Common English Grammar Mistakes and Their Corrections

English can be a tricky language to master, as evidenced by some common grammar mistakes and their correct forms. This article will address several instances of incorrect usage, provide the proper structure, and explain why certain phrases are incorrect.

Incorrect Phrases and Their Corrections

1. "If you have further questions please do not hesitate to notify Megan or myself." vs. "If you have further questions please do not hesitate to notify Megan or me."

The correct form is:

If you have further questions please do not hesitate to notify Megan or me.

Explanation: This is a matter of personal pronoun usage after conjunctions. The phrase "Megan or me" should end the sentence as it is in the objective case, which is used when the pronoun is the object of a verb or preposition.

Conditional Sentences and Their Proper Structure

Example: "If you ask I will say."

This is a conditional sentence type 1, which refers to a situation that is likely to happen in the future. The structure follows:

If Simple Present Tense (ask) Simple Future Tense (will say)

Example:

If I have enough time, I will watch a football match.

In this sentence, the speaker is suggesting that he or she will watch a football match in the future if a certain condition is met. There is a possibility that the condition will be fulfilled, but it is not certain.

Phrasal Verbs and Their Proper Use

Example: "Will you please send us an email."

This phrasing is correct. Since the recipients have the means and technology, there is no need to ask if they can send the email. The use of "could" would imply uncertainty about their ability to do so.

Use of Phrases and Their Meanings

Example: "Let me know if you need any further assistance."

This is a correct sentence. The word "further" is not strictly necessary, but it does add emphasis to the word "assistance." The additional word "further" indicates that the assistance may be in addition to what was previously provided.

Example: "Every one but Mary knows me."

The correct phrasing is:

Every one except Mary knows me.

This correction ensures that the sentence does not use the contraction "one's" and maintains proper spelling and usage.

Conclusion

By understanding the correct forms of phrases and sentences, English speakers can improve their communication and ensure that their writing is clear, concise, and grammatically sound. Whether it is in formal or casual settings, mastering these elements of grammar will enhance one's ability to express their ideas effectively.