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Let’s talk English Vinglish!

Indians are known to add their own touch to everything that they do.

Why would English be an exception then?

The phrases that we use can put even native English speakers in a fix!

For instance, to say “I passed out in 2015” in any other part of the world would make people wonder if you were sick. In India, however, they would understand that you finished school in 2015.

I am listing some more common mistakes that Indians make here so you can avoid them in future:

  1. “Myself Priya Gupta.”

This is the first thing that we say when we go for a job interview and let me break it to you – it is incorrect!

The correct way to introduce yourself is to say –

“I am Priya Gupta” or “My name is Priya Gupta”

  1. Starting with “I”

Whenever there are two or more people, you should always mention yourself at the end.

For example, it’s “Tina and I went to the party” and not “I and Tina went to the party.”

  1. “Where do you put up?”

Take a deep breath and read this sentence slowly. You will realize that it does not even make sense. I wonder why people use this phrase to ask the place of residence when it does not have any connection with the same.

Simply say “Where do you live?” or “Where do you stay?”

  1. “I am living in Delhi”

The most common mistake Indians make is to use the continuous tense even when it is not required. The continuous form should only be used when the action is still going on.

The correct way would be to say “I live in Delhi.

  1. “He left 10 minutes back.”

I know this sounds right but technically back is used to refer to a specific time period.

For example: “Back in the 90s…”

Whereas, ago suggests a time period in the past with relation to the present.

“He left ten minutes ago is hence, the correct way of saying that someone left a while ago.

 

I know it’s a little hard to digest the fact that these phrases are incorrect as we have been using these for quite some time now. But it’s never too late to correct ourselves. Do not make these mistakes – speak English the way it’s meant to be spoken!