A-Z of Bloopers - B

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Back

Do you use expressions like return back or exchange back? If so, you don't need the word back - it's completely redundant!

Bathe/Bath

In England I often have a bath (in the bathtub) but in Singapore I mostly take a shower (standing up underneath a shower). I often hear people saying they are going to have a bath or they are going to bathe, when really they don't even have a bathtub. So how? In this case we should use the word shower.

Because, Although, Since, Unless, If, When

When you start a sentence with any of these words, remember to attach an independent clause to it so that it becomes a complete sentence. We cannot have a sentence like "Because it is raining." This is a simple clause but it is not complete until you attach an independent clause to it.

For example:

"Because it is raining, I must take my umbrella."

The same goes for the other words mentioned in the heading.

For example:

"Although it is late, I will still come over to see you."

(Note that we don't need the word but when we use although - use a comma instead!)

Between or to

Between must be followed by and. From must be followed by to.

For example:

There were between 200 and 300 people at the concert.
The seminar will be held from 0930 to 1730.

Bored/Boring

I often hear people use boring instead of bored. One workshop participant was blatantly honest with me when she said "My boss made me come here but I didn't want to come because I think I'm going to be very boring." Hmmm.... I think she meant she thought she was going to be very bored. She could only be bored if I was boring!

For example:

The lecture is boring so I am bored.

Bring and Fetch

Use bring when the other person is at a different point to you and you want them to get you something.

For example:

"Please bring me the book when you come over to my place later."

Use fetch when the other person is at the same point as you are.

For example:

"Please fetch me a cup of coffee from the canteen."

Now the other person will have to physically go to the canteen, get the coffee and bring it back to where you are.

NB: Fetch is commonly used with dogs when we throw a stick ...

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