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Some Common Silly Mistakes/errors People Make In English Language. / Very Common Mistakes in Nigerian Spoken English! / ABC Of Common Errors And Mistakes In English (2) (3) (4)
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Very Common English Language Errors by Nobody: 5:52pm On May 14, 2010 |
Here is one of them and it is very common: It is blatantly erroneous to hear; “This is the worstest situation I have ever seen”. #1: There is nothing as ‘worstest’. The absolute or positive word is ‘bad’, just as we have ‘good’. It follows that we have ‘worse’ in the comparative just as we have ‘better’. And then, ‘worst’ in the superlative, just as we have ‘best’. So, when you have to compare in positive term, you say; “This is better than that”. On the other flip, you say; “This is worse than that”. In the superlative, you either say; “This is the best” or, on the negative, “This is the worst”. So, where does the ‘worstest’ you use in your expressions come from -from the moon? #2: Two comparative words must not be joined together. You either have 'more' or 'better'. E.g., "This is more than that" Or, "This is better than that" Learn this on the Positive, Comparative and Superlative table: POSTITIVE COMPARATIVE SUPERLATIVE Much Much Much Many More Most Good Better Best You use the positive word in normal situation. You use the Comparative when you compare two things. E.g., "This is MORE than that" Use the Superlative when the object is the highest in rating. E.g., "Joe's bicycle is THE BEST". NOTE: 'than' is used after a comparative only, like 'better' or 'more'. 'Than is NOT applicable after a positive or superlative. Now for the #2, whenever you must rate something than 'better' but do not want to say it is 'best', 'more better' is a WRONG way to say it. Instead, 'MUCH' serves you for that purpose. So, say; "You sound MUCH better with your assent" Also, you can say; "You look MUCH younger in your new outfit" BUT it is WRONG to combine two comparatives. E.g., it is wrong to say; "More better", "more younger", etc. Thanks for learning now, that it is wrong to say; ‘The worstest of all…” and 'more better'. Correct others on this. Thanks and let us take effective communication to a peak. |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by lexicon(m): 9:47am On May 15, 2010 |
Thanks bro . |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by Nobody: 12:29pm On May 15, 2010 |
gr8 job |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by toboy: 1:31pm On May 15, 2010 |
you observed and corrected well.more grease to your power |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by Nobody: 11:04pm On May 15, 2010 |
Thanks. But not 'more grease to your power' and not 'more grease to your elbow', but 'more power to your elbow'. Kindly take note 1 Like |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by toboy: 12:05pm On May 16, 2010 |
lol !, :Pthought it was changed to "more grease to your power" instead of elbow.thank you for the correction, but wait o, did you happen to grow up in an English country? or you did linguistics? |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by Nobody: 2:23pm On May 16, 2010 |
No, but I major in effective communication. I love having communication in its best spirit. Whether I am to speak Yoruba, my mother's tongue, or any other language. To me, communication has no essence if it is not well composed. Here, I also have some words that I observe are not well pronounced, and their pronunciations, so that we can begin to give a good touch to our voices. Please note, that I am not a killer of culture. I cherish our local belongings. All I am after is 'effective, articulate discharge of words'. Therefore, I advocate, that anyone that is good at Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa languages should launch the campaign for effective communication through the vehicle of our local dialects. One or more persons may stand to represent Yoruba language and give us proper ways to pronounce words we have often mispronounced, remind us of words we have often forgotten, and/or bring to our screen, words that we do not know exist. The same for other local languages and together, we shall take communication to its effective position in Nigeria, educating everyone, beginning from here! So today, the 30 words I observe we often mispronounce and their proper pronunciations: Charlatan / SH – arlatan/ - pronounced as / SH / NOT /CH –arlatan / Castle / ca - SUL/ - NOT / STUL/ - 'T' is silent Thames / T – eims / - also a name, as THOMAS, but NOT pronounced ‘TH’; Only ‘T’ Chauffeur / SH – auffeur / - NOT / CH / but / SH / Champagne / SH – am – peh – in / - / SH / NOT / CH / Colonel / Ko – nel / - do not pronounce 'LO' Lieutenant / LEF – te – nant / - pronounce it as / LEF / and NOT / LI – U / Comb / K – OM / - leave 'b' unpronounced Bomb /b – OM / - same case as 'comb' Psalm / S – alm / - 'p' is silent Twilight / TWAI – lait / - NOT / T - WI - / Often / OF – n / - keep 't' silent Gear / G – I - e / - NOT / J / Ritual / ri – CH – ual / - NOT / TCH / Wednesday /we-NS-dei/ NOT /NES/ Apostle / a – pos – SUL / - NOT / STUL / Column / k – o – lu – M / - leave 'n' unpronounced Psychology / S – ai – K – o – lo – ji / - just like in: / Psalm /, 'p' isn’t pronounced Sign / s – AI – n / - NO 'g' in the pronunciation Yolk / y – OK / - leave 'l' unpronounced Phlegm / f – LEM / - NO 'g' in the pronunciation, except in ‘phlegmatic’ Stipend / STAI – pend / - NOT / STI / - Horizon / ho – RAI – zin / - notice the / RAI /; NOT / RI / Statutes /sta – SHUU – ts / - (of law) notice / SHUU / as against / TIU / or / TU / Hour / - OUR / - 'h' not pronounced. That why it is preceded by 'an'. ALSO: (honest, honor, honorable, heir) no ‘h’ sound. Archbishop / ar – TSH – bi – shop / notice / TSH / and NOT / K / Coup / k – UU / - another example in the concept of silent letters: 'p' is silent here Senate / S – E – NIT / - NOT / SI / in first syllable; and NOT / NEIT / in the second syllable Surety / sh – ORI – ti / - NOT / shu – OR – ti /; the ‘RE’ is sounded out Lettuce / le – TIS / - it sounds as / LE – TIS /, avoid pronouncing / TUS / or /TIUS/ N.B: The transcriptions supplied here are not the standard dictionary characters. They are only used to explain for clarity of pronunciations. Practice the words repeatedly until you have mastered them, and then influence others you commune with. Gradually, we shall touch all voices with effective pronunciations and ‘spirit’ better communication. 2 Likes |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by Nobody: 2:28pm On May 16, 2010 |
Thanks mehn, these are [i]my [/i]common mistakes. Imagine me trying to say caSTUL and my CH omg! |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by Nobody: 2:21pm On May 17, 2010 |
It's true. We make such mistakes in language. However, I suggest that somebody take it up on Yoruba, another on Igbo, Hausa, etc. We should begin to make communications effective. Please, let us start with our children. This is how we can start making them great and responsible. Thanks and expecting your comments 'Segun O' Law (Olawoye) |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by Nobody: 5:23pm On May 17, 2010 |
Here are also some common errors: I have some informations for you (wrong) I have some information for you (correct) I have an advice for you (wrong) Give two breads (wrong) Information is a plural noun and cannot agree with 'an' or 'a'. Likewise, it cannot agree with 's' for plural form. Similarly, ADVICE is plural. It cannot be agree with 'an'. So, you could have A PIECE OF INFORMATION and A PIECE OF ADVICE As for BREAD, it takes no 's' for plural. BREAD remains like that. So, you could have A LOAF of Bread. Avoid adding 's' to Bread. It is absolutely wrong |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by DrAyo1(m): 5:38pm On May 17, 2010 |
@Olawoye You are a hero! The write-up on Correct Pronunciation- good job. |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by DrAyo1(m): 5:38pm On May 17, 2010 |
@Olawoye You are a hero! The write-up on Correct Pronunciation- good job. |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by Nobody: 2:34pm On May 18, 2010 |
Thanks. Here is another one I observe is common. Let us round up quickly (wrong) Let us ROUND OFF quickly (correct) The capital case in the correct sentence is done for emphasis. Help spread this, beginning from your immediate environment. I'm here for you replies. Olawoye 'Segun (FaceBk ID) |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by Osebaby: 11:21am On May 19, 2010 |
Dear Olawoye, It's nice that to see another person that believes that whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well. I went through your word list eagerly as I am constantly looking to see how I can improve my diction. I do know how difficult it is to unlearn something once it has been learnt. I did notice somethings on your list that I would like to collect though: Lieutenant / LEF – te – nant / - pronounce it as / LEF / and NOT / LI – U / That word is pronouced with /loo/ or /liu/ in American English. Even the British use /loo/ when referring to their Royal Navy Often / OF – n / - keep 't' silent Often can be pronounced with a 't' or without a 't' both pronunciations are used in America, Britain and Zealand all of which are native speakers of the English language Statutes /sta – SHUU – ts / - (of law) notice / SHUU / as against / TIU / or / TU / should be pronounced /stachoot/ as opposed to /stashuut/ Archbishop / ar – TSH – bi – shop / notice / TSH / and NOT / K / should be pronounced /ar-ch/ not /ar - tsh/ or /ark/ Colonel / Ko – nel / - do not pronounce 'LO' will be pronounce /kur nel/ I have learn a lot all the the same thanks 1 Like |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by Osebaby: 11:32am On May 19, 2010 |
Sorry, I meant to say I learnt a lot |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by Nobody: 12:09pm On May 19, 2010 |
Thanks for your observations. We sometimes run into different views, particularly when we consult materials with certain disparities. Sometimes some of these errors come up in examinations. This thread may be useful for examination candidates. Let's make it active, at least for that cause. I also noticed an error put below: I congratulate you FOR your success (wrong) I congratulate you ON your success (correct) |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by Nobody: 12:39pm On May 20, 2010 |
