Sometimes I wonder if I read newspapers and magazines for finding errors. Ugh! But they stare at me and I just have to note them down. I put them in a file I’ve named “Blog Fodder” and pull out the juicier ones when I want to add a quiz. I am not happy I get to see so many errors in what I read, but they provide me with well, fodder for my work here!
Here are sentences, each with an error. It could be concord, pronoun-antecedent, apostrophe, usage, modifier or simple number. Best luck with your treasure hunt! Write answers in the comment box.
[1] Piling up of evidence pointing to lack of preparations and transparency in organising the Commonwealth Games are taking a toll on the fans’ enthusiasm about the event.
[2] Researchers may be closer to finding a way for humans to regrow parts of the body from our own cells.
[3] Tough to wrestle Ashes from England, says Waugh.
[4] English counties out, less teams in CLT20.
[5] Unfortunately, the current generation of brats in their monumental arrogance and limited intelligence forget that not all journalists are purchasable commodities.
[6] Precision is having receivers arrive at designated spots in a designated amount of seconds.
[7] Movement to shut down shark tours gain momentum in Hawaii.
[8] Serving at 6-5, you could accuse him of bad judgment and worse execution on a high backhand volley.
[9] “You know, at that point, like everything else, there’s two options,” he said of the tie-breaker meltdown.
[10] “You lay down or keep going. The second option sounded better to me.”
[11] After beating Jankovic in 60 minutes in the semifinals, Stosur’s parents and two brothers flew in from Australia to watch the final in person.
[12] No one really knows how many illegal immigrants live here, but peoples’ claims about statistics vary wildly.
I’ve always had some strange questions quizzing my English knowledge for a very long time !! Well…Here a a few of them :
1) When are we to use ‘if’ and not ‘whether’ in a statement ?
2) What is the difference between usage of single and double quotes in a sentence ?
3) I have noticed some people say ‘I don’t want no disobedience’. Is that right English ?
4) If I were to ask a girl when was she born…before her brother or after…How do i put it in the right way ?
Anjali, can I take up your questions one by one from tomorrow under Grammar 101? Watch out!
Hi Anjali,
I have already answered the first two questions as posts. Do attempt the quizzes. They are good practice for the concepts.
Now on to your other two questions.
[3] I think people say “I don’t want no disobedience” just to show off they are in touch with American slang. The sentence is wrong. Double negatives just don’t make any sense. If you pursue them logically (double negatives make one positive) the meaning will be opposite of what is meant. You don’t want “no disobedience”. So you do want disobedience? Makes no sense.
[4] Is your brother older or younger to you?
Hello,
Thanks a ton !! I’m finally clear about them !
You are very welcome.
Geeta.
1.is
2.to find
3.Waugh says , tough to wrestle Ashes form England
4.English counties out of less teams in CLT20
5.forgot
6.arrival
7.gains
8.can
9.there’re
10.sounds
11.flew to
12.people’s
1.is
2.to find
3.Waugh says , it’s tough to wrestle Ashes form England
4.English counties out of minimum teams in CLT20
5.forgot
6.arrival
7.gains
8.can
9.there’re
10.sounds
11.flew to
12.people’s