Common Mistakes in English

after certain words. The following list includes the words

Using the wrong preposition

which most often give trouble:

1. Absorbed (- very much interested) in, not at.

Don't say: The man was absorbed at his work.

Say: The man was absorbed in his work.

2. Accuse of, not for.

Don't say: She accused the man for stealing.

 Say: She accused the man of stealing.

Note: Charge takes with 1

 The man was charged with murder.

3. Accustomed to, not with.

Don't say: I'm accustomed with hot weather.

 Say: I'm accustomed to hot weather.

Note: Also used to: He is used to the heat.

4 Afraid of, not from.

Don't say: Laura is afraid from the dog.

Say: Laura is afraid of the dog.

5. Aim at, not on or against.

Don't say: She aimed on {or against) the target.

 Say: She aimed at the target,

Note: Use the preposition at to denot e direction, throw at, shout at, fire

at, shoot at. Shoot (without the at) means to kill He shot a bird(= he hit and killed it)

6  Angry with, not against.

Don't say: The teacher was angry against him.

 Say: The teacher was angry with him.

note: We get angry with a person but at a thing He was angry at The

weather 'not with the weather )

Note: Also annoyed with, vexed with, indignant with a person, but at a thing.

7. Anxious (= troubled) about, not for.

Don't say.'They're anxious for his health.

Say: They're anxious about his health.

Note: Anxious meaning wishing very much lakes for Parents are anxious

for their children's success.

8. Arrive at, not to.

Don't say: We arrived to the village at night.

Say: We arrived at the village at night.

Note: Use arrive in with countries an d large cities. Mr Smith has arrived in London (or New York. India, etc )

9. Ashamed of, not from.

Don't say: He's now ashamed from his conduct.

 Say: He's now ashamed of his conduct.

Note: it isn't correct to use ashamed of meaning shy Ashamed means

feeling shame or guilt about something. Shy means feeling nervous with

someone Instead of saying 

 I'm ashamed (or shamed) of my teacher, say

I'm shy of my teacher