"Other Common ESL Errors in Writing" Exercises
(articles, auxiliary and main verb usage, using modals, and have + past
participle--i,e., ed, en, or irregular forms)
Your goal is to complete twenty questions in a row, or until you feel
comfortable recognizing common errors in writing.
1. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must
be changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
At the baseball game, the spectators saw the
several plays in which both teams hit home runs over the fence.
2. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must
be changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
A few of the students in the English class arrived
twenty minutes early to study for test.
3. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must
be changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
After buying our food at a grocery store, we went
home to eat. However, we found out that Mary had forgotten her purse
at a storein which we had bought our food.
4. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must
be changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Jerry Wen walked to the gym where he planned
to play a basketball.
5. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must
be changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
When looking at a sun during a solar eclipse,
you should avoid direct eye contact.
6. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must
be changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The sugar, a staple agricultural crop grown in
Hawaii, comes from sugar cane.
7. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must
be changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Have you thought about what you do after you
graduatefrom college?
8. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must
be changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Had I known John was coming to the party,
I would have bring Susan.
9. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must
be changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
He doesn’t has any money right now, so he will
need to take out a bank loan in order to pay off his creditors.
10. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
John has been offer a position at a new
accounting firm, whereas his colleague Jim has been offered
nothing.
11. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Since Lance is participated in a soccer match
this Sunday, he will need to purchase some new cleats.
12. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The books purchased at the store by the
students who were enrolling in Psychology 101.
13. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The car that was crashing was taken to the
junk yard because it was beyond repair.
14. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The several students asked the professor to
postponethe exam until everyone came back from Thanksgiving
holiday.
15. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
This is most difficult exam that we have ever
had to take.
16. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
John went to an automobile dealership in
search of the new truck that he needs for his construction
business.
17. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
I will need to go to the learning centerto
get help with a homework I am working on.
18. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
There will be a party at Stanton Hall.
Moreover, Tom, Kent, Susan, and Mark will bring friends to a
party.
19. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
In certain places, the sand can be useful when
people bag it to make sandbags as a preventative measure against
flooding.
20. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must
be changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Feeling a bit homesick, Paul writing a letter
to his motherwho lives in South Carolina.
21. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The building might burned down had the
fire fighters not put out the blaze.
22. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Because of her extensive studying for the
Microbiology exam, she will does well.
23. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
We should have think of a better way to paint
the inside of our house, so we wouldn’t have gotten so much
paint on the carpet.
24. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
She was still write the letter when I left
to go to my class about an hour ago.
25. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
California State University located next to the
beautiful San Bernardino mountains.
26. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The homework assignments were complete
by the end of the Geology class.
27. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
There were three students who came to class late;
consequently, they were not able to take theirschedule
Calculus test.
28. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
All the students in the class is preparing
to take college preparatory classes their senior year in
High School.
29. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The professor assigned a students a homework
assignment that has to be completed by next Friday.
Change "a" to "the"
30. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
When you go to the supermarket, I want you to pick
up a cheese which we will be using as an ingredient
for dinner tonight.
31. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
A last thing I wanted to have happened was to
have Tom and Lance get into an argument over who gets which room
in our new apartment.
32. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Doctors agree that thevegetables should be
part of a person’s diet.
33. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Lately, he thought about selling his Toyota
Camry, which would allow him to purchase a new pickup truck.
34. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
He should is finished with his homework by
the time we go to the movies this afternoon.
35. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Marion doesn’t usually has many assignments
in her Anatomy and Physiology class.
36. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Due to her excessive speeding on the
freeway, the woman give a ticket by the police officer.
37. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Smiled at the woman upon her entry into the
bookstore, the man struck up a conversation with with the
woman.
38. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The man had been established his business three
years ago, at which point he received a loan form his
bank for $250,000.
39. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The room straightened last night, which is
why it was clean this morning.
40. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
In the parking lot next to Walmart werethe many
used cars being sold a discounts of up to 50% of whole sale
price.
41. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Quite a few students attempting to register
for Political Science class even though it is already full.
42. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
At the end of class, I will turn in a
homework the professor assigned us last week.
43. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Thirsty from hiking in the desert,
Johnathan decided to get a water.
44. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Susan, too tired from having been awake for
almost twenty hours, got into an accident. As a result, the police
officer found her at fault for causing an accident.
45. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
When summer comes, I look forward to
eating the beets.
46. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
On Fridays, Susan usually washing her clothes at
the laundromat on the corner of Kendall and University Parkway.
47. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Had I run a little faster, I am confident that
I could beaten him in the 5,000 track race.
48. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The committee doesn’t plans on meeting
again until the second Tuesday in August.
49. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
We have take every possible measure to repair
the roof of your house; hopefully, this time you will not
experience any leaks if it rains.
50. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
After Titanic struck an iceberg, the captain ordered
the chief engineer to sound a ship.
51. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
I am sure the letter delivered to Thomas more
than a week ago.
52. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The player was hit the ball so hard that it
went eighty feet past the right field fence.
53. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
After the pots were washed, they were placed
into some the containers.
54. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The last count of student enrollment indicates
that there are quite a few more students this semester than they
were last year at this time.
55. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
To pass this class, everyone will be required
to write the fifteen page research paper on a research topic
of your choice.
56. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The construction workers poured a cement onto
what will be the driveway of the newly built home.
57. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
My dad gave me an advice that has been
really helpful. He told me to always be honest in my business dealings.
58. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Generally speaking, the mice will not
come into someone’s house unless their natural habitat is
destroyed.
59. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Situated next to the bench is the
grammar books for the Level Four students.
60. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The date of the test can not changed since it is
the last day of class before winter break.
61. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
At first, Jennifer didn’t know about the accident
Mary had been in. But now she does knows about it since she was
contacted by Mary’s relatives.
62. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Finally, John’s transmission in his 1968 Corvette
has repaired. Consequently, he will begin driving it to
work again.
63. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Susan is finished her homework right now. Afterwards,
she will go shopping with us.
64. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The springs in the back of the sofa were given
way due to the many people sitting on them during last night’s
party.
65. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Containing a birthday card and thirty dollars in
cash, the letter has sent to John.
66. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
These several books we purchased at the
bookstore will need to be returned for a full refund.
67. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Some say the most intelligent person to have
ever live in the United States is Albert Einstein.
68. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Before issuing a plea of guilty or not guilty, the
defendant consulted with his lawyer. A lawyer told him to
plead not guilty by reason of insanity.
69. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Because there is very little space for storage, a
luggage will need to be stored underneath the plane.
70. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Since the carpet layers have finished installing
our carpet, the movers will now put our furniture into a new
house.
71. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
A Mallard Ducks in North America usually
fly south before the arrival of winter.
72. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Darrel is writing a letter to his friend who
studying overseas at the University of Cambridge.
73. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
We might been able to wash the car but since
it rained, we decided to wait for a sunny day.
74. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
In most circumstance, Larry usually does
bring his dogs with him while running.
75. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Jensen, an expert rancher and cowboy, has ride
horses since he was five years old.
76. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
It was snow so hard that we could not see
more than fifty feet in front of the car.
77. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Wrecking by a drunk driver, the truck crashed
into a light pole.
78. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The floor has already been mop, so it will
not need to be cleaned today.
79. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The many of the workers decided to go on strike
in an effort to increase their health and retirement benefits.
80. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
All the books for Mr. Mark’s English
Literature class have checked out from the library.
81. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
I will complain to The Daily News. They cannot seem
to deliver a newspapers to my house before 10:00 a.m.
82. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
John will spread a sand around the outer parameter
of his yard.
83. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
We purchased a lamp which will go into the
living room of our house. A lamp was sold at a
twenty-percent discount for a price of $32.40.
84. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The tomatoes grow better during the early part
of the summer; additionally, it is important to not overwater them as they
can suffer from a disease known as dry rot.
85. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
While the mechanic changing the tires, the oil,
and the spark plugs in my car, I will eat at the fast food
restaurant across the street.
86. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
He ought to eats after he swims so that he
does not suffer from abdominal cramps when he is in the water.
87. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Luke, who is honoring his two year military
obligation, has enters the Air Force.
88. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The company supervisor has decide to purchase all
employees lap-top computers.
89. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Paula will be read her book most of the
day today in the library.
90. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The transmission, the brakes, and the cooling
system of the automobile repaired by the mechanic.
91. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must
be changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The fugitives sought by the police for the cold blooded
murder of two police officers during a bank robbery.
92. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The every student in the class is working
on a Physics assignment right now.
93. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
During this essay exam, I want you to write
on every other the line. In other words, you should double space
your essay.
94. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
At 9:00 in the morning, ESL students were taking
a TOEFL practice exam. Hopefully, most of them will get a high
score on a test.
95. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
While I am cleaning the kitchen, I want you to get a
flour at the store. I need to use some as an ingredient
for our meal tonight.
96. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
I was given a ticket for following a car too closely
on the freeway yesterday. But since I argue that I was not
following the car too closely, I will fight a ticket in
court next month. I sure hope the judge will dismiss the ticket.
97. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The Japanese are always hard working , which is why
many Japan companies reward their employees with lucrative
retirement plans.
98. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Have Tom thought about retaking his History
exam since he was so sick on the day the exam was given? Maybe the
professor will give him a break by allowing him to take a
make-up exam.
99. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Larry might left class sooner had he known
that his brother had been in a serious car accident.
100. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
After leaving work, John left to go back to his
house, but he has testified that he didn’t knew exactly what time
it was when he left.
101. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Recently, I have see three different movie
genres–a drama, a comedy, and a romance, respectively.
102. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Jake, who is practicing to become a lifeguard
at Scout Camp this year, has swimming in the lake for more than
three hours.
103. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
The remainder of the beets, the green beans,
and the squash will be harvest this week.
104. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Because of a raging forest fire that burned
for five consecutive days, many homes got destroy, a fact which has
hurt many homeowners both financially and emotionally.
105. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
After getting an anonymous tip that someone had cheated
during the exam, the professor interviewed the each student to see who
was the guilty culprit.
106. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
After the party at Jeff’s house last Thursday, a
few guest stayed afterwards to help clean up .
107. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
After shopping at different art galleries for a
painting, I finally bought one. A painting cost me fifty dollars
and some change.
108. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
I will buy a carpet for my new house into
which I will be moving in two weeks.
109. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
A homework assignment was given to the
students. A homework was a three page writing assignment about a
significant event that had happened in their lives.
110. Click on the underlined word or phrase that must be
changed in order for the sentence to be correct.
Generally, pollution in most city is a
combination of toxic fumes emitted from automobiles and
factories.