Some common mistakes in English usage

A student called me up the other day, and the first thing she said was, "Sir, are you convenient to talk now?" My student may not realise this but what she really ought to have said was, "Sir, is it convenient for you to talk now?

Her mistake is quite a common feature in this country. In fact, I hear the wrong usage of this expression very often, particularly when I get calls from credit card companies, banks and call centres. Sales people, advertisement writers and students are also prone to making the same mistake or similar mistakes.

Here are 15 examples of commonly used spoken and written sentences with mistakes in English usage in them. Can you spot what’s wrong with them?

1.   Can you borrow me your pen?
2.   Any inconvenient cause is regret.
3.   We are proud of our staffs.
4.   OK. I waiting you outside.
5.   See the notice on his door? That’s mean the lecturer is not in.
6.   Don’t forgot to sign up soon.
7.   Can you tell me why you not like our offer?
8.   There is no obligations on your part to sign up.
9.   I am interested of this course.
10. Don’t worry, the session is held not very frequence.
11. Please to come again and visit our shop.
12. Book now to avoid disappointments.
13. Satisfaction is guarantee.
14. I am confidence that you will like our products.
15. Miss, can I take a few minutes for this discuss?

Did you spot the mistakes?
Why not rewrite the sentences with your answers and email it to 2daysenglish@gmail.com or request for a PDF file for the corrected sentences.