Common Errors in English Usage with Explanations - Part 22

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1.  
• I did not scarcely hear him. (wrong)
• I did scarcely hear him. (correct)
• Explanation : Scarcely means rarely and carries a negative sense. It is not used in a negative sentence. 
2.  
• He is most smart of the two. (wrong)
• He is the smarter of the two. (correct)
• Explanation : As only two persons are involved, the comparative degree is to be used. 
3.  
• I looked for my books everywhere, but could not find it nowhere.  (wrong)
• I looked for my books everywhere, but could not find them anywhere.  (correct)
• Explanation : Nowhere means 'not anywhere'. We can say "I could find them nowhere'. 
4.  
• I went through the books quick.  (wrong)
• I went through the books quickly.  (correct)
  
• Explanation : Quick is an adjective whereas quickly is an adverb and modifies find. 
5.  
• He went hurry so that he could catch her.  (wrong)
• He went hurriedly so that he could catch her.  (correct)
• Explanation : Hurry can be used as a verb or a noun. Its adverbial form is hurriedly. 
6.  
• I could not help not enjoying the play.  (wrong)
• I could not help enjoying the play.  (correct)
• Explanation : We don't use two negatives in a sentence. Could not help means 'could not stop oneself from'.
7.  
• Your notes are equally as good as mine.  (wrong)
• Your notes are as good as mine.  (correct)
• Explanation : 'As good as' means 'equally good' and the use of equally is unnecessary. 
8.  
• Repeat again what you have said.  (wrong)
• Repeat what you have said.  (correct)
• Explanation : Repeat means 'to say again' and the use of again is unnecessary . 
9.  
• They all wished me good. (wrong)
• They all wished me well. (correct)
• Explanation : The sentence needs an adverb (i.e., well) and not an adjective (i.e., good).
10.  
• The flowers were beautiful laid out.  (wrong)
• The flowers were beautifully laid out.  (correct)
• Explanation : Laid out is a verbal expression and needs an adverb (i.e., beautifully) rather than an adjective. 
11.  
• This dress is equally as valuable as that one.  (wrong)
• This dress is as valuable as that one.  (correct)
• Explanation : 'As valuable as' means equally valuable and the use of equally is redundant.

Shared by Bhargav Gupta Yechuri

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