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Common Usage Problems

This document provides a study guide for common usage problems involving similar meanings and spellings, words that should never be used, pairs that are often misused, and problems with verb forms. It includes an exercise where students must underline the correct word to complete each sentence based on the types of problems covered. It also includes an exercise where students must identify and rewrite sentences containing usage problems to use formal English. The guide aims to help students avoid common errors in their writing.

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Biglolo Biglala
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2K views1 page

Common Usage Problems

This document provides a study guide for common usage problems involving similar meanings and spellings, words that should never be used, pairs that are often misused, and problems with verb forms. It includes an exercise where students must underline the correct word to complete each sentence based on the types of problems covered. It also includes an exercise where students must identify and rewrite sentences containing usage problems to use formal English. The guide aims to help students avoid common errors in their writing.

Uploaded by

Biglolo Biglala
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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Common Usage Problems Practice 1

Solving Usage Problems Study the items in the usage glossary in your textbook, paying particular
attention to similar meanings and spellings, words that should never be used, pairs that are often misused,
and problems with verb forms.
TYPES OF PROBLEMS
Similar Spellings
Wrong Words
Misused Pairs
Verb Forms

Exercise 1

beside, besides
irregardless
learn, teach
burst

all ready, already


nowheres
bring, take
have done

Avoiding Common Usage Problems. Underline the word(s) in parentheses that

correctly complete each sentence.

EXAMPLE: Mr. Salvin (burst, busted) out laughing when he read my paper.
1. Who (beside, besides) you is planning to be absent?
2. The game was postponed (due to, because of) rain.
3. Boriss grandfather (learned, taught) him to play chess.
4. How is a dromedary different (from, than) a camel?
5. Chris was (eager, anxious) to begin working at her new job.
6. The rescue team was determined to go (irregardless, regardless) of the risks.
7. Years of smoking will likely have a bad (affect, effect) on your lungs.
8. (Leave, Let) that poor cat alone!
9. Small animals (adapt, adopt) quickly to changes in their environment.
10. Buoyancy is an important (principal, principle) of physics.

Exercise 2

Correcting Common Usage Problems. Underline the word or expression that


creates a usage problem in each sentence below. Then correctly rewrite the sentence, using formal
English.

EXAMPLE: The President excepted the challenge to debate.


The President accepted the challenge to debate.
1. Nancy became real discouraged when the tenth publisher rejected her novel.

2. I done my homework already.

3. A slice of pizza is more healthy than a candy bar.

4. This here watch belonged to my great-grandfather.

5. The owner of this shop prides herself on her very unique selection of gifts.

Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Common Usage Problems 121

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