Common mistakes with verbs
In this article, we will take a look at some common mistakes in the use of some verbs.
1) Incorrect: She told to me about it.
Correct: She told me about it.
Explanation: The verb tell should be followed by an indirect object without ‘to’.
2) Incorrect: She told that she wasn’t interested.
Correct: She told me that she wasn’t interested. OR She said that she wasn’t interested.
Explanation: When tell is used with a that-clause, it takes an indirect object.
3) Incorrect:I want that you talk to him.
Correct: I want you to talk to him.
Explanation: The verb want cannot be followed by a that-clause. It is followed by a to-infinitive.
4) Incorrect: The doctor suggested to take a vacation.
Correct: The doctor suggested that I take a vacation. OR The doctor suggested taking a vacation.
Explanation: The verb suggest should be followed by a that-clause or an –ing form. It cannot be followed by a to-infinitive.
5) Incorrect: I would like to discuss about your plans.
Correct: I would like to discuss your plans.
Incorrect: Can you describe about this picture in hundred words?
Correct: Can you describe this picture in hundred words?
Incorrect: She requested for my help.
Correct: She requested my help.
Explanation: The verbs describe, discuss and request are transitive verbs.Transitive verbs should be followed by objects. They do not take a preposition before the object.