Common errors 03

Contents: Common confused words Common mistakes Enumeration Structures of comparison Structures of contrast Cause-effect development

Common confused words

in order to + V 和 so as to + V 基本涵義相同都表示 “目的”. 但是前者比較正式 Phrases / words Meaning / Example 1. in order to + V in order to + V 和 so as to + V 基本涵義相同都表示 “目的”. 但是前者比較正式 In order to calculate the amount of power, work is divided by time. so as to + V in order that, or with the result that  Students should take notes so as to make revision easier. in order that +子句 with the stated aim or purpose And I have come all the way from Japan in order that you should thoroughly understand me.

Based on the analysis, technical communicators use 2. Based on If you base something on facts or ideas, you use those facts or ideas to develop it: Based on the analysis, technical communicators use certain strategies to create message. All persuasive strategies are based on establishing a connection with an audience and providing something that the audience will related to and respond to. According to (prep) as stated by According to Sarah, they're not getting on very well at the moment. (following) in a way that agrees with Students are all put in different groups according to their ability.

Her absence was due to the storm. 3. to notice something Due to (prep) Resulting; because of A lot of her unhappiness is due to boredom. Due to wet leaves on the line, this train will arrive an hour late. Her absence was due to the storm. 3. Note (v) to notice something Note, however, that functional resumes are less common than chronological resumes. They noted the consumers' growing demand for quicker service. Please note (that) we will be closed on Saturday Note that the length and complexity of the second step of a deductive strategy will depend on the context and the message.

combined or associated with 4. In addition to combined or associated with In addition to running text, such text elements as heading, lists, cross-references, extracts, and bibliographic notes usually require special attention. In addition to his flat in London, he has a villa in Italy and a castle in Scotland. besides = in addition to; also Do you play any other sports besides football and basketball? She won't mind your being late - besides, it's hardly your fault. 5. Instead of in place of someone or something else There's no coffee - would you like a cup of tea instead? You can go instead of me, if you want.

rather than vs. instead of Many young people today work hard to travel around the world ________having children ,or even starting a family. (a) instead of (b) rather than instead of + V / -ing “代替...”.“而不...”... rather than 前後須等態.等詞性 "寧可..."."倒不如...“ 帶有選擇語氣... Many young people today work hard to travel around the world rather than to have children, or even to start a family.

Despite these tragic events, festivals are more popular than ever. 6. Although (conj) despite the fact that She walked home by herself, although she knew that it was dangerous. He decided to go, although I begged him not to. Despite (prep) Despite is used to introduce a contrast, and is followed by a noun or an –ing verb. Despite these tragic events, festivals are more popular than ever. Despite being poor, Mr. Lee is always happy. Despite these arguments, the number of parents choosing to have only one child is increasing in many parts of the world

Not only did he turn up late, he also forgot his books. 7. not only…but also used to say that two related things are true or happened, especially when this is surprising or shocking Not only did he turn up late, he also forgot his books. Not only can she speak English fluently, but she can also speak French well. She can not only speak English fluently but (aslo) speak French well. If this project fails it will affect not only our department, but also the whole organization. so that (conj) In order that used before you give an explanation for the action that you have just mentioned I deliberately didn't have lunch so (that) I would be hungry tonight. Leave the keys out so (that) I remember to take them with me.

to make someone able to do something, or to make something possible 8. Be able to be able to do something to have the necessary physical strength, mental power, skill, time, money or opportunity to do something I'm sorry that I wasn't able to phone you yesterday. It's so wonderful being able to see the sea from my window. Enable (v) to make someone able to do something, or to make something possible Computerization should enable us to cut production costs by half. The program will enable a large increase in student numbers.

Common mistakes

Find mistakes 1. I recommend you to take a long vacation. 2. It was still bright outside. 3. Who cooked this salad ? 4. Different from me, she is proficient in English. 5. Little children are difficult to understand that. 6. Would you like a drink ? 7. I get my salary twice a month. 8. Don't expect me too much. 9. I forget my hat in the house. 10. The thief got in from the window. that you can light made unlike It is difficult for children something to drink get paid expect too much from me left through http://www.englishdaily626.com/c-mistakes.php

11. Give me money, if you have. 12. The head office is in Taipei. 13. He cannot read and write. 14. Are you home tomorrow? 15. Please wait inside the white line. 16. That was a traffic accident on my way here. It is why I was late. 17. Keep the right. 18. The train was late about an hour. 19. What a dirty face ! Look at the mirror. 20. He made a world record. 21. My watch doesn't move at all. I must get it checked up. 22. While walking along the street, I met my friend. have any main or at home behind That is Keep to about an hour late in set isn’t running a friend of mine

23. Here is a pair of nice shoes. 24. Is this seat empty? 25. I am going to take a two-year course of English. 26. Open page 20 of your book. 27. I like to paint this door to black. 28. Is there any place for me in the car? 29. This steak is soft. 30. His new book will be sold well. 31. My mother likes to drink thick tea. 32. I think it will not rain tomorrow. a nice pair of shoes taken in your book to page 20 black room tender will sell her tea strong I don’t think it will

