Learning English Common Mistakes Through Conversation - Focusing on FITIKIDES's work

USING A WRONG PREPOSITION 02 Dialog Right, you. Pay attention. We're doing English today, and you clearly need the help. First up. Is it correct to say: It depends from himself? Um, I think... It depends from himself? It sounds a bit formal, maybe, so it could be right? Oh, for goodness sake, no! It's not right at all. You never say depends from . It should be depends on or depends upon himself. When something depends, it relies on something, and we use on for that connection. Honestly, it's basic. Next. He was deprived from his freedom. Correct or incorrect? That one... it sounds a bit wrong, doesn't it? I think it should be of . He was deprived of his freedom. Is that better? Huh. You actually got one right. Good job. Yes, it's of . When you deprive someone, you take something away from them, so it's of what was taken. Not from . See? You're not completely hopeless after all. Listen carefully for this one. Many people have died from malari...

USING A WRONG PREPOSITION 03 Dialog Right, you. Let's get this over with. I'm going to say some sentences, and you tell me if they're right or wrong. And try not to make a mess of it. Oh, okay. I'll... I'll try my best. I get a bit nervous with these things. Don't be such a wimp. It's just English. Let's start with number 49. Listen. Their house is opposite from ours. Is that right or wrong? Opposite from... I think that sounds okay? I'd probably say it like that. So, I'll say correct. Wrong! Of course, you would. Honestly, you just guess, don't you? It's 'opposite to ours'. You use 'to' when something is directly facing something else, not 'from'. Try to pay attention. Oh. Right. Opposite to. I'll remember that. Sorry. Hmmph. Number 50 then. Will you pass from the post-office? Is that correct? Pass from... no, that doesn't sound quite right. I think it should be 'by'. Will you pass by th...

MISUSE OF THE INFINITIVE 01 Dialog Right, you. Pay attention. I'm going to test you on some proper English today. Try not to make a fool of yourself. Oh, okay. I'll… I'll try my best. I hope I get some right. Let's start with this one. Do your work without to speak. Is that how you would say it, correctly? Um, I think... no? It sounds a bit off, like something's missing. Or wrong. Exactly! It sounds totally wrong. You say do your work without speaking . After without , you always use the -ing form of the verb, called a gerund. Got it? Don't look so confused. It's not that hard. Right, next. He went away instead to wait. Is that sentence correct? Oh, I know this one. That's definitely wrong. It should be he went away instead of waiting . Oh, look at you, actually getting something right for once. Yes, it's instead of waiting . Same rule as before, after a preposition phrase like instead of , you use the -ing form. You're not completely us...

MISUSE OF THE INFINITIVE 02 Dialog Right, you. Pay attention. We’re going through these awful English mistakes. Don’t you dare mess this up, or I’ll never let you forget it. First one. Is this sentence correct: I enjoy to play a game of football? Oh, um. I think it sounds a bit… clunky? Like, "to play" doesn’t quite fit after "enjoy." So, no, I don't think it's correct. Ha! You actually got that one. Barely. So, what should it be then, if you’re so clever? It should be, "I enjoy playing a game of football." You need the -ing form after "enjoy." Hmph. Fine. You’re right. Verbs like "enjoy" always take the -ing form, not "to" and then the verb. Don't go thinking you’re a genius now though, that was just an easy one. Remember it. Next. "Please excuse me to be so late." Is that good English? Er, that one also sounds a bit off. Like, when you say "excuse me," you’re excusing the *action* of...

MISUSE OF THE INFINITIVE 03 Dialog Right, you. Pay attention. We're going through some common mistakes. Don't go thinking this is easy, because it's not, especially for you. Oh, okay. I'll try my best. I really want to understand it. You'd better. Let's start with this one. Tell me if this sentence is correct: It's no use to cry like a baby. It's no use to cry like a baby. Hmm. It sounds… mostly right? Like, you understand what it means. So, yes? Mostly right isn't good enough, you absolute donut. It's actually wrong . When you use the phrase It's no use, you have to follow it with an -ing word, a gerund. So it should be: It's no use crying like a baby. Understand? It means there's no point in doing it. You wouldn't want to make that mistake, would you? Not when I'm trying to teach you. Oh, I see! So it's 'crying', not 'to cry'. That makes sense now you explain it. Thank you. Don't get too exci...

THE USE OF A WRONG TENSE 01 Dialog Alright, listen up. We're going through some common mistakes. Try not to mess it up too much. First one: is "Did you went to school yesterday?" a correct sentence? (A bit nervous) Uh, I think... no? It sounds a bit off, doesn't it? (Proudly, but trying to sound stern) Exactly! And why, pray tell, is it not correct? Because "did" already makes it past tense, so you don't need "went". It should be "go". "Did you go." (A small, approving nod, quickly hidden) Not bad for you, I suppose. Just remember that when you use "did" to ask a question or make a negative statement, the main verb always goes back to its base form. Don't go making silly mistakes like that, you hear? Next. Is "Does the gardener water the flowers?" correct? Yes, it is. (Crossing her arms) And why is that, Mr. Know-It-All? Because "does" is already in the third person singular, so ...