English For All: Correct Errors Of Usage

1. She sold her diamond ring, also a pearl necklace. (W)

She sold her diamond ring and also a pearl necklace. (R)

Note:”Also” is an adverb, not a conjunction. So, it should not be used at the beginning of a sentence , or of a clause, after a comma, to coordinate two nouns, unless it is preceded by and or but.

2. 2. London is more densely populated than any city in the world. (W)

London is more densely populated than any other city in the world. (R)

Note: This is an example of a very frequent mistake. “Any city in the world” includes London. Hence, “any other city in the world” is correct.

3. 3. He spent the whole afternoon sitting around doing nothing. (W)

He spent the whole afternoon sitting about doing nothing. (R)

Note: This use of around is an Americanism. It is to be deprecated in British English. Use about.

4. 4. The mother, as well as her three children, were taken to hospital. (W)

The mother, as well as her three children, was taken to the hospital. (R)

Note: As well as does not coordinate the two nouns; it introduces a parenthesis. Therefore a singular verb is required. The subject is the mother. Use the verb was.

He spent all his money, as well as wasted his time. (W)

He spent all his money, as well as wasting his time. (R)

Note: If the first verb is a simple tense form, then as well as must be followed by a gerund, as can be seen if we imagine it transferred to the beginning of the sentence.

5. A) The opportunity was not availed of. (W)

I could not avail myself of this opportunity. (R)

(B) I am sorry that your kind offer cannot be availed of. (W)

I am sorry that I cannot avail myself of your kind offer. (R)

Note: As a verb, avail cannot be used in the passive voice.

Notice: The Idioms Used Correctly:-

1. All his efforts were of no avail. (Adjectival)

2. He made repeated attempts, but to no avail. (Adverbially)

Note: As a verb, avail is used intransitively.

e.g: All his efforts did not avail. (Correct)

Note: As a verb, it can be also used with a reflexive object followed by of.

e.g: You should avail yourself of this opportunity. (Correct)