Common Errors in English

Introduction

• Discussion on common errors in English, focusing on how some words behave differently in connected speech.
• Some words do not become singular or plural and cannot be used with "a", "an", or "s/es".
• Some verbs have no past or present tense and maintain the same form.
• Some verbs do not have a progressive form (e.g., "feeling", "looking" are not used as "I'm feeling comfortable").

Overgeneralization in Language Learning

• Errors can occur due to overgeneralization (e.g., "eating" leads to "seeming").
• Common errors are shared among many English learners but can be overcome with understanding and practice.

Indicative Sessions

• Aim is to highlight areas to learn as these sessions are not exhaustive but indicative.
• Importance of self-study outside the classroom to become proficient in English.

Subject-Verb Agreement

• Errors due to subject-verb disagreement in terms of number.
• English grammar rules are few but important, especially subject-verb agreement.
• Like certain cultural rules, subject-verb agreement is crucial.

Examples of Errors

• "Some boys of Rajendra hostel is making all the noise" should be "are".
• Subject-verb agreement should be based on the head of the noun phrase.
  • E.g., "some boys of Rajendra hostel" – head is "boys", hence plural verb "are".
  • "Only one of the six scheduled trains" – head is "one", hence singular verb "is".

Learning Through Practice

• Rewrite sentences by finding errors and self-correcting.
• The process of correction enhances learning and understanding.

Rules for Identifying the Head of Noun Phrases

• In noun plus noun combinations, the second noun is usually the head.
  • E.g., "history teacher" – "teacher" is the head.
  • In complex phrases, intuition and some rules guide which noun is the head.

Prepositional Phrases

• When nouns are joined with prepositions, the first noun is usually the head.
  • E.g., "the voice of the first A section" – "voice" is the head.
  • The noun before the preposition determines the number of the verb.

Exercises and Intuition

• Engage in exercises to practice finding the head of noun phrases.
• Use intuition and real-life analogies to understand and apply language rules.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to practice and self-correct to gain confidence and proficiency.
• Learning grammar rules and applying them aids in becoming a proficient English speaker.

Final Remarks

• Continual learning and practice are necessary to master English usage.
• Applying acquired knowledge enhances personal and communal growth.

Thank you and have a good day!