Common Errors in English by Jowitt and Nnamonu PDF – Free Download (Limited Time)
Common Errors in English by David Jowitt and Silas Nnamonu is a Nigerian-authored grammar resource that specifically addresses the English errors most common among Nigerian speakers. Unlike general grammar books written for a global audience, Jowitt and Nnamonu focus on the errors that arise from the influence of Nigerian languages and Nigerian varieties of English on standard usage — making it uniquely relevant for Nigerian examination preparation.
What This Resource Covers
The book covers errors in grammar (tense, aspect, concord, voice, mood), errors in word choice (confused pairs and false friends influenced by Nigerian language patterns), errors in sentence construction (inappropriate translation of Nigerian language structures into English), errors in punctuation, and errors in register (using informal language in formal writing contexts). Real examples from Nigerian writing illustrate each error type, and corrections show the standard English alternative.
Nigerian-Specific Errors — Why This Book Is Uniquely Useful
Many English errors that Nigerian students make arise from structures in Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, or other Nigerian languages that do not map onto English grammar. For example, using “since” where “for” is required in time expressions, omitting the copula in certain sentence types, or using “go” without “will” or “shall” in future references. Jowitt and Nnamonu identify these specifically because they know Nigerian learners — and WAEC and JAMB examiners set questions that test exactly the distinctions this book teaches.
Essay Writing — Register and Formality
The register sections of this book are particularly useful for WAEC essay preparation. WAEC English Paper 2 tests candidates’ ability to write in the appropriate register for formal letters, informal letters, speeches, and articles. Jowitt and Nnamonu explain clearly what formal register requires and which features of informal Nigerian English are inappropriate in formal writing contexts — knowledge that directly improves essay scores.
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