7 Surprising Words Usage Mistakes, And Errors That Will Improve You
- Muyiwa
- Sep 26, 2020
- 3 min read
It has dawned on me that I have to create a piece on English language errors encountered by many people. Many have made mistakes in English writing and usage over and over again. Circumstances have it that we don't get to learn everything about English language grammatical rules at once.
And please don't have that feeling of "why is English damn hard?" It not actually. You just need to follow the right English error correction rules. So, I have gathered some of the word usage errors in English language. They are all you need in English language common error rules. Just that, and no more stress!
Below are some English error identifications. Note; by the end of this read, "English grammar with no error" is how you'd write afterward.

1. While & Awhile
Awhile actually mean “for a while,” — a short time. it an adverb.
While means a period of time. It a noun that usually follows the preposition for or in. You can seek more explanation and understanding if you want.
2. Advice vs. Advise
Everyone would surely have experience with this. There are times when you want to "advise" in a sentence and you get it mixed up with advice. So, here is it.
During any usage in a sentence, please note that "advice" is used as a noun. And "advise" is used in a sentence as a verb.
Example:
Bridget took his advice and she accepted the scholarship.
I advised Krishna to take out a loan.
3. On Apostrophes usage
This is very simple still, many people get it wrong and mixed. Note the correct usage below.
That the guy's car.
These are those fellas' cars.
If you had noticed the reason behind the apostrophe was used that good. But you haven't here is why.
That the guy's car — here, the sentence talks about one guy that owns a car.
These are those fellas' cars — here, it talking about two or more people owning two or more cars.
When the noun is singular an apostrophe like — guy's — should be placed.
When the noun is plural, then, an apostrophe such as the one used here — fellas' — should be used.
If everything still seems puzzling, you can seek more explanation.
4. Assure vs. Ensure
Whenever ever someone uses the word "Assure" it is to inform the person that a particular thing will happen. Ensure, on the other hand, is "to make sure of something."
Some people still confuse Insure with Assure and Ensure. Insure is used when an insurance policy is bought.
"You've just insured your property, Mr. Tony."
5. Breathe vs. Breath
This is simple don't stress it.
Breath is a noun, and breathe is a verb.
6. Capital vs. Capitol
The word "Capital" is precisely where the main building of a government sits or built-in.
As you might not know, Capitol is any building where legislatures meet.
Want to learn more?
7. Complement vs. Compliment
Particularly you are not too familiar with spelling, you are bound to miss this.
"Compliment" is when one gives a good comment about and object or person.
Complement is used to perfect something else. See the example below.
Your blue jacket complements blue shoes.
Modern English version errors are very common. And sometimes, we somehow can't do without falling into its trap. But with practice and focus on every detail, it can be as easy as pie. Learn these English errors and corrections by heart.
And that's all it takes!



Comments