrong)
2. They will fix the roof in the afternoon. (Correct)
3. This is their money. (Correct)
1. You do not supposed. (Wrong)
2. You are not supposed. (Correct)
1. He dead in the morning.
2. He died in the morning.
1. His dead was a huge loss to the society.
2. His death was a huge loss to the society.
1. She is died.
2. She is dead.
1. She dying.
2. She is dying.
Die: verb
Death: noun
Dead: adjective
1. A lot of students participated in the public speaking competition. (Wrong)
2. Many students participated in the public speaking competition. Correct)
1. The watch has broken. (Wrong)
2. The watch is broken. (Correct)
1. Hafiz does not has enough money to buy the book. (Wrong)
2. Hafiz does not have enough money to buy the book. (Correct)
3. Hafiz has enough money to buy the book. (Correct)
1. I need to lend your money. (Wrong)
2. I need to borrow your money. (Correct)
3. I will lend you some money. (Correct)
1. The government has failed to stop his influent. (Wrong)
2. The government has failed to stop his influence. (Correct)
3. Mahatma Gandhi is a very influential leader. (Correct)
Influent: verb
Influence: noun
Influential: adjective
1. The first activities that we did was ice-breaking activity. (Wrong)
2. The first activity that we did was ice-breaking activity. (Correct)
1. The second activities that we did was window shopping. (Wrong)
2. The second activity that we did was window shopping. (Correct)
1. The third activities that we did was jungle trekking. (Wrong)
2. The first activity that we did was jungle trekking. (Correct)
(The words first, second, third and etc which are adjectives mean one. Therefore, the noun after these words must be in singular form. )
1. A hours later, I met my father at the canteen. (Wrong)
2. An hour later, I met my father at the canteen. (Correct)
3. Two hours later, I met my father at the canteen. (Correct)
(The word an (determiner) has to be followed by singular noun.)
1. Many Malaysian are suffering from obesity. (Wrong)
2. Many Malaysians are suffering from obesity.
Malaysian: singular noun
Malaysians: plural noun
1. A lof of people died during the Second World War. (Wrong)
2. Many people died during the Second World War.
A lot of: used for uncountable noun
Many: used for countable noun.
1. Most of the student were absent. (Wrong)
2. Most of the students were absent. (Correct)
Most: determiner which means more than one
which has to be followed by plural verb)
1. Only certain student were allowed to go home. (Wrong)
2. Only certain students were allowed to go home. (Correct)
Certain: determiner which means more than one
which has to be followed by plural verb
1. A few of the student attended the meeting. (Wrong)
2. A few students attended the meeting. (Correct)
A few: determiner which means more than one
which has to be followed by plural verb.
SPELLING ERRORS
PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT SPELLING ERRORS OCCUR DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE STUDENTS WHO REFUSE TO REFER TO DICTIONARY WHEN IT COMES TO WRITING ACADEMIC ESSAYS AS THEY BELIEVE THAT TEACHERS OR LECTURERS WILL CORRECT THE SPELLING ERRORS FOR THEM. HOWEVER, THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET BETTER MARKS. THEY COULD HAVE GOTTEN BETTER MARKS IF THEY REFERRED TO THE DICTIONARY IN THE FIRST PLACE AS IT IS COMPLETELY POINTLESS TO REPEAT THE SAME SPELLING ERRORS.
1 They did the work all by themself. (Wrong)
2. They did the work all by themselves. (Correct)
1. She teached English before. (Wrong)
2. She taught English before. (Correct)
1. Five students were choosen to join the National Day celebration. (Wrong)
2. Five students were chosen to join the National Day Celebration. (Correct)
1. I can not do this. (Wrong)
2. I cannot do this. (Correct)
1. If you need anythings, please let me know. (Wrong)
2. If you need anything, please let me know. (Correct)
1. We builded sandcastle at the beach. (Wrong)
2. We built sancastles at the beach. (Correct)
1. I plan to go to Redang Island. (Wrong)
2. I am planning to go to Redang Island. (Correct)
1. We went to a shop that was fulled of customers. (Wrong)
2. We went to a shop that was full of customers. (Correct)
1. We want to do the work by ourself. (Wrong)
2. We want to do the work by ourselves. (Correct)
1. She teached English before. (Wrong)
2. She taught English before. (Correct)
1. Five students were choosen to join the National Day celebration. (Wrong)
2. Five students were chosen to join the National Day Celebration. (Correct)
1. Her teacher was very happy to. (Wrong)
2. Her teacher was very happy too. (Correct)
ERRORS ON TENSES
TENSES ARE USED TO SPECIFY WHAT WE WANT TO SAY. FAILING TO UNDERSTAND TENSES WILL CAUSE A LOT OF MISUNDERSTANDING TO YOUR AUDIENCE OR READERS.
