Mistakes that you should NEVER make in English

No one likes a Grammar Nazi. But if you were to make these silly Mistakes in English then can we really blame them? Incorrect use of grammar while communicating in any language, let alone English, can put off the entire conversation. Fluency is the most attractive trait when it comes to having good communication skills. Though these mistakes are extremely common even among native English speakers, they should be rectified at the earliest.

While these mistakes may be overlooked in the colloquial use of the language. However, in formal settings, they can definitely break some deals.

In the article, we will look at the most common Advanced Mistakes in English

5 Common Advanced Mistakes in English

Here’s a list of the most common advanced mistakes in English:

Redundant Sentences

“I bought a blue colour suit.” (incorrect)

“I bought a blue suit.” (correct)

“I saw her at the Art Exhibition event last night.” (incorrect)

“I saw her at the Art Exhibition last night.” (correct)

“Rhea told me that the weather is extremely cold in Shimla.” (incorrect)

“Rhea told me that it is extremely cold in Shimla.” (correct)

As you can see from the above sentences that, by using two words that have the same meaning we make the sentence redundant and unnecessarily long. This can easily be avoided by only using the required words.

Overuse of Adverbs

She ran really fast to catch her train. (incorrect)

She sprinted to catch her train. (correct)

Adverbs are words that often end in -ly, and are used to modify verbs. They’re okay once in a while, but in excess, they’re an indicator of weak verb choices. In the above example, the adverb “really fast” modifies the verb “ran.” But does “really fast” paint a more vivid word-picture for the reader? Use a better verb like “sprinted” instead.

Finally vs At last

We use finally to refer to something that happened after a long time and usually after some difficulties.

Therefore, finally most commonly occurs in the normal mid position for adverbs, between the subject and the main verb, after the modal verb or the first auxiliary verb, or after be as a main verb. It cannot be used as an exclamation.

Example:

We finally reached the hotel at 2 am.

At last, is used when something that we’ve been waiting for a long time or have been impatient for is delivered to us or completed. It also occurs in the same positions as finally but can be used as an exclamation.

Example:

At last! My wedding dress is completed. It took forever!

Incorrect usage of ‘in case’

In case is a subordinating conjunction used to describe — we do something first (in case) the other thing happens (precautionary).

Example:

I’ll take an umbrella in case it rains.

He will wear a sweater in case it gets cold.

His mom took him to the doctor in case he had dengue.

Many people use it incorrectly with the conditional ‘if’ which is used to describe that (if) this condition is fulfilled, I’ll do this.

Examples of the correct usage:

I’ll ask you if I need help.

Rakhi will contact you if she fails to do her task.

Incorrect Usage:

I’ll ask you in case I need help.

Rakhi will contact you in case she fails to do her task.

Certainly or Surely?

Certainly is an adverb that depicts certainty. It is used with things that the speaker knows are completely true.

Example: She is certainly the fastest writer in our class.

Surely is an adverb that depicts surety. It is used by the speaker when they believe something to be true or probable.

Example: She will surely be at the party tonight.

These were a few advanced mistakes in English that speakers need to be mindful of. Rectifying them will help you achieve fluency in English.