THE MOST COMMON LETTERS AND WORDS IN ENGLISH (Part 1)

Hi friends!

Do you know which letter in the English alphabet is the most frequently used one? The answer is 'E'. The second place is occupied by 'T' and only the third place, contrary to what most of the English speakers think, goes to 'A'!

And which letter could be the least commonly used one? Guess....? Yes, you are right!! It's the 'Z'. The second and the third places go to 'Q' and 'J' respectively.

The following is a list of all the letters in their order of frequency:

01. E
02. T
03. A
04. O
05. N
06. R
07. I
08. S
09. H
10. D
11. L
12. F
13. C
14. M
15. U
16. G
17. Y
18. P
19. W
20. B
21. V
22. K
23. X
24. J
25. Q
26. Z

Pleonasm Part 2

Hi,
Hope you all enjoyed the post about PLEONASM yesterday. Here are some more examples which must be avoided in formal English:

What is the difference between AC current and DC current?
I do not know the different variations of this theory.
We discussed about the plan in detail.
He has got a doctorate degree in English.
Are you using DOS operating system?
Each and every one was enjoying.
What will be the end result of this action?
Corruption should be entirely eleminated.
Water is one of the essential necessities in our life.
He made an exact replica of the Taj Mahal.
He said exactly the same.
There are many extra added features in this new version of iPhone.
Her fellow colleagues are not very cooperative.
Win a free gift with every purchase.
The company appointed a few fresh beginners.
Can I get some frozen ice cubes?
What are the future prospects of this course?
What is meant by GMT time?
The grand total of the scheme is $10,000.
Have you seen the handwritten manuscript of the Bible?


                                                                        
Compiler: Jacob (Nova English Campus) 
                                                                         

PLEONASM

Hi friends!
A few days back, I published a mini article on 'Redundancy'. Many of you said the article was very informative. Thank you for the feedback and interest. This is the second part of that article.
Pleonasm means 'redundancy of expression in speaking or writing'.

Many people, unknowingly, use expressions such as ATM machine, PIN code, Past history etc. in their speech or writing. In fact ATM stands for 'Automated Teller Machine', so the abbreviation doesn't need an additional 'machine'. Likewise, PIN represents Postal Index Number ('number' equals 'code'). And no doubt history is the 'written account of past events'.

Here's a useful list:

That's absolutelt necessary.
We gave them advance warning.
Everyone reached at 11 a.m in the morning.
Books, pens and papers etc.
I will call you at about 5 p.m.
Attach them together.
I'm planning of writing an autobiography of my life.
Is there any automatic ATM machine nearby?
It's a bad evil.
He doesn't know even the basic fundamentals of Computing.
I want cash money.
Why are you circling round the tree?
Classify these sentences into groups.
She can climb up the tree.
I don't watch CNN news network.
Can I get some cold ice.
We're collaborating together with them.
What are the component parts of a motor?
Please continue on your work.
I couldn't see anything in the dark night.


                           
Compiler: Jacob.
Posted by Nova English Campus

IT'S RAINING CATS AND DOGS!!

Good Evening readers!

'It's raining cats and dogs' suggests that it's raining very heavily, especially with the accompaniment of thunder, lightning and stormy wind. Most often people use this idiom but only a few know how 'cats' and 'dogs' entered the phrase.

Although there are many theories, most of the etymologists and linguists agree that the usage originated from Norse mythology. According to the mythology, cats have a deep influence on weather. Witches that rode on storms used to assume the form of cats.

The dog is a signal of wind, just like the wolf. Odin (the God of storm), kept a dog and a wolf as his attendants. Because of such mythological associations, 'cat' came to be a symbol of heavy rain. The dog represents stormy wind that often comes with a rain.




                                                                                                                                                                      
 Compliler: Jacob (Nova English Campus)
                                                                                                                                                                      

PARALLEL STRUCTURE (Posted by Nova English Campus)

"Peter is rich, handsome, and many people like him."

No doubt, this sentence sounds great and is accepted in spoken English. But from a stylistic point of view, such a sentence is not acceptable in good written English. Why? When a sentence contains a series of information, all the pieces of information should be grammatically parallel or equal. The sentence may contain two or sometimes even many components.

To put it simply, if the first component is an infinitive (to+base form of verb), the remaining components also must be infinitives.

For example., "He went abroad to study, to work, and to earn a lot of money."
It is incorrect to write: "He went abroad to study, work, and earned a lot of money."

In this example, the first component "to study" is the base form of a verb; so the remaining components ('work' and 'earn')also must follow the same pattern. But do remember many contemporary grammarians argue that the same sentence can also be written in the following way:
"He went abroad to study, work, and earn a lot of money."


More examples (in each pair of examples, the second one is correct):

Peter is rich, handsome, and many people like him.(incorrect)
Peter is rich, handsome, and popular. (Note the parallel use of three adjectives: 'rich' / 'handsome' / 'popular')

Henry is a lawyer, a politician and he teaches.(incorrect)
Henry is a lawyer, a politician and a teacher. (Note the parallel use of nouns: 'a lawyer' / 'a politician' / 'a teacher')

The terrorists approached the hotel slowly and silent.(incorrect)
The terrorists approached the hotel slowly and silently.(Note the parallel use of adverbs: slowly' / 'silently')

She likes fishing, swimming and to surf.(incorrect)
She likes fishing, swimming and surfing. (Note the parallel use of nouns: 'fishing' / 'swimming' / 'surfing')

I have three choices: going to college, getting a job, or the army.(incorrect)
I have three choices: going to college, getting a job, or joining the army.(Note the parallel structure)

Julie entered the room, sat down, and is opening her book.(incorrect)
Julie entered the room, sat down, and opened her book.(Note the parallel structure)

EXCEPTION: If the sentence indicates that the different clauses definitely happened or will happen at different times, this rule does not need to be followed.
Example: She is a senior, studies every day, and will graduate a semester early. (CORRECT)


Dear readers, Please don't forget to comment (positively or negatively) after reading this blog..
                                                                      
Jacob (Nova English Campus)
                                                                           

HOW DO YOU DO? (Posted by Nova Eng Campus)

Thank you for the overwhelming response to my humble blog. As requested by many of you, I'm publishing a short-note about how to use "How do you do?"

It's a common mistake among the non-native English speakers to use "How do you do?" in the sense of "How are you?." But this usage is  unknown to native English speakers.

Although "How do you do?"  ends with a question mark, it is not treated as a question. So it doesn't need an answer too. In fact "How do you do?" is a greeting phrase which is exchanged by two people when they introduce to one another for the first name. Do remember to use this phrase in a polite tone. If someone says "How do you do?" to you, you are supposed to reply him/her in the same way.

To make it more clear, "How do you do?" means exactly the same as "Hello" . It is utter foolishness to use "I am fine" when somebody greets you with a "How do you do?!!!"

A final word: These days the practice of saying "How do you do?" is becoming old-fashioned when one introduces himself/herself to someone else. Instead "Hello" is widely used.


Jacob
(Nova English Campus)

...............................................................................................

USING 'HE' OR 'SHE' FOR ANIMALS.

Sometimes animals are also called "SHE" or "HE" especially when they are thought of as having personality,intelligence or feelings. This usage is very common especially when we talk about pets and domestic animals.

"Go and find the cat. She is very clever."
(In this example, "she" denotes the cat.)

We have a cute dog at home. We call him Jimmy.
(In this sentence, "him" refers to the dog)

She had an old dog who always slept in her bed.
(Here "who" stands for the dog)

A different use of "SHE"

SHE
The pronoun "SHE" is not only used to mean women. It also can be used to represent even non-living things which are known for their beauty and nobility, especially when they are personified.

Earth, Moon, Church, Arts&Sciences, Religion, Nature, Freedom, Justice, Kindness, Peace, Fame, Luck, Nations&Cities, Spring season, Victory, Hope, Balloon, Generosity, Spirit, Cannon etc. are the most common examples which can be represented with "SHE".

Posted by Jacob (Nova English Campus)

EXAMPLES FOR REDUNDANCY.... (Posted by Nova English Campus)

(By Jacob, Nova Eng Campus)

As some of you demanded, I'm posting a few sentences to show you how to avoid some widely used redundants. Read on...
India is advancing forward in the field of space research.
India is advancing in the field of space research.
India is moving forwad in the field of space research.

Rahul returned back from London last month.
Rahul returned  from London last month.
Rahul came back from London last month.

Have you got suficient enough qualifications for this job?
Have you got suficient qualifications for this job?
Have you got enough qualifications for this job?

Several companies are competing together for the contract.
Several companies are competing for the contract.

The reason for his failure was because of his illness.
The reason for his failure was his illness.

He failed bacuse of his illness.

Can you repeat your number again please.
Can you repeat your number please.
Can you tell me your number again please.

We are living in an era of new technological innovations.
We are living in an era of technological innovations.

Can I get two tickets for the matinee performance?
Can I get two tickets for the matinee?
Can I get two tickets for the afternoon performance?

His dress is the same identical to mine.
His dress is identical to mine.
His dress is the same as mine.


My wife gave birth to two twins.
My wife gave birth to twins.
                                                                                    
With Regards
Binu Jacob

REDUNDANCY..... (Posted by Nova English Campus; Compiled by Jacob)

A sentence in which some information is unnecessarily repeated is called REDUNTANT. Given here are some word combinations that are always redundant, and thus should never be used.

(The phrases given in capital letters are redundants that are not used in good English.)

ADVANCE FORWARD / PROCEED FORWARD / PROGRESS FORWARD etc.
Explanation: advance, proceed and progress all mean "to move in a forward direction"; thus, the word 'forward' is not necessary.

RETURN BACK / REVERT BACK etc.
Explanation: return and revert mean "to go/send back". So 'back' is not necessary.

SUFFICIENT ENOUGH
Explanation: these words are identical; one or the other should be used.

COMPETE TOGETHER
compete means "to take part in a contest against others" so 'together' is not needed.

THE REASON.......BECAUSE
these words indicate the same thing; the correct pattern is "reason....that"

JOIN TOGETHER
join means "to bring/put together" etc.

REPEAT AGAIN
repeat means "to say again" ('re'- usually means 'again')

NEW INNOVATIONS
innovation means 'a new idea' so it should be used alone.

MATINEE PERFORMANCE
matinee means "a performance in the afternoon"

SAME IDENTICAL
these words are identical; use any one of them.

TWO TWINS
twins means "two brothers or sisters"

THE TIME WHEN
the time and when indicate the same thing; one or the other should be used.

THE PLACE WHERE
the place and where indicate the same thing; one or the other will do.

HOW TO USE SEMICOLON (;) Posted by Jacob 9NOVA ENGLISH CAMPUS.)

Semi-colon (;) is, perhaps, one of the most confusing punctuation marks even for an advanced learner of English, let alone the basic users of the language. So, let's take a brief glance at its correct usege.

1. Semicolon instead of full stop

If two sentences are grammatically independent but the meaning is closely connected, a semi-colon can be used to combine them.
E.g., Some people work best in the mornings; others do better in the evenings.
In fact, this sentence contains two separate meaningful sentences in it.
i.e. (1)Some people work best in the mornings.
      (2)Others do better in the evenings.
The two sentences are grammatically separate but the topic of discussion (i.e. best time to work) is the sme. Therefore they can be joined tegether to make a single sentence with the help of a semi-colon. Remember: commas are not possible in athis case.

More examples:
It's a fine idea; let's hope that it's going to work.

To err is human; to forgive, divine.

In the north of the city there is an old fort; further east is the newly-built shopping mall.

While writing an essay, ertain words should not be used so repeatedly; structure should not be vague.

2. Semi-colons can also be used to separate items in a list, particularly when these are grammatically complex.

E.g., You may use my computer everyday on condition that you use it carefully; that you never open my personal folders; that you don't let it get overheated;...

3. Semicolons are also used in long, catalogue type lists of names or other items, to indicate a stronger division.

E.g.,
The decision was taken by Mr Obama, the U S President; business tycoons, both Eurpoean and US-based; and a number of social workers from different parts of the world.
(To use merely commas as dividers would produce chaos here, because commas already exist within some of the listed items.)

In short, the main role of semi-colon is to mark a grammatical separation that is stronger in effect than a comma but less strong than a full stop.


Posted by Jacob (Nova English Campus)
I'm waiting for ur valuable comments and suggestions...

Difference between ACTIVE & PASSIVE VOICE (Posted by Nova English Campus)

“Her clothes were taken off and the bed was gone!”

This is how a 16-year-old brilliant boy changed an active voice sentence into passive. The sentence in task was: “She took off her clothes and went to bed”. The boy got the full marks too. Anyhow, we can’t blame him for it. His grammar teacher might have exercised him too hard on such sentences in the classroom.

Most of the schools forcefully train students to convert such sentences as “Open the door”, “I love you” etc into passive voice. It compells the students to make such ridiculous sentences as “He ordered that the door be opened” “Let the door be opened” and “You are loved by me” and so on.

Conventionally rigid teachers of English, especially in India, might argue that such passive sentences are grammatically correct (especially those who consider Wren&Martin as the Bible of English grammar!!). But don’t you feel that such sentences sound awkward, and almost never used by the well known English writers and fluent educated speakers? No doubt English language uses passive voice more frequently than any other language, but it doesn’t license the users to spoil the beauty and brevity of the language by twisting easy-to-understand sentences into clumsy chunks of words.

