I know, I know. Language is dynamic, which means that rules are bound to change over time. And while speaking English fluently is not more important than being well-versed in Filipino, it does well for some of us who use the language in different environments — whether it’s talking to a college professor, meeting a prospective employer in job interviews, socializing with bosses, and so on. Here are just some of the common grammatical errors you probably didn’t know of when speaking English.
5. Adding “s” to words like “stuffs”, “anyways”, “musics”
We get it. Adding an “s” at the end of the word to make it plural is a common rule in the English language, but this is not always the case. This normally happens when you’re using what is called a “mass noun” — a noun that cannot be counted. You cannot count “money” in a literal sense, as opposed to “coins”, or “peso bills”. You cannot count how much “water” there is in the pail, but you can count how many “gallons of water” were delivered to your house. When the word is a mass noun, adding an “s” to every word is incorrect — stuffs, waters, moneys, musics. Simply say: stuff, water, money, music.
4. “Open” or “close” the light
While this may literally translate to “buksan” or “isara” ang ilaw, the verbs open and close are normally used for something that resembles a door — you can open or close the refrigerator, you may open or close a box. The correct sentence would be: “Turn on / turn off the light.”
3. In, on, at
This one is tricky, and admittedly, one that gets me at times. However, getting this right requires constant usage. In terms of area, in describes a more general location while at refers to a more specific place. For example: “I am in the Philippines. I am at a resort.” On refers to surfaces you can stand on (“I am on the bus / I am on the train”), or to a street WITHOUT a specific address (“The barbershop is on Kamagong Street.”). You use at for street addresses with numbers (“My friend lives at 23 Maluya Street.”)
2. Saying “already” at the end of a sentence
Instead of saying, “She sent me the email already“, say, “She already sent me the email.”
1. Saying “I have to go ahead” when you really mean, “Goodbye”
When you tell your boss, “I have to go ahead” when you’re leaving your company party, who are you going ahead of? When you have to leave, simply say, “I’m sorry, but I have to go.” Now, in this instance, your boss may say, “Oh, sure. Go ahead”, that is perfectly fine, as go ahead can be used to give permission.
Got any more to add? Let us know!
