When we write or speak English, we may make all kinds of mistakes - spelling, grammar, or collocation. But we can learn from our mistakes. Then, how do we learn from them? My answers are as follows:
1. Reread what you wrote or recall what you said for possible mistakes. Be aware that you may have used some words or expressions incorrectly or inappropriately. We make mistakes even when we write a simple sentence or speak an easy word. English can be so tricky. It's not a breeze for learners to choose an appropriate word. If you realize mistakes may spoil communication and you are determined to spot the mistakes, you can reread or recall something you wrote or said. If you do so, chances are you'll find what you want to. Try to spot as many mistakes as possible. Your goal is to correct them and try to avoid making the same mistakes in the future.
2. Consult a dictionary or grammar book for a right answer. When you reread what you wrote or recall what you said, you may find something wrong or inappropriate, or you may be unsure whether you used a word correctly. You can consult a dictionary or a grammar book for the right answer to your question or doubt. A good dictionary or grammar book is absolutely useful and helpful. So always have a good dictionary and grammar books nearby in case you need to consult one. Personally, I usually consult 'Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English'.
3. Ask someone else to correct your English. The key is to find the right someone to correct you. It's desirable to find a native English teacher. I know many such teachers here are willing to help you.
What do you say?
Comments
Yes, we should learn from our mistakes if we really want to improve our writing skills!
@Grace: yes, you got it! Glad you found it useful/helpful.
I usually reread what I write before posting it. But, at times, I haven't time to do so and I will spot some typos or other mistakes when I read the posted comment/writing. If I find big mistakes in it, I usually reedit the blog or delete the whole comment - I wouldn't let others learn my mistake!
I grateful for you and Have a great Monday Smith. :D
*Lamegogo
Yes, it's a good idea to have someone correcting your English - this way you learn it quickly and effectively. I know some people prefer learning English by themselves - they'd like to find the correct answer from a book, not consult anyone else.
I myself prefer others would correct me, too. I'm also willing to help others learn English. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Very useful set of guidelines, to the learner as well as to the native speaker.
Karenina thank you for referring to me. Yes as a teacher and a native speaker,I do reach out indirectly and correct when ever any one request or not .
We are in this site for many reasons be it as a learner
teacher ,native speaker or a lover of English , should we see any errors we can reach out and correct them confidently, without making it known. This is our club , we should make the best out of it, by giving our ideas and helping each other.
All the best Doctor, and thank you dear Karenina.
The preposition you should have chosen is 'at'. You say 'at a higher level'.
So, I managed to rewrite the sentence for you: I know you are Asian too, so I have set myself a goal at a higher level.
Hope that helps!
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