Here are some guidelines about the right use of Active/Passive voice:

1. When the subject doesn’t give real information, the native users of English use passive voice.

E.g., English is spoken all over the world (passive voice).
People speak English all over the world (active voice).

In the second example, the subject ‘People’ doesn’t give any real information to the listener or reader. So the passive form (English is spoken all over the world) is the better option here although the active voice too sounds good and is widely used. In short, the passive voice helps to drop the meaningless active subject.

2. When the subject is unimportant/unknown or you are not interested in who or what does/did it, use the passive voice.

E.g., This road was laid in 1920. (We are not interested in who the contractor was!)

He was killed in the war. (We don’t know which enemy soldier killed him!)

Jack was fined for rash driving. (Definitely we know that the police fined him!)

The results have not yet been announced. (We don’t care who the hell is going to announce it!)

I was born in 1999. (Any doubt who gave me birth…?)

3. However, there are certain contexts in which you have to switch between active and passive voices.

For example: if you are talking about ‘Edison’ you should say, “Edison invented the electric bulb.” (‘Edison’ is highlighted). But when your topic of discussion is ‘electric bulb’ you would say: “Electric bulb was invented by Edison”. (‘Electric bulb’ is highlighted).

4. When the speaker’s thoughts, feelings, attitudes, desires, likes and dislikes are all important, active voice is the best choice.

E.g.,
I like mangoes. [ ]
I hate tea in the morning. [ ]
I can’t think of a better solution. [ ]
I love you dear. [ ]

If someone says, “Mangoes are liked by me”, “Tea is hated by me in the morning”, “You are loved by me dear” etc., I strongly feel that s/he must be hanged for murdering the English language!

To sum up, all the sentences cannot be turned into the passive, even if they contain objects. Some are best left in the active (I like mangoes); some in the passive (Pyramids were built thousands of years ago) and only some can meaningfully undergo active-passive transformation (Edison invented electric bulb / Electric bulb was invented by Edison).

With regards
Jacob (Nova English Campus, Amritsar)

THOUGHT-PROVOKING QUOTATIONS (Posted by Nova English Campus)

Nobody has ever expected me to be president. In my poor, lean lank face nobody has ever seen that any cabbages were sprouting. (Abraham Lincoln)

You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time. (Abraham Lincoln)

I have never let my schooling interfere with my education. (Mark Twain)

Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence in society. (Mark Twain)

The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd rather not. (Mark Twain)

The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes. (Winston Churchill)

A friend is one who has the same enemies as you have. (Abraham Lincoln)

A woman is the only thing I am afraid of that I know will not hurt me. (Abraham Lincoln)

All I am, or can be, I owe to my angel mother. (Abraham Lincoln)

The ballot is stronger than the bullet. (Abraham Lincoln)

Common looking people are the best in the world: that is the reason the Lord makes so many of them. (Abraham Lincoln)

Every one desires to live long, but no one desires to grow old. (Abraham Lincoln)

Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. (Abraham Lincoln)

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward. (Abraham Lincoln)

LATEST & STYLISH ENGLISH WORDS (Posted by Nova English Campus)

Here are some effective and stylish words which are funny and common among the native speakers. But be careful not to use them in writing as they're mostly slang.

FLESH-PRESSER = a politician who canvasses votes by shaking as many hands, kissing as many babies and patting as many backs. (The villagers decided not to elect Suresh ,the FLESH-PRESSER, as the M.P)

SHUTTLE-BUTT = a fat girl, especially one with heavy buttocks. (I saw him  with a SHUTTLE-BUT at the Mall)

SHITKICKING MUSIC = any kind of music which makes you get up and dance. (We couldn't help dancing to the SHITKICKNG MUSIC)

CRADLE-SNATCHER = a person who has a sexual relationship with a much younger person.
(He's been living with a CRADLE-SNATCHER for a year)

AIRHEAD = a foolish, silly and empty-headed person. (Why the hell are you behind an AIRHEAD like Mary?)

ARMPIT = a very unpleasant place. (Eg: Tom's workplace is really the ARMPIT of the universe.)

THE BIG APPLE = nickname of New York city. (Life in THE BIG APPLE is very comfortable)

BLAST = an extremely enjoyable party. (Sam's party was really a BLAST)

BREKKIE (BREKKERS) = breakfast. (Have you had your BREKKIE?)

FLUFF = useless/unimportant information. (He couldn't give us anything but FLUFF)


Please leave your valuable comments & suggestions after going through the blog daily.
Thank you,
Happy learning!
JACOB

Nova English Campus. (DIRECT OBJECTS and INDIRECT OBJECTS)

There are two ways of writing the objects of many verbs without changing the meaning of the sentence.
This is possible by changing the positions of DIRET OBJECT and INDIRECT OBJECT. Before doing that, let's see what a 'direct object' and an 'indirect object' are:

DIRET OBJECT= an animate(living) or inanimate(non-living) object which is the first receiver of an action.
INDIRECT OBJECT= an animate object to whom or for whom something is done. Usually, a non-living object cannot be an indirect object

E.g., I GAVE A BOOK TO JOHN.
In this sentence A BOOK is the direct object because the first action was that of 'taking the book' in my hand, and the second action (the indirect object) was giving it to Dan'. So, this sentence can also be written as: "I GAVE DAN A BOOK."


Here are some more verbs that allow object transaction:

I gave hundred rupees to him.
I gave him hundred rupees.

They built a shed for us in the back yard.
They built us a shed in the back yard.

She brought a chocolate for me.
She brought me a chocolate.

I will buy some toys for you.
I will buy you some toys.

I cut a piece of birthdaycake for them all.
I cut them all a piece of birthdaycake.

My son told me to draw a picture for him.
My son told me to draw him a picture.


Can you find a hotel for me?
Can you find me a hotel?

Can I get a beer for you?
Can I get you a beer?

They couldn't give any information to me.
They couldn't give me any information.

Please hand this bag to her.
Please hand her this bag.



She made coffee for us all.
She made us all coffee.

He promised the money to me.
He promised me the money.

NOVA ENGLISH CAMPUS: VERBS THAT ARE ALWAYS FOLLOWED BY THE GERUND

The following verbs must always be followed by GERUNDS (aka verbal nouns).

ADMIT
APPRECIATE
AVOID
CAN'T HELP
CONSIDER
DELAY
DENY
ENJOY
FINISH
MIND
MISS
POSTPONE
PRACTICE
QUIT
RECALL
REGRET
REPORT
RESENT
RESIST
RESUME
RISK
SUGGEST

John admitted stealing the jewels.
(Don't say: John admitted to steal the jewels.)

The same rule goes with the following words (highlighted in deep blue).

I don't APPRECIATE BEING treated like a second-class citizen.
(I don't APPRECIATE TO BE treated like a second-class citizen.)


You should AVOID MENTIONING your age.
(You should AVOID TO MENTION your age.)


We COULDN'T HELP LAUGHING.
(We COULDN'T HELP TO LAUGH.)


We are CONSIDERING BUYING a new car.
Why did you DELAY TELLING me the truth?
He DENIED STEALING the jewels.
We ENJOYED SEEING them again after a long time.
Hush! He hasn't FINISHED SPEAKING.
Would you MIND OPENING the door?
I MISSED HITTING the target.
Will you POSTPONE TAKING the test?
You must PRACTISE REVERSING the car patiently.
Please QUIT SMOKING.
I don't RECALL MEETING her before.
We REGRETTED GOING to the party last night.
The neighbours REPORTED SEEING a stranger.
My son RESENTS BEING treated like a child.
The bank RESISTED CUTTING the interest rates.
She RESUMED DRIVING after five minutes.
Don't RISK VISITING Kashmir this winter.
Jane SUGGESTED me JOINING here.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 'WILL' & 'SHALL'..............

I think no other part of grammar has caused such high tension debates as the 'right' use of SHALL / WILL. Many users of English argue that 'SHALL' must be used with first person Subjects, and 'WILL' with Second and Third persons to show the plain future, as in

"I SHALL call you tomorrow."
&
"HE will do it".

Many conventional grammarians argue that if 'WILL' replaces 'SHALL' in the first sentence ("I WILL call you tomorrow"), it gets an element of determination, necessity or obligation. However, the majority of educated English speaking community all over the world no longer seem to stick to this rule.

To put it simply,
"I SHALL call you tomorrow" or "I WILL call you tomorrow" deoes not make any difference.
"He WILL help you" and "He SHALL help you" mean the same.

Here is an intersting but real story about WILL/SHALL conundrum:

Once a Scotsman fell from the London Bridge. As he was drowning, he cried out for help.....
"I WILL drown and nobody SHALL save me....."
The onlookers, all Englishmen, thought that he is determined to drown and let him die.... :-)))))))

They interpretted the Scotsman's cry as "I am DETERMINED to drown, and nobody is OBLIGED to save me".

