Common mistakes in English

Some common errors in English are listed below.

Incorrect: Have you received any informations?

Correct: Have you received any information?

The word information is uncountable in English. It does not have a plural form.

Incorrect: We have bought new furnitures.

Correct: We have bought new furniture.

The word furniture does not have a plural form in English. To denote the singular aspect of the noun, you can use ‘an article of furniture’ or a ‘piece of furniture’.

Incorrect: The machineries were expensive.

Correct: The machinery was expensive.

The word machinery does not have a plural form. It is uncountable and takes a singular verb.

Incorrect: The sceneries here are beautiful.

Correct: The scenery here is beautiful.

Incorrect: Do not carry heavy luggages during travel.

Correct: Do not carry heavy luggage during travel.

Incorrect: He conveyed these news to his relatives.

Correct: He conveyed this news to his relatives.

The words scenery, luggage and news are uncountable in English. They do not have a plural form.

Incorrect: There is no place in this compartment.

Correct: There is no room in this compartment.

Incorrect: Have you read this poetry?

Correct: Have you read this poem?

Incorrect: I went to watch a drama.

Correct: I went to watch a play.

Incorrect: He has gone to foreign.

Correct: He has gone abroad.

Correct: He has gone to foreign countries.

Incorrect: She is my cousin sister.

Correct: She is my cousin.

The pronoun she itself indicates the gender, and hence there is no need to mention the noun sister.

Incorrect: All he said is true.

Incorrect: What all he said is true.

Correct: All that he said is true.

Correct: What he said is true.

All can mean ‘everything’ in the structure ‘all that’.

Incorrect: Suppose, if you arrive late, you will miss the show.

Correct: Suppose you arrive late, you will miss the show.

Correct: If you arrive late, you will miss the show.