Basic tenses that you must master before you move on to other complicated tenses.
Simple present tense: I eat my breakfast in the morning. (Verb)
Simple past tense: I talked to him yesterday. (Verb)
Present continuous tense: I am telling you the truth. (Verb + ing)
Past continuous tense: I was taking my bath. (Verb + ing)
Present perfect tense: I have done all the assignments. (Verb + past participle)
Past perfect tense: She had quit smoking. (Verb + past participle)
A combination of tenses.
1. I think you are right. > Simple present tense
2. I thought you were right. > Simple past tense
3. I am thinking about you. > Present continuous tense
4. I was thinking about you. > Past continuous tense
5. I have thought about the offer. > Present perfect tense
6. I had thought about the offer. > Past perfect tense
1. We had send 2 students to join the National day celebration. (Wrong)
2. We had sent 2 students to join the National Day celebration. (Correct)
1. We had sending 2 students to join the National day celebration. (Wrong)
2. We had sent 2 students to join the National Day celebration. (Correct)
Explanation:
Past perfect tense has been used in this sentence. Therefore, you have to be careful with the verb used after the tense (had) which has to be in the form of past participle. Do not ever assume that the use of verb (s) in this sentence is identical to the verb (s) used in simple past tense. More examples are given below.
We have plan many activities for next year. (Wrong)
We have planned many activities for next year. (Correct)
She has take all the books. (Wrong)
She has takes all the books. (Correct)
She has taking all the books. (Wrong)
She has taken all the books. (Correct)
He has write more than 30 novels. (Wrong)
He has wrote more than 30 novels. (Wrong)
He has writes more than 30 novels. (Wrong)
He has written more than 30 novels. (Correct)
Steven has produce more than 20 films. (Wrong)
Steven has produces more than 20 films. (Wrong)
Steven has producing more than 20 films. (Wrong)
Steven has produced more than 20 films. (Correct)
She has leave her keys at the office. (Wrong)
She has leaves her keys at the office. (Wrong)
She has leaving her keys at the office. (Wrong)
She has left her keys at the office. (Correct)
She has arrive at the airport. (Wrong)
She has arrives at the airport. (Wrong)
She has arriving at the airport. (Wrong)
She has arrived at the airport. (Correct)
He has drink all the drinks on the table. (Wrong)
He has drinks all the drinks on the table. (Wrong)
He has dinking all the drinks on the table. (Wrong)
He has drunk all the drinks on the table. (Correct)
1. We have carry out some activities. (Wrong)
2. We have carried out some activities. (Correct)
1. The organization has established since 1974. (Wrong)
2. The organization has been established since 1974. (Correct)
1. I plan to go to Redang Island. (Wrong)
2. I am planning to go to Redang Island. (Correct)
1. I’m was walking along the beach. (Wrong)
2. I was walking along the beach. (Correct)
2. I am walking along the beach. (Correct)
1. I’m saw many seashells. (Wrong)
2. I saw many seashells. (Correct)
1. We searching for the right man to lead our organization. (Wrong)
2. We are searching for the right man to lead our organization. (Correct)
1. We had does our duties as parents. (Wrong)
2. We had done our duties as parents. (Correct)
1. She had went to the canteen. (Wrong)
2. She had gone to the canteen. (Correct)
1. I should have tell her the truth. (Wrong)
2. I should have told her the truth. (Correct)
1. I should have explain everything to her. (Wrong)
2. I should have explained everything to her. (Correct)
1. I should have not steal his money. (Wrong)
2. I should have not stolen his money. (Correct)
