Common Errors for French Speakers

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

On her first day at work, she told her manager: "I am in England since three months." Her manager smiled politely. Léa had made the most common mistake that French speakers make in English.

Grammar Reference · Common Errors for French Speakers

Present perfect:

Use present perfect for situations that started in the past and continue now. I have been here for three months. Never use present simple with for/since + ongoing meaning.

Articles: general

Do not use 'the' with general abstract nouns in English. Life is short. I love music. French adds articles more often than English does.

Make vs Do

French 'faire' covers both English verbs. Make an effort. Do sport. Make a mistake. Do homework. Learn each as a fixed pair.

Verb patterns: enjoy

Some verbs are always followed by a gerund. She enjoys speaking English. Never: She enjoys to speak. Other examples: avoid, mind, finish, suggest.

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Common Errors for French Speakers

1.She in Paris since she was a child.

2.Léa sport every morning before work.

3.He a mistake in the report yesterday.

4. is important for language learners.

5.I in London for five years now.

6.She enjoys English with her colleagues.

02Exercise 2 — Find and Correct the Error

find the error · rewrite the sentence

1.I am working here since January.

2.She did a mistake in her report.

3.The music is something I love.

4.He enjoys to read in English.

5.Léa gave her manager an advice.

6.I have arrived here since two years.

7.They made a lot of sport last summer.

8.She is studying English for three years now.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

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