Say This, Not That: Fixing Common English Learner Mistakes

Even advanced learners make small mistakes that affect clarity, tone, or confidence. This guide highlights common English learner mistakes and gives you more natural, professional, or polite ways to say what you mean. These tips help you sound smoother and more confident in conversations, emails, and meetings. 

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Why Fixing Common English Learner Mistakes Matters

Correcting small errors makes a big difference in how you’re understood and perceived. Whether you’re speaking casually, at work, or in school, small shifts in language can:

• Improve your fluency
• Build your confidence
• Help you sound more professional and natural

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Common English Learner Mistakes – Everyday Speaking Mistakes

❌ I very like it.
✅ “I really like it.” or “I like it a lot.”

❌ He don’t understand.
✅ “He doesn’t understand.”

❌ I am agree.
✅ “I agree.”

❌ I’m boring.
✅ “I’m bored.” (Use “boring” to describe something, not yourself.)

❌ Can you explain me this?
✅ “Can you explain this to me?”

Common English Learner Mistakes – Politeness and Tone

❌ Give me that.
✅ “Could you give me that, please?”

❌ I want coffee.
✅ “I’d like a coffee, please.”

❌ You are wrong.
✅ “I see it differently.” or “I’m not sure I agree.”

❌ I don’t understand you.
✅ “Could you say that another way?”

Say This, Not That – Writing and Emails

❌ I wait your reply.
✅ “I look forward to your reply.”

❌ Please send me it.
✅ “Please send it to me.”

❌ I do a mistake.
✅ “I made a mistake.”

❌ I am interesting in this job.
✅ “I am interested in this job.”

❌ Thanks for your quickly answer.
✅ “Thanks for your quick reply.”

Say This, Not That – Confidence at Work

❌ Sorry for my bad English.
✅ “English isn’t my first language, so thank you for your patience.”

❌ I’m not sure, maybe I’m wrong.
✅ “I think this is correct, but I’d like to confirm.”

❌ I think you make mistake.
✅ “There might be a small error—can we double-check?”

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Common English Learner Mistakes: Practice Prompts for Learners

Try replacing these “not-that” phrases with better versions:

1. You’re at a café and want to order.
2. You disagree politely in a meeting.
3. You email your teacher or manager.
4. You’re asking for clarification from a colleague.

✅ Practice aloud, write them out, or use them in a mock conversation.

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Solo Practice Activity: Improve Your Phrasing

Here’s a simple activity to do on your own:

1. Choose five phrases from the “Say This, Not That” sections.
2. Write your own short dialogue or scenario using each corrected phrase.
3. Record yourself reading your dialogue out loud.
4. Listen to your recording and note any areas where you can improve your tone, pronunciation, or phrasing.
5. Repeat the recording after making adjustments.

✅ This helps build muscle memory and confidence in using correct, natural-sounding English.

Want to Avoid Common English Learner Mistakes?

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