1. He always thinking of how to get rid of me. (Wrong)
2. He always thinks of how to get rid of me. (Correct)
1. There are many things that I have learn from my father. (Wrong)
2. There are many things that I have learnt from my father. (Correct)
1. The problem has been settle. (Wrong)
2. The problem has been settled. (Correct)
1. I have find a new job. (Wrong)
2. I have found a new job. (Correct)
1. I have join the last group. (Wrong)
2. I have joined the last group. (Correct)
SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT
1. They was proud of my achievement. (Wrong)
2. They were proud of my achievement. (Correct)
They: Plural noun: has to be followed by plural verb
1. Based on my observation, sharks is not man-eater. (Wrong)
2. Based on my observation, sharks are not man-eater. (Correct)
Sharks: Plural noun: has to be followed by plural verb
1. About 400 students has joined this club. (Wrong)
2. 400 hundred students have joined this club. (Correct)
Students: Plural noun: has to be followed by plural verb
1. The main activities were blood donation. (Wrong)
2. The main activity was blood donation. (Correct)
Activity: Singular Noun: has to be followed by singular noun
1. The most exciting activity were the Jumble Sale. (Wrong)
2. The most exciting activities were Jumble Sale. (Correct)
Activities: Plural Noun: has to be followed by plural verb
1. We were felt so tired. (Wrong)
2. We felt so tired. (Correct)
1. Your kindness are appreciated. (Wrong)
2. Your kindness is appreciated. (Correct)
Kindness: Singular noun: has to be followed by singular verb
1. I want you to makes an appointment first before you meet the director. (Wrong)
1. I want you to made an appointment first before you meet the director. (Wrong)
2. I want you to make an appointment first before you meet the director. (Correct)
Explanation:
In this sentence, there must be no “s”, “ed” or past tense after the prepositional verb. Please bear in mind that the word to is not used to indicate a location. You may plus ing after the word make which is “making” if you say
“I am not used to talking to strangers.”
Examples of verbs used after the PREPOSITIONAL VERB
to make/listen/eat/do/slice/talk/write/organize/copy/reduce/run/provide/supervise/
complete/say and etc.
1. She read a lot of books. (Wrong)
2. She reads a lot of books. (Correct)
Explanation:
The word she is singular noun. Therefore this noun has to be followed by singular verb s you need to add s. On the other hand, the letter “s” must not be added after these two pronouns which are “I” and “you”. For example, “I likes to eat apple.” or “ You likes to sing.” is wrong. You must know whether the noun is singular or plural. For example, “Amanda are my girlfriend.” This sentence is wrong because we are only talking about one person. Therefore, the correct one is “Amanda is my girlfriend”. You may use the verb are when you say “Amanda and Salma are my girlfriends.”
1. He read a lot of books. (Wrong)
2. He reads a lot of books. (Correct)
1. John read a lot of books. (Wrong)
2. John reads a lot of books. (Correct)
1. They reads a lot of books. (Wrong)
2. They reads a lot of books. (Correct)
1. She and I reads a lot of books. (Wrong)
2. She and I read a lot of books. (Correct)
Samples of singular nouns and plural nouns
Singular nouns: Brad Pitt/Jolie/It/Car/Magazine/World/England and etc.
Plural nouns: Brad and Jolie/Boys/Girls/Magazines/Countries/States/Cities and etc.
***Referring to a dictionary is a must if you wish to write an excellent essay.***
MISSING VERB
VERB IS THE ONLY PART OF SPEECH THAT CAN STAND ON ITS OWN (E.G: EAT/PRAY/DRINK/TALK/SLEEP). THEREFORE, ANY SENTENCE NEEDS AT LEAST ONE VERB IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED AS A COMPLETE SENTENCE.
