English Mistakes Even Native Speakers Make

Everyone makes mistakes. I wanted to share some common mistakes that I have seen native English speaking friends, colleagues, teachers, and family make! I hope this is helpful. Please ask any questions you might have or practice using some of these tough words below!

1. They're, Their, There

They're --> They are

I think they're coming to the party.

Their --> possession

 Their cat ran away.

There --> place

I want to go there.

Everyone I know has gotten these wrong at some point!!

2. "I could care less" --> "I couldn't care less."

This is for situations you truly don't care about. When you ex-partner starts dating someone new and you tell your friend, "I could care less!!!" This is incorrect, but a common mistake. It should be "I couldn't care less."

I could care less --> Suggests you do care already 

I couldn't care less/ I could not care less --> Suggests you don't care AT ALL so it is impossible to care even less. 

CORRECT: I couldn't care less about sports.

3. Except/Accept

They sound exactly the same, but mean something completely different. 

I will expect an invitation to the party.

        --> They think they will get an invitation to the party. 

I would accept an invitation to the party.

        --> They would say yes to an invitation to the party. 

In the comments below can anyone explain this sentence?? --> I except she will accept an invitation to the party.

4. Envy / Jealousy

People think they mean the same thing, but there is a subtle difference.

Envy = you want what someone else has (usually objects or good fortune)

I am envious of my friend's car. 

I envy her good luck.

Jealousy = used in terms of relationships or partners

I was jealous when my boyfriend danced with her. 

My partner was jealous she asked for my number. 

5. Since/Because

Incorrect: I want to go since it will be fun. NOOOOOOOOOO

Correct: I want to go because it will be fun.

Since is used with time:

    Since I graduated, I have started exercising. 

Because is used for causation (why or how something happened)

    I have more time to exercise because I graduated.