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.