English writing skills series: Know common errors and learn the remedies

There is no denying the fact that English as a language of communication enjoys a pride of place in India owing basically to the multi-lingual demographic structure of the country. Some of the most common errors that are committed by the learners and users of the language relate to such grammatical components as the use of prepositions, clauses, conjunctions, and subject-verb agreement. Dr Gautam Sarma, an academician and a former professor at Cotton University in Guwahati, reflecting on the situation, said, “The basic problem associated with the use of English emanates from the inadequate teaching-learning methods of the language in the vernacular medium schools of most of the states.” He added that as English is not taught with the kind of importance it deserves but is merely taught as any other subject in the curriculum, learners continue to suffer from the fear and accompanying deficiency of using the language appropriately. Now, let’s look at some of the most fundamental errors often witnessed in the use of English and their correct use: Inadequate use of prepositions Incorrect: What is the time in your watch? Inappropriate use of commas Incorrect: David has left for London, for higher studies Correct: David has left for London for higher studies Incorrect: Man by common consent is a slave of passion.