这一节我们来分析其他三种错误类型：Verb + preposition，countable¹ / uncountable nouns以及word class (词性)的错误类型以及如何改正。

Verb + preposition

In his letter, Albert makes several mistakes with verbs followed by prepositions.

For example, he wrote

"If you would like to discuss about this,..." 

When a phrase or sentence contains a verb followed by a preposition, you should check the grammar in a dictionary.

Read the dictionary entry below for "discuss". Look at the example sentences.

Can "discuss" be followed by the preposition "about"?

Discuss...(verb) 1 to talk about something with someone in order to exchange ideas or decide something: Sam won't discuss his new deal. Discuss sth with sb I discussed my plan with Mr Lee...

 

The verb "discuss" is not followed by a preposition. For example, "Sam won't discuss his new deal". Note, however, that you can write, "Sam won't get into a discussion about his new deal".

Try this activity to practise using verbs followed by prepositions. You can use a dictionary.

For each of these sentences below, choose the correct phrase to fill in the gap.

1. Human Resources _____ the need for all staff to abide² by the code of conduct.

A. stressed about   B. stressed   C. stressed on

2. Please _____ Amy to contact the Eastside branch.

A. request for   B. request with   C. request

3. We are encouraging all customers to ____ a credit card during the promotion³ period.

A. apply on   B. apply   C. apply for

4. It is important to ____ the customer's request carefully.

A. listen   B. listen to   C. listen in to 

Keys: BCCB

Countable / uncountable nouns 

In his letter, Albert wrote:

"I am please to provide you the informations..."

There are several mistakes in this sentence.

You can use a dictionary to help you identify and correct these mistakes.

For example, look up the word "informations" in a dictionary. Below is part of a typical dictionary entry. 

Information...(noun) 1 [U] facts or knowledge about something or somebody...

 

In the dictionary, the word "information" is followed by a symbol [U]. This tells you that "information" is an uncountable noun.

An uncountable noun has no plural⁴ form. It cannot be counted. It is regarded as both singular and plural.

Can you think of another example? How about 'water' or 'rice'?

Can you say 'one water, two waters, three waters...'?

No! 'Water' is uncountable.

In the Longman Dictionary, uncountable nouns are marked [U].

Countable nouns - things you can count, such as table / tables - are marked [C]

Look at the nouns on the left below. Which nouns are countable [C] and which are uncountable [U]? You can use a dictionary.

Money   

Equipment   

Currency   

Department   

Staff   

Furniture   

Person   

Information 

Countable: Currency, Department, Person

Uncountable: Money, Equipment, Staff, Furniture, Information

The sentences below all contain at least one countable / uncountable noun error. 

Try to correct the errors. 

1. I have invested monies in six different foreign currency.

2. In our office, the furnitures are very old.

3. The manager is concerned that some staffs are arriving late.

Answers:

1. I have invested money in six different foreign currencies.

2. In our offic, the furniture is very old.

3. The manager is concerned that some staff are arriving late.

Word class

In his letter, Albert wrote:

"I'm sure you'll find this service very convenience".

Can you see the mistake that Albert made?

Albert is describing a service. Unfortunately, he used the wrong word class (or part of speech). To describe someone or something you should use an adjective. Albert used a noun ("convenience") instead of an adjective ("convenient").

Albert should have written:

"I'm sure you'll find this service very convenient."

You can use a dictionary to check the class of words you use. This will help you avoid the mistake which Albert made.

What's wrong with this sentence?

"He is lack of experience."

 

Lack1.... (noun) [ U ] the state of not having enough of something: [ + of ] Lack of regular exercise may increase the chance of illness.... Lack2....(verb) 1 to not have enough of something that you need: Annie lacks the self-discipline to do her homework every day...

The dictionary gives the following sentences as examples of the word "lack":

(a) Noun - Lack of regular exercise may increase the chance of illness.

(b) Verb - Annie lacks the self-discipline to do her homework every day.

Use these entries to help you correct the following sentence:

"He is lack of experience."

Answer:

The word "lack" can be either a noun or a verb.

1. noun: "He has a lack of experience." "He shows a lack of experience."

2. verb: "He lacks experience."

Note: You could also use "lacking", which is an adjective.

eg "He's lacking in experience."

Exercise

You now know how to use the dictionary to help you edit a letter. Below is an exercise to practise what you've learned.

Help Albert edit his letter so that it will be ready to send. Each paragraph from the letter is shown below.

Use your dictionary to identify the errors. Then rewrite each paragraph.

 

Paragraph 1 "Thank you for your letter of 1 March 200X. I apologise the delay in responding." Answer: "Thank you for your letter of 1 March 200X. I apologise the delay in responding." Paragraph 2 "I am please to provide you the informations about our standing5 instructions." Answer: "I am pleased to provide you with the information about our standing instructions." Paragraph 3 "I understand you have no experiences of this service before. However, I'm sure you'll find this service very convenience. When you use this service to settle your bill, we will debit6 the amount from your account automatically." Answer: "I understand you have no experience of this service before. However, I'm sure you'll find this service very convenient. When you use this service to settle your bill, we will debit the amount from your account automatically." Paragraph 4 "May I suggest you to apply immediately by filling out the enclose application form. We are happy to arrange you to enjoy this free service. If you would like to discuss about this, please call to me or any of our staffs on 2344 6577." Answer: "May I suggest that you apply immediately by filling out the enclosed application form. We are happy to arrange for you to enjoy this free service. If you would like to discuss this, please call me or any of our staff on 2344 6577." Paragraph 5 "I look forward to hearing from you." Answer: "I look forward to hearing from you." (no errors)  When you edit, you can get a lot of help from a dictionary. You can also get help from another "friend".

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