The Worst Kind Of English Mistake

Have you ever been to Florida?

Have you ever been to Florida in late August or September?

Then you probably got to experience a hurricane.

Of course, hurricanes are dangerous.

But not all hurricanes are equally dangerous.

For example, a Category 1 storm means you should close the windows and bring in the cat.

While a Category 5 storm means you should close the windows, bring in the cat, get in the car, and drive to another state.

Well, just like hurricanes, there are levels of severity for your mistakes.

FIND THE MISTAKE

Yesterday, I asked you to look at a sign and guess the mistake.

Thank you for your guesses on the blog!

The mistake was: “Before fail and the pool.”

Why is it a mistake?

Because it makes no sense!

As one reader wrote, “It’s incomprehensible.”

And that’s a Category 3 Mistake.

You didn’t simply use the wrong tense or forget the article — the other person has no idea what you said!

You know when you’ve made a Category 3 mistake.

The other person’s face changes; they look confused.

And they’ll probably say something like, “Huh? Say that again?”

When this happens, find out the correct way to say it.

Write it down.

And then practice it until you have it memorized!

TOMORROW: Category 2 Mistakes – What are they and how to stop making them

Cheers,
Mr. Vig

P.S.

Here’s a crazy idea…

While your friends and family and colleagues spend the summer kicking back and soaking up the sun…

You get serious about your English!

Then, in September, you can impress everyone with your new confidence, big words, and easy sentences.

Here are two ways to improve your English this summer: