Common Errors in English Usage with Explanations - Part 47

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1.  
• He bought a radio for Rs. 250 and sold the same at a handsome profit.  (wrong)
• He bought a radio for Rs. 250 and sold it at a handsome profit.  (correct)
• Explanation : There is a common tendency to use this superfluous expression, 'the same', where the pronoun 'it' would be more suitable. Avoid writing, 'I enclose a cheque for Rs. 175, please acknowledge receipt of the same. '
2.  
• My sister and myself are pleased to accept your invitation to dinner.  (wrong)
• My sister and I are pleased to accept your invitation to dinner.  (correct)
  
• Explanation : Where no particular emphasis is intended, use the simple pronouns 'he, you, I'. 
• Note, for instance, 'I myself was to blame for the accident'. or, reflexively, as 'The child hurt itself'. 
3.  
• The visitors enjoyed during their brief stay in Hyderabad.  (wrong)
• The visitors enjoyed themselves during their brief stay in Hyderabad.  (correct)
• Explanation : 'Enjoy' is a transitive verb, it must therefore be accompanied by an object, which may be a noun or a reflexive pronoun.
4.  
• I shall avail of this opportunity to meet you there.  (wrong)
• I shall avail myself of this opportunity to meet you there.  (correct)
• Explanation : The verb 'avail' must here be followed by a reflexive pronoun. 
5.  
• My children cannot endure my separation.  (wrong)
• My children cannot endure separation from me.  (correct)
• Explanation : It is not 'someone's separation;, but 'separation from someone'. 
6.  
• May I now take your leave ? (wrong)
• May I now take leave of you ? (correct)
• Explanation : To ask to be away from someone is not to take something which is in his possession. 
7.  
• Can you see me at mine house tomorrow afternoon ? (wrong)
• Can you see me at my house tomorrow afternoon ? (correct)
• Explanation : We can use 'mine', 'yours', etc. only when the word 'house' has already appeared in this context. For instance, 'If you can't come to my house, I can meet you at yours'. 
8.  
• Will you lend me your pencil, please ?  -  Take. (wrong)
• Will you lend me your pencil, please ? - Take it. (correct)
• Explanation : In correct English usage, the verb 'take' must be followed by a suitable noun or pronoun. 
9.  
• Whom do you think will be dismissed first ? (wrong)
• Who, do you think, will be dismissed first ? (correct)
• Explanation : If you ignore the parenthesis 'do you think' it should be easier to know why 'whom' is wrong. 'Who will be dismissed first', not 'Whom.' 
10.  
• One should always remain loyal to his country. (wrong)
• One should always remain loyal to one's country.  (correct)
• Explanation : The indefinite pronoun 'one' must always agree with one of its parts : 'oneself', 'one's', 'one' etc. 
11.  
• I request your favour of considering me for a transfer.  (wrong)
• I request the favour of your considering me for a transfer.  (correct)
• Explanation : Another typical error - not 'your state of mind', but 'the state of your mind'.

You can check the Old Posts of this Series from here

Shared by Bhargav Gupta Yechuri

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