Common English Mistakes

Use once not one time. Use twice not two times.

• The dog had only been to the vet once before, so he was a little nervous.
• He has been late for work twice this week.


Now take the Adverbs Quiz.

When using one of use the plural of the noun.

• I left one of my books at school.
  (one of + plural)
• One of his favourite drinks is wine.
• One of my teeth is missing.


Now take the Grammar Quiz Level 1.

What we say and what we write are different.

• 16th April 2006.
  (We write.)
• 16th of April 2000 and 6.
  (We say.)
• The attack took place on 10th January 2013.
  (We write.)
• The attack took place on the 10th of January 2000 and 13.
  (We say.)

Dates before 2000 are said differently.

• 16th April 1975.
  (We write.)
• The 16th of April 19-75.
  (We say.)
• 1066
  (We write.)
• 10-66
  (We say.)
• 1809
  (We write.)
• 18 oh 9
  (We say.)

Also, date first, then month, then year. It is logical and clear.

• 16th April 2006 or 16/04/06


Take a look at more common English mistakes with numbers.

We use mustn’t when something should definitely not be done.

• I mustn’t forget to do my homework.
  (Definitely don’t forget to do your homework.)
• You mustn’t walk on the road.


We use needn’t when you have a choice to do something or not.

• I needn’t do my homework tonight because the lesson is next week.
  (You can do your homework, or not. Your choice.)
• You needn’t bring some water because I have some.


Which of these sentences is correct?

• Superman was able to fly like a bird.
• Superman could fly like a bird.


Take a look at my page When to use could and able toand see if you were correct.

After stative verbs we use adjectives not adverbs. The adjective doesn’t describe the verb, it describes the subject.

• People buy silk because it feels smoothly.
  People buy silk because it feels smooth.
  (subject/silk (it) – stative verb/feel – adjective/smooth)
• If you don’t sleep well, you will look tiredly.
  If you don’t sleep well, you will look tired.
  (subject/you – stative verb/look – adjective/tired)
• The bread smells good.
  (subject/bread – stative verb/smell – adjective good)


Now take the Grammar Quiz Level 2.

Take a look at my page Grammar Quizzes.

Do the quizzes to see which common English grammar mistakes you need help with.