IS IT CORRECT? - 6 - I have 25 years old.

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 6

MISTAKE:  I have 25 years old.
CORRECTION:  I am 25 years old.

This is a common mistake if students use the verb “have” in their native language to talk about age. To them it seems perfectly logical to say: “I have 25 years old” or “My son has 2 years old.”

The correct ones, however, are:

“I am 25 years old” and “My son is 2 years old.”

In English “have” cannot be used to talk about one’s age. If you keep making this mistake, this is something you need to practice often until you simply get used to it (try repeating out loud correct sentences like above a few times a day every day and soon you will no longer need it).

If you feel you often translate phrases or sentences from your first language in order to say something in your second language, don’t worry. This is a stage that every student goes through and it will gradually go away if you practice. So go practice!

Good luck!
Ania Necakov - Academic Coordinator NYLC Jackson Heights

ania@nylanguagecenter.com