Common mistakes in English

SPAG - some common mistakes

This slide set looks at some of common mistakes in spelling, grammar and punctuation.On each slide there is a brief explanation of a spelling pattern or an aspect of grammar together with a short video tutorial.This is then followed by a quiz activity so that you can check how much you have learned. Good luck!

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Using apostrophes

We use apostrophes in two different ways. We can use an apostrophe to show that something belongs to someone e.g.We went to Norwich in Sally's car.Or we can use an apostrophe to show that letters are missing e.g.I wasn't sure sure what he said.The phrase 'was not' is abbreviated to 'wasn't'. Here are some other words that use an apostrophe to indicate missing letters -  didn't                      shouldn't can't won't

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsoHEuVx2aQ&list=PLpo266nu5C8aEUqcTgIbPSSIaNgn9RyZB&index=8 (Enclavar)

Pie de foto: : This video revises the two main ways we use apostrophes.

Apostrophe practice

• Pigeon English - apostrophe practice
• Apostrophe revision 2

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Pie de foto: : Now work through the two quizzes to see how much you have learned.

'was' or 'were'?

'Was' and 'were'One common mistake involves the confusion about the use of these two verbs. You use 'was' when you are talking about one person or thing (singular) - The car was sold yesterday. Sally was off sick yesterday. If you are talking about more than one person or thing (plural), you use 'were' - The cars were sold yesterday. Sally and Priya were both off sick yesterday.

• Was or were?

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Another common mistake

Pie de foto: : The next slide gives you practice in avoiding this mistake!

'Should have' and 'would have'

A very common mistake involves writing 'should of' instead of 'should have' e.g.  'Alan knew that he should of bought the car.' This is incorrect. It should be -Alan knew that he should have bought the car.Alternatively, you could also use a shortened form -Alan knew that he should've bought the car.In a similar way it is also very common to see 'would of' written instead of 'could have' e.g. 'If I had known she felt like that, I would of said something.' This should be written -If I had known she felt like that, I would have said somethingAlternatively,  you could use a short form -If I had known she felt like that, I would've said something.

• Practice in using 'would have', 'should have' and 'could have'

There, their and they're

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G45RQ5b4W78 (Enclavar)

These three words are often confused. The sentences below show how they should be used. Can you work out when you use one rather than the other?ThereI left my phone over there.What's the weather like over there?TheirWe went to their wedding on Saturday.Can you remember their address?They'reThey're stuck in traffic at the moment.Do you think they're likely to get here on time?If you're not sure how to use them, watch the video!

Pie de foto: : I

Now try the quiz below -

• There, their and they're

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Its and it's

These two words are often confused.The three sentences below show the correct use of 'its' i.e. when we use it as a possessive pronoun, The dog had an ID tag on its collar. In just one year the car has lost 20% of its original value. The police found the car lying on its side. The next three sentences illustrate when you should use 'it's' with an apostrophe i.e. as a shortened form of 'it is' or 'it has' I think it's time to go. It's too late now. It's been raining all day. Watch the video opposite if you are still unsure then have a go at the quiz on the next slide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uCTeomVueg (Enclavar)

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Now try the quiz below

• Its and it's

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Using formal language

When writing letters and applying for a job you often need to use a formal tone and range of vocabulary. The activities on the next slide give you practice in - choosing appropriate vocabulary for use in a formal letter spelling some tricky words that are regularly used in different types of letter writing 

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Practice in using formal language

• Formal Letter Writing - useful vocabulary
• Letter to Playgroup
• Letter to Playgroup 2

Analysing sentence structure

Revision

To give yourself practice in some of the topics covered in this slide set, work through the flashcards on the right.If you want more practice in using apostrophes, click hereIf you want more practice in double negatives, click here

• Standard English - proofreading

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