这一节我们来分析其他三种错误类型：Verb + preposition，countable / uncountable nouns以及 word class (词性) 的错误类型以及如何改正。
Verb + preposition
In his letter, Albert makes several mistakes with verbs followed by prepositions.
For example, he wrote
"If you would like to discuss about this,..."
When a phrase or sentence contains a verb followed by a preposition, you should check the grammar in a dictionary.
Read the dictionary entry below for "discuss". Look at the example sentences.
Can "discuss" be followed by the preposition "about"?
|
Discuss...(verb) 1 to talk about something with someone in order to exchange ideas or decide something: Sam won't discuss his new deal. Discuss sth with sb I discussed my plan with Mr Lee... |
The verb "discuss" is not followed by a preposition. For example, "Sam won't discuss his new deal". Note, however, that you can write, "Sam won't get into a discussion about his new deal".
Try this activity to practise using verbs followed by prepositions. You can use a dictionary.
For each of these sentences below, choose the correct phrase to fill in the gap.
1. Human Resources _____ the need for all staff to abide by the code of conduct.
A. stressed about B. stressed C. stressed on
2. Please _____ Amy to contact the Eastside branch.
A. request for B. request with C. request
3. We are encouraging all customers to ____ a credit card during the promotion period.
A. apply on B. apply C. apply for
4. It is important to ____ the customer's request carefully.
A. listen B. listen to C. listen in to
Keys: BCCB
Countable / uncountable nouns
In his letter, Albert wrote:
"I am please to provide you the informations..."
There are several mistakes in this sentence.
You can use a dictionary to help you identify and correct these mistakes.
For example, look up the word "informations" in a dictionary. Below is part of a typical dictionary entry.
|
Information...(noun) 1 [U] facts or knowledge about something or somebody... |
In the dictionary, the word "information" is followed by a symbol [U]. This tells you that "information" is an uncountable noun.
An uncountable noun has no plural form. It cannot be counted. It is regarded as both singular and plural.
Can you think of another example? How about 'water' or 'rice'?
Can you say 'one water, two waters, three waters...'?
No! 'Water' is uncountable.
In the Longman Dictionary, uncountable nouns are marked [U].
Countable nouns - things you can count, such as table / tables - are marked [C]
Look at the nouns on the left below. Which nouns are countable [C] and which are uncountable [U]? You can use a dictionary.
Money
Equipment
Currency
Department
Staff
Furniture
Person
Information
Countable: Currency, Department, Person
Uncountable: Money, Equipment, Staff, Furniture, Information
The sentences below all contain at least one countable / uncountable noun error.
Try to correct the errors.
1. I have invested monies in six different foreign currency.
2. In our office, the furnitures are very old.
3. The manager is concerned that some staffs are
（责任编辑：城市网）