這一節(jié)我們來分析其他三種錯誤類型：Verb + preposition，countable / uncountable
nouns以及 word class (詞性) 的錯誤類型以及如何改正。
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 arriving
late.
Answers:
1. I have invested money in six different foreign
currencies.
2. In our offic, the furniture is very
old.
3. The manager is concerned that some staff are arriving
late.
Word
class
In his letter, Albert wrote:
"I'm sure you'll find this service very
convenience".
Can you see the mistake that Albert
made?
Albert is describing a service. Unfortunately, he used
the wrong word class (or part of speech). To describe someone or something you
should use an adjective. Albert used a noun ("convenience") instead of an
adjective ("convenient").
Albert should have written:
"I'm sure you'll find this service very
convenient."
You can use a dictionary to check the class of words you
use. This will help you avoid the mistake which Albert made.
What's wrong with this sentence?
"He is lack of experience."
|
Lack1.... (noun) [ U ] the state of not
having enough of something: [ + of ] Lack of regular exercise may increase
the chance of illness....
Lack2 ....(verb) 1 to not have enough of
something that you need: Annie lacks the self-discipline to do her
homework every day... |
The dictionary gives the following sentences as examples
of the word "lack":
(a) Noun - Lack of regular exercise may increase the
chance of illness.
(b) Verb - Annie lacks the
self-discipline to do her homework every day.
Use these entries to help you correct the following
sentence:
"He is lack of experience."
Answer:
The word "lack" can be either a noun or a
verb.
1. noun: "He has a lack of experience." "He shows a lack
of experience."
2. verb: "He lacks experience."
Note: You could also use "lacking", which is an
adjective.
eg "He's lacking in experience."
Exercise
You now know how to use the dictionary to help you edit a
letter. Below is an exercise to practise what you've learned.
Help Albert edit his letter so that it will be ready to
send. Each paragraph from the letter is shown below.
Use your dictionary to identify the errors. Then rewrite
each paragraph.
|
Paragraph 1
"Thank you for your letter of 1 March 200X. I
apologise the delay in responding."
Answer: "Thank you for your letter of 1 March 200X.
I apologise the delay in responding."
Paragraph 2
"I am please to provide you the informations about
our standing instructions."
Answer: "I am pleased to provide you with the
information about our standing instructions."
Paragraph 3
"I understand you have no experiences of this
service before. However, I'm sure you'll find this service very
convenience. When you use this service to settle your bill, we will debit
the amount from your account automatically."
Answer: "I understand you have no experience of
this service before. However, I'm sure you'll find this service very
convenient. When you use this service to settle your bill, we will debit
the amount from your account automatically."
Paragraph 4
"May I suggest you to apply immediately by filling
out the enclose application form. We are happy to arrange you to enjoy
this free service. If you would like to discuss about this, please call to
me or any of our staffs on 2344 6577."
Answer: "May I suggest that you apply immediately
by filling out the enclosed application form. We are happy to arrange for
you to enjoy this free service. If you would like to discuss this, please
call me or any of our staff on 2344 6577."
Paragraph 5
"I look forward to hearing from
you."
Answer: "I look forward to hearing from you." (no
errors) |
When you edit, you can get a lot of help from a
dictionary. You can also get help from another "friend".
That’s peer editing. 我們將在下一節(jié)中講述。
（來源：中國物流論壇 實習(xí)生江巍 英語點津 Annabel 編輯）
我要學(xué)習(xí)更多商務(wù)英語
