All language learners
around the world make mistakes. Have you ever felt your teacher’s corrections
do not have a long-lasting effect? Are you frustrated that even though your
teacher corrects you, once you leave the class you keep making the same
mistakes? We understand how you feel and will help you eliminate mistakes you
might be making. The purpose of this section is to address common mistakes many
students from different countries make in English and briefly explain why they
are incorrect. Once you understand why they are incorrect, it might be easier
for you to avoid them!
IS IT CORRECT?
EPISODE 4
MISTAKE:
I speak English everyday.
CORRECTION:
I speak English every day.
You can "only" make this mistake in writing. In
speaking, of course, you will not hear the difference. However, I decided to
give it attention because it is a very common mistake that students and native
users of English make.
When you want to use it as a time phrase (to
indicate how often you do something), it has to be written as two words.
It is best to put it at the end of a sentence (or a clause), but starting a
sentence with it is fine, too.
Examples:
I eat breakfast every day. (at the end of a sentence)
I try to exercise every
day, but sometimes I’m too busy. (at the end of a clause)
Every day he wakes up at 7 a.m. (at the beginning of a sentence)
“Everyday” written together is an adjective and
means “average”, “ordinary”, “typical”, “usual”. As an adjective it modifies a
noun so in a sentence it needs to be put before the noun it modifies.
Examples:
These are not my everyday
shoes. I only wear them on special occasions.
Politicians often use words that are difficult
to understand to everyday people.
Rain is almost an everyday
occurrence in Seattle.
Ania Necakov - Academic Coordinator NYLC Jackson Heights
