Give a mark, not put a mark.
Don’t say: The teacher put me a good mark.
Say: The teacher gave me a good mark.
May 30, 2012
May 29, 2012
Un-English Expressions
Turn (switch) the light on or off, not open or shut the light.
Don’t say: Please open the light.
Say: Please turn on (or off) the light.
Or: Please switch on (or off) the light.
Note: We light, blow out or put a lamp, a candle, or a fire.
May 26, 2012
Un-English Expressions
Tell or speak the truth, not say the truth.
Don’t say: Fiona always says the truth.
- Say: Fiona always tells the truth.
- Or: Fiona always speaks the truth.
May 25, 2012
Un-English Expressions
Smoke a cigarette, etc., not drink a cigarette, etc.
Don’t say: He drinks too many cigarettes.
- Say: He smokes too many cigarettes.
May 23, 2012
Un-English Expressions
Pretend, not make oneself that.
Don’t say: She makes herself that she knows.
- Say: She pretends to know.
May 22, 2012
Un-English Expressions
Take exercise, not make exercise.
Don’t say: You ought to make more exercise.
- Say: You ought to take more exercise.
May 19, 2012
Un-English Expressions
Hurry up, not fasten up.
Don’t say: Kindly fasten up or else you would be late.
- Say: Kindly hurry up or else you would be late.
May 18, 2012
Un-English Expressions
Give a discount, not make a discount.
Don’t say: He made me a small discount.
- Say: He gave me a small discount.
May 17, 2012
Un-English Expressions
Ask a question, not make a question.
Don’t say: Naomi made me several questions.
- Say: Naomi asked me several questions.
May 15, 2012
Un-English Expressions
Often used, not used often.
Don’t say: He used often to sit outside the door of his house.
- Say: He often used to sit outside the door of his house.
