How to Improve English: Knowing Common Errors in English Usage

        The concept of an error in using language is not absolutely defined. However, those who are sophisticated users of English such as writers, editors, professors, literate executives and personnel officers will all know when an error has been committed. They are in the position to give advice on how to improve English for other users such as children who are only beginning to learn about its nuances and adults who are learning English as their second language. English may not be the most widely spoken language in the world, but it certainly is the most popular in developed countries and many countries in the world integrate English courses into their curriculum.

        An academic blog for the Washington State University (http://public.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/) lists common errors in the usage of English as well as discussion that will provide a learner more tips on how to improve English. Since these mistakes are too numerous to list and explain in one sitting, it would be better to just discuss why it is important for users of English to know it.

        A person's mistakes in using English can be influenced by several factors such as how widely English is used in his or her country, the person's educational attainment, exposure to English media, and whether his or her country of origin has been colonized by a predominantly English speaking country such as the US or Great Britain. The way in which one person's usage of English can differ from others if they do not share the same factors above. However, it should be noted that there is a standard in reading, speaking and writing English which all users should aim to follow. This should be done given the consideration that there are many variants of English such as Commonwealth English, US English and other versions of English in colonized countries.

How to Improve English Outside of the Classroom

         In the present world we live in, it is important for many people to be able to learn English. It may not be the most widely spoken language in the world, but is certainly the most widely spoken in developed countries. Therefore, in order for us to be able to communicate with relatives who live or work in these countries and to be able to ride on with the momentum of globalisation we must learn how to improve English proficiency which will enable us to do these things. If we should ever want to work in a first world country due to the better salary and standard of living, even if English is not the primary language spoken in this country we will still need to learn how to improve English in order to communicate with other citizens of such a country who are also foreigners.

        English being taught in many countries and integrated into curricula with the aim of making the country competitive in terms of having a globally adaptable labor force. However, not all individuals can have access to free education. For people who still want to learn or improve their English but cannot afford to take formal lessons, there are still measures that they can take on how to improve English knowledge:

• Practise writing 

        It is not enough to just be able to speak English well. You should also be able to write and read it well in order to make your knowledge a well-rounded one. Start with writing small passages whose content you wrote originally such as letters, anecdotes or poems so that you can develop a feel as to how the language is being used in written form.

• Practise speech and pronunciation 

        Learn how to communicate with others verbally using English by making sure that your pronunciation of the words and correct as well as your diction and intonation. It would be better if you do so at first with someone who shares the same first language as you but who is likewise proficient in English so that he or she can understand and patiently correct you if your first attempts at speaking in English may not be up to standard yet.