Avoid These 8 Common Mistakes as a Second Language Writer
Written on
Chapter 1: Understanding Language Bias
When it comes to language, judgments based on our speech and writing can lead to assumptions about our intelligence, education, and cultural background. Unfortunately, these judgments are often misguided and should not dictate how we perceive others. Nonetheless, biases—whether conscious or not—often influence opinions about our writing abilities.
One area where judgment is particularly harsh is in written communication. A simple mistake like omitting an "s" or confusing "their" with "they're" can lead to severe criticism, especially online. For those of us for whom English is a second language, the challenge is even greater as our native language influences our English structure.
However, it's worth noting that many native English speakers also struggle with their own language. This observation leads to an interesting idea: What if second language writers could enhance their English skills by learning from the frequent mistakes of native speakers? Below are some common errors found in native English writing. Afterward, I'll explain why making mistakes shouldn't deter you from expressing yourself in writing.
Section 1.1: Common Errors in English Usage
#1- Boris Johnson and the Present Perfect
Laura Marshallsay, an English educator, points out that native speakers often make mistakes too. For instance, Boris Johnson once stated, "I have today left the hospital," which confused many. The present perfect tense is meant for actions that occurred at an unspecified time or for ongoing actions that began in the past.
Correctly, he should have said, "I left the hospital today," as this indicates a completed action at a specific time.
Sometimes, even native speakers forget the structure of the present perfect (have/has + past participle) and might say things like, "They've went too far," instead of the correct, "They've gone too far."
Video Title: 8 Common Writing Mistakes (AND HOW TO FIX THEM)
Learn more about common writing errors and how to rectify them in this informative video.
#2- The Double Negative Dilemma
Another frequent mistake is the double negative. Many native speakers will say, "I didn't see nothing," instead of the correct "I didn't see anything" or "I saw nothing."
It's essential to note that while double negatives are incorrect in standard English, they are used in certain dialects, such as African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and some Southern American English forms.
Section 1.2: Pronoun Confusion
#3- Me vs. Myself: The Pronoun Puzzle
Choosing between "me" and "myself" confuses many, even seasoned writers. A post from the New York Times highlighted this issue, correcting statements like, "Lebanese artists like himself." The correct form should be "Lebanese artists like him," as "myself" is a reflexive pronoun.
#4- I or Me? Finding the Right Pronoun
Native speakers sometimes mix up "I" and "me." For instance, saying "She invited Jane and I" is incorrect. The correct form is "She invited Jane and me." To check, you can remove the other person: "She invited I" sounds wrong, confirming "me" is correct.
#5- The Debate: "You and I" vs. "You and Me"
Mariah Carey was right to sing, "You and I will always be..." Similarly, Phil Collins correctly sang, "It's just another day for you and me in paradise." Remember, always use "You and I" as the subject and "you and me" as the object.
Section 1.3: The Trouble with Homophones
#6 & 7- Homophones Confusion
Words like "there," "their," and "they're" are often mixed up since they sound alike but have different meanings.
- "There" indicates a place (e.g., "I live there").
- "Their" shows possession (e.g., "Their ideas are innovative").
- "They're" is a contraction for "they are" (e.g., "They're happy").
Also, "your," "yours," and "you're" often confuse writers.
- "Your" is possessive (e.g., "Your car is nice").
- "You're" means "you are" (e.g., "You're amazing").
- "Yours" indicates possession without a noun (e.g., "Is that bag yours?").
Section 1.4: Fewer vs. Less
Lastly, the phrase "10 items or less" is a common error; it should be "10 items or fewer" for countable items.
Final Thoughts
Even as a native speaker, I occasionally make these mistakes. It's important to remember that learning is a continuous process. Embrace your errors as opportunities for growth. Continue writing and welcoming constructive feedback, regardless of the criticism you might face for your language skills.
Keep honing your understanding of English grammar while recognizing that making mistakes can sometimes help you sound more like a native speaker.
P.S.: I purposely included an error in the previous sentence. Spot it, comment below, and you might win 100 invisible dollars! If you identify other mistakes I missed, there’s a chance for an imaginary red car from Oprah. Good luck!
Video Title: 7 Common Grammar Mistakes in English Writing - And Their Quick Fixes
Dive deeper into grammar mistakes and discover quick solutions in this engaging video.