1. 20 students involved in this activity. (Wrong)
2. 20 students were involved in this activity. (Correct)
1. Smoking no good for your healthy. (Wrong)
2. Smoking is not good for your health. (Correct)
1. Where you going? (Wrong)
2. Where are you going? (Correct)
1. I going to have my lunch. (Wrong)
2. I am going to have my lunch. (Correct)
1. What you eat for breakfast? (Wrong)
2. What do/did you eat breakfast? (Correct)
1. This organization was launched to against drug abuse. (Wrong)
2. This organization was launched to organize campaigns on drug abuse. (Correct)
1. The club members very proud of their achievement. (Wrong)
2. The club members were very proud of their achievement. (Correct)
1. This novel written by Rudyard Kipling. (Wrong)
2. This novel was written by Rudyard Kipling. (Correct)
1. Last year, the Red Crescent Club very active. (Wrong)
2. Last year, the Red Crescent Club was very active. (Correct)
1. We playing football. (Wrong)
2. We are playing football. (Correct)
1. It almost 5 a.m. (Wrong)
2. It is almost 5 a.m. (Correct)
1. Many students weak in Mathematic subject. (Wrong)
2. Many students are weak in Mathematic subject. (Correct)
1. They have to expert in English. (Wrong)
2. They have to be expert in English. (Correct)
1. They not fight because of pencil. (Wrong)
2. They did not fight because of a pencil. (Correct)
1. She bleeding. (Wrong)
2. She is bleeding. (Correct)
1. I hope you fine there. (Wrong)
2. I hope you are fine there. (Correct)
1. 42 members in this club. (Wrong)
2. There are 42 members in this club. / This club has 42 members. (Correct)
PASSIVE AND ACTIVE SENTENCES
ACTIVE SENTENCES ARE NORMALLY USED TO SAY THINGS WHICH HAPPEN NOW WHILE PASSIVE SENTENCES ARE NORMALLY USED TO RECORD ANYTHING WHICH HAS OCCURRED. NOT KNOWING HOW TO CHANGE ACTIVE SENTENCES TO PASSIVE SENTENCES WILL MAKE THE SENTENCE MEANINGLESS AND ILLOGICAL AS HUMAN CHARACTERS ARE GIVEN TO NON-HUMAN THINGS.
EXAMPLE 1:
ACTIVE: THE TEACHER PUNISHES THE STUDENT..
PASSIVE: THE STUDENT WAS PUNISHED BY THE TEACHER.
EXAMPLE 2:
ACTIVE: SHE EATS BURGER.
PASSIVE: THE BURGER EATS HER. (Grammatically correct but illogical)
PASSIVE: SHE IS EATEN BY THE BURGER. (Grammatically correct but illogical)
PASSIVE: SHE WAS EATEN BY THE BURGER. (Grammatically correct but illogical)
PASSIVE: THE BURGER IS/WAS EATEN BY HER. (Correct)
1. The blood will donate to Queensland Hospital. (Wrong)
2. We will donate the blood to Queensland Hospital. (Correct)
1. The activities were organizing the club. (Wrong)
2. The activities were organized by the club or the club organized
the activities. (Correct)
1. Cooking facilities provided at the resort. (Wrong)
2. Cooking facilities are provided at the resort. (Correct)
1. Parents were encourage to donate their blood. (Wrong)
2. Parents were encouraged to donate their blood. (Correct)
Explanation:
The sentences above are classified as passive sentences. Therefore, you have to be extra careful with verb. The be verb is normally used in passive sentence which is followed by active verb. Examples below will help you understand more about passive and active sentence.
PASSIVE: Parents were encouraged to donate their blood.
ACTIVE: The government encouraged parents to donate their blood.
PASSIVE: The tablet was swallowed by the patient.
ACTIVE: The patient swallowed the tablet.
PASSIVE: The report was sent to the nearest police station.
ACTIVE: The victim sent the report to the nearest police station.
PASSIVE: The students were given certificates of appreciation for their
contribution to the school.
ACTIVE: The school administration gave certificates of appreciation to the
students for their contribution to the school.
PASSIVE: The money was send to the treasurer.
ACTIVE: I sent the money to the treasurer.
PASSIVE: The car was sold to the new buyer yesterday.
ACTIVE: The salesperson sold the car to the new buyer yesterday.