Speaking with someone this morning, I heard him say "Should incase you see him, " 'should' and 'incase' share the same function in the sentence. It is safe to say; "Incase you see him, ". It equally goes fine if you say "Should you see him, " Putting 'should incase' together is an unnecessary union. This reminds me also of the "incase of incasity" No dictionary has ever recognized the word 'incasity'. Safe to say therefore; :In case of necessity" |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by ifkunlethe: 2:33pm On May 20, 2010 |
Mr. Olawoye, thanks for your efforts toward making sure we all learn and speak good english. Can you please send me some soft copies of textbooks on English language for self practice? E-mail: if_shittle_then@yahoo.com (underscore) I look foward to hearing from you. Once more, thank you. |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by Nobody: 4:27pm On May 20, 2010 |
Okay, I just sent you an e-mail, suggesting what you could do to improve your English language expression. Is anyone else interested? It costs you nothing! Simply leave your e-mail in this thread or write me here: proudlyvisionite@yahoo.com with the content; ENGLISH LANGUAGE I'll only reply your mail with what you should do without giving you any bank detail to pay for it. This thread will continue regardless. Correction of errors in expression is what I have created this thread on Nairaland for. Thanks all. |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by FunmyKemmy(f): 4:50pm On May 20, 2010 |
I am interested. ayokemi2003@yahoo.com is my e-mail address. Thank you. |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by Nobody: 7:35pm On May 20, 2010 |
@FunmyKemmy, I just sent you an e-mail. I am willing to give this simple English Language improvement tip to as many that request it. The address to ask it again is; proudlyvisionite@yahoo.com Who else wants? Watch out for another common error in English Language. 'Segun O' Law (Olawoye) |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by Newest: 8:48pm On May 20, 2010 |
oje.dammie@yahoo.com Sir |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by Nobody: 11:20pm On May 20, 2010 |
@newest, you may check your mail now. |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by Nobody: 7:11am On May 21, 2010 |
oliboy2003@yahoo.com |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by jokingmary(m): 10:36am On May 21, 2010 |
thanks |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by Nobody: 11:30am On May 21, 2010 |
@olibyno, you may check your mail now. |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by Nobody: 12:39pm On May 21, 2010 |
At midnight, an old time friend called my mtn number. He was fortunate for the mtn extracool program and tapped into it to reconnect our long disconnect. At a height in our discussion, I tasked him for an assistance at getting something done in a place close to his new residence and as he replied, he declared his willingness as; "I'll try my possible best". I didn't even give my mind to that at first, but my attention was driven when cut-in to attempt a correction of the last statement; ", sorry, I'll try my best possible, rather" I quickly looked my mind away from the conversation and tried to fetch for which one is correct. The two views of 'possible best' and 'best possible' have continued their loggerheads, leaving us, the users, in a city of confusion. My resolve however, is that to be safe, avoid the two; possible best and best possible. I think it is safer to use 'best' only. So, I suggest that the next time the temptation arises, say; "I'll try my best". |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by nigerfine: 1:51pm On May 21, 2010 |
Olawale has done a good job, some of us might not have fallen into the category he mentioned but definitely we could know somebody in the catgory.i plead that olawale spear us the pronunciation issue because if you live in abroad you will find out whether you are Yoruba,igbo or Hausa , you got ascent;is what they tell us.so don't go to that side.i am igbo grew up in yoruba land,no mater how i twist it, you got ascent. |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by hackney(m): 1:56pm On May 21, 2010 |
Loads of people type "definately" instead of "definitely". Also comparing adjectives between 2 people, some people for example tend to write: Among these two, who is most beautiful? instead of: Between these two, who is more beautiful. Also things like : Many people goes to the beach (instead of go) The appalling aspect of all these is that the mistakes are made by grownups. I think it boils down to the standard of education in Nigeria. P.S. cheers olawaye. You have a good understanding of the language. My guess is that you did not attend one of these run-of-the-mill schools around. |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by toluxa1(m): 2:02pm On May 21, 2010 |
Good job man. Thanks |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by Pamperme: 2:02pm On May 21, 2010 |
just2crystal@yahoo.ca |
Re: Very Common English Language Errors by tunde300us(m): 2:05pm On May 21, 2010 |
Interested too,tunde300us@gmail.com. Thanks |
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