English can be tricky at times. Among us, Filipinos, we have the tendency to use it in nonchalant ways which are incorrect but we never are aware of. Some rules are easy to understand but somehow, we tend to overlook them. Let us take a look at some of the most common mistakes we use when using English.
When we are asked if we have a TIN number, we are not supposed to say we have TIN number because the word number is already represented by the letter N.
Say photocopy when you mean you need to have papers Xeroxed.
Anyways is incorrect. Instead, say anyway.
We turn on and off the light, not open and close it because it is not a door or a window.
You make a mistake, not commit a mistake.
The correct term is “in my opinion”, not “for my opinion”.
Redundancy is very, very common. Take a look at these:
- Happy 25th year Anniversary! The year is in the “anni” already since it signifies annual.
- Can you repeat that again? Say “I’m sorry?” Or “Excuse me? I did not get what you said.”
In the degree of adjectives, you do not say “This is more harder.” Harder is already in its comparative form so you do not add the word “more”.
The most common in school is “Children, fall in line.” The correct term should be “Line up.” or “Make a line.”
Although these common mistakes seem to be acceptable due to its common usage among Filipinos, these should be avoided especially in English speaking countries. These common mistakes need to be corrected and be taught to promote correct and proper usage of the English language among Filipinos if we are to keep our status of being great and proficient English language users globally.
References:
August, D., & Shanahan, T. (Eds.) (2006). Developing literacy in second-language learners: Report of the National Literacy Panel on Language-Minority Children and Youth. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Howard, V.A. (1992). Learning by all means: Lessons from the arts. New York: Peter Lang.
Lanuzo, R. (2015). Common mistakes Filipinos make when using English. Retrieved from http://www.teacherph.com/ on January 20, 2016.
By: Ms. Mary Ann B. Calma | Teacher III | BEPZ Elementary School | Mariveles, Bataan
