Download Grammar Resource Sheet 6 major errors in ESL writing Explanation

Grammar Resource Sheet
6 major errors in ESL writing
#1 Word Form Errors:
Explanation of Error: Word form errors occur when the correct word is chosen, but an
incorrect form of the word is used.
For example: Young people can be independence in the U.S.A. Should be: Young people
can be independent in the U.S.A.
Most words in the English language have different forms for different parts of speech, but
not all words have all forms. For example:
NOUN
Independence
Bath
Confusion
VERB
No Verb Form
Bathe
Confuse
ADJECTIVE
Independent
Bathing
Confusing
ADVERB
Independently
No Adverb Form
Confusingly
Word endings often indicate part of speech. For example, words that end in –ly are
usually adverbs. Quickly, slowly, and happily are all adverbs. Consult an ESL Handbook
for Dictionary for more examples.
#2 Verb Tense:
Explanation of Error: Verb-tense errors occur when an incorrect time marker is used.
For example:
I was working on my paper since 6:00 a.m. Should be: I have been working on my paper
since 6:00 a.m.
Example: Even though this is my first day on the job, I have already found out there were
some difficult people here. Should be: Even though this is my first day on the job, I have
already found out there are some difficult people here
(Refer to Handout on Verb Tense in our handout library)
#3 Verb Form:
Explanation of Error: Verb-form errors occur when a verb is incorrectly formed, as we
see in the following sentences.
I will driven to the airport next week.
I was cook dinner last night when you called.
Should be:
I will drive to the airport next week.
I was cooking dinner last night when you called.
#4 Subject- Verb Agreement:
Explanation of Error: Subject-verb agreement errors occur when the subject does not
agree with the verb in person or number. These errors can be as simple as: He walk every
morning, or as complex as: Every teenager know how to choose clothes that flatters her
figure.
Chart for reference:
I walk
I flatter
You walk
You flatter
He/She/It walks
He/She/It flatters
They walk
You (all) walk
They flatter
You (all) flatter
1st Person
Singular
2nd Person
Singular
3rd Person
Singular
(uses “s”)
3rd Person Plural
2nd Person Plural
#5 Singular/Plural Noun Endings:
Explanation of Error: Singular and plural errors occur when there is confusion about
which nouns are countable and which are not countable.
Example: I have turned in all my homeworks this week. Should be: I have turned in all
my homework this week.
I set up six more desk for the afternoon class. Should be: I set up six more
desks for the afternoon class.
(Refer to Countable and Non-Countable Nouns Handout in our library)
#6 Sentence Structure:
Explanation of Error: Sentence structure errors occur for a variety of reasons: a word
(often a “to be” verb) is left out, an extra word (often a duplicate subject) is added, word
order is incorrect, or clauses that do not belong together are punctuated as one sentence.
Some examples: She walking to class. (Fragment error) Should be: She is walking to
class.
She is walking to class he is driving. (Run-On error) Should be: She is
walking to class, but he is driving.
My mother she is very kind to me. (Extra pronoun) Should be: My
mother is very nice to me.