Common English Mistakes That Aren't Actually Mistakes
Introduction
Welcome back, lovely students, to English with Lucy! Today, we're diving into a lesson designed to boost your confidence by addressing some common English mistakes that aren't actually mistakes. Learning English is tough, and it doesn't help that some people seem to exist just to make it harder. Let's tackle linguistic snobbery head-on and clear up some misconceptions.
Background or Problem Statement
Context
I've been teaching English for nearly a decade, and I've seen firsthand how challenging it can be. Unfortunately, there are people who seem to enjoy pointing out mistakes, often without understanding the fluid nature of the English language. Pronunciation, grammar, and other conventions can vary significantly between countries and even cities.
Problem
Many learners face unnecessary criticism for so-called mistakes that are actually acceptable variations. This can be discouraging and hinder your confidence. Today, we'll look at some of these common "mistakes" to help you feel more assured in your English skills.
Main Content
Pronunciation
English is an official language in over 50 countries, resulting in a wide variety of pronunciation differences. For example, I speak with a modern RP accent, and I'll focus on pronunciation mistakes in this specific accent.
Let's start with the word "the." Should it be pronounced "the" or "thee"? Generally, "thee" is used before vowel sounds (e.g., the enormous building) and "the" before consonant sounds (e.g., the delicious cupcake). However, "thee" can be used for emphasis, regardless of the following sound. For instance, "It is going to be the rugby match of the year."
Multiple Pronunciations
Many words in British English have multiple acceptable pronunciations. Here are a few examples:
- Controversy/Controversy
- Either/Neither or Either/Neither
- Envelope/Envelope
- Garage/Garage/Garage
- Privacy/Privacy
- Finance/Finance
- Data/Data
- Zebra/Zebra
- Harassment/Harassment
- Often/Often
Even if your pronunciation isn't perfect, attempting these words is an achievement in itself.
Grammar
Grammar snobs love to point out mistakes, but let's set the record straight on a few common errors:
I'm Good
When someone asks, "How are you?" and you respond with "I'm good," you're not wrong. "Good" is an adjective describing the subject (I). While some people prefer "I'm well," both are acceptable.
Less vs. Fewer
According to traditional rules, "fewer" is used for countable nouns (e.g., books), and "less" for non-countable nouns (e.g., water). However, in everyday English, "less" is often used interchangeably with "fewer," and both are understood.
Who vs. Whom
"Who" is used as a subject pronoun, while "whom" is an object pronoun. However, "whom" is becoming less common in everyday conversation. For example, "Who are you speaking to?" is more commonly used than "To whom are you speaking?"
Ending Sentences with Prepositions
It's perfectly fine to end sentences with prepositions in spoken and most written English. For instance, "What are you up to?" or "We'll try to stop by."
Singular They
"They" and "their" can be used as singular pronouns to refer to individuals whose gender is unknown or irrelevant. This usage is becoming more accepted and helps avoid gender assumptions. For example, "Someone left their umbrella in the office."
Actionable Advice
- Step 1: Understand that English is a fluid language with regional variations.
- Step 2: Use pronunciation and grammar rules as guidelines, not rigid rules.
- Step 3: Practice confidently, knowing that many so-called mistakes are acceptable variations.
Summary
- Pronunciation can vary widely; multiple pronunciations are often acceptable.
- Common grammar "mistakes" like "I'm good," "less vs. fewer," and "who vs. whom" are often misunderstood.
- Ending sentences with prepositions and using singular "they" are perfectly fine in modern English.
- Quote: "Language evolves and adapts to the usage patterns of its speakers."
Don't forget to download the PDF for this lesson, which includes extra information and a quiz to test your understanding. Sign up through the link in the description box to receive all future PDFs and eBooks. Check out my B1, B2, and C1 programs, which are 12-week courses designed to help you master English. See you soon for another lesson!
