College Life Idioms

 

Language Tip: Don’t Translate Directly from Your Mother Tongue

Many learners try to translate sentences word-for-word from their native language, which often leads to incorrect or awkward English.

Examples:
❌ Open the light.
✅ Turn on the light.

❌ I am having two brothers.
✅ I have two brothers.

❌ Discuss about the topic.
✅ Discuss the topic.

Why it matters:
Every language has its own structure. Thinking directly in English helps you speak more naturally and correctly.

👉 Don’t translate—think in English for better fluency!

AUTHOR

Dr L Suresh

Assistant Professor of English

Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science

Coimbatore - 641020

Contact: 9944138137

e-mail ID: sureshenglit@rmv.ac.in

Language Tip: Prepositions – Small Words, Big Confusion

Prepositions like in, on, at, to, for may seem simple, but using the wrong one can change meaning or sound unnatural.

Examples:

1. She is in the room. (inside)
2. The book is on the table. (surface)
3. The meeting is at 10 AM. (time)
4. He is good at English. (not in)
5. She is interested in music.
6. This gift is for you.

Why it matters:
Prepositions don’t always follow strict rules—they depend on usage. Learning them through examples improves accuracy and fluency.

👉 Don’t translate—observe how English uses prepositions naturally!

AUTHOR

Dr L Suresh

Assistant Professor of English

Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science

Coimbatore - 641020

Contact: 9944138137

e-mail ID: sureshenglit@rmv.ac.in

Language Tip: Avoid Overusing “Very” – Choose Strong Words

Instead of using “very” again and again, use stronger, more precise words to make your English more expressive.

Examples:

1. very big → huge
2. very small → tiny
3. very happy → thrilled
4. very tired → exhausted
5. very good → excellent
6. very bad → terrible

Why it matters:
Using precise vocabulary makes your speech and writing more powerful and engaging. It shows confidence and a richer command of English.

👉 Don’t say “very good”—say something better!

AUTHOR

Dr L Suresh

Assistant Professor of English

Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science

Coimbatore - 641020

Contact: 9944138137

e-mail ID: sureshenglit@rmv.ac.in

Language Tip: Avoid Double Negatives

 A double negative happens when two negative words are used in the same sentence, which can confuse meaning or make it incorrect in standard English.

Examples:
❌ I don’t know nothing about it.
✅ I don’t know anything about it.

❌ She didn’t go nowhere.
✅ She didn’t go anywhere.

❌ He hasn’t done nothing yet.
✅ He hasn’t done anything yet.

Why it matters:
In standard English, double negatives cancel each other or create confusion. Using a single clear negative makes your communication accurate and professional.

👉 One negative is enough—keep it clear and correct!

AUTHOR

Dr L Suresh

Assistant Professor of English

Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science

Coimbatore - 641020

Contact: 9944138137

e-mail ID: sureshenglit@rmv.ac.in