Today's lesson is a video quiz! Do you tend to make the same mistakes again and again?
In today's quiz, we have five very common mistakes that you are probably making in your everyday conversations in English.
Take a few minutes to watch this video and correct the mistakes so that you can start speaking like a native today!
Good luck and enjoy!
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Still confused? Check out the video answers and explanations:
Mistake #1
"I am having trouble to use the subway."
Correction: "I am having trouble using the subway."
Why? When we use the expression "to have trouble," or "to have difficulty" we need to use the -ing form of the verb that comes after it. Here are a few other examples:
- I am having difficult finishing my homework
- I am having trouble seeing the road
- I am having trouble doing this assignment
Learn more about when to use the -ing form of the verb and when to use the infinitive (to go, to eat).
Mistake #2
"She was supposed to got a debit card from the bank."
Correction: "She was supposed to get a debit card from the bank."
Why? The event happened in the past, but we already used "was" to indicate that it happened in the past. You can use the present form of "to get" after "she was supposed...." Here are some other examples:
- She was supposed to come home early
- We were supposed to write a paper
- You were supposed to reply to my email
Mistake # 3
"We need to take a decision about where we want to live."
Correction: "We need to make a decision about where we want to live."
Why? This is just a phrase that you should remember. We say "make a decision" or "make a choice."
"Make" and "do" are common mistakes for many English students. Here are some examples:
- Make a decision
- Make a deal
- Make dinner
- Do the dishes
- Do your chores
- Do your best
Learn when to use "do" and when to use "make"
Mistake #4
"I am interested to find a new hobby."
Correction: "I am interested in finding a new hobby."
Why? Always use the -ing form of the verb when you say "I am interested in ______."
Here are some other phrases that require the -ing form of the verb:
- I am interested in cooking
- I am considering taking a new job
- We can't imagine living in a rural area
- I quit smoking one year ago
Mistake # 5
"We have to take care about our finances for our new life in the US."
Correction: "We have to take care of our finances for our new life in the US."
Why? Many students get these two phrases confused! Keep these phrases clear in your mind:
- To take care of- "She takes care of her travel plans." or "She takes care of her baby."
- To care about- " She cares about her parents' health."
Stop making these 5 common mistakes! Make sure that you have the rules clear in your mind and then go out and find an exchange partner and practice as much as you can! Speaking is the fastest way to become fluent!
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Photo credits: photologue_np
