The Common English Usage Problems
For Filipinos, learning the English
language has not been a problem. The usage of English has been used as a medium
of instruction from kindergarten to university. The exposure in the said
language is very strong that speaking in English has become a part of our daily
conversations – formal or informal. However, just like any other native English
speaker, Filipinos still commit mistakes on certain usages and rules in the
English language. Let us discover the common English usage problems we normally
commit.
1. The articles A and An
When we were younger, we
were taught in school that “a” goes for words that start with a consonant
letter while “an” is for the vowels. However, why do we use “a” for “uniform”
and “an” for “umbrella”. This is because the rule should be stated as vowel or
consonant sounds. It should not be
based on the first letter of the word rather the first sound of its syllable.
2. Accept and Except
Accept is a verb which
means to receive while except is a preposition that means to leave out.
Example:
Regina accepted
all the gifts given by Charming except
the new house.
Except
him, everybody accepted the
manager’s apology.
3. Among and Between
Both are prepositions –
among is for three or more while between is for two things.
Example:
Among the
five children, Mary seems to be the most stubborn.
The spatula is placed between the mixing bowl and the measuring cups.
4. Beside and Besides
To say “in addition to,”
we use besides. To mean “close to,” besides is used.
Examples:
Besides my
background in computers, I am a very savvy writer.
Mother rested the plant beside the sofa.
5. Bring and Take
Bring means “to carry from
a distant place to a nearer one” while take means the opposite.
Examples:
Can you bring
those books over here? I want to read them.
Can you take
these books over there? Pile them up nicely.
6. Cannot help but
This is just a nonstandard
expression. To use this in the appropriate way, use “cannot help” plus a
gerund.
Example:
I cannot help but notice the misfortunes our family
has been experiencing.
I cannot help noticing the misfortunes we are
experiencing.
7. Clipped words
Clipped words are those
words which come from a longer word. Example, gym is from gymnasium, and photo
from photograph. Do not use them in formal writing.
Example:
I saw an old photograph of my grandmother in the
closet.
8. Continual and Continuous
Continual means “occurring
again and again in succession.” Continuous means “occurring without
interruption.”
Examples:
His continual
tardiness caused him his suspension.
His continuous
use of the product made his skin fairer.
9. Done
It is the past participle
of the verb do which means it needs
an auxiliary verb or helping verb in a sentence.
Examples:
They have done washing the dishes. It is time to get
some rest.
She has done a very bad thing. She must be punished.
10. Due to the fact that
This has become less
acceptable in writing and speaking. Use since or because instead.
Examples:
Due to the fact that/Because we were late, the teachers scolded us.
The team lost
due to the fact that/since one of
the players missed hitting the ball.
11. Farther and Further
To describe distance, farther is used. Further is used to say “additional.”
Examples:
We need to walk a little farther to reach the
waterfall.
She was promoted as senior manager. Further, she also
got a huge commission.
12. Fewer and Less
Fewer is used for countable nouns while less is for uncountable nouns.
Examples:
We got fewer requests for changes this semester.
The more we deal with the problem, the less trouble
we can get.
13. Hanged and Hung
Hanged is for execution while hung means suspended.
Examples:
In the olden times, witches were either hanged or
burned on a stake.
The lanterns are hung in the living room.
14. In and into
Some may think they mean
the same, but actually, they differ in meaning. Into suggests a movement while in
refers to a position.
Examples:
A rocking chair is in the room.
They saw some men walked into the room.
15. Learn and Teach
Learn means to acquire knowledge while teach means to share what you learned
or impart knowledge.
Examples:
Today, the students learned the rule of inertia.
Teachers teach not only academic subjects but also
moral values.
16. Mad
In formal usage, it means insane while informally, it means angry.
Examples:
She needs to be restrained because she was mad.
(formal)
She was so mad that she threw the book at me.
(informal)
17. Maybe and May be
Maybe is an adverb that means perhaps
while may be is a modal verb plus a
verb.
Example:
Maybe he will send the contract tomorrow morning.
She may be at the party since she is not in her room.
18. Only
To avoid confusion, place only before the word it modifies.
Examples:
She needs only red shirts for the parade.
Only I can ask you personal questions.
19. Precede and Proceed
Precede means “to go before” while the
latter means “to move forward.”
Examples:
The awarding of prizes preceded an intermission
number from the judges.
Please proceed to Window A after the transaction is
done.
20. Than and Then
Than is used to show
comparisons. Then is an adverb that refers to time.
Examples:
I love this couch than the one I sat on before.
Apply the toner first, and then let it stay for about
twenty minutes on your skin.
Common mistakes but avoidable. Be familiar
with the rules and use them appropriately the next time you speak or write an
essay.
List of Useful Vocabulary for the IELTS, TOEFL, and Other English Proficiency Exam
Here are some useful words to add up on your vocabulary bank. Learn them well and get higher score in the English proficiency test you will be taking.
IELTS Review Basic: The Parts of Speech
How can we make a sentence? Basically, a simple sentence is composed of different words that work together to bring out one single thought. This means that every single word in the sentence play a vital role in providing meaning to the sentence. Hence, we call these elements in the sentence the parts of speech.
The parts of speech are words that have specific functions in a sentence. In the English language, we have eight different parts of speech. Let us discuss each part and provide examples for better learning.
1. NOUNS
Nouns are name of people, things, animals, phenomena, and events. It can function differently in the sentence like subject and object. Nouns can be word, phrases or clauses.
Examples:
2. PRONOUNS
These are used to substitute names of nouns in a sentence. We use pronouns to avoid redundancy in the sentence.
Examples:
3. VERBS
Verbs are words that express a movement, occurrence of an event or just a condition. There are action verbs that show an action and state verbs that show a state of a noun.
Examples:
4. ADJECTIVES
Adjectives are words that are used to describe nouns.
Examples:
5. ADVERBS
Adverbs are used to modify verbs, adjectives, adverbs and even the meaning of the whole sentence.
Examples:
The parts of speech are words that have specific functions in a sentence. In the English language, we have eight different parts of speech. Let us discuss each part and provide examples for better learning.
1. NOUNS
Nouns are name of people, things, animals, phenomena, and events. It can function differently in the sentence like subject and object. Nouns can be word, phrases or clauses.
Examples:
- Mary is known to be the prettiest girl in the class.
- I have to go to the hospital and visit my sick aunt.
- What I don’t understand is his insensitivity.
2. PRONOUNS
These are used to substitute names of nouns in a sentence. We use pronouns to avoid redundancy in the sentence.
Examples:
- Raymond is such a hardworking gentleman. He always does his best in everything.
- The dog is waggling its tail. It is a happy dog.
- Everyone in the class has agreed to participate.
3. VERBS
Verbs are words that express a movement, occurrence of an event or just a condition. There are action verbs that show an action and state verbs that show a state of a noun.
Examples:
- She is my friend.
- My aunt eats breakfast every morning.
- I like him so much.
4. ADJECTIVES
Adjectives are words that are used to describe nouns.
Examples:
- I bought a red car for my old friend.
- The flowers are very pretty.
- This dress will look elegant on me.
5. ADVERBS
Adverbs are used to modify verbs, adjectives, adverbs and even the meaning of the whole sentence.
Examples:
- I run fast.
- She is much prettier than her older sister.
- The thief slowly opened the bag.
6. CONJUNCTIONS
These are words that connect grammatically alike words, phrases and clauses. Conjunctions can be coordinating, correlative and subordinating.
Examples:
7. PREPOSITIONS
Prepositions are used to link words in any part of the sentence. Prepositions can be time, place, movement or direction.
Examples:
8. INTERJECTIONS
These are words that are used express an emotion or sentiment.
Examples:
These are words that connect grammatically alike words, phrases and clauses. Conjunctions can be coordinating, correlative and subordinating.
Examples:
- My sister and I enjoy going to the mountains in spring.
- Both Raymond and Jing are working as managers in the hotel.
- Joel was playing the piano while Denver was singing on stage.
7. PREPOSITIONS
Prepositions are used to link words in any part of the sentence. Prepositions can be time, place, movement or direction.
Examples:
- My youngest brother was born on October 20th.
- Their family moved to a new apartment building. They are currently living on the 16th floor.
- We went around town and found a nice cafe down this street.
8. INTERJECTIONS
These are words that are used express an emotion or sentiment.
Examples:
- Wow! I found my lost wallet in my closet.
- Hi! What’s up mother?
- Ouch! You are stepping on my foot!
Filipinism - Words That Must be Avoided to Improve English Proficiency
Have you ever heard of the word “filipinism”?
English proficiency has become an essential requirement in both work and education nowadays. The use of the English language has spread all over the globe as more and more nationalities study English for their careers and studies. In the Philippine setting, English is used almost every day in formal and even informal situations. Thus, it is easy to say that Filipinos are quite accustomed to using the language. However, though Filipinos sound professional once they converse in English, there are some minor problems with their construction and even in some phrases that they use.
Filipinism – these are words or phrases that seem to be correct in usage but they are actually grammatically incorrect and are a result of transliteration. These filipinisms are commonly heard in conversations and even some in writing. This is alarming since they contain grammar errors and should be corrected. Here are some filipinisms and their correct usage:
1. Come again?
This is a common expression Filipinos use to say “could you repeat that?” Instead of saying “come again”, it is better to say “I am sorry I didn’t get that”, “Excuse me?”, “I am sorry, would you please say that again?”
2. It’s for free!
It should be “It’s free!” or “It’s free of charge!”
3. Open the light/computer/TV
Might as well get a screw driver and start “opening” that thing. Instead of the verb “turn on”, use the verb “switch on/ff.”
4. He/She was salvaged.
The word “salvage” means “to save somebody or something.” Filipinos have another meaning of it which means “to kill”. To make this correct, it should be said as, “He/She was assassinated.”
5. Where are you studying?
This question can be answered by simply telling a place where you study – library, bed room, or even coffee shops. But some use this expression to ask about “the school” where one is enrolled. Hence, it should be corrected by saying, “Where do you go to school? or Which school do you go to?”
6. Aircon – air conditioner
7. Fall in line – stand in line
8. For a while – please hold; hold on
9. Ref – refrigerator; fridge
10. Rubber shoes – sneakers; trainers, running shoes
Because of its constant usage within conversations, these filipinisms have started to be acceptable; however, in English proficiency training, this should be greatly avoided. These expressions have to be used in their correct usage to avoid confusion and errors in both speaking and writing English.
Source: http://www.englishforums.com/English/FilipinismPhrase/wkxcw/post.htm
Filipinism – these are words or phrases that seem to be correct in usage but they are actually grammatically incorrect and are a result of transliteration. These filipinisms are commonly heard in conversations and even some in writing. This is alarming since they contain grammar errors and should be corrected. Here are some filipinisms and their correct usage:
1. Come again?
This is a common expression Filipinos use to say “could you repeat that?” Instead of saying “come again”, it is better to say “I am sorry I didn’t get that”, “Excuse me?”, “I am sorry, would you please say that again?”
2. It’s for free!
It should be “It’s free!” or “It’s free of charge!”
3. Open the light/computer/TV
Might as well get a screw driver and start “opening” that thing. Instead of the verb “turn on”, use the verb “switch on/ff.”
4. He/She was salvaged.
The word “salvage” means “to save somebody or something.” Filipinos have another meaning of it which means “to kill”. To make this correct, it should be said as, “He/She was assassinated.”
5. Where are you studying?
This question can be answered by simply telling a place where you study – library, bed room, or even coffee shops. But some use this expression to ask about “the school” where one is enrolled. Hence, it should be corrected by saying, “Where do you go to school? or Which school do you go to?”
6. Aircon – air conditioner
7. Fall in line – stand in line
8. For a while – please hold; hold on
9. Ref – refrigerator; fridge
10. Rubber shoes – sneakers; trainers, running shoes
Because of its constant usage within conversations, these filipinisms have started to be acceptable; however, in English proficiency training, this should be greatly avoided. These expressions have to be used in their correct usage to avoid confusion and errors in both speaking and writing English.
Source: http://www.englishforums.com/English/FilipinismPhrase/wkxcw/post.htm
Tried and Tested IELTS Exam Tips - Listening, Writing, Reading, Speaking from an IELTS Reviewer
Useful Apps for IELTS Teachers
Are you planning to teach a friend who needs help building their skills for the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination?
Teaching IELTS can be pretty difficult if you do not have the right materials to use for the class. IELTS mentors have undergone training and classes to hone their English skills and their knowledge for the examination format itself. Additionally, most of them have already taken the test making them authorities in teaching the IELTS. Though they are already professionals in the IELTS, these mentors are also guided by books, manuals, and even apps for the IELTS. Here are some apps these coaches use in their training for the IELTS.
1. IELTS Word Power
http://www.britishcouncil.org/spain/en/ielts-word-power
Teaching IELTS can be pretty difficult if you do not have the right materials to use for the class. IELTS mentors have undergone training and classes to hone their English skills and their knowledge for the examination format itself. Additionally, most of them have already taken the test making them authorities in teaching the IELTS. Though they are already professionals in the IELTS, these mentors are also guided by books, manuals, and even apps for the IELTS. Here are some apps these coaches use in their training for the IELTS.
1. IELTS Word Power
http://www.britishcouncil.org/spain/en/ielts-word-power
Aren’t you surprised why these mentors have the best and the widest vocabulary while teaching? This app helps mentors in knowing and understanding words that are best to be used in the IELTS. Having wide vocabulary is a great advantage for the IELTS examination.
2. IELTS Skills
http://www.appannie.com/apps/ios/app/ielts-skills-free/
With all four sections of the IELTS in a single app, no one can go wrong downloading this app. Practice tests and interactive tasks are conveniently added in this feature. Each skill has explanations that mentors can practice and exercises that comprehensively test their skills for the IELTS.
3. IELTS Speaking Practice
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dmc.iespeaking2&hl=en
With over 300 questions, coaches are always prepared to conduct speaking tests with their enrolees. The variety of topics makes this app perfect for honing skills and developing better answers for the IELTS speaking examination.
4. Practice English Grammar 2
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/practice-english-grammar-2/id490759167
Problems with grammar? This app will sort things out with queries on grammar. It has practically discussions and exercises on verb tenses which are a problem to most candidates. Provided with examples and sample tests, this app is one you should have on your smart phones and tablets.
5. Merriam-Webster Dictionary
https://itunes.apple.com/ph/app/id399452287?mt=8
Be more familiar with words and jargons in the reading texts with this handy dictionary. It provides easy to understand definition of words and sample sentences. Moreover, if connected to the internet, one checks the pronunciation of a certain vocabulary word.
These apps are very helpful to teachers teaching the IELTS. However, not only teachers can use this but also the students reviewing for the IELTS. Having them on your smart phones is the best way to review for the IELTS examination especially when you are always on the go.
TOEFL for Filipino Physical Therapists
Several questions have been circling around Filipino physical therapists about applying for work overseas. The opportunities offered to these professionals have been increasing over the years. To meet these demands, Filipino physical therapists comply with the different requirements these agencies need. For starters, Filipino physical therapists prepare by taking the NPTE or the National Physical Therapy Examination.
One step of the process is credentialing. The FCCPT or the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy offers Educational Credentials Review Service. This service is used for licensure to practice physical therapy in the United States of America. People who are seeking to be awarded with a license to work as a physical therapist should apply for this. What this service does is to compare the educational records provided by the applicant to the current requirements for the first professional degree in the US. It will determine whether the education attained is equivalent to that of a graduate of an accredited physical therapy degree program in the Unites States.
Once credentialing has been completed, Filipino physical therapists prepare taking an English competency examination, specifically the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This English proficiency examination is conducted by ETS that aims to provide a certificate of one’s competency in the English language represented by scores. The test is composed of four different sections – the reading, listening, speaking and the writing. The need for the TOEFL score is important as it has been a requirement prior to taking the NPTE.
However, not all states require a TOEFL score before taking the NPTE. What candidates for the NPTE need to do is to verify on the state they are applying whether the TOEFL is needed or not. There could be individuals questioning the important of the TOEFL. Why do they need to take this test?
The TOEFL test is an English proficiency examination that evaluates how well a candidate can use the English language. Through the TOEFL, companies and health care institutions are guaranteed that they have people working for them who can understand the English language. Furthermore, people who would be working overseas, especially in an English-speaking country, need to communicate in English not only at work but also in the environment outside work.
Therefore, the TOEFL examination is important for any individual who is planning to work overseas. For Filipino physical therapists, the need for the TOEFL score depends on the state where they are applying for. All they have to do is to inquire whether they need the TOEFL before taking the NPTE.
One step of the process is credentialing. The FCCPT or the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy offers Educational Credentials Review Service. This service is used for licensure to practice physical therapy in the United States of America. People who are seeking to be awarded with a license to work as a physical therapist should apply for this. What this service does is to compare the educational records provided by the applicant to the current requirements for the first professional degree in the US. It will determine whether the education attained is equivalent to that of a graduate of an accredited physical therapy degree program in the Unites States.
Once credentialing has been completed, Filipino physical therapists prepare taking an English competency examination, specifically the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This English proficiency examination is conducted by ETS that aims to provide a certificate of one’s competency in the English language represented by scores. The test is composed of four different sections – the reading, listening, speaking and the writing. The need for the TOEFL score is important as it has been a requirement prior to taking the NPTE.
However, not all states require a TOEFL score before taking the NPTE. What candidates for the NPTE need to do is to verify on the state they are applying whether the TOEFL is needed or not. There could be individuals questioning the important of the TOEFL. Why do they need to take this test?
The TOEFL test is an English proficiency examination that evaluates how well a candidate can use the English language. Through the TOEFL, companies and health care institutions are guaranteed that they have people working for them who can understand the English language. Furthermore, people who would be working overseas, especially in an English-speaking country, need to communicate in English not only at work but also in the environment outside work.
Therefore, the TOEFL examination is important for any individual who is planning to work overseas. For Filipino physical therapists, the need for the TOEFL score depends on the state where they are applying for. All they have to do is to inquire whether they need the TOEFL before taking the NPTE.