PASSIVE: Alice was badly hurt.
ACTIVE: The molester badly hurt Alice.
PASSIVE: The blood was donated to the General Hospital.
ACTIVE: The Red Crescent Club donated the blood to the General Hospital.
PASSIVE: The election was held to choose a new president.
ACTIVE: The party held an election to choose the new president.
PASSIVE: The activities were supervised by Mr. Christmas.
ACTIVE: Mr. Christmas supervised the activities.
PASSIVE: The students were accompanied by Mr. Steven
ACTIVE: Mr. Steven accompanied the students.
NEGATIVE TRANSLATION
NEGATIVE TRANSLATION OCCURS WHEN THE ESL LEANERS TRANSLATE THEIR FIRST LANGUAGE TO ENGLISH. AS A RESULT, THE SENTENCE BECOMES MEANINGLESS, ILLOGICAL AND GRAMMATICALLY WRONG.
1. Many activities we organized for this club. (Wrong)
2. We have organized many activities for this club. (Correct)
1. In novel “Robinson Crusoe”, has main theme, there is loyalty. (Wrong)
2. The main theme of the novel entitled Robinson Crusoe is loyalty. (Correct)
1. Even myself can’t do that. (Wrong)
2. Even I myself can’t do that. (Correct)
1. Last year, there was only 42 members on the club. (Wrong)
2. Last year, the club only had 42 members. (Correct)
1. I would like to thank the teachers who were participating in the activities. (Wrong)
2. I would like to thank the teachers for their participation in the activities. (Correct)
1. Although the holiday only for a short time, we really enjoyed ourselves. (Wrong)
2. Although the holiday, (Correct)
1. We take our slept lately. (Wrong)
2. We slept late. (Correct)
1. We went back to home. (Wrong)
2. We went home. (Correct)
1. After five of us arranged our things, we went to the beach. (Wrong)
2. After arranging our things, we went to the beach. (Correct)
1. Everything just followed with our planning. (Wrong)
2. Everything went according to plan. (Correct)
1. Many things that we can do. (Wrong)
2. There are many things that we can do. (Correct)
1. I am very enjoyed with my previous holiday. (Wrong)
2. I really enjoyed myself during the previous holiday. (Correct)
1. I was picnic with my friends. (Wrong)
2. I had a picnic with my friends. (Correct)
1. I would like to ask some money from my mother. (Wrong)
2. I would like to ask for some money from my mother. (Correct)
1. We booked a chalet that suitable for five of us. (Wrong)
2. We booked a chalet that could accommodate five of us. (Correct)
1. When arrived at the scene, we saw many police. (Wrong)
2. When we arrived at the scene, we saw many police. (Correct)
2. Upon arrival, we saw many police at the scene. (Correct)
1. My friend and me, (Wrong)
2. My friend and I…….(Correct)
1. Because of hungry, we finished all the packed food. (Wrong)
2. As we were very hungry, we finished all the packed food(Correct)
1. I do not also like him. (Wrong)
2. I do not like him too. (Correct)
1. As you know…. (Wrong)
2. For your information(Correct)
1. This house is belongs(Wrong)
2. This house belongs to my eldest grandparent. (Correct)
1. This meaning you are not happy. (Wrong)
2. This means you are not happy. (Correct)
1. They was only take some items from the fridge. (Wrong)
2. They only took some items from the fridge. (Correct)
1. We also must good in English. (Wrong)
2. We must be good in English. (Correct)
1. We will sit the PMR exam. (Wrong)
2. We will sit for the PMR exam. (Correct)
1. He cannot control himself and more difficult to think logically. (Wrong)
2. He cannot control himself and finds it difficult to think logically. (Correct)
1. The students are not give full attention. (Wrong)
2. The students are paying full attention. (Correct)
1. The war could avoid before. (Wrong)
2. The war could have been avoided. (Correct)
1. This is he pencil. (Wrong)
2. This is his pencil. (Correct)
1. I want to give something to him. (Wrong)
2. I want to give him something. (Correct)
1. I want give him something that he can remember it forever. (Wrong)
2. I want to give him something that he will remember forever. (Correct)
1. If you are still remember, I was one of your classmates. (Wrong)
2. Do you remember me? I was one of your classmates. (Correct)
