Read the article, and then try the practice exercise.
Instructions: For each number, identify the misused word and decide what term should replace it.
1. On the corner there is a small mall with a Chinese restaurant, a dry cleaner, and a convenience store.
On the corner there is a small shopping center/strip mall with a Chinese restaurant, a dry cleaner, and a convenience store.
2. The minimum salary here in the state of Florida is $7.50.
The minimum wage here in the state of Florida is $7.50.
3. I can’t believe you won’t get your own Netflix account. It’s only a few dollars a month. Don’t be so stingy.
I can’t believe you won’t get your own Netflix account. It’s only a few dollars a month. Don’t be so cheap.
4. Are you a student here or a staff?
Are you a student here or a staff member/employee?
5. I worked as a landscaper in college. It was hard work, but I had a good time hanging out with my colleagues after work.
I worked as a landscaper in college. It was hard work, but I had a good time hanging out with my coworkers after work.
6. This morning I read that someone stole the bank on Lincoln Street.
This morning I read that someone robbed the bank on Lincoln Street.
7. If you don’t want to go to the office Christmas party, why don’t you invent something and say you can’t go. I’m sure you can think of an excuse.
If you don’t want to go to the office Christmas party, why don’t you make something up and say you can’t go. I’m sure you can think of an excuse.
8. Martin doesn’t have a fever but has been coughing and sneezing all day. It’s his second flu this year.
Martin doesn’t have a fever but has been coughing and sneezing all day. It’s his second cold this year.
9. I heard that hundreds of people were waiting in line to buy the last iPhone. I don’t understand why people can’t wait an extra day or two.
I heard that hundreds of people were waiting in line to buy the latest iPhone. I don’t understand why people can’t wait an extra day or two.
10. My doctor told me to take a small dose of Aspirin every day to avoid heart attacks.
My doctor told me to take a small dose of Aspirin every day to prevent heart attacks.
11. I have to care my little cousin tonight. I won’t be able to go to the movies with you.
I have to take care of/look after my little cousin tonight. I won’t be able to go to the movies with you.
12. I was fourteen when I got my first job. I was a nanny. I would watch my neighbors’ son on Friday nights.
I was fourteen when I got my first job. I was a babysitter. I would watch my neighbors’ son on Friday nights.
13. I started a chess club in middle school. At first there were only four members, but it grew up quickly. We eventually had over 50 members.
I started a chess club in middle school. At first there were only four members, but it grew quickly. We eventually had over 50 members.
14. Meanwhile Kevin cooks dinner, let’s run out and buy a bottle of wine.
While Kevin cooks dinner, let’s run out and buy a bottle of wine.
15. Working in sales was financially rewarding, but it could be stressed at times.
Working in sales was financially rewarding, but it could be stressful at times.
16. In my country, it’s usual for people to have parties until very late at night.
In my country, it’s common/normal for people to have parties until very late at night.
17. I had a question for my friend Mike, so I approached his desk and asked him.
I had a question for my friend Mike, so I walked up to/walked over to/went up to/went over to his desk and asked him.
18. There is complete anarchy in the city. Many ordinary people have been robbed and even assassinated in the streets.
There is complete anarchy in the city. Many ordinary people have been robbed and even killed/murdered in the streets.
19. I can give you a ride, but I have to visit the bank on the way home.
I can give you a ride, but I have to go to/stop by the bank on the way home.
20. What race of dog do you think would be good for someone with young kids and a small apartment?
What breed of dog do you think would be good for someone with young kids and a small apartment?
21. My car broke on the way to work. I had to call a tow truck.
My car broke down on the way to work. I had to call a tow truck.
22. Normally I take the bus, but today I prefer to drive to work.
Normally I take the bus, but today I’d rather/I’d prefer to drive to work.
23. I found that the streets in Prague were more secure than the streets in my home country. I didn’t feel like I was in danger at all.
I found that the streets in Prague were safer than the streets in my home country. I didn’t feel like I was in danger at all.
24. Even though the store has terrible customer service, they still have a lot of clients. I drove by the store yesterday and saw that the parking lot was full.
Even though the store has terrible customer service, they still have a lot of customers. I drove by the store yesterday and saw that the parking lot was full.
25. I’m graduated in computer science. I finished my degree in 2005.
I graduated with a degree in computer science. I finished my degree in 2005. (Also, I have a computer science degree…)