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[shibli]

WRITE ME

Many UK English speakers and some American authorities object strongly to the common American expression “write me,” insisting that the correct expression is “write to  me.” But “write me” is so common in US English that I think few Americans will judge you harshly for using it. After all, we say “call me”—why not “write me”? But if you’re an American trying to please foreigners or particularly picky readers, you might keep the “write me” phobia in mind.


If you disagree, please don’t write me.

[shamsi]

I think 'Write Me' is alright but 'Write to me' sounds more formal.

[shibli]

However

"We were supposed to go to the dance last night, however, it was cancelled because of lack of interest."

This is INCORRECT.


A semicolon, rather than a comma, should be used to link these two complete sentences:


* "We were supposed to go to the dance last night; however, it was cancelled because of lack of interest."

This is CORRECT.

It should be noted that there ARE situations in which you can use a comma instead of a semi-colon:

* "The match at Wimbledon, however, continued despite the bad weather."

This is CORRECT.

There is only one complete sentence in this example.  It is not a compound sentence.

[shibli]

USE OF ARTICLES
     
Incorrect    I have a good news for you.
Correct    I have good news for you
   
Incorrect    The men are national beings.
Correct    Men are national beings.
   
Incorrect    The boys leave the school at four o'clock.
Correct    The boys leave school at four o'clock.
   
Incorrect    He sent a word that he would come soon.
Correct    He sent word that he would come soon.
   
Incorrect    I have read the Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Correct    I have read Shakespeare's Macbeth
   
Incorrect    You cannot set a foot in this house.
Correct    You cannot set foot in this house.
   
Incorrect    The envy is an evil passion.
Correct    Envy is an evil passion.
   
Incorrect    He has not yet gone to the bed.
Correct    He has not yet gone to bed.
   
Incorrect    He is Daniel in judgment.
Correct    He is a Daniel in judgment.
   
Incorrect    He made very wise decision.
Correct    He made a very wise decision.
   
Incorrect    Fire broke out in our village.
Correct    A fire broke out in our village.
   
Incorrect    Andamans are a group of islands.
Correct    The Andamans are a group of islands.

[shibli]

USE OF NOUNS
     
Incorrect    The clock has struck five hours.
Correct    The clock has struck five.
   
Incorrect    There is no place in the hall.
Correct    There is no room in the hall.
   
Incorrect    Little thing has been done.
Correct    Little has been done.
   
Incorrect    We have an urgent business.
Correct    We have an urgent piece of business.
   
Incorrect    He came by the 4:30 o'clock train.
Correct    

He came by the 4:30 train.
   
Incorrect    He left the place with his belonging goods.
Correct    

He left the place with his goods.
   
     USE OF PRONOUNS
   
Incorrect    He absented from the school yesterday.
Correct    

He absented himself from the school yesterday.
   
Incorrect    He availed of the opportunity.
Correct    

He availed himself of the opportunity.
   
Incorrect    Don't pride on your victory.
Correct    Don't pride yourself on your victory.
   
Incorrect    The girl wants to get herself married.
Correct    The girl wants to get married.
   
Incorrect    The climate of India is hotter than England.
Correct    The climate of India is hotter than that of England.
   
Incorrect    Everybody will get their share.
Correct    Everybody will get his share.

[shibli]

USE OF ADJECTIVES
     
Incorrect    He is sick.
Correct    He is ill.
   
Incorrect    I have strong headache.
Correct    I have a severe headache.
   
Incorrect    This is more preferable than that.
Correct    This is preferable to that.
   
Incorrect    No less than fifty students were present.
Correct    No fewer than fifty students were present.
   
Incorrect    I want a little quantity of milk.
Correct    I want a small quantity of milk.
   
Incorrect    Ram only is guilty.
Correct    Ram alone is guilty.
   
Incorrect    Do not go out in the sun with your head open.
Correct    Do not go out in the sun with your head bare OR uncovered.
   
Incorrect    Give a verbal translation of the passage.
Correct    Give a literal translation of the passage.
   
Incorrect    The association has three thousands of rupees in cash.
Correct    The association has only three thousand rupees.

[shibli]

USE OF ADVERBS
     
Incorrect    He does not know to swim.
Correct    He does not know how to swim.
   
Incorrect    Don't go in the sun.
Correct    Don't go out in the sun.
   
