USAGE

PROBLEMS
BY GROUP 3 OF 10-A
1ST Day
z
OBJECTIVE
z

-be able to discuss some usage problems and

identify the common mistakes while using
these words

-review the usage problems through a short

quiz
 VS

BEAT WIN
z

Beat is usually followed

by an object which refers When Win is used, it
to the person you are describes the achievement
and does not tell the condition
playing or fighting of the opponent.
against.

Big teams like Real Madrid

Big teams like Real usually win matches against
Madrid smaller teams.
usually beat smaller
teams.
BECAUSE z

Do not use Because after

the reason
OR reword the sentence
to “the reason is that”
NON-STANDARD:
-The reason they played is
because they need to
exercise.

CORRECT:
-The reason they played is
that they needed to exercise.
BESIDE vs BESIDES
z
Beside is a preposition
that means nearby; at
the side of.
-There is an ice cream
melting beside my bag.
Besides is an adverb
and a preposition and
means in addition
to; as well and apart
from.
-Besides all of the ice
cream, the dog ate the
cake.
BRING vs TAKEz

Bring describes the movement

of something toward a specified Bring your homework to me
or nearer location.

Take generally describes the I'm going to take some burgers to Paul's
movement of something away house for his birthday party.
from a location.
z
 z

BY GROUP 3 OF 10-A
2nd Day

USAGE
PROBLEMS
OBJECTIVE
z

-be able to discuss some usage problems and

identify the common mistakes while using
these words
-review the usage problems through a short
quiz
BUNCH
Bunch means
z

“a
number of things of the
same kind.” Avoid using
this word to mean
“group.”

The invited veterinarians

brought a bunch of
animals with them.
BURST, BUST, BUSTED
z

Burst is the same in the present,

past, and past participle.

I am so full that my stomach is

about to burst. (present)

We burst a dozen water balloons at

the party yesterday. (past)

They said he had a burst appendix.

(past participle)
CAN vs MAY z

Can is used to express May is used to express

mental and physical permission.
capability.
May I go in your house?
Can he construct a
house?
CAN’T HELP BUT
z

Always use can’t help + a

gerund

NON-STANDARD: My
father can’t help but
wonder how people can be
such good dancers.

CORRECT: My father can’t

help wondering how people
can be such good dancers.
z