Common Errors
III
conjunction
1
BAD: He hadn't taken any warm clothes with him so that he felt cold.
GOOD: He hadn't taken any warm clothes with him so he felt cold.
So that is used to express the purpose of an action: 'We took our umbrellas so that we wouldn't get wet.'
So is used to express the result of an action: 'I'd forgotten to take my umbrella so I got wet.'
BAD: Most of these drugs come from the so-called Golden Triangle.
BAD: During the so-called denitrification process, bacteria convert fixed nitrogen into molecular nitrogen.
GOOD: During what is known as the denitrification process, bacteria convert fixed nitrogen into molecular nitrogen.
Use so-called when you want to suggest that the name that has been given to something is incorrect or not suitable: 'I went to see the playwright's so-called masterpiece and was very disappointed by it.'
To introduce the name by which something is generally known, use be known as, be referred to as or be called : 'The distance that light travels in a year is called a light year.' 'Zaire was formerly known as the Congo.'
2
BAD: Since it's his birthday on Monday, so he's having a party.
GOOD: Since it's his birthday on Monday, he's having a party.
GOOD: It's his birthday on Monday, so he's having a party.
BAD: If you're a naughty boy, so the big crocodile will come and eat you.
GOOD: If you're a naughty boy, the big crocodile will come and eat you.
See also BUT (↑but)
3
See THAT 3 (↑that)
adverb
1
BAD: During the summer all the hotels are so busy.
GOOD: During the summer all the hotels are very busy.
Use so + adjective (1) to mean 'to such a high degree or great extent':
'I was so tired that I fell asleep on the train.' 'I didn't expect the hotels to be so busy.'
(2) to express strong personal emotion: 'It was very kind of you to help me. I'm so grateful.'
Otherwise, use very/extremely + adjective: 'She was very tired and found it difficult to stay awake.'
2
BAD: My English is so poor so my wife has to translate everything.
GOOD: My English is so poor that my wife has to translate everything.
so + adjective/adverb + that clause: 'She was so clever that all the universities wanted her.' 'The pianist played so badly that the audience walked out.'
Compare: 'My English is very poor so my wife has to translate everything.'
3
BAD: We were not prepared for so cold weather.
GOOD: We were not prepared for such cold weather.
BAD: I was annoyed with myself for being so fool.
GOOD: I was annoyed with myself for being such a fool.
A phrase that ends with a noun ('weather', 'fool') usually begins with such (NOT so ): 'We hadn't expected such a warm welcome.' 'You're lucky to have such delightful children.'
Compare: 'Why is it always so cold in here?' 'The food was so bad that nobody could eat it.'
noun
BAD: Switzerland produces goods with a very high quality.
GOOD: Switzerland produces goods of a very high quality.
of (a) high/low/poor quality (NOT with ): 'Japanese electrical products tend to be of much higher quality.'
noun
1
BAD: As mayor of this town, it gives me a great pleasure to welcome you.
GOOD: As mayor of this town, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you.
it gives sb great pleasure to do sth (WITHOUT a ): 'It gives me great pleasure to introduce today's guest speaker.'
Compare: 'It is a great pleasure for me to introduce ...'
2
BAD: A lot of people work for their pleasure, not because of financial obligations.
GOOD: A lot of people work for pleasure, not because of financial obligations.
do sth for pleasure (WITHOUT his/our/their etc ): 'She used to be in the national team but now she swims just for pleasure.'
3
BAD: It's the first time that I've had the pleasure to meet her.
GOOD: It's the first time that I've had the pleasure of meeting her.
be pleased to do sth BUT have the pleasure of doing sth : 'In Java I had the pleasure of attending a traditional wedding ceremony.'
III
noun
1
BAD: Without a full-time work, some people think it's not worth living.
GOOD: Without a full-time job, some people think it's not worthliving.
GOOD: Without full-time work, some people think it's not worth living.
BAD: I've come to England to do a research work in civil engineering.
GOOD: I've come to England to do research work in civil engineering.
JOB · DO · OCCUPATION · POST/POSITION · CAREER · TRADE · PROFESSION
Job Your job is what you do to earn your living: ‘You’ll never get a job if you don’t have any qualifications.’ ‘She’d like to change her job but can’t find anything better.’ Your job is also the particular type of work that you do: ‘John’s new job sounds really interesting.’ ‘I know she works for the BBC but I’m not sure what job she does.’
