Common Errors(2) - 48

      Common Errors(2) in English - 48  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

A. Most of the English users in Asian regions specially in India are fond of ‘ing’  verbs (Present participle form of the verb) like writing, watching, eating etc. because these  structures are easy to frame, however there are some verbs that cannot be or rarely used as continuous( Progressive) verb.

He is looking happy

He looks happy.

Bill is having a large Estate in Log angles.

Bill has a large Estate in Los angles.

Shane is having a large family.

Shane has a large family.

The verb list includes

Be, see, trust, know, understand, wish, consist, concern, belong etc. For more information on non-continuous verb please paste this URL  on your browser http://esl.about.com/od/grammarlessons/a/l_pastcont.htm

B. Past  and Past participle verb – Difference in usage

Many  non native English users don’t differentiate between past and past participle verb, but there is a   difference in the usage of these  verbs.

They have finished the work last night.

They finished the work last night/yesterday/last week etc.

They have finished the work (The sentence means that the state of finished work is visible, there is no need to mention about the time adverbial like yesterday last week etc.)  just now/just a few minutes ago may be added at the end of the sentence.

More Model Sentences

She saw me at Café Paradise yesterday.

She has seen me at Café Paradise.

I have cleaned the room. ( jut now)

I cleaned the room in the morning.

It has rained. ( The roads are wet.)

It rained yesterday.

NOTE: The auxiliary verb have/has always comes before Past participle verb like, seen, slept, gone etc. Your should also note that some verbs like call, talk, walk etc. have same spelling in past and  past participle form.

C. MORE COMMON ERRORS.

When the president will arrive he will address the students.

When the president arrives he will address the students.

We can’t enter the movie theater unless we will purchase the entry ticket.

We can’t enter the movie theater unless we purchase the entry ticket.

The Teacher roared “ you will be sent out, if you will come late from tomorrow.”

The Teacher roared “ you will be sent out if you come late from tomorrow.”

When have you arrived from Texas?

When did you arrive from Texas?

We are waiting for the bus since seven O’ clock.

We have been waiting for the bus since seven O’ Clock. (or)

We have been waiting for the bus for three hours.

How long are you staying in this house?

How long have you been staying in this house? (Since 2003)

I wish I have wings.       

I wish I had wings.

If I am you I wouldn’t accept the offer.

If I were you  I wouldn’t accept the officer. ( With all subject  I, we, you, they, he, she, it were is used.)

It’s time the government take action against the rebels.

It’s time the government took action against the rebels.