Surprising English Sentences That Sound Right but Are Grammatically Incorrect
Have you ever heard an English sentence that sounded correct but was actually grammatically incorrect? A common issue in the English language arises when common usage and colloquialisms lead to sentences that sound natural in conversation, yet are not entirely grammatically correct. This article explores some surprising examples of such sentences and explains why they are considered incorrect.
Common Usage Can Lead to Grammatical Inaccuracies
Here are some examples of sentences that might sound correct but contain grammatical errors:
t“Your welcome.” instead of “You’re welcome.” t“LATER” or “SEE YA” as a friendly goodbye instead of the correct phrase “So long” or “Goodbye.” t“One one hand… on the other hand” instead of “One the one hand… is the correct form.” t“He learned me to fish” instead of “He taught me how to fish.”These examples illustrate how common usage can sometimes lead to grammatical inaccuracies that still sound natural in conversation. This is particularly true for colloquialisms and idiomatic expressions that have become widely accepted in everyday language.
Regional Variations and Colloquialisms
English is a diverse language, and regional variations and colloquialisms can further complicate grammatical correctness. Here are some examples of common American English colloquialisms that would be considered grammatically incorrect in a more formal setting:
t“I might could do it.” - Two modals in sequence like this is not grammatical. The correct form would be “could have been able to.” t“If I was a rich man I would buy you a new shirt.” - “Was” is commonly used here, but in formal grammar, “were” is the correct form. t“She should of known better.” - “Of” is commonly used, but it should be “have.” The correct form is “She should have known better.” t“I was laying on bed to take a break.” - “Laying” is commonly used here, but the correct form is “lay.” The correct form is “I lay on the bed to take a break.”Subject/Verb Agreement
Subject/verb agreement is a key aspect of grammar that can be tricky in English, especially when dealing with negative sentences or quantifiers like "none." Here’s an example:
t“None of the children are likely to have told a lie.” - Many people assume that the word “children” would require the plural form “are,” but in this case, “none” is singular, so the correct form is “None of the children is likely to have told a lie.”Miscellaneous Examples
There are many more instances where sentences sound correct but are gramatically incorrect. Here are a few more examples:
t“I came just now.” - Instead of “I have come just now.” t“She told that her parents gave her a car.” - The correct form is “She told that her parents had given her a car.” t“Where you are going.” - Instead of “Where are you going.” t“If I am the C.M. I will not allow it.” - The correct form is “If I were the C.M. I would not allow it.” t“Pl give this to the concerned clerk.” - The correct form is “Please give this to the concerned clerk.” t“He is owning two houses.” - The correct form is “He owns two houses.” t“I am not remembering his name.” - The correct form is “I don’t remember his name.”While these sentences might sound natural and acceptable in everyday conversation, they are not grammatically correct according to formal English grammar rules.
Understanding these nuances can help improve not only your written but also your spoken English, making it more precise and formal. Remember, while common usage can often be accepted in informal settings, it is important to learn the grammatical rules to ensure clarity in both written and spoken communication.