A job may be full-time or part-time (NOT half-time or half-day ): ‘All she could get was a part-time job at a petrol station.’
Do (for a living) When you want to know about the type of work that someone does, the usual questions are What do you do? What does she do for a living? etc ‘What does your father do?’ - ‘He’s a police inspector.’
Occupation and job have similar meanings. However, occupation is far less common than job and is used mainly in formal and official styles: ‘Please give brief details of your employment history and present occupation.’ ‘People in manual occupations seem to suffer less from stress.’
Post/position The particular job that you have in a company or organization is your post or position : ‘She’s been appointed to the post of deputy principal.’ ‘He’s applied for the position of sales manager.’ Post and position are used mainly in formal styles and often refer to jobs which have a lot of responsibility.
Career Your career is your working life, or the series of jobs that you have during your working life: ‘The scandal brought his career in politics to a sudden end.’ ‘Later on in his career, he became first secretary at the British Embassy in Washington.’
Your career is also the particular kind of work for which you are trained and that you intend to do for a long time: ‘I wanted to find out more about careers in publishing.’
Trade A trade is a type of work in which you do or make things with your hands: ‘Most of the men had worked in skilled trades such as carpentry or printing.’ ‘My grandfather was a bricklayer by trade.’
Profession A profession is a type of work such as medicine, teaching, or law which requires a high level of training or education: ‘Until recently, medicine has been a male-dominated profession.’ ‘She entered the teaching profession in 1987.’
2
BAD: I got up and got ready to go to my work.
GOOD: I got up and got ready to go to work.
JOB · DO · OCCUPATION · POST/POSITION · CAREER · TRADE · PROFESSION
Job Your job is what you do to earn your living: ‘You’ll never get a job if you don’t have any qualifications.’ ‘She’d like to change her job but can’t find anything better.’ Your job is also the particular type of work that you do: ‘John’s new job sounds really interesting.’ ‘I know she works for the BBC but I’m not sure what job she does.’
A job may be full-time or part-time (NOT half-time or half-day ): ‘All she could get was a part-time job at a petrol station.’
Do (for a living) When you want to know about the type of work that someone does, the usual questions are What do you do? What does she do for a living? etc ‘What does your father do?’ - ‘He’s a police inspector.’
Occupation and job have similar meanings. However, occupation is far less common than job and is used mainly in formal and official styles: ‘Please give brief details of your employment history and present occupation.’ ‘People in manual occupations seem to suffer less from stress.’
Post/position The particular job that you have in a company or organization is your post or position : ‘She’s been appointed to the post of deputy principal.’ ‘He’s applied for the position of sales manager.’ Post and position are used mainly in formal styles and often refer to jobs which have a lot of responsibility.
Career Your career is your working life, or the series of jobs that you have during your working life: ‘The scandal brought his career in politics to a sudden end.’ ‘Later on in his career, he became first secretary at the British Embassy in Washington.’
Your career is also the particular kind of work for which you are trained and that you intend to do for a long time: ‘I wanted to find out more about careers in publishing.’
Trade A trade is a type of work in which you do or make things with your hands: ‘Most of the men had worked in skilled trades such as carpentry or printing.’ ‘My grandfather was a bricklayer by trade.’
Profession A profession is a type of work such as medicine, teaching, or law which requires a high level of training or education: ‘Until recently, medicine has been a male-dominated profession.’ ‘She entered the teaching profession in 1987.’
3
BAD: These days a lot of women go to work outside.
GOOD: These days a lot of women go out to work.
BAD: My wife goes to work outside the house.
GOOD: My wife goes out to work.
JOB · DO · OCCUPATION · POST/POSITION · CAREER · TRADE · PROFESSION
Job Your job is what you do to earn your living: ‘You’ll never get a job if you don’t have any qualifications.’ ‘She’d like to change her job but can’t find anything better.’ Your job is also the particular type of work that you do: ‘John’s new job sounds really interesting.’ ‘I know she works for the BBC but I’m not sure what job she does.’
A job may be full-time or part-time (NOT half-time or half-day ): ‘All she could get was a part-time job at a petrol station.’
Do (for a living) When you want to know about the type of work that someone does, the usual questions are What do you do? What does she do for a living? etc ‘What does your father do?’ - ‘He’s a police inspector.’