33. We changed our train at Woodland. 34. I don't know what did he say. 35. I bought this book with 50 dollars. 36. This film is worth being watched. 37. The quality of these products is more superior than that of the others. 38. The living standard in Japan is higher than Korea. 39. Charles loves Angel more than Simpson. 40. I felt very difficult to deal with this physics problem. trains he said for watching superior than higher than that in Korea Simpson does I found it very difficult

41. Would you give me some advices before I go to the interview. 42. Typhoon has caused widespread damages to the crops. 43. Comparing with that in Singapore, the living standard in Hong Kong is very high. 44. It is more hygenic to drink boiling water. 45. I am sorry to have kept you waited. 46. I am used to watch television with the light on. 47. After dinner, my mother suggested to go for a walk. 48. Please give me a detail description of the robbery. 49. You should describe what has happened detailly. 50. I want to know the detail of the plan. some advice damage Compared boiled Kept you waiting watching going detailed in detail details

51. The fungus exhibited significant growth on the both conditions. under 51. The fungus exhibited significant growth on the both conditions. 52. We couldn't separate the extracellular extract. 53. Fig.4 is shown how the rotor dimensions and operation conditions affect on mastication of natural rubber. 54. This month’s sales are listed as below: 55. Can I borrow your bathroom? 56. Based on the government, the economy will improve this year. It was not possible to ( What WE DID is not important -- What WAS DONE is important.) shows below use According to “based on” facts or ideas that you want to talk about. “according to” = as stated by.

57. Our suggestion is as the following: as follows 57. Our suggestion is as the following: 58. We need paper. Besides, we need some toner. 59. The consumption rate was decreased last year. 60. We did a market research last year already. In “as the following”, “following” is an adjective and needs to modify a noun. e.g. As the following factors show, it’s better for us to keep our price. As the following reasons, I recommend improving your writing skills. In addition Use “besides” when adding more ideas, but “in addition to” add related elements to a sequence. decreased We can’t use “decrease” in the passive voice unless there is something or somebody causing the decrease. e.g. The unemployment rate dropped / fell to 3.21% last month. The number of students per class will be decreased to 15 next year. research study

Enumeration A writer starts with a general class, then proceeds to break it down by listing some or all of its members or parts. Member or part Member or part General class Member or part Member or part

Listing signals (1) First, there are … Second, Third, Last, (2) The first kind / type / step is… The second (Another) The third (The next) The last (The final)

- To mention the most important one first. More important Less important (3) Descending order - To mention the most important one first. most essential most important primary largest chief kind is… reason is… The

Example: My chief reason for choosing that university was its wonderful study program in agriculture. Second, Bingston hires only the finest teachers to teach in its graduate program. Then, there was Bingston’s deferred payment plan; this represented a great convenience to my parents. A final reason was the reasonable tuition.

(4) Ascending order The - The last item is the most important. Less important More important (4) Ascending order - The last item is the most important. - To emphasize the importance. most essential most important primary largest chief But the kind is… reason is… The kind, however, is… reason, however, is… Finally, and most importantly, there is

Example: There are several reasons why I decided to attend Bingston University. First of all, the tuition was reasonable. Second, the university had a deferred payment plan; this represented a great convenience to my parents. Another reason was the fact that Bingston hires only the finest of teachers to teach in its graduate program. My chief reason, however, was Bingston’s mandatory study program in argriculture.

Structures of comparison

Structure 1 - adj. / prep. same…as similar to… like… Kennedy was killed on the same day of the week as Lincoln. (adj) (prep) exactly / almost / practically (degree of similarity) Kennedy’s death was similar to Lincoln’s in that they both died in office. (adj) (prep) somewhat / rather / very / quite (degree of similarity) Kennedy’s death was like Lincoln’s. (prep) Like Lincoln, Kennedy refused to heed his secretary’s warming. (basis of comparison)

Structure 2 – attached statements …too …either Kennedy was succeeded by a Southern Democrat, and Lincoln was too. and so was Lincoln. Kennedy could arouse the sympathy of the public, and Lincoln could too. and so could Lincoln. Kennedy’s secretary couldn’t prevent the president’s assassination, and Lincoln’s couldn’t either and neither could Lincoln’s.

Structure 3 – correlative conjunction both…and Neither...nor Both Kennedy and Lincoln Kennedy and Lincoln both had their elections legally challenged. Neither Kennedy’s wife nor his children were expecting anything unusual to happen that day. Neither Kennedy’s children nor his wife was expecting anything unusual to happen that day.

