Do you make these mistakes in English: Part I
Most mistakes in English are really, really small.
“Cute baby. What’s its name?”
Ouch!
That means the baby is so ugly that ‘it’ isn’t even human.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of small mistakes like this that make you look rude, or, at least, ignorant.
So, let’s look at some of the big ones today… and let me show you what you should be saying instead – so you’re never embarrassed by these simple, little mistakes ever again.
When showing sympathy:
A: My sister lost her job.
B:
| It’s a pity! |
| What a pity! |
Why is that?
Because the pitiful subject of the sentence should be the situation – not the sister. But since the subject of the last sentence was the sister, if you use the word ‘it’… and you’re connecting to the last sentence… you’re pointing at her. It’s basically like kicking someone when they’re down – and that’s never nice.
When talking about food:
A: How is your steak?
B:
| Good taste! |
| It tastes good
Tastes good. Very tasty! |
Why?
Because most sentences need a subject, unless it’s implied. But even if it is implied, the sentence order stays the same. So if you’re switching the sentence order, it’s because you’re using an adjective.
When you’re at a sushi restaurant:
A.
| Can you eat sushi? |
| Do you like sushi? |
B. Yes, I love it.
Why?
Because people can eat anything… but if they don’t like something – they won’t. So you shouldn’t be asking about ability… ask about their preferences.
Now, how do you respond if someone asks you:
A. Do you like sushi?
B.
| I can’t eat sushi |
| I don’t really like sushi.
Sushi doesn’t really agree with me. |
And these simplest mistake always make you look the worst. Because it’s kind of like misspelling your own name… The smaller the mistake, the bigger the ‘egg on your face’.
When you’re out shopping:
A. How much is that shirt?
B.
| It’s 25 dollar |
| It’s 25 dollars
25 bucks |
This mistake kills me.
And I hear it all the time… even from people who’ve lived in America for years and years…
And because it’s such a simple mistake:
1. It shows you’re not serious about learning the language.
2. And that shows how little respect you have for others.
… which is a big turn off for listeners.
So remember these simple, little mistakes, ok?
And the next time you’re out shopping, at a restaurant, or a friend shares some bad news, take special care to avoid them.
Because your friends won’t notice when you DON’T make these common grammar mistakes – but you will!
What about you?
What common mistakes do you make in English? Leave you comments below!