Common Errors in English Language

TABLE OF CONTENT
Page
Introduction 1
Dedication of common errors 2
Categories/groups which certain errors of falls 3
 Confusables 3
 Collocations 8
 Pronunciation errors 12
 Tautological errors 15
 Spelling errors 16
 Singular and plural 18
 Others errors 22
 Slangs 23
References 24

DEFINITIONS OF ERROR
The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines error as a mistake especially one that causes problems or affects the result of something.

Common errors in English Language are therefore mistakes made while speaking the English language or while writing it .Errors may occur in terms of spelling, punctuation, concord, parts of speech singular and plural form of words, inappropriate choice of words, pronunciation, comparative and superlative form of words etc in English Language.

Examples
A cow is coming at your back (wrong)
A cow is behind you (correct)

I can hear the smell of friend fish (wrong)
I can perceive the aroma of friend fish (wrong)

I wasn’t chanced yesterday (wrong)
I wasn’t unable to come yesterday (correct)

CAUSES OF ERRORS
1. Literature translation of language patterns from one’s first language patterns from one’s first language to the target language.

1. The use of long or complex sentences.
2. Writing as one speaks.
3. Wrong use of a word for another word                        

CATEGORIES OR GROUP WHICH CERTAIN COMMON ERRORS FALL
CONFUSABLES
  (b) Lend/ borrow: Lends means to give out a favor which would be retrieved later while borrow means to receive favor which is to be returned. Borrow (verb) must not be used with me, you, us, him and her.

(c) Tragic/fatal: An accident is tragic when it is serious but does not involve life. A fatal accident is one in life is lost
(d) Escort/see off /accompany: See off is used when the performer of the action stops at a definite point before a final point.
Escort...