Learning English

Native speakers often say things that don't follow the rules of standard English. This is due to regional variation, changes in formality and personal preference. Here are three typical native speaker 'mistakes':

1. Using 'innit' for every question tag

Native speakers sometimes use 'innit' instead of question tags. 'innit' is a corruption of 'isn't it', which is just one type of question tag. Question tags in positive sentences should be formed by taking the main verb and making it negative.

• "It was quite a good match, innit?"
• Correction: "It was quite a good match, wasn't it?"

Go here for more information of question tags.

2. there/their/they're

When writing, native speakers sometimes use the wrong version of the words there/their/they're. This is because they are pronounced in exactly the same way. 

• A: Look over their! They're dog has just stolen that woman's shopping.

  B: Ha! There going to be so angry when they catch it.

• Correction: A: Look over there! Their dog has just stolen that woman's shopping.

  B: Ha! They're going to be so angry when they catch it.

3. Using 'what' as a relative pronoun

Native speakers sometimes us what as a relative pronoun instead of who, which or, that.

• Do you have the item what I ordered yesterday?
• Correction: Do you have the item which/that I ordered yesterday?

Go here for more information on relative pronouns.