10 Common English Grammar Mistakes Sri Lankans Make
Many Sri Lankan English learners struggle with the same grammar patterns. This happens because we often directly translate from Sinhala or Tamil to English. In this article, we’ll identify the 10 most common mistakes and show you how to fix them with simple explanations and examples.
Common Grammar Mistakes and How to Correct Them
1. Using “no?” instead of tag questions
In Sinhala, we often add “නේද?” (neda?) or in Tamil “இல்லையா?” (illaiya?) to the end of sentences. Many Sri Lankans directly translate this to “no?” in English.
Incorrect: You are coming tomorrow, no?
Correct: You are coming tomorrow, aren’t you?
Solution: Learn the proper English tag questions based on the main verb in your sentence.
2. Confusing “since” and “for” with time expressions
This is a common error because both words can translate to the same word in Sinhala or Tamil.
Incorrect: I have been working here since three years.
Correct: I have been working here for three years.
Remember: Use “since” with a specific point in time, and “for” with a duration of time.
3. Incorrect prepositions
Prepositions don’t always translate directly between languages, leading to common mistakes.
Incorrect: I will discuss about the problem.
Correct: I will discuss the problem.
Incorrect: We reached to the station.
Correct: We reached the station.
Tip: Learn common verb+preposition combinations as phrases rather than individual words.
4. Using “only” for emphasis
In Indian languages, “only” is often used for emphasis, but this usage is different in English.
Incorrect: I only told him to wait.
Correct: I told only him to wait. (if you mean no one else)
Correct: I told him only to wait. (if you mean do nothing else)
Remember: In English, “only” typically modifies the word that comes immediately after it.
5. Omitting articles (a, an, the)
Sinhala and Tamil don’t have articles, so Sri Lankans often forget to use them in English.
Incorrect: She is doctor.
Correct: She is a doctor.
Incorrect: I saw movie yesterday.
Correct: I saw a movie yesterday.
Tip: Practice identifying countable and uncountable nouns to know when articles are needed.
6. Wrong word order in questions
In Sinhala and Tamil, question words often come at the end of sentences, unlike English.
Incorrect: You are going where?
Correct: Where are you going?
Incorrect: She said what?
Correct: What did she say?
Remember: In English, question words (who, what, where, when, why, how) almost always come at the beginning.
7. Using “its” and “it’s” incorrectly
This confusion is common among English learners worldwide, but Sri Lankans particularly struggle with it.
Incorrect: The dog wagged it’s tail.
Correct: The dog wagged its tail.
Incorrect: Its raining outside.
Correct: It’s raining outside.
Remember: “It’s” is always a contraction for “it is” or “it has.” “Its” shows possession.
8. Using “more better”
This is a classic example of double comparison that many Sri Lankans use.
Incorrect: This method is more better than that one.
Correct: This method is better than that one.
Remember: “Better” is already the comparative form of “good,” so you don’t need “more” before it.
9. Confusing “say” and “tell”
In Sinhala and Tamil, the same word is often used for both “say” and “tell.”
Incorrect: He said me to come early.
Correct: He told me to come early.
Incorrect: She told that she was tired.
Correct: She said that she was tired.
Rule: Use “tell” when there’s a person as the object. Use “say” without a personal object.
10. Using “and etc.”
This is redundant because “etc.” already means “and other things.”
Incorrect: Bring fruits, vegetables, and etc.
Correct: Bring fruits, vegetables, etc.
Correct: Bring fruits, vegetables, and other items.
Remember: “etc.” is an abbreviation of the Latin “et cetera,” which means “and the rest,” so adding “and” is unnecessary.
Quick Improvement Tip
Focus on correcting just 2-3 of these mistakes at a time. Trying to fix all of them at once can be overwhelming. Record yourself speaking or ask a friend to point out when you make these errors.
Final Thoughts
Making these grammar mistakes is completely normal when learning English as a second language. The key is to recognize these patterns and consciously practice the correct forms. Don’t be discouraged – even native speakers make grammar mistakes sometimes!
The most effective way to improve is through consistent practice. Try to use the correct forms in your daily conversations, even if it feels unnatural at first.
Ready to improve your English grammar?
Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly English tips tailored for Sri Lankan learners!