In the process of learning English, grammar is an indispensable part that forms the basic framework of the language, enabling us to express our thoughts accurately and understand others. However, for many learners, grammar is also a challenging area, especially in O-level (or equivalent to beginner to intermediate level) English studies. Common errors in O-level English grammar learning are presented here, along with corrective methods to help learners better master this skill.

1. Improper Use of Tenses
   Tenses are one of the core elements in English grammar, reflecting the time of action. O-level learners often make mistakes in using tenses, mainly in the following aspects:

• Confusion between the Simple Present Tense and the Present Progressive Tense
  • Error Example: “He is always forget his keys.” (He always forgets to bring his keys.)
  • Analysis: This sentence should use the Simple Present Tense to indicate habitual actions or habits, with the correct form being “He always forgets his keys.”
• Incorrect Use of Irregular Verbs in the Past Tense
  • Error Example: “Yesterday, I goed to the store.” (Yesterday, I went to the store.)
  • Analysis: The past tense of “go” is “went,” so the correct sentence is “Yesterday, I went to the store.”
• Errors in Forming the Future Tense
  • Error Example: “I will going to the party tomorrow.” (I will go to the party tomorrow.)
  • Analysis: The future tense is formed with “will + base form of the verb,” so the correct sentence is “I will go to the party tomorrow.”

2. Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
   Subject-verb agreement refers to the consistency in number (singular or plural) between the subject and the verb. This is a point often overlooked by O-level learners.

• Incorrect Matching of Singular Subjects with Plural Verbs
  • Error Example: “My sister likes playing tennis and swim.” (My sister likes playing tennis and swimming.)
  • Analysis: The subject “my sister” is singular, so the verb should also be singular, with the correct sentence being “My sister likes playing tennis and swimming.”
• Incorrect Matching of Plural Subjects with Singular Verbs
  • Error Example: “My parents like to watch movie together.” (My parents like to watch movies together.)
  • Analysis: The subject “my parents” is plural, so the verb should also be plural, with the correct sentence being “My parents like to watch movies together.”

3. Improper Use of Articles
   Articles are words used in English to indicate the attributes or scope of nouns, including the definite article “the,” the indefinite articles “a/an,” and zero articles. O-level learners often make mistakes when using articles.

• Overuse of the Definite Article “The”
  • Error Example: “I saw the red car on the street.” (I saw a red car on the street.)
  • Analysis: If not referring to a specific red car, the definite article “the” should not be used, with the correct sentence being “I saw a red car on the street.”
• Omission of the Indefinite Article “a/an”
  • Error Example: “I have orange.” (I have an orange.)
  • Analysis: Countable singular nouns usually require an indefinite article, with the correct sentence being “I have an orange.”
• Incorrect Use of Zero Article
  • Error Example: “She plays piano very well.” (She plays the piano very well.)
  • Analysis: When indicating playing a musical instrument, the noun usually requires the definite article “the,” with the correct sentence being “She plays the piano very well.”

4. Errors in Using Prepositions
   Prepositions are words that indicate the relationship between nouns or pronouns and other parts of the sentence. O-level learners often confuse or choose prepositions incorrectly.

• Confusion of Prepositions
  • Error Example: “I am waiting for her at the bus stop.” (I am waiting for her at the bus stop.)
  • Analysis: While this sentence is correct in most contexts, if one wants to express “waiting inside the bus stop,” “in” should be used instead of “at,” i.e., “I am waiting for her in the bus stop.” However, we usually say “at the bus stop” to indicate waiting at the stop, so the sentence is correct in common usage, but attention should be paid to the use of “at” and “in” in different contexts.
• Omission of Prepositions
  • Error Example: “She is good playing tennis.” (She is good at playing tennis.)
  • Analysis: When indicating proficiency in doing something, the preposition “at” should be used, with the correct sentence being “She is good at playing tennis.”
• Redundant Preposition
  • Error Example: “He is interested in to learn new things.” (He is interested in learning new things.)
  • Analysis: After “interested in,” a gerund is directly used as the object, without adding the preposition “to,” with the correct sentence being “He is interested in learning new things.”

5. Improper Use of Clause Guides
   Clauses are important components of complex sentence structures in English, but O-level learners often make mistakes when using clause guides.

• Errors in Using Restrictive Clause Guides
  • Error Example: “The book which I bought yesterday is very interesting.” (The book that I bought yesterday is very interesting.)
  • Analysis: While this sentence is grammatically correct, if the “book” is unique or specific, using “that” is more common than “which,” i.e., “The book that I bought yesterday is very interesting.” In restrictive clauses, “that” and “which” can usually be used interchangeably, but “which” is more often used in non-restrictive clauses.
• Omission of Adverbial Clause Guides
  • Error Example: “I will go to the party if I have time.” (If I have time, I will go to the party.)
  • Analysis: This sentence is correct, but learners may sometimes omit the guide word of the adverbial clause, incorrectly saying “I will go to the party I have time,” which is incorrect. The correct sentence must include the guide word “if.”
• Confusion of Nominal Clause Guides
  • Error Example: “What he said made me angry.” (What he said made me angry.)
  • Analysis: This sentence is correct, but learners may confuse the guide words of nominal clauses, incorrectly saying “That he said made me angry,” which is incorrect because when “that” guides a nominal clause, the clause must be a complete sentence, which is lacking a subject or object here. The correct guide word should be “what” because it serves as the object of “said” in the clause.

6. O-Level English Grammar Learning in Singapore
   In O-level English grammar learning, the use of tenses, subject-verb agreement, articles, prepositions, and clause guides are the areas where learners are most prone to mistakes. To avoid these mistakes, learners need to practice more, especially targeting their weak areas. At the same time, reading English literature, listening to English songs, watching English movies, etc., are also effective ways to improve language sense and reduce grammatical errors.

If you are in Singapore and want to systematically improve your English grammar level, consider booking a free trial lesson at iWorld Learning. Our professional teachers will provide you with personalized learning guidance to help you overcome grammar challenges and move towards a higher level of English proficiency. Book immediately through WhatsApp at +65 8798 0083, or visit our school address at 10 Anshun Road, Kailian Building #24-15 (Tanjong Pagar MRT Station Exit C), Singapore, postal code 079903. We look forward to your joining us to embark on a new chapter of English learning together!