Incorrect    I know him too well.
Correct    I know him very well.
   
Incorrect    I shall of course do it.
Correct    I shall certainly do it.
   
     USE OF CONJUNCTIONS
     
Incorrect    Now you are tired, you may rest awhile.
Correct    Now that you are tired, you may rest awhile.
   
Incorrect    No sooner had he died, when his sons began to quarrel.
Correct    No sooner had he died than his sons began to quarrel.
   
Incorrect    He asked me that why I had not gone there.
Correct    He asked me why I had not gone there.
   
Incorrect    Until you remain idle, you cannot succeed.
Correct    As long as you remain idle, you cannot succeed.
   

[shibli]

ERRORS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SENTENCES
     
Incorrect    One of his family members is dead.
Correct    A member of his family is dead.
Correct    One of the members of his family is dead.
   
Incorrect    My brother's all the books have been stolen.
Correct    All my brother's books have been stolen.
Correct    All the books of my brother have been stolen.
   
Incorrect    For what you are here ?
Correct    What are you here for ?
   
Incorrect    Tell me why did you go there ?
Correct    Tell me why you went there ?
   
Incorrect    I, you and he will go together.
Correct    You, he and I will go together.
   
Incorrect    Exercise is good both for work as well as health.
Correct    Exercise is good for work as well as health.
   
Incorrect    He did not abstain to smoke but persisted to purchase valuable cigars.
Correct    He did not abstain from smoking but persisted in purchasing valuable cigars.
   
Incorrect    To him I did a request which he did not comply.
Correct    To him I made a request with which he did not comply.
   
Incorrect    I cannot bear your separation.
Correct    I cannot bear separation from you.
   
Incorrect    Open the last but one page of the book.
Correct    Open the last page but one of the book.
     
Incorrect    I solicit your favor to grant me leave.
Correct    I solicit the favor of your granting me leave.
     
Incorrect    Those who are absent, I shall punish them.
Correct    I shall punish those who are absent.
   
 

[shibli]

Incorrect     After doing the work, his face brightened.
Correct    

After he had done the work, his face brightened.
   
Incorrect    We shall be glad to get your good news.
Correct    

We shall be glad to get good news from you.
   
Incorrect    I feel myself feverish.
Correct    

I feel feverish.
   
Incorrect    You have no excuse to be forgetful.
Correct    You have no excuse for being forgetful.
   
Incorrect    He rose equal to the occasion.
Correct    He rose to the occasion.
Correct    He was equal to the occasion.
     
Incorrect    Are your work busy ?
Correct    Do you have a busy job ? 
   
Incorrect    I am going to a picnic.
Correct    I am going on a picnic.
   
Incorrect    I am a bit in a hurry. 
Correct    I am in a bit of a hurry.
   
Incorrect    I'll date her out this Saturday.
Correct    I'll take her out on a date this Saturday.
   
Incorrect    If one day I am good in English, I would definitely admit it.
Correct    

If someday I am good at English, I will definitely admit to it.
   
Incorrect    How do you think to learn the English ?
Correct    What is your point on learning English ?
   

[shibli]

Able
      

Capable

   able  -  if someone or something is able to do something, they have skills or qualities which make it possible for them to do it.
     
     capable - if a person or thing is capable of doing something, they have the ability, capacity, or potential to do it.
   
The different usage between able and capable is ' able ' has a broader meaning in one's ability but ' capable ' shows one's ability in a more specialized aspect.
     

*
      She is an able teacher. ( She is a teacher with quality )

      

*
      She is a capable teacher. ( She has the ability to be a teacher )
      

____________________
          

Capable also shows a sense of possibility whereas there is no such usage with able.
          
*         The situation is capable of improvement.
      

In this situation, we can't replace capable with able to show the possibility for improvement.
 

____________________
          
Ability can be acquired through a series of training, but capability has nothing to do with training.
   
*       I do not doubt his ability to do the work.

[shibli]

rational
      

rationale

   rational  - sensible, logical, able to reason
   

*
      We must work this problem out in a rational manner.

      

*
      His behavior has no rational explanation. He must have been temporarily insane.
      
*       He is a normal, rational man.
      
   rationale - a logical basis, a justification, an underlying reason
   
*       The rationale for his decision was that it was in everyone's interest.
      
*       Their rationale for building the new motorway is that it will reduce traffic congestion.
           moral
      

morale

   moral  - concerning what is right and wrong, ethical, virtuous
   

*
      The moral lessons taught at school, guide our pupils in their life.

      

*
      From a moral point of view it is difficult to defend his actions.
      
*       Our moral education begins from the day we are born.
      
   morale - state of mind, spirit, attitude
   
*       The victory over Manchester United boosted the morale of Chelsea team.
      
*       The morale of the invading army was very high after a number of successful battles.
          
*         

[shibli]

Incorrect     

Are you investing on stock market ? 
Correct    Are you investing in the stock market ?
   
Incorrect    I am difficult to learn English.
Correct    

It is difficult for me to learn English.
   
Incorrect    We have full off and half off on Sunday.
Correct    We are given the option to work either full or half day on Sunday.
   
Incorrect    In fact, Billy really owns some personality to be a VIP. 
Correct    In fact, Billy really has what it takes to be a VIP.
   
Incorrect    

China is coming into rainy weather. 
Correct    China is in rainy season now.
   
Incorrect    

All these three cities are similar warm as Malaysia.
Correct    All three of these cities are as warm as Malaysia.
   
Incorrect    

What time of a day now in your country ?
Correct    What is the time now in your country ?
   
Incorrect    Comes to think of it, it sounds right ! 
Correct    Come to think of it, it does sound right !
   
Incorrect    You can try it more ..........
Correct    You can try a few times ........... 
   
Incorrect    He went to abroad to further his study. 
Correct    He went abroad to further his study.
   
Incorrect    Today, I'll wash my cat.
Correct    

I'll give my cat a bath today.

Incorrect     How many days left for you to quit your position ?
Correct    How many days are left before you quit your job?
Correct    How many days are left until you quit your job?
     
Incorrect    Did Thailand come into rain season ?
Correct    Is it the rainy season in Thailand ?
   
Incorrect    How was your sleeping yesterday ?
Correct    Did you have a good sleep yesterday ?
   
Incorrect    He is trying to look cute to make himself forgiven.
Correct    He is trying to get away with it by looking cute. 
   
Incorrect    Why don't stay more time here ?
Correct    Why don't you stay a little longer ?
   
Incorrect    But you know a lot about computer, isn't it ?  I know nothing at all about it !
Correct    But you know a lot about computer, don't you ? I myself know nothing about it !
   
Incorrect    The sales of light arms is the main cause of heavy casualty in conflicting nations.
Correct    The sale of light arms to conflicting nations is the main cause of heavy casualties.
   
Incorrect    Why you want to know more about me ? I am just a small people.
Correct    Why do you want to know more about me ? I am a nobody.
   
Incorrect    Make sure that it is a high pay job.
Correct    Make sure that it is a high paying job.
   
Incorrect    I wonder if there is a comment on the certificate by GE about how good a student perform in the course ?
Correct    I wonder if there is a comment on the certificate by GE about how well a student performs in the course ?
   
Incorrect    We have lots of rain, because we're in monsoon season.
Correct    There is a lot of rain here as we are in monsoon season now.

Incorrect       How much is the temperature?
Correct    What is the temperature ?
   
Incorrect    Don't feel anger with me !!! I'm just kidding.
Correct    Don't be mad at me !!! I'm just kidding.
   
Incorrect    Kitty,  your honey was left just now because I told him you will coming soon.
Correct    Kitty, your honey has just left as I told him you would be coming soon.
   
Incorrect    I am a Chinese and have been abroad 10 years.
Correct    I am Chinese and have been in abroad for 10 years.
   
Incorrect    OK, tell me how does he like ?
Correct    OK, tell me what he looks like ?
   
Incorrect    I think you should go to abroad find a job make your life a little bit changed.
Correct    I think you should go abroad to find a job and make your life a little bit different for a change.
   
Incorrect    Lilian is living far away with China.
Correct    Lilian is living far away from China.
   
Incorrect    I am sure not even one man can control himself if he meet this kind of situation.
Correct    I doubt that there is even one man who can control himself in this situation.
   
Incorrect    Are you a saler,  Alvin ?
Correct    Are you a salesman, Alvin ?
   
Incorrect    The team bring a lot of happy for football fan in the world but now I doubtful them.
Correct    The team used to bring a lot of fun to the soccer fans in the world but I am doubtful of them now.
   
Incorrect    Which kind of car ?
Correct    What type of car ?

[shibli]

Incorrect       I think your express will have a little difficult, but that is a lucky thing, I can understand you.
Correct    I think you have difficulty in expressing your idea. Luckily, I can understand you.
   
Incorrect    How are you this week ?
Correct    How have you been this week ?
   
Incorrect    I know you are good in computer and English.
Correct    I know you are good at computers/computing and English.
   
Incorrect    I think your qualification will surely make you open a computer or English training center.
Correct    I think you can open up a computer or English training center with your qualifications.
   
Incorrect    I am no exceptional.
Correct    I am no exception.
   
Incorrect    My telephone conversation with you for past one and half week has made me feel you as a very firm character.
Correct    Having telephoned with you for one week, I think you have a very firm/strong character.
   
Incorrect    It is easy or not get visa?
Correct    Is it easy to get visa ?
   
Incorrect    I wonder why are you keep study after graduated high school ?
Correct    I wonder why you keep studying after graduation from high school ?
   
Incorrect    He will be great help for you.
Correct    He will be of great help to you.
   
Incorrect    Am I a simple girl and has not any brains ?
Correct    Am I a naive lady who doesn't have intelligence ?
   
Incorrect    What sport are you interest ?
Correct    What sports are you interested in ?

Incorrect   The discussion will begin after the dinner.
Correct    The discussion will begin after dinner.
   
Incorrect    Can the communism coexist with the capitalism ?
Correct    Can communism coexist with capitalism ?
   
Incorrect    Professor Li will speak on the latest development in the chemistry.
Correct    Professor Li will speak on the latest development in chemistry.
   
Incorrect    We make the bread with the flour.
Correct    We make bread with flour.
   
Incorrect    The experience is the best teacher.
Correct    Experience is the best teacher.
   
Incorrect    David has just been commissioned as the captain.
Correct    David has just been commissioned as captain.
   
Incorrect    When children grow up, they are sent to the school.
Correct    When children grow up, they are sent to school.
   
Incorrect    They study in the England.
Correct    They study in England.
   
Incorrect    Some of the students speak the Mandarin very well.
Correct    Some of the students speak Mandarin very well.
   
Incorrect    More and more people today die of the cancer.
Correct    More and more people today die of cancer.
   
Incorrect    I like to play the football.
Correct    I like to play football.
   
Incorrect    The blue is my favorite color.
Correct    Blue is my favorite color.
   
Incorrect    Mary went shopping on the Saturday.
Correct    Mary went shopping on Saturday.
   

Note : When seasons, months or days are specified, they are preceded by the definite article.

In the winter of 1976 she met with an accident.

I shall be going to the States in the fall.
     
Incorrect    The dogs are faithful animals.
Correct     Dogs are faithful animals.
   
Incorrect    She has not answered to his question.
Correct    She has not answered his question.
   
Incorrect    We had a meeting in this afternoon.
Correct    We had a meeting this afternoon.
   

Note : With the, the preposition in is used.

I work best in the morning.

He will be back in the afternoon.
     
Incorrect    My sister she is at school.
Correct    My sister is at school.
   
Note : In speaking, one may sometimes repeat the subject for emphasis, but such a construction normally occurs in this type of sentence.

You people must come earlier tomorrow.
     
Incorrect    The company, having finished the construction project, it received its pay.
Correct    The company, having finished the construction project, received its pay.
   
Incorrect    The hunter took aim and then he shot the boar.
Correct    The hunter took aim and then shot the boar.
   
Incorrect    I bought a story book to read it.
Correct     I bought a story book to read.
   
 

[shibli]

Incorrect   John said that, "I know the answer."
Correct    John said, "I know the answer."
   
Incorrect    Although he was ill, but he went to work as usual.
Correct    Although he was ill, he went to work as usual.
   
Incorrect    You may not realize that how important time is.
Correct    You may not realize how important time is.
     
Incorrect    He is a more nicer person than you.
Correct    He is a nicer person than you.
   
Incorrect    John's work is more perfect than Tom's.
Correct    John's work is better than/superior to Tom's.
   
Incorrect    This book is the most unique of all.
Correct    This book is unique.
     
Incorrect    I don't have enough money to buy big house.
Correct    I don't have enough money to buy a big house.
   

Note : If the noun is specified, the is used

I want to buy a computer. The computer must be versatile in function.
     
Incorrect    Why do you need hundred dollars ?
Correct    Why do you need a hundred dollars ?
   
Incorrect    He has good knowledge of English grammar.
Correct    He has a good knowledge of English grammar.
   
Incorrect    Japanese are industrious and frugal.
Correct    The Japanese are industrious and frugal.
   

Note : Once the is omitted, the meaning changes from people to language.

Not all the Bangladeshis are proficient in Bangla.

Is French a beautiful language?

Incorrect      I seldom go to theatre.
Correct    I seldom go to the theatre.
   
Incorrect    Smiths invited me to a dinner.
Correct    The Smiths invited me to a dinner.
   Note : It is a common practice in English to use a family name to refer to a certain family and its members. Such a family name mus tbe pluralized and preceded by the definite article the.
     

Incorrect    Uncle's advice is great significance.
Correct    Uncle's advice is of great significance.
     
Incorrect    The judge has decided the case.
Correct    The judge has decided upon the case.
   
Incorrect    Do you want to try my new car ?
Correct    Do you want to try out my new car ?
   
Incorrect    I enjoyed during the holidays.
Correct    I enjoyed myself during the holidays.
     
Incorrect    Mary felt sorry about the matter but she did not voice.
Correct    Mary felt sorry about the matter but she did not voice it.
   
Incorrect    Many people in the past died from malaria.
Correct    Many people in the past died of malaria.
   
Incorrect    We were astonished by his sudden resignation.
Correct    We were astonished at his sudden resignation.
   
Incorrect    He took his girlfriend in the hand.
Correct    He took his girlfriend by the hand.
   
 
     
 

[shibli]

Incorrect   What is the difference of these two things ?
Correct    What is the difference between these two things ?
   
Incorrect    What is the time on your watch ?
Correct    What is the time by your watch ?
     
Incorrect    Lucy has been absent from Monday ?
Correct    Lucy has been absent since Monday ?
     

Note : To express the idea of from a certain time to now, we normally say "from ... to/till now ?".

Every week, I work from Monday to Saturday.
     
Incorrect    We will tolerate no interference with our internal affairs.
Correct    We will tolerate no interference in our internal affairs.
   

Note : ( In means to meddle ; With means to hinder/obstruct. )

I don't allow any interference with my work.
     
Incorrect    The answer of this question is quite complicated.
Correct    The answer to this question is quite complicated.
   
Incorrect    Under the help of an influential friend, he got the job.
Correct     With the help of an influential friend, he got the job.
     

Note : To express various states or conditions, we use under.

Business improved under the new management.
     
Incorrect    Nobody is bound to suffering.
Correct    Nobody is bound to suffer.
   
Incorrect    Some people are not used to live in a hot country.
Correct    Some people are not used to living in a hot country.
   
Incorrect    Susan is incapable to complete the task by herself.
Correct    Susan is incapable of completing the task by herself.
   
Incorrect    Nobody can avoid to make mistakes.
Correct    Nobody can avoid making mistakes.


Incorrect  He succeeded to get the prize.
Correct    He succeeded in getting the prize.
   
Incorrect    The students were busy to prepare their lessons.
Correct    The students were busy preparing their lessons.
     
Incorrect    Please tell him don't come now.
Correct    Please tell him not to come now.
     
Incorrect    I saw them to work.
Correct    I saw them work.
     
Incorrect    You had better to go now.
Correct    You had better go now.
   
Incorrect    The country is belonged to every citizen.
Correct    The country belongs to every citizen.
     
Note : Verbs like belong, happen, occur etc. are not used in the passive voice.
     
Incorrect    Water composes of hydrogen and oxygen.
Correct    Water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen.
   
Incorrect    Shelley looks cheerfully.
Correct    Shelley looks cheerful.
   
Incorrect    I didn't see him too.
Correct    I didn't see him either.
   
Note : In English, the adverbs also and too appear in affirmative sentences. The adverb either appears at the end of negative sentences.
     
Incorrect    She bought a new scissors.
Correct    She bought a new pair of scissors