Good night Guys.
And I will be back right here tomorrow.
Or "I SHALL"..... ?  :-D   ;-)

Lots of love

Jacob (Nova English Campus)

THE ENGLISH ERRORS OF INDIAN STUDENTS

A few more mistakes that you must avoid while speaking/writing English.

My father is a businessman. They help me a lot.
(My father is a businessman. HE HELPS me a lot.)

The population of India was increased.
(The population of India increased.)

The Britishers quit India in 1947.
(THE BRITISH quit India in 1947.)

My village people are very co operative.
The PEOPLE OF MY VILLAGE are very co operative.

I'm intersting in reading books.
(I'm INTERESTED in reading books.)

The corrupted officials were arrested.
(The CORRUPT officials were arrested.)

I packed my luggages.
(I packed my LUGGAGE.)

There are many poors in India.
(There are many POOR people in India.)

There is no place in this compartment.
(There is no ROOM in this compartment.)

Write it in your copy.
(Write it in your NOTEBOOK.)

Please put your sign here.
(Please put your SIGNATURE here.)

He hurt his foot-fingers.
(He hurt his TOES.)

We all didn't go.
(None of us went.)

I and he are brothers.
(He and I are brothers.)

My books are better than my friend.
(My books are better than THOSE OF my friend.)

He is elder than I.
(He is OLDER than I.)

Yours affectionate friend.
(YOUR affectionate friend.)
(Yours affectionately.)

Shall I cut this word?
(Shall I SCRATCH OUT / ERASE this word?)

I asked my servant to bring water.
(I TOLD my servant to bring water.)

She made a lecture.
(She GAVE a lecture.)

Errors to be omitted while using English...... (Part 4)

A few more mistakes that I came across while interacting with a few students. Please note that the sentences given in brackets are standard English. Your valuable comments &and suggestions after reading the post are requested . Read on...................

My sister married with a doctor.
(My sister MARRIED a doctor.)

My big brother is studying in England.
(My ELDER BROTHER is studying in England.)

I want to reduce my weight.
(I want to LOSE weight.)

My dad is busy in his business.
(My dad is BUSY WITH his business.)

I’m busy with cleaning up my room.
(I’m busy CLEANING up her room.)

He is afraid from strangers.
(He is afraid OF strangers.)

Five years are a long period.
(Five years IS a long period.)

On the switch before inserting the disc.
(TURN ON the switch before inserting the disc.)

I like to eat good foods.
(I like to eat good FOOD.)

I hate my son-in-laws.
(I hate my SONS-IN-LAW.)

She doesn’t like the cricket.
(She doesn’t like CRICKET.)

Vincent is a matured man.
(Vincent is a MATURE man.)

Jane advised me don’t do it again.
(Jane advised me NOT TO DO it again.)

My uncle returned back from the U.S last year.
(My uncle RETURNED FROM the U.S last year.)
(My uncle CAME BACK FROM the U.S last year.)

We'll get down at the next bus stop.
(We'll GET OFF at the next bus stop.)

I'm having a headache.
(I have A headache / I've GOT A headache.)

Although he is poor, but he works very hard.
(Although he is poor, he works very hard.)

I get my salary twice a month.
(I get PAID twice a month.)

Don't expect me too much.
(Don't EXPECT TOO MUCH FROM/OF me.)

I forgot my hat in the house.
(I left my hat in the house.)

Common Errors of Indian Users of English (Part 3)

As requested by many of you, here are a few more frequent mistakes :

She is my maternal/paternal aunty.

(She is my AUNTY.)

He is my maternal/paternal uncle.
(He is my UNCLE.)

Insert your shirt.
(TUCK IN your shirt.)

The nurse examined my pulse.
(The nurse FELT my pulse.)

Rain is coming.
(IT'S GOING TO RAIN.)

I am living here from/since six years.
(I HAVE BEEN living here FOR six years.)

I am practicing yoga from my childhood.
(I HAVE BEEN practicing yoga SINCE my childhood.)

She married last year.
(She GOT MARRIED last year.)

My wife delivered a healthy boy.
(My wife WAS DELIVERED OF a healthy boy.)

I'm sorry sir ji.
(I'm sorry SIR.)

I’m capable to do it.
(I’m capable OF DOING it.)

They worked hardly to pass the test.
(They worked HARD to pass the test.)

The driver, as well as four passengers, were injured.
(The driver, as well as four passengers, WAS injured.)

My younger brother is taller than me.
(My younger brother is taller than I.)

This task is more easy than the other one.
(This task is EASIER than the other one.)

