English is not that simple, as it may seem. It entails complexities that we have been ignoring since long. You might be a professional at reading, writing and speaking in English, however we are sure you’ll relate with these top 5 grammar myths that we have listed below.
Using “a” before words that starts with consonants, and “an” before words that start with vowels
Completely wrong!
In correct English, we use “a” before words that start with a consonant sound, and “an” before the ones that start with a vowel sound. We need to adjust according to the sound of the word, and not how we spell it.
Therefore, you will have to write – Someone has “an MBA” degree, not someone has “a MBA” degree. Because, even though MBA starts with M, it stats with the sound of a vowel “Em”.
You shouldn’t end a sentence as with a preposition
Incorrect!
You should refrain from ending a sentence with a preposition, if the sentence would mean the same even when the preposition is left off. For instance, “where are you at?” and “where are you?” both mean the same, and you need not to make it complex by stuffing a preposition at the end.
However, there are many sentences where the preposition is a significant part of the phrasal verb. For instance, “what are you waiting for?” and “I am going to throw up” are a few examples.
You should not start a sentence with “however”
Wrong!
You can start a sentence with “however”, so long as you use a comma after it.
It is incorrect to answer “how are you?” with “I am good!”
Completely Incorrect!
We have been taught to modify verbs by adverbs. However, “good” is not modifying “am” in the sentence “I am good”. In fact, it is acting as the subject complement and modifying the pronoun “I”.
Another alternative could be “I am well”
However, many grammarians believe “I am well” should be used describe your health and not about your general disposition.
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