Fossilised errors

Are there any mistakes which you know you keep making over and over? Does it drive you crazy?! If this is you, don’t worry! You are not alone! Most language learners have the same problem. Keep reading for some tips on what to do about it.

For example, I once had a student who always said “in the internet” instead of “on the internet”. First, I had to point out the mistake to her. Then she had to understand that she was making the mistake because she was translating word-for-word from her own language. I got her to write it down and say “on the internet” as often as possible. 

Mistakes like this are called “fossilised errors” because they are fixed like dinosaur bones in rock! The longer you have been making the mistake, the harder it will be to correct it but, with hard work and determination, it is possible!

Here are some steps for you to follow:
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1. Find out what they are
The easiest way to find out what your errors are is to ask somebody. This could be a teacher or even a speaking partner. If you're learning on your own, it's more difficult but there are still things you can do. You could try recording yourself and then listening to the recording. You'll probably notice mistakes when you listen that you don't notice when you're concentrating on what you want to say. Or you might read or hear a sentence and think to yourself, “Oh! I always say that differently!” For this to work, you have to read or listen to a lot of English and really pay attention.

2. Understand it
Many fossilised errors happen because you are translating directly from your own language. It’s easier to stop making the mistake if you understand why it’s wrong. If it’s a grammar mistake, try to understand the rule. If it’s a vocabulary mistake, make sure you know what the correct and the incorrect words really mean. When you understand why you make the mistake, it’s easier to change it.

3. Write it down
Write your mistake down in a notebook. You can even cross it out with a red pen! Make sure you write the correct sentence as well. Writing things down helps us to remember them.

4. Practise it
Every day for a few days, try to make two or three sentences using the correct language. Write the sentences down if you can but even just making them in your head or saying them to yourself will help. If you can make them true or relate them to your everyday life, that’s even better.

5. Focus on one mistake at a time
Don’t try to fix all your mistakes at once but just pick one and work on it for a few days or until you get it right.

If you follow these steps, I'm sure you'll be able to fix those fossilised errors!


Click the button to download this FREE PDF worksheet containing some common mistakes that English learners make, and see if you can fix them!
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Common Mistakes Worksheet