The minister will reach today afternoon.
(The minister will reach THIS afternoon.)

I saw her in the park yesterday night.
(I saw her in the park LAST NIGHT.)

John caught five fishes.
(John caught five FISH.)

I have got headache.
(I have got A HEADACHE.)

She felt embarrassing.
(She felt EMBARRASSED.)

MOST COMMON ERRORS IN ENGLISH MADE BY INDIAN STUDENTS (Part 2)

Here are another twenty blunders in English that many non-native speakers often make:
Plese note that the sentences given in brackets are CORRECT)

He came back in India.
(He came back TO India.)

I'd like to study in abroad/overseas.
(I'd like to study abroad/overseas.)

He drives his bike so fast.
(He RIDES his bike so fast.)

I don't know to drive a car.)
(I don't know HOW TO drive a car.)

They entered into the hall.
(They entered the hall.)

I understood her the question.
(I MADE HER UNDERSTAND the question.)

He teches very well, isn't it?
(He teches very well, DOESN'T he?)

You are hiding something, isn't it?
(You are hiding something, AREN'T YOU?)

I would like to make a doctor.
(I would like to BE/BECOME a doctor.)

We had talked to him yesterday.
(We talked to him yesterday.)

We bought some furnitures.
(We bought some FURNITURE).

I cut my hair yesteday.
(I GOT MY HAIR CUT yesterday.)

If I am you, I will never do so.)
(If I WERE you, I WOULD never do so.)

I love listening music.
(I love LISTENING TO music.)

I missed my keys.
(I LOST my keys.)

Respected Sir, ................
(DEAR Sir, ................)

What's the time in your watch?
(What's the time BY your watch?)

Many foreign people visit my country.
(Many FOREIGNERS visit my country.)

Aamir Khan is my favourite hero.
(Aamir Khan is my favourite ACTOR/FILM STAR.)

My mom is a good cooker.
(My mom is a good COOK.)

Most Common English Errors of Indian students.......

Here's a list of some of the most common mistakes that many English speakers in India make. Of course the list is not complete. I will continue to add more in my oncoming blogs. If you remember some of such common blunders, please inform me through your comments as it may help a good number of Indian studnts who wish to hone their communication skills in English.

In each pair of the following sentences, the sentences given in brackets are the accepted standard English)

I like the peoples of my village.
(I like the PEOPLE of my village)

Their childrens are very naughty.
(Their CHILDREN are very naughty.)

She is my cousin-sister.
(She is my COUSIN.)

He is my cousin-brother.
(He is my COUSIN.)

What is your good name, please?
(What is your name, please?)

Mrs & Mr Khurana
(MR &MRS Khurana.)

My brother is reading in fourth class.
(My brother is STUDYING in fourth class.)
(My brother is in fourth class.)

I got many informations about....
(I got a lot of INFORMATION about....)

There are different types of equipments here.
(There are different types of EQUIPMENT here)

I want to buy a pant/pent.
(I want to buy A PAIR OF PANTS.)

It cost me only one rupees.
(It cost me only one RUPEE.)

200 kilometres are a ling distance.
(200 kilometres IS a long distance.)

Parents should aware their children about......
(Parents should MAKE THEIR CHILDREN AWARE ABOUT.....)

Anyways, hope to see you again.
(ANYWAY, hope to see you again.)

He oftenly comes here.
(He OFTEN comes here.)

My Mrs is not well today.
(My WIFE is not well today.)

I used to do exercise daily.
(I used to TAKE exercise daily.)

I am completely agree with you.
(I completely agree with you.)

He is belong to Delhi.
(He BELONGS to Delhi.)

Jack is one of my best friend.
(Jack is one of my best FRIENDS.)

PANGRAMS

PANGRAMS are the sentences which contain all the letters of the alphabet. Constructing a precise but interesting Pangram is really a challenging task. The most popular pangram in English is

'A QUICK BROWN FOX JUMPS OVER THE LAZY DOG'.

This pangram is also used in other ways:
'THE QUICK BROWN FOX JUMPS OVER A LAZY DOG' and
'A QUICK BROWN FOX JUMPED OVER THE LAZY DOGS'

As far as I know, there are no easy-to-remember meaningful 26 letter pangrams in English, although there are a few which are made up by using proper nouns, acronyms, initials and strange punctuation.
For example:  "Glum Schwartzkopf vex'd by NJ IQC".

Pangrams are mostly used by the learners of typewriting in order to get themselves familiar with all the letters, thereby speeding up their typing skills. They are also liked by those who are interested in recreational English.

