English Vocabulary and Grammar Guide

Common Mistakes and Corrections

Instead of:

• The lifts were SO old that: Use: The lifts were so old that...
• the..photocopied some copies for me: Use: I had some copies photocopied.
• She takes 1min: Use: It takes her 1 minute.
• Althoug: Use: Although
• Too+adj: Use: Not + adjective + enough
• If he doesnt: Use: Unless he...
• I would prefer to+inf: Use: I'd rather + infinitive

Remember:

• Use the -ing form after "remember".
• Use "regret to" + infinitive.
• Use the -ing form after "try".
• Use "had better not" instead of "shouldn't/ought to".
• Use "on the point of" + gerund instead of "be about to" + infinitive.

Other Useful Tips:

• Instead of "It's time + past simple", use present perfect continuous: "They have worked here for... years."
• Use "like + gerund" instead of "to be fond of".
• Use "by yourself" instead of "on your own".
• Use "as + adjective + as" instead of "more than/better than".
• Instead of "I haven't seen Peter for ages", use: "It's ages since I saw Peter."
• Use the -ing form after "regret".
• Use "apologize to" + infinitive.
• Use the -ing form after "mind".
• Use "forget to" instead of "remember not to".
• Instead of "Don't forget to... her brother said", use: "Her brother reminded him to..."

Business and Education Vocabulary

Clothing

• Belt: cinturón
• Bowtie: pajarita
• Laces: cordones
• Naked: desnudo
• Scarf: bufanda
• Socks: calcetines

Employment

• Short list: presentación candidatos
• Fill in: rellenar
• Applications forms: formularios
• Interview: entrevista
• Applicants: solicitantes
• Commute: viajar
• Prospects: perspectivas
• Promotion: ascenso
• Retire: jubilarse
• Pagas extras: perks
• To get the sack/fire: despedido/despedir
• The dole queue: cola paro
• Retirement: jubilación
• To be promoted: ascendido
• To resign: dimitir
• Resignation: dimisión
• Employment: empleo
• Unemployment: desempleo
• Employee: empleado

Education

• Terms: trimestre
• Degree: título, carrera
• Co-educational: mixto
• Nursery school: guardería
• Grant: beca
• Clase universidad: lecture
• Break up: interrumpir
• Compulsory: obligatorio
• Fees: tasas
• Public school: colegio privado
• State school: colegio público
• To apply for a job: solicitar trabajo
• Applicant: solicitante
• To turn down: rechazar
• To work shift time: trabajar a turnos
• Workforce: población activa
• To go on strike: ir a huelga