Common Speaking Errors Part 1

A common error I encounter with non-native English speaking friends, collegues and students is the difference between using the gerund (__ing) and infinitive verb (to __).

Examples
(X = Incorrect O = Correct)

X I feel like to go out tonight. 
O I feel like going out tonight.

X I want going out tonight.
O I want to go out tonight.

When using the verbs like and want we have to change the verb between a gerund and an infinitive to use the grammar correctly.

LIKE

Like can use both the gerund and infinitive verb depending on its form.

I like to sing in the shower.
I like singing in the shower.
He likes to watch movies.
He likes watching movies.

When we put 'feel' in front of 'like' we only use the gerund.

I feel like playing the piano today.
She feels like going to bed early.

It would be wrong and sound unnatural to say 'She feels like to go to bed early.'

WANT

Want can only use the infinitive verb form.

I want to go to Disney Land this year.
He wants to be a lawyer when he grows up.

Want can also be followed by a noun or adjective describing the noun.

She wants a million dollars for her new business venture.
They want a scary dog to protect their house.

Hopefully the explanations and examples will help you speak more confidently in your English speaking situations. Remember that it's OK to make errors and experiment with the language to become more fluent and natural in speaking a foreign language.   

Questions? Comments? Please send an email or leave a message in the comments box below. Also connect through social media sites; twitter, facebook, google+ or Skype.

Speak Bravely!
 
Part 2 Preview
A closer look at using the verb 'to be' with infinitive and gerund verbs.

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Cutting Down and Cutting Out

Happy New Year from Chromatic English! 

Every new year people make their resolutions to quit bad habits, get in shape or learn new skills and information.

Hopefully you've been reading this blog, taking lessons and practicing English as one of you're resolutions for this year.

Our phrase focus today is on those bad habits that you want to quit or stop, but having some trouble. So to get started you have to cut down.

To cut down, cut back or cut out is to not do it as much. From smoking 10 cigarettes a day to 5, if you're a smoker.

Examples

This year I'm cutting down on eating fatty foods.
I'm working on cutting out carbohydrates in my diet.
I've been cutting back on alcohol since the new year.

For cutting out we can include a noun inside to specify what we're quitting followed by a prepositional phrase. Cutting ____ out ____.

Examples

She's making a good decision by cutting smoking out of her life. 
We're working with a counselor to cut stress out of our relationship.
They're saving money by cutting energy costs.

Notice 

Not every sentence uses the prepositional phrase and when it does it typically uses of to specify where they're cutting from. Also, the infinitive verb is also used 'to cut' and can be used with each phrase; to cut down, to cut back.   

Good luck this year with speaking bravely! As always if you have any questions, comments or advise please email us or leave a message in the comments box below. Also be sure to find us on twitter, google+ and facebook.

Speak Bravely!


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