Many Korean students come to Cebu, Philippines to improve their English skills. The island offers excellent language schools, friendly teachers, and a comfortable learning environment. However, due to differences between Korean and English grammar, students often make similar mistakes. Understanding and correcting these errors can greatly improve fluency and confidence.
1. Misusing “Good” and “Well”
One of the most common mistakes is saying “She can play the piano good” instead of “She can play the piano well.” In English, “good” is an adjective, and “well” is an adverb. Since “play” is an action verb, you should use “well.” ✅ Correct: She can