Common Errors in English Usage with Explanations - Part 17

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1.  
• He struggled in the whole month.  (wrong)
• He struggled for the whole month.   (correct)
• Explanation : The whole month indicates duration without a starting pointy and needs 'for'.
2.  
• It gets very hot in the summers.   (wrong)
• It gets very hot during the summers.  (correct)
• Explanation : During is used for a period of time; it means 'throughout the duration of'. It expresses a point or point of time during which something happens. 
3.  
• We look forward up your arrival.   (wrong)
• We look forward to your arrival.  (correct)
• Explanation : Look forward is always followed by 'to', and not by 'up'. It is because forward suggests further movements. 
4.  
• They set on late in the evening.   (wrong)
  
• They set out late in the evening.   (correct)
• Explanation : To set out means 'to begin journey' or 'intend to do something' whereas set on means 'to attack someone violently'. The latter is inappropriate in this context. 
5.  
• I have given out looking at birds.   (wrong)
• I have given up looking at birds.   (correct)
• Explanation : To give up means 'to cease making an effort' whereas to give out means 'to be completely used up' or 'to speak in anger'. The latter is inappropriate in this context. 
6.  
• A boy jumped in the stream.   (wrong)
• A boy jumped into the stream.   (correct)
• Explanation : 'In' suggests that something is in the enclosure, 'into' means going from outside to inside the enclosure. 
7.  
• They invited all of us for dinner.   (wrong)
• They invited all of us to dinner.   (correct)
• Explanation : To invite means 'to request some to go somewhere or do something'.
8.   
• He is anxious about his daughter's marriage.  (wrong)
• He is anxious for his daughter's marriage.  (correct)
• Explanation : One is always anxious for (worried about) something. 
9.  
• Why are you angry by me ?  (wrong)
• Why are you angry with me ?  (correct)
• Explanation : One is angry with a person about something. 
10.  
• His mother was enraged with his stupid question.   (wrong)
• His mother was enraged at his stupid question.   (correct)
• Explanation : One is enraged at someone or something. 
11.  
• He gave a talk suitable to the occasion.   (wrong)
• He gave a talk suitable for the occasion.   (correct)
• Explanation : Suitable is followed by for.

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