1. I don’t know where is Amir’s house. (Wrong)
2. I don’t know where Amir’s house is. (Correct)
1. I want to buy the things in this week. (Wrong)
2. I want to buy the things this week. (Correct)
1. I hope you are in a good condition. (Wrong: good condition is used for things such as car)
2. I hope you are fine. (Correct)
1. I am very like to have a laptop. (Wrong)
2. I would like to have a laptop. (Correct)
1. I has not enough money to buy the present. (Wrong)
2. I do not have enough money to buy the present. (Correct)
1. I hope you are not angry to me. (Wrong)
2. I hope you are not angry at me. (Correct)
1. Sorry not able to go to your house yesterday. (Wrong)
2. Please forgive me for not being able to go to your house yesterday. (Correct)
1. He always there for me. (Wrong)
2. He is always there for me. (Correct)
1. I gone to the shop for asked for a discount. (Wrong)
2. I went to the shop to ask for a discount. (Correct)
1. When my birthday, she gave me a very special gift. (Wrong)
2. During my birthday party, she gave me a very special gift. (Correct)
1. The shoes priced was too expensive. (Wrong)
2. The price of the shoes is too expensive. (Correct)
1. Only this I can write for you all. (Wrong)
2. That’s all for now. (Correct)
3. I guess I have to stop writing. (Correct)
1. At the room only have two single bed. (Wrong)
2. There are only two single beds in the room. (Correct)
1. I hope you happy at home. (Wrong)
2. I hope you are happy at home. (Correct)
1. He dont care to pay a lot of money for the present. (Wrong)
2. He does not mind paying a lot money for the present. (Correct)
1. Truly, the subject that wrote this letter is I want to ask some money. (Wrong)
2. The main purpose of writing this letter is I would like to ask for some money to pay my school fees. (Correct)
1. Long time no see. (Wrong)
2. It has been two months we have not met each other. (Wrong)
3. It has been two months since we met at the church. (Correct)
1. Are you still remember me? (Wrong)
2. Do you still remember me? (Correct)
1. I suggest to buy something for him. (Wrong)
2. I suggest you buy something for her. (Correct)
1. Sorry if hurt your feelings. (Wrong)
2. Please forgive me if I did hurt your feelings. (Correct)
COMPLEX SENTENCES
Generally, complex sentence is a combination of an independent clause or phrase and dependent clause or phrase.
During the badminton tournament (dependent clause or phrase), my school was defeated by St. Joseph (independent clause or phrase).
The phrase or clause “During the badminton tournament” is the dependent clause or phrase because it cannot stand on its own. In other word, this dependent clause or phrase cannot form a sentence as it needs the independent clause or phrase (my school was defeated by St. Joseph) to form a complete sentence. Independent phrase or clause can make a sentence because it can stand on its own (e.g.: My school was defeated by St. Joseph.)
More examples……
1. After collected some seashells, we had our dinner at 6 p.m. (Wrong)
2. After collecting some seashells, we had our dinner at 6 p.m. (Correct)
1. After listened to the song, I went to bed. (Wrong)
2. After listening to the song, I went to bed. (Correct)
1. After read the novel, Michelle makes some notes. (Wrong)
2. After reading the novel, Michelle makes some notes. (Correct)
Explanation:
The “ing” form has to be added to the word read because it indicates the activity that she was doing. Furthermore, “after reading the novel” is a dependent clause or phrase”. Dependent clause or phrase can never work alone. It needs independent clause or phrase to make a complete sentence. Independent clause or phrase is a sentence that can stand on its own. The independent clause or phrase in this sentence is (I went to bed; we had our dinner at 6 p.m., Michelle makes some notes.)
More examples:
1. After stay for five days at Damai Beach Resort, we went home. (Wrong)
2. After staying for five days at Damai Beach resort, we went home. (Correct)
Dependent clause: After staying for five days at Damai Beach Resort….
Independent clause: We went home.
……………THE END……………
