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Misunderstandings often happen as a result of a breakdown in communication: what the speaker said versus what the receiver understood. These are not always simple grammar mistakes but conflicts you may be repeating. Each grammar conflict could cause confusion between you and another person whether you're speaking or writing in English. Below are ten common grammar conflicts that can help you avoid confusion and express yourself more clearly.
1. I Did It by Myself vs. I Did It Myself
By myself is an adverbial phrase that means alone.
Myself is a reflexive pronoun that means using my own ability.
Examples:
I fixed the computer by myself. (No one helped me.)
I fixed the computer myself. (I used my own skill.)
2. He’s / She’s / It’s — Past or Present?
We do not use ’s as a contraction for was.
“He’s tired” always means He is tired (now)... never He was tired.
Examples:
He was tired. (Past)
He’s tired. (Present)
Mixing these can confuse your listener about when something happened.
3. At First, First, or First of All?
At first is an adverbial phrase that means at the beginning (time expression).
First at the beginning of a sentence acts as an adverb meaning the beginning of a sequence (order).
First of all is an adverbial phrase that means before anything else (used to introduce a first point).
Examples:
At first, I was nervous, but I relaxed later. (At the beginning)
First, start your meeting with a greeting. Second,... Third,... (Order)
First of all, thank you for being here. (Before anything else)
4. Hear vs. Listen
Hear is a verb that means you notice a sound.
Listen is a verb that means you focus on a sound, often followed by to.
Examples:
Did you hear that noise? (Notice)
Listen to what he’s saying. (Focus)
5. Looks vs. Seems
Looks is a linking verb that refers to appearance.
Seems is a linking verb that refers to impression or feeling.
Examples:
She looks tired. (Appearance: Her eyes are red.)
She seems tired. (Impression: She keeps falling asleep.)
Tip:
Use looks / seems + adjective → looks tired / seems tired
Use looks like / seems like + independent clause → looks like she is tired / seems like she is tired
6. Because vs. So
Because is a subordinating conjunction that points forward to a reason.
So is a coordinating conjunction that points backward to a result.
Examples:
I can’t run fast because I hurt my leg. (Pointing forward)
I hurt my leg, so I can’t run fast. (Pointing backward)
7. –ing vs. –ed Adjective Forms
–ing (the cause, the source) is an adjective formed from the present participle that describes something (the characteristic of a person, thing, or situation). It is boring/exciting/tiring, etc.
–ed (the effect, the receiver) is an adjective formed from the past participle that describes a person’s (or other creature's) feelings or emotions.
Examples:
The movie was exciting. (The characteristic of the movie)
I was excited by the movie. (The effect the movie had)
8. Most vs. Most Of
Most, acting as a determiner is general, followed by a noun, and refers to a category (e.g., all people, all animals, etc.).
Most of, acting as a determiner phrase refers to a specific group (followed by the, my, these, those, his, or other pointing determiner + noun/pronoun).
Examples:
Most people like coffee. (General)
Most of the people in my office like coffee. (Specific group)
9. Other vs. Another
Other is a plural reference used with random plural count or noncount nouns.
Another is a singular reference ('an' + 'other') used with specific singular nouns.
Examples:
Do you have other cars? (Plural)
Do you have another car? (Singular)
Incorrect:
X Do you have other car? (Plural)
X Do you have another cars? (Singular)
10. Funny vs. Fun
Funny is an adjective that describes something that makes you laugh.
Fun is an adjective that describes something enjoyable. But it is also a noun.
Examples:
The movie was funny. (It made me laugh.)
This is a fun game. (Adj.: It is enjoyable.)
The game is just for fun. (N.: It has enjoyable qualities.)
Final Thoughts
Small grammar conflicts can sometimes create big misunderstandings. By becoming aware of these common problem areas, you can communicate your ideas more clearly and be more confident when speaking or writing in English.
Ready to sharpen your grammar and express yourself more naturally?
Contact me today to learn more or book a class.
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