Common Errors in English
The following is a list, which I will add to from time to time, of common mistakes and errors that most people make while attempting to write proper English. This list could be invaluable for anyone about to construct a résumé or College term paper.
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A/AN
If the word following begins with a vowel, use AN:
Please take AN orange for your snack Jill.
Jill chose A banana instead.
If the word following begins with a consonant, but sounds like a vowel, you still need to use AN.
The doctor ordered AN X-ray to determine his patients problem.
His patient was told to sit in AN X-ray waiting area, and read A book.
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AM/PM
AM stands for Ante Meridiem which means before noon. PM stands for Post Meridiem and means after noon. In order to avoid confusion it is generally recommended that one write 12:00 noon and 12:00 midnight, when referring to these hours of the day in written materials.
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ABLE TO
People are able to do things; things are not able to be done.
Wrong:
The room was able to be cleaned in record time by the clean-up committee.
Right:
The clean-up committee was able to clean the room in record time.
Wrong:
The cookies were able to be eaten with much flourish by the childern.
Right:
The childern were able to eat the cookies with much flourish.
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ABOUT
The word about is often used wrongly. Instead of explaining the rules of using about (it would be quite a long winded explanation!), I shall attempt to write a series of sentences consisting of both the wrong and right way of using this confusing Adjective, Adverb and Preposition!
Wrong:
This isn't about you!
Right:
This doesn't concern you!
Wrong:
I'm all about good taste.
Right:
One of my qualities is recognizing good taste.
Wrong:
Successful cooking is all about proper temperature control.
Right:
Successful cooking depends on proper temperature control.
Wrong:
My teacher is all about too much homework!
Right:
My teacher gives too much homework!
Those were some examples of the wrong way to use about. The following sentences illustrate the right way.
I'm reading a book about the Jungle.
There were a few people standing about, here and there.
The stricken man looked about for help of some kind.
There were dirty clothes lying about everywhere.
We meet about once a month to plan our strategies.
She's about thirty years old.
About ten years ago, I had the privilege of meeting the President.
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