Common Semantic and Syntactic Errors
in the English Language Learner
Use of Prepositions
Spanish use of
prepositions
English equivalent
“en”
“in” and “on”
“pensar en” “pensar de”
To think about or think of
Enojarse con
Soñar con
Get mad at
To dream of
Decidir de
To decide on
Casarse con
Estar enamorado de
Consistir en
To marry or be married to
To be in love with
To consist of
Buscar
To look for
Possible misuses of
prepositions in L2
(English)
Put the food in the plate.*
Put the food on the bowl.*
I think on him everyday.*
You can do it if you think
of it.*
Get mad with.*
I dreamt with you last
night*
Have you decided of what
you want?*
Is he married with her?*
Is he in love of her?*
What does your plan consist
in?*
I’m looking my toy.*
Use of Verb Phrases
Spanish phrases with
multi-purpose verbs
English equivalents
Tomar una decision
Poner una cita
To make a decision
To make an appointment
Tener hambre
Tener X años
To be hungry
To be X years old.
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Possible misuses of multipurpose verbs in L2
(English)
Did you take a decision?*
Do you want to put an
appointment?*
Do you have hunger?*
I have 6 years.
Common Semantic and Syntactic Errors
in the English Language Learner
Use of Syntax
Spanish syntax
Statements
Flexible word order
Modifiers
Noun + adjective word
order
Questions
No auxiliary
Pronouns
Dropping of pronouns
Negation
Double negatives
Plurality
Double marking of
plurals
English Syntax
Examples of forward transfer
Relatively rigid word
order
Juan me hit for Juan hit me.
Adjective + noun word
order
She is a girl very nice for She is a
very nice girl
Auxiliary
Ex. am/is/are,
do/does/did
Where you went? for Where did
you go. Or Why you no share?
for Why didn’t you share?
Maintenance of
pronouns
Is hot today for It is hot today.
Single negative
I no want nothing for I don’t want
anything.
Single marking of plurals The bigs trees for The big trees.
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