Common errors

The words: at, by

Correct phrase Common error We live in a village near Hamburg. We live in a village by Hamburg. Frank stayed at my place last weekend. Frank stayed by me last weekend. I stayed at my grandmother's (house) during the I stayed by my grandmother during the Easter Easter holidays. holidays. Emily lives with her mother. Emily lives by her mother. Here are some correct phrases: Correct phrase I took my sister by the hand. We travelled by night. I live by the sea.

become, get, go, turn

The words "become", "get", "go" and "turn" are not always used correctly. We've listed some phrases which are wrong and some which are correct. Always use a good dictionary if you're not sure. correct phrase I got a present from him. When do I get my steak? He got a shock when he saw his car. The tea does him good. I want to become a teacher. He became famous. We became friends. It became clear that she wanted to leave. It's getting dark. He turned red. She went white when she saw the accident. common error I became a present from him. When do I become my steak? He became a shock when he saw his car. The tea becomes him good. I will a teacher. He would famous We were friends. It would clear that she wanted to leave. It will dark. He was red. She was white when she saw the accident.

The word "get" is very common in spoken English, "become" is more formal. German native speaker sometimes use "become" in an incorrect way.

The word "eat"

The words "eat" and "food" are not always used correctly. We've listed some

phrases which are wrong and some which are correct. Always use a good dictionary if you're not sure. correct phrase My mother is cooking the meal. The food tastes wonderful. I like Mexican meals. common error My mother is cooking the eat. The eat tastes wonderful. I like Mexican eat.

Here are some correct phrases: correct phrase I don't eat fish. I go to eat at my grandmother's. Come and eat!

The word "give"

Sometimes the word "give" is not used correctly. We've listed some phrases which are wrong and some which are correct. Always use a good dictionary if you're not sure. Correct phrase There's a church in this town Forget it. No way. That can't be true. Whose deal is it? What's the matter? It'll all work out. Common error It gives a church in this town. That gives it not. Who gives now? What gives it? That gives it.

Here are some correct phrases: Correct phrase What are you giving your brother for his birthday? Don't give up. He gives Russian lessons at school. I'll give you 50 for the painting. Do you give up?

The word "Internet" in English phrases

correct phrase I'm on the Internet. I'm on the Net. common error I'm in the Internet.

I surf the Internet. I surf the Net. You'll find the information on the Internet. In our hotel all rooms have access to the Internet. I use the Internet. You can buy the book over the Internet. I'm online.

I surf in the Internet. You'll find the information in the Internet. In our hotel all rooms have access to Internet. I use internet. You can buy the book in the Internet.

The word "Internet" is often written in capital letters.

Word order - Common errors 1) Sentences

correct word order I was shopping in Leipzig. He played football yesterday. Yesterday he played football. Dan rode his bike carefully. He often reads books. He is always late. tip 1 2 3 4a 4b incorrect word order I was in Leipzig shopping. He played yesterday football . Dan rode carefully his bike. He reads often books. He always is late. tip 1 2 3 4a 4b

Be careful! main verb before place place before expression of time object before adverb of manner adverb of frequency before main verb adverb of frequency after form of to be

detailed explanation Word order: subject-verb-object-place-time Word order: subject-verb-object-place-time Position of adverbs Position of adverbs of frequency Position of adverbs of frequency

2) Questions
correct word order Do you play football or handball? When did you see Peggy yesterday? tip 5 incorrect word order Play you football or handball? When did you yesterday see Peggy? tip 5 6

Be careful! Start the question with the auxiliary do.

detailed explanation Questions in the Simple Present

Put the expression of time (yesterday) at the Questions in the Simple Past end of the question.