Altini
Professional Teacher
Are you making these English mistakes?

I've put together 7 random mistakes that my students often make. I hope you'll find these useful. If you have any questions or would like a more in-depth explanation, don't hesitate to contact me.


1. Fun vs funny

These words are not related.
Fun describes something that is enjoyable.
For example: My nephew likes to read novels for fun.

Funny is an adjective.
Funny describes someone or something that makes you laugh.
For example: The comedian told a funny joke yesterday.

Funny can also mean strange or odd.
For example: You would look very funny wearing a business suit to the beach.
*Just because something is fun does not mean it is funny.

 

2. At work; after work


Sometimes I hear students say “in my work, on my work, etc.” This is incorrect.
“At” is always the preposition you should use with “work”
For example: I had a long day at work.

 

3. Married to


You are married TO a person

Many students want to use “with”. This is incorrect.

For example: Kevin was married to Alicia for 8 years


4. Say them/tell them


“Can you please say me…” This is incorrect but a VERY common error.

The correct version: “Can you please tell me…”

 

5. Comma = thousands


In the USA, when dealing with numerical values, commas generally represent thousands
45,834------> forty-five thousand, eight hundred thirty four
6,024-------> six thousand twenty-four


6. Exercising =working out


When you are at the gym, or doing any type of physical activity you are working out or exercising. Both mean the same thing. You are not "doing sport".

 

7. Correct: I don’t know what it means
Incorrect: I don’t know what means it
Incorrect: I don’t know what does it mean.

Apr 30, 2014 1:01 AM
Comments · 10
2

Here's a few more: http://www.italki.com/discussion/58880 http://www.italki.com/discussion/58880

It's also worth mentioning that while 'funny' can only be an adjective,  'fun' can be an adjective or a noun.

April 30, 2014
1

I'm so happy that you guys are finding this helpful!

A good point was brought up.

"Fun" can be a noun or adjective.

May 2, 2014
1

Good topic. I was confused with tell and say (I asked for that) and other and another. You could make other articles like this :D

April 30, 2014
1

nice summary

April 30, 2014

Thanks for the information. I wasn't know that i was doing these mistakes. Thanks :)

May 2, 2014
Show more