11 Common English Mistakes Made by Chinese Speakers

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2. Definite/Indefinite Article Mistakes

The English language uses two types of articles: definite (the) and indefinite (an, a). The definite article is used to inform the listener that she or he is not talking about any tree, but instead about one specific tree. The indefinite article tells the listener that the speaker does not have one specific tree in mind.

Mistake Example:

“What did you do with a candle? I want to light it.”

“Mrs. Holmes wants to buy the purse. What brand should she get?”

11 Common English Mistakes Made by Chinese Speakers

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