You can use this book in many ways. Firstly, you can go through the errors one by one. Or if you prefer, you can look up only those words and phrases that you do not know how to use correctly.
Keep in mind, however, that simply knowing about the common errors alone may not prevent you from repeating them in your speech or writing. You should do the related exercises centered on the common errors. The different exercises target different sources of error. Doing them will ensure that you are able to recognize, edit , and revise these errors. These exercises were tested and revised over a period of two years in classrooms, so they are useful and effective.
Heres one recommended approach. Start by doing the exercises first, unit by unit. Finish the first exercise in each unit before looking through the dictionary. Each exercise unit is based on a group of sixteen to eighteen words in the
common-error dictionary.
Be sure to check your answers against those provided in the answer key. If your answers are different from the ones provided in the key, find out why. Talk to someone who knows more English than you, and when that is not possible,
look through grammar books, dictionaries, and the Internet. There are many web sites on the Internet that provide free English help.
A long-term, steady commitment is necessary to improve your language skills. Therefore, you should proceed at a pace that is comfortable for you. Study regularly . Start with twenty or thirty minutes a day. If you are busy, read the material presented in the book and do the exercises at least three times a week. You will soon see yourself making fewer and fewer errors.
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