Adjectives : Common Errors(1)

1. (W) He has read almost each book of the college library.

(R) He has read almost every book of the college library.

2. (W) Every one of the two pencils is missing.

(R) Each one of the two pencils is missing.

Note:- “Each” -- each one (of two or more) taken separately one by one.

“Every” is always used for more than two things, considered as a group. But both

“each” and “every” are invariably singular. E. g.,

‘Every (each) one of the nine apples was rotten’.

3. (W) You must secure at least possible marks.

(R) You must secure at least pass marks.

Note:- The word “possible” has another meaning altogether – it means “tolerable

good”. For Marks sufficient to pass and examination we must say “pass marks”, not

“passing marks”, another common error.

4. (W) He is suffering from a strong cold.

(R) He is suffering from a bad cold.

Note:- Also a “bad headache”, a “bad stomach”.

5. (W) I am forty years.

(R) I am forty years old.

Note:- Either drop the word, “years” and simply say “ I am forty”, or use the complete

expression: “I am forty years old”, or “I am forty years of age”.

6. (W) He brought me milk, butter and honey, the later being Indian.

(R) He brought me milk, butter and honey, the last being Indian.

Note:- “Later” is used only where two things are mentioned.

7. (W) This feat was marvellous well performed.

(R) This feat was marvellously well performed.

Note:- Don’t use an adjective to qualify as adverb.

8. (W) This car is superior than that.

(R) This car is superior to that.

Note:- Always use the preposition “to” after “superior” or “inferior”. Similarly say “preferable to”,

not “preferable than”.