Here are a few more interesting Pangrams:

The five boxing wizards jump quickly. (31 letters)

Pack my box with five dozen liquor jugs. (32 letters)

Amazingly few discotheques provide jukeboxes. (40 letters)

Sixty zippers were quickly picked from the woven jute bag. (48 letters)

Whenever the black fox jumped the squirrel gazed suspiciously. (53 letters)


A quart jar of oil mixed with zinc oxide makes a very bright paint. (53 letters)

The job requires extra pluck and zeal from every young wage earner. (54 letters)

''IF I WILL.......'' or ''IF I..............''

Normally, it is ungrammatical to use the following sentences:

I will phone you IF I WILL have time.

You will find Coca-Cola WHEREVER YOU WILL go.

IF YOU WILL call me, I will attend the party.

IF THEY WILL go abroad, they will help me a lot.

These type of sentences are so common among many speakers of English in India due to the strong influence of mother tongues like Hindi, but they are not used by native English speakers. Rather, they use the follwing substitutes:

I will phone you IF I have time.

You will find Coca-Cola WHEREVER YOU go.

IF YOU call me, I will attend the party.

IF THEY go abroad, they will help me a lot.

The rule is that a present tense goes with IF (and most other conjuntions) to refer to the future.

However there are certain situations where we may use IF......WILL.
E.g.,

1. I will give you $ 100 IF IT WILL help you to get good medicine. (meaning IF IT WILL BE THE LATER RESULT)
2. We will go home IF IT WILL make you feel better. (meaning IF IT WILL BE THE LATER RESULT)

Compare these sentences with the following ones:

1. I will give you $ 100 IF I win the lottery. (this 'IF' stands for a condition, not a later result)
2. We will go home IF we get a car. (this 'IF' stands for a condition, not a later result)

How to use WOULD HAVE/COULD HAVE?

WOULD HAVE / COULD HAVE is used to talk about an unreal past condition or an unfulfilled action in the past.
If we had known that you were there, we would have written you a letter.
(We didn't know that you were there) (We didn't write a letter)

The previous sentence or any such sentences can also be written as:
We would have written you a letter if we had known that you were there.
But do remember that there is no comma after the main clause in this style of construction.

If she had found the right buyer, she would have sold the house .
(She didn't find the right buyer)           (She didn't sell the house)

If we had known that it would rain, we would have taken an umbrella with us.
(We didn't know that it would rain)          (We didn't take an umbrella with us)

If the police had arrived in time, they could have caught the kidnapper.
(The police didn't arrive in time)          (They couldn't/didn't catch the kidnapper)


If the firemen hadn't arrived, the house could have been destroyed completely.
(The fireman arrived)                 (The house was not destroyed completely)

In short, IF THE STATEMENT IS POSITIVE, THE MEANING WILL BE NEGATIVE, and VICE VERSA.
It's also possible to indicate a past unreal condition without using the word 'if'. In this case, the auxialiary 'had' is placed before rather than after, the subject. This clause will usually come first in the sentence.

E.g., Had we known that you were there, we would have written you a letter.

More examples:
If you had invited me, I would have attended the party.
If Indian team had decided to bat first, it/they would/could have won the match.
If he had taken care, he wouldn't have caught cold. (He didn't take care. He caught cold)
If Pooja hadn't talked much in the class, she could have got 8.0 bands in IELTS. (She talked much. She didn't get 8.0 bands)
If it hadn't snowed, we would/could have left yesterday.
If Tom had done his B.A, he could have got the promotion.
If you had told me, I would have bought your laptop.

CANNOT or CAN NOT? Which is correct?

CANNOT or CAN NOT?

Although both these words are correct and used all over the world, CANNOT is more widely used in standard (formal) written English, and, no doubt, the majority of the renowned writers prefer to use it.
The form CAN NOT is, however, widely used in informal written English.

But there are certain situations in which CAN NOT must be preferred. For example:

"Jane CAN NOT only sing, but also dance".

In this sentence, using CANNOT may cause a little confusion.
Likewise, if you want to say/write something emphatically, use CAN NOT even in formal context as in:

"You CAN NOT enter the class tomorrow without your notebook".

A final word: if you are so confused about using the right form of the word, then use "CAN'T". No doubt the orthodox purists of the language may frown upon it, arguing that it is the colloquial contraction. But, definitely though slowly, CAN'T is getting popularity in the world of both formal as well as written English.

Please leave your valuable cemments & give feed back if you think my blog is of a little help to you....

Good Night
Binu Jacob (Nova English Campus, Amritsar)