Structure 4 – predicate structures to resemble have…in common There are similarities Kennedy’s popularity resembled Lincoln’s. vaguely / closely / greatly (degree of similarity) Kennedy and Lincoln have features in common. certain things / many qualities / two characteristics / several aspects There are similarities between Kennedy and Lincoln. certain / many / several / two…

Structure 5 – sentence connectors similarly, correspondingly, likewise, in the same way, Lincoln was succeeded by a Southern Democrat named Johnson; Lyndon Johnson, a Democrat from the South, succeeded Kennedy. Note: the wording of the sentence following a connector of similarity should be slightly different to avoid repetition. A semicolon is often used before a sentence connector. However, since each of the sentences can stand alone and be considered grammatically correct, a period can also be used after the first sentence.

Structure 6 – punctuation only semicolon (;) Andrew Johnson was born in 1808; Lyndon Johnson was born in 1908. Lincoln’s secretary was Mrs. Kennedy; likewise, Kennedy’s was Mrs. Lincoln.

Structures of contrast

Structure 1 - …than is…than as…as The introvert than the extrovert is quieter is more reliable is less optimistic learns more slowly The extrovert the introvert. is not as quieter as is not as reliable as does not learns as slowly as

Structure 2 – prepositions Unlike Contrary to As opposed to the extrovert, who craves excitement, the introvert likes a well-ordered mode of life. (basis of contrast)

Structure 3 – adverbial structures Whereas While the extrovert loses his or her temper quickly, the introvert seldom does. (basis of contrast)

Structure 4 –Verbal clauses contrasts with differs from is different from in regard to in respect to his or her temper. The introvert the extrovert (basis of contrast)

Structure 5 – sentence connectors however, on the other hand, in contrast, The extrovert loves crowds; the introvert is fond of solitude (basis of contrast) The extrovert loves crowds; the introvert, is fond of solitude. however, on the other hand, in contrast,

Structure 6 – conjunctions The extrovert loves crowds, but the introvert is fond of solitude.

Structure 7 – punctuation only The introvert likes books; the extrovert is fond of people.

The extrovert loves crowds. The introvert is fond of solitude. The extrovert loves crowds; however, the introvert is fond of solitude. The introvert is fond of solitude; the extrovert, however, loves crowds. The extrovert loves crowds. However, the introvert is fond of solitude. The extrovert contrasts with the introvert in regard to need of solitude. Unlike the introvert, who is fond of solitude, the extrovert loves crowds.

Cause and Effect development structural signals When you use a cause-effect method of development, this will often mean that your are supporting the topic sentence by listing or enumerating.

Effect – what a certain situation has led to or has resulted in. Focus on cause Focus on effect cause # 1 cause # 2 Situation cause # 3 effect # 1 Situation effect # 2 effect # 3 Effect – what a certain situation has led to or has resulted in. Cause – reasons or explanations why something is the way it is, or why it happened the way it did.

Structure 1 – sentence connectors as a result, consequently, therefore, because of this, hence, In some areas, water levels will fall; these areas will no longer be able to support industry. (cause) (effect)

Structure 2 – Conjunctions so for (because) In some areas, water levels will fall, so these areas will no longer be able to support industry. (cause) (effect) Some areas will no longer be able to support industry, for water levels will have fallen in these areas. (effect) (cause)

Structure 3 – clause structures so…that such…that such a…that be so great that happen so fast that dry out so much land that cause such terrible damage that cause such a severe heat wave that The rise in temperature will agricultural patterns will change (cause) (effect)

(2) Since because Since Because Because of the fact that Due to the fact that rainfall patterns will change, water supplies will diminish. (cause) (effect)

Structure 4 – phrase structures Because of Due to As a result of In view of the increased heat, agricultural patterns will change. (cause) (effect)

Structure 5 – predicate structures The predicate of a sentence includes everything from the verb to the end. In this group of structures, the cause-effect relationship is indicated either by the verb or the words following it. (1) cause result in be the reason for be responsible for contribute to lead to Changes in water levels will changes in living patterns. (cause) (effect)

(2) (effect) (cause) result from be a result of be a consequence of be due to follow from Drastic changes in living patterns will changes in water levels. (effect) (cause)

Structure 6 – participial phrases Participial phrases have no subjects, and contain verbs which are in the –ing form. (1) causing leading to contributing to resulting in Water levels will change, changes in living patterns. (cause) (effect)

(2) (effect) (cause) resulting from Living patterns will change, following from Living patterns will change, changes in water levels. (effect) (cause)

More examples Massive shifts in population will result from all of these environmental changes. All of these environment will change; hence, population will shift massively. Because of all the environmental changes, the population will shift massively. The Greenhouse Effect will cause dramatic changes in the way we live. In the way we live will change dramatically, resulting from the Greenhouse Effect. Dramatic changes in the way we live will follow from the Greenhouse Effect.

Web links http://www.mhhe.com/mayfieldpub/tsw/esl-link.htm (common writing problems) http://lbarker.orconhosting.net.nz/words.html (words that are often confused) http://www.englishdaily626.com/c-mistakes.php (common mistakes)