Occupation and job have similar meanings. However, occupation is far less common than job and is used mainly in formal and official styles: ‘Please give brief details of your employment history and present occupation.’ ‘People in manual occupations seem to suffer less from stress.’
Post/position The particular job that you have in a company or organization is your post or position : ‘She’s been appointed to the post of deputy principal.’ ‘He’s applied for the position of sales manager.’ Post and position are used mainly in formal styles and often refer to jobs which have a lot of responsibility.
Career Your career is your working life, or the series of jobs that you have during your working life: ‘The scandal brought his career in politics to a sudden end.’ ‘Later on in his career, he became first secretary at the British Embassy in Washington.’
Your career is also the particular kind of work for which you are trained and that you intend to do for a long time: ‘I wanted to find out more about careers in publishing.’
Trade A trade is a type of work in which you do or make things with your hands: ‘Most of the men had worked in skilled trades such as carpentry or printing.’ ‘My grandfather was a bricklayer by trade.’
Profession A profession is a type of work such as medicine, teaching, or law which requires a high level of training or education: ‘Until recently, medicine has been a male-dominated profession.’ ‘She entered the teaching profession in 1987.’
verb
BAD: I would like to work at an international organization.
GOOD: I would like to work for an international organization.
BAD: My mother works in a large insurance company.
GOOD: My mother works for a large insurance company.
JOB · DO · OCCUPATION · POST/POSITION · CAREER · TRADE · PROFESSION
Job Your job is what you do to earn your living: ‘You’ll never get a job if you don’t have any qualifications.’ ‘She’d like to change her job but can’t find anything better.’ Your job is also the particular type of work that you do: ‘John’s new job sounds really interesting.’ ‘I know she works for the BBC but I’m not sure what job she does.’
A job may be full-time or part-time (NOT half-time or half-day ): ‘All she could get was a part-time job at a petrol station.’
Do (for a living) When you want to know about the type of work that someone does, the usual questions are What do you do? What does she do for a living? etc ‘What does your father do?’ - ‘He’s a police inspector.’
Occupation and job have similar meanings. However, occupation is far less common than job and is used mainly in formal and official styles: ‘Please give brief details of your employment history and present occupation.’ ‘People in manual occupations seem to suffer less from stress.’
Post/position The particular job that you have in a company or organization is your post or position : ‘She’s been appointed to the post of deputy principal.’ ‘He’s applied for the position of sales manager.’ Post and position are used mainly in formal styles and often refer to jobs which have a lot of responsibility.
Career Your career is your working life, or the series of jobs that you have during your working life: ‘The scandal brought his career in politics to a sudden end.’ ‘Later on in his career, he became first secretary at the British Embassy in Washington.’
Your career is also the particular kind of work for which you are trained and that you intend to do for a long time: ‘I wanted to find out more about careers in publishing.’
Trade A trade is a type of work in which you do or make things with your hands: ‘Most of the men had worked in skilled trades such as carpentry or printing.’ ‘My grandfather was a bricklayer by trade.’
Profession A profession is a type of work such as medicine, teaching, or law which requires a high level of training or education: ‘Until recently, medicine has been a male-dominated profession.’ ‘She entered the teaching profession in 1987.’
adjective
BAD: It's not worthy taking your own car.
GOOD: It's not worth taking your own car.
BAD: The cathedral is certainly worthy to be visited.
GOOD: The cathedral is certainly worth visiting.
it's worth doing sth; sth is worth doing (NOT worthy ): 'Do you think it's worth having the engine tuned?' 'The letter isn't worth worrying about.'
adjective
1
BAD: Going swimming is more preferable to playing football.
GOOD: Going swimming is preferable to playing football.
Do not use more with an adjective which contains the sense 'more' as part of its meaning. Preferable means 'better or more suitable': 'As far as I'm concerned, anything would be preferable to spending another night here.'
2
BAD: For most teenagers, living in the countryside is preferable than living in a city.
GOOD: For most teenagers, living in the countryside is preferable to living in a city.
One thing is preferable to another thing (NOT than ): 'An old computer is preferable to no computer at all.'
1
BAD: Our English teacher is called Mr John.
GOOD: Our English teacher is called Mr (John) Smith.
Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms (+ first name) + surname: 'Mrs Waters', 'Mr Clive Upton'
2
BAD: Dear Mr,
GOOD: Dear Sir,
BAD: Dear Mr/Mrs,
GOOD: Dear Sir/Madam,
When you are writing a formal letter and you know the surname of the addressee, begin Dear Mr Smith, Dear Mrs Jones, Dear Ms Simpson etc. When you do not know the person's surname, begin Dear Sir, Dear Madam or Dear Sir/Madam .
3
BAD: Dear Mr Alan Jones,
GOOD: Dear Mr Jones,
Dear is followed by Mr/Mrs/Ms + surname only (NOT first name + surname): 'Dear Mrs Jackson'
adjective
BAD: It was the worse journey I had ever made.
GOOD: It was the worst journey I had ever made.
BAD: People's lack of responsibility makes the problem even more worse.
GOOD: People's lack of responsibility makes the problem even worse.
bad, worse, (the) worst : 'The medicine just made me feel worse.' 'It's the worst film I've ever seen.'
verb
1
BAD: I'm waiting a letter from my boyfriend.
GOOD: I'm expecting a letter from my boyfriend.
BAD: Anyway, I'll wait for you next weekend.
GOOD: Anyway, I'll expect you next weekend.
wait = stay somewhere until someone or something comes: 'I'll wait here until you get back.' 'It's quicker to walk than wait for a bus.'
expect = believe that someone or something is going to come: 'The train is expected to arrive in the next five minutes.' 'I can't leave the house - I'm expecting visitors.'
2
BAD: I stopped and waited the truck to pass.
GOOD: I stopped and waited for the truck to pass.
BAD: I'll wait you outside.
GOOD: I'll wait for you outside.
wait for sb/sth : 'I'll wait for you outside the post office.' 'What can I do while I'm waiting for the paint to dry?'
3
BAD: I'm waiting to see the photographs with great impatience.
GOOD: I can't wait to see the photographs.
In informal styles, to show that you are really looking forward to something, use I (just) can't wait or I can hardly wait : 'I can't wait to see you again.' 'I can hardly wait for the holidays to begin.'
verb
1
BAD: More than 160 million people endure malaria.
GOOD: More than 160 million people suffer from malaria.
endure a painful or very unpleasant situation: 'The people in this country have had to endure almost a decade of economic hardship.'
suffer from/with a disease or medical condition: 'My youngest son suffers from asthma.'
2
BAD: Some people cannot endure the idea of devoting themselves to children.
GOOD: Some people cannot bear the idea of devoting themselves to children.
When you mean 'strongly dislike' or 'be unable to accept', use can't bear/stand : 'He used to like cricket, but now he can't stand it.' 'He couldn't bear the thought of his wife leaving him.'
III
adjective
1
BAD: I wonder if you would be so kind to send me further details and an application form.
GOOD: I wonder if you would be so kind as to send me further details and an application form.
be kind enough to do sth : 'Would you be kind enough to forward the enclosed documents to Mr Tomkin's new address?'
be so kind as to do sth : 'I wonder if you'd be so kind as to inform your colleagues of the new arrangements.'
2
BAD: All the people he met were very kind with him.
GOOD: All the people he met were very kind to him.
kind to a person or animal (NOT with ): 'She's always been kind to people less fortunate than herself.'
noun
1
BAD: There are many kind of job for people with qualifications.
GOOD: There are many kinds of job for people with qualifications.
GOOD: I enjoy all kind of sport.
GOOD: I enjoy all kinds of sport.
Kind, sort and type are countable nouns. After many, all, these and other plural meanings, use kinds/sorts/types (WITH-s ): 'These kinds of fruit do not grow in cold climates.'
2
BAD: Imprisonment is not a good way of reducing this kind of crimes.
GOOD: Imprisonment is not a good way of reducing this kind of crime.
GOOD: Imprisonment is not a good way of reducing these kinds of crime/s.
kind/sort/type of + singular form: 'this kind of envelope'
kinds/sorts/types of + singular or plural form: 'these kinds of envelope/s'
Note that after kinds/sorts/types of a plural form can sometimes sound awkward and careful users generally prefer a singular form.
adjective
1
BAD: Over the recent 30 years there has been a great deal of industrial development.
GOOD: Over the last 30 years there has been a great deal of industrial development.
When you mention a number, use last (NOT recent ). Compare: 'In recent months house prices have fallen.' 'Over the last 12 months house prices have fallen.'
2
BAD: Tennis has become popular in Germany in the recent years.
GOOD: Tennis has become popular in Germany in recent years.
BAD: Recent years the crime rate has increased.
GOOD: In recent years the crime rate has increased.
in recent weeks/months/years : 'Flight cancellations have increased in recent weeks.'
verb
BAD: We all tried to convince her to sing.
GOOD: We all tried to persuade her to sing.
convince = make someone feel completely certain that something is true: 'Somehow the party will have to convince the voters that it is capable of governing the country.' 'She failed to convince the jury of her innocence.'
persuade = make someone agree to do something (or believe that something is true): 'Her parents have persuaded her to stop seeing him.' 'Despite our efforts to persuade them, they still haven't signed the contract.'
adverb
1
BAD: He looked very funny that I couldn't help laughing.
GOOD: He looked so funny that I couldn't help laughing.
so + adjective/adverb + that clause: 'The music was so loud that I started to get a headache.'
2
BAD: I enjoyed very much my stay in the USA.
GOOD: I enjoyed my stay in the USA very much.
BAD: I would like very much to visit some of the places that I have been reading about.
GOOD: I would very much like to visit some of the places that I have been reading about.
Do not put very much between a verb (e.g 'enjoyed') and its object (e.g. 'my stay in the USA'). When the object is short, very much goes at the end of the sentence or in front of the verb. When the object is long, very much usually goes in front of the verb: 'I very much hope that you and your family have a safe journey.'
3
BAD: It costs very much.
GOOD: It costs a lot (of money).
BAD: New doors cost very much because wood is so expensive.
GOOD: New doors cost a lot (of money) because wood is so expensive.
With some verbs (e.g. cost, pay, charge, eat ) it is possible to use very much in questions and negative sentences: 'Did it cost very much?' 'It didn't cost very much.'
However, in affirmative sentences very much is usually replaced by a lot : 'It will cost quite a lot to have the job done properly.'
4
BAD: Meno Park in Central Tokyo is very huge.
GOOD: Meno Park in Central Tokyo is (absolutely) huge.
BAD: The traffic jams are very terrible.
GOOD: The traffic jams are (absolutely) terrible.
BAD: I'm very convinced that he is telling the truth.
GOOD: I'm (absolutely) convinced that he is telling the truth.
Do not use very or extremely with adjectives which already have a strong meaning, e.g. boiling (= very hot), convinced (= very sure), exhausted (= very tired), huge (= very big), terrible (= very bad). If you want to increase the strength of these words, use absolutely or (depending on the particular adjective) completely, totally, utterly or quite : 'By the time I got home I was completely exhausted.'
With adjectives which do not have a strong meaning, use very or extremely (NOT absolutely, completely etc ): 'By the time I got back home I was very tired.'
5
BAD: Their services are very appreciated by the hospital management.
GOOD: Their services are greatly appreciated by the hospital management.
Very may be used with past participles that are like adjectives and refer to a state: 'very bored/worried/interested/pleased'.
Past participles with a strongly passive meaning are usually modified by greatly or (very) much : 'His work is much admired.' 'This courageous woman, who helped so many of us, will be greatly missed.'
6
See LOVE (↑love)
7
BAD: Although he was very in love with Marianne, he wanted to marry a rich heiress.
GOOD: Although he was very much in love with Marianne, he wanted to marry a rich heiress.
Very is not used before a phrase beginning with a preposition (e.g. 'in love with', 'in need of', 'at odds with'). However, in such cases it is often possible to use very much : 'These proposals are very much in keeping with the President's own ideas.'
Note the alternative: 'Although he was deeply in love ...'
adverb
1
BAD: You are very kindly to spare me so much of your time.
GOOD: You are very kind to spare me so much of your time.
BAD: She is always very kindly and helpful.
GOOD: She is always very kind and helpful.
Kindly is nearly always used as an adverb: 'They've kindly offered to lend me their car while they're away.' 'Would you kindly sit down and stop being a nuisance.'
2
DUBIOUS: I wonder if you would kindly correct my mistakes.
GOOD: I wonder if you could possibly correct my mistakes.
DUBIOUS: Would you kindly open the door?
GOOD: Would you mind opening the door, please?
Kindly is used to mean 'please' only in formal styles. When used inappropriately, it can sound sarcastic or even express anger: 'Would you kindly keep your hands to yourself.'