English is a global language, and mastering it can open many doors in both personal and professional life. The Core English Speaking course helps learners gain confidence and fluency in English, but many people still make common mistakes while speaking. These errors can lead to misunderstandings and reduce the effectiveness of communication. In this blog, we will explore some frequent mistakes in spoken English and how to avoid them.
1) Incorrect Use of Articles (A, An, The)
Many learners struggle with using articles correctly. Here are some common errors:
❌ I saw a elephant in the zoo.
✅ I saw an elephant in the zoo.
❌ She is best teacher in our school.
✅ She is the best teacher in our school.
How to Avoid It
- Use ‘a’ before words that begin with a consonant sound (e.g., a book, a dog).
- Use ‘an’ before words that begin with a vowel sound (e.g., an apple, an umbrella).
- Use ‘the’ when referring to something specific or unique (e.g., the sun, the president).
2) Incorrect Verb Tenses
Verb tenses help indicate the timing of an action. Many learners confuse past, present, and future tenses.
❌ I go to the market yesterday.
✅ I went to the market yesterday.
❌ She has ate her lunch.
✅ She has eaten her lunch.
How to Avoid It
- Learn the correct forms of irregular verbs (e.g., go-went-gone, eat-ate-eaten).
- Use simple tenses for regular actions and progressive tenses for ongoing actions.
- Practice speaking in different tenses daily.
3) Mispronunciation of Words
Pronunciation errors can lead to confusion. Some common mistakes include:
❌ Pronouncing “vegetable” as “vege-table” (correct: “vej-tuh-bl”).
❌ Pronouncing “Wednesday” as “Wed-nes-day” (correct: “Wenz-day”).
How to Avoid It
- Listen to native speakers and repeat after them.
- Use online dictionaries to check correct pronunciation.
- Join a Core English Speaking course to improve phonetics.
4) Using Double Negatives
Using two negative words in a sentence can change the meaning completely.
❌ I don’t know nothing about it.
✅ I don’t know anything about it.
❌ She didn’t see nobody at the park.
✅ She didn’t see anybody at the park.
How to Avoid It
- Remember that using two negatives together makes the sentence positive.
- Replace words like nothing with anything and nobody with anybody.
5) Incorrect Subject-Verb Agreement
The subject and verb must always agree in number.
❌ She like to dance.
✅ She likes to dance.
❌ The children enjoys the game.
✅ The children enjoy the game.
How to Avoid It
- Singular subjects take singular verbs (He is, She likes).
- Plural subjects take plural verbs (They are, The students study).
6) Confusion Between Similar Sounding Words
Some words sound similar but have different meanings.
❌ Their going to the park.
✅ They’re going to the park.
❌ I accept your gift. (when you mean ‘except’)
✅ I except your gift. ❌ (incorrect)
✅ I accept your gift. ✅ (correct)
How to Avoid It
- Learn commonly confused words like their/they’re/there, your/you’re, and affect/effect.
- Read and listen to English daily to improve recognition.
7. Overusing Filler Words
Using too many filler words like ‘um’, ‘uh’, ‘like’, ‘you know’ makes speech less clear.
❌ I, um, went to the, uh, market, you know?
✅ I went to the market.
How to Avoid It
- Pause instead of using filler words.
- Practice speaking slowly and clearly.
- Enroll in Edufolks Core English Speaking Course for fluency improvement.
8) Direct Translations from Native Language
Many learners translate from their native language, which leads to errors.
❌ He has 25 years. (direct translation from Spanish)
✅ He is 25 years old.
❌ Open the fan. (incorrect)
✅ Turn on the fan.
How to Avoid It
- Think in English rather than translating.
- Learn common English phrases instead of translating word by word.
9) Using the Wrong Prepositions
Prepositions are tricky but essential for correct sentences.
❌ I am good in English.
✅ I am good at English.
❌ She is married with him.
✅ She is married to him.
How to Avoid It
- Memorize common preposition uses (e.g., good at, interested in, depend on).
- Read English books and listen to fluent speakers.
10) Speaking Too Fast
Speaking too fast can lead to unclear pronunciation and mistakes.
How to Avoid It
- Slow down and focus on clarity.
- Record yourself speaking and listen to your pronunciation.
- Join Edufolks Core English Speaking Course for practice.
Making mistakes while speaking English is normal, but learning from them is essential. By avoiding these common errors, you can communicate more effectively and confidently.
Join Edufolks Core English Speaking course. It provides structured learning to improve grammar, pronunciation, and fluency. Keep practicing, listening, and speaking, and soon you will see great improvement in your spoken English!