60 FCE Common Mistakes

A collection of mistakes made during First Certificate Exams...

1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.

22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.

29.
30.

Everyday, he gets up early.

The weather is unstable here. 
This is a scene describing a natural disaster.
He was wearing a long pants.
They seems to be happy. 
I would do something indoor.
I stayed in the washroom for 30 minutes. Hopefully
my body will be dry by then.
There were eyes looking at me.
 ... to switch the fan to a higher volume.
From time to time loud crushes ...
I could see the asian house.
I saw a human feature.
... intent on getting there revenge.
We changed into different clothings.
I agree to the statement that she made.
I came down the bus.
We were chit chatting.
There were alot people.
Although it is late, but I will still come.
I was awaiting my results.
The reporter was biased towards him, and was 
always criticising him.
He complained about the biasness of the reporter.
I will bring you there.
He was of medium built.
They were China-made.
He ran pasted me.
Your essay is out of point.
What time do you reach home?

... for her family members.
... with my fellow schoolmates.

Every day, he gets up early.
(EVERYDAY is an adjective; EVERY DAY is an adverb)
The weather is unpredictable here.
This is a scene showing a natural disaster.
He was wearing a pair of long pants.
They seem to be happy. 
I would do something indoors.
I stayed in the washroom for 30 minutes. Hopefully 
my body would be dry by then.
There were people looking at me.
... to switch the fan's knob to a cooler position.
From time to time loud crashes ...
I could see  the ancient house.
I saw a human figure.
... intent on getting their revenge.
We changed into different clothes.
I agree with the statement that she made.
I came down from the bus.
We were engaging in chitchat.
There were a lot of people.
Although it is late I will still come.
I was waiting for my results.
The reporter was biased against him, and was 
always criticising him.
He complained about the reporter's bias.
I will take you there.
He was of medium build.
They were Made in China.
He ran past me.
Your essay is off the point.
What time do you get home?
(REACH implies difficulty in attainment)
... for her family.
... with my schoolmates. (or "fellow students")

31.

32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.

38.
39.
40.
41.

42.
43.
44.
45.

46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.

55.

56.
57.
58.
59.
60.

Her mother is going to fetch her from school.

She was filial.
We arranged the furnitures.
I had to collect the equipments.
There were three evidences.
She suffers from gastric.
He gave away the prizes.

Let's go for a show.
We tried to go up the bus.
We went up the stage.
When I phoned her, they said that she had gone 
back already.
They talked about the going-ons.
Hand up your homework.
She was having a fever.
Please help me to switch on the light.

He was horning at me.
We tried to cope up with the problem.
I was considered as a real angel.
He was always dependant.
His standard has deproved.
Irregardless of what has happened ...
My mother disallowed me from going out.
Her dressing was very attractive.
I dressed up in my school uniform.

I want to emphasise on this point.

... even-thought she was French.
I have ever seen this before.
She had never being to Paris.
He was always demanding for help.
They look forward to provide a friendly service ...

Her mother is going to pick her up from school. (FETCH is used for objects)
She had filial piety.
We arranged the furniture.
I had to collect the equipment.
There were three pieces of evidence.
She suffers from gastric problems.
He presented the prizes.
(GAVE AWAY implies they were free)
Let's go to see a show.
We tried to board the bus.
We went up onto the stage.
When I called her, they said that she had already gone home.
They talked about the goings-on.
Hand in your work.
She was running a fever. (or HAD A FEVER)
Switch on the light for me. (PLEASE HELP implies that you are crippled and cannot do it)
He was sounding his horn at me.
We tried to cope with the problem.
I was considered a real angel.
He was always dependent.
His standard has gone down. (or DROPPED)
Regardless of what has happened ...
My mother forbade me to go out.
She dressed very attractively.
I dressed in my school uniform. (DRESSED UP implies using special care in dressing, making-up, etc.)
I want to emphasise this point. (or PUT SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON)
... even though she was French.
I have seen this before.
She had never been to Paris.
He was always calling for help. (or REQUIRING)
They look forward to providing a friendly service ...