Incorrect omission of prepositions

Omission of the verb to be from the passive.

Don’t say: Charles Dickens born in 1812.

ü  Say: Charles Dickens was born in 1812.

Incorrect omission of prepositions

The possessive ending omitted.

              Don’t say: A hen’s egg is different from a pigeon. 

           Say: A hen’s egg is different from a pigeon’s.

If the first noun in a comparison is in the possessive case, the second must also be in the possessive.

Incorrect omission of prepositions

Using don’t instead of doesn’t.

Don’t say: He don’t care what he says

      Say: He doesn’t care what he says.

Un-English Expressions

This morning, etc., not today morning, etc.

Don’t say: I haven’t seen him today morning.

ü  Say: I haven’t seen him this morning.

Note: Avoid today morning, today afternoon, today evening, yesterday night, this night. Say: this morning, this evening, last night, tonight

Un-English Expressions

It works miracles, not it makes miracles.

Don’t say: That medicine makes miracles.

ü  Say: That medicine works miracles.

Un-English Expressions

Show a film, not play a film.

Don’t say: This film will be played shortly.

ü  Say: This film will be shown shortly.

Un-English Expressions

Give an example, not bring an example.

Don’t say: Can you bring a better example?

      Say: Can you give a better example?

Un-English Expressions

See or watch a game, not to follow a game.

Don’t say: Did you follow the game?

        Say: Did you see (or watch) the game?

Note: Avoid saying to follow the lesson when you mean to attend the class.