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Grammar Resource Sheet

The document summarizes 6 major types of errors made by ESL writers: 1) Word form errors involving incorrect forms of words, 2) Verb tense errors using the wrong time marker, 3) Verb form errors with incorrectly formed verbs, 4) Subject-verb agreement errors where the subject and verb do not match in person or number, 5) Singular/plural noun errors in countable vs. uncountable nouns, and 6) Sentence structure errors involving missing or extra words, incorrect word order, or run-on sentences. Examples are provided for each type of error.

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Nasser Ghodsian
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
61 views

Grammar Resource Sheet

The document summarizes 6 major types of errors made by ESL writers: 1) Word form errors involving incorrect forms of words, 2) Verb tense errors using the wrong time marker, 3) Verb form errors with incorrectly formed verbs, 4) Subject-verb agreement errors where the subject and verb do not match in person or number, 5) Singular/plural noun errors in countable vs. uncountable nouns, and 6) Sentence structure errors involving missing or extra words, incorrect word order, or run-on sentences. Examples are provided for each type of error.

Uploaded by

Nasser Ghodsian
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Grammar Resource Sheet

6 major errors in ESL writing

#1 Word Form Errors:

Explanation of Error: Word form errors occur when the correct word is chosen, but an
incorrect form of the word is used.

For example: Young people can be independence in the U.S.A. Should be: Young people
can be independent in the U.S.A.

Most words in the English language have different forms for different parts of speech, but
not all words have all forms. For example:

NOUN VERB ADJECTIVE ADVERB


Independence No Verb Form Independent Independently
Bath Bathe Bathing No Adverb Form
Confusion Confuse Confusing Confusingly

Word endings often indicate part of speech. For example, words that end in –ly are
usually adverbs. Quickly, slowly, and happily are all adverbs. Consult an ESL Handbook
for Dictionary for more examples.

#2 Verb Tense:

Explanation of Error: Verb-tense errors occur when an incorrect time marker is used.

For example:
I was working on my paper since 6:00 a.m. Should be: I have been working on my paper
since 6:00 a.m.

Example: Even though this is my first day on the job, I have already found out there were
some difficult people here. Should be: Even though this is my first day on the job, I have
already found out there are some difficult people here

(Refer to Handout on Verb Tense in our handout library)


#3 Verb Form:

Explanation of Error: Verb-form errors occur when a verb is incorrectly formed, as we


see in the following sentences.
I will driven to the airport next week.
I was cook dinner last night when you called.
Should be:
I will drive to the airport next week.
I was cooking dinner last night when you called.

#4 Subject- Verb Agreement:

Explanation of Error: Subject-verb agreement errors occur when the subject does not
agree with the verb in person or number. These errors can be as simple as: He walk every
morning, or as complex as: Every teenager know how to choose clothes that flatters her
figure.

Chart for reference:

I walk I flatter 1st Person


Singular
You walk You flatter 2nd Person
Singular
He/She/It walks He/She/It flatters 3rd Person
Singular
(uses “s”)
They walk They flatter 3rd Person Plural
You (all) walk You (all) flatter 2nd Person Plural

#5 Singular/Plural Noun Endings:

Explanation of Error: Singular and plural errors occur when there is confusion about
which nouns are countable and which are not countable.

Example: I have turned in all my homeworks this week. Should be: I have turned in all
my homework this week.
I set up six more desk for the afternoon class. Should be: I set up six more
desks for the afternoon class.

(Refer to Countable and Non-Countable Nouns Handout in our library)


#6 Sentence Structure:

Explanation of Error: Sentence structure errors occur for a variety of reasons: a word
(often a “to be” verb) is left out, an extra word (often a duplicate subject) is added, word
order is incorrect, or clauses that do not belong together are punctuated as one sentence.

Some examples: She walking to class. (Fragment error) Should be: She is walking to
class.

She is walking to class he is driving. (Run-On error) Should be: She is


walking to class, but he is driving.

My mother she is very kind to me. (Extra pronoun) Should be: My


mother is very nice to me.

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