Chapter 1: Foundational/Basic English Grammar Mistakes Not one grammatical blunder in the English language can be overlooked,
because they can be misleading. In this chapter, we will explore basic English
grammar mistakes and their correct versions. These errors have to do with
wrong usage of different parts of speech such as verbs, pronouns, adjectives,
and adverbs. Unlike other grammatical gaffes,
[T3]
these mistakes are often
obvious. People make such mistakes due to ignorance or negligence.
However, mistakes remain what they are regardless of the reasons they occur.
Verbs Verbs are simply action words that make your sentences meaningful. When
using verbs, there are various forms to take note of.
Verb forms Base
form
S-form
Past form
ing-form
Past/passive
participle
Play
Plays
Played
Playing
Played
Join
Find
Joins
Finds
Joined
Found
Joining
Finding
Joined
Found
Think
Discuss
Thinks
Discusses
Thought
Discussed
Thinking
Discussing
Thought
Discussed
Let’s look at the following sentences with wrong usage, then correct form:
Incorrect:
He
play table tennis.
He
steal the bread.
He
find it difficult to solve.
Correct:
he
plays table tennis.
He
stole the bread.
He
found it difficult to solve.
Remember: use an “e” in the –ed (past simple and “–ed” form) of regular
verbs. And, when you have regular verbs where the vowel changes from “I”
to “a” to “u,” use “a” in the past simple and “u” in the “-ed” form.
Incorrect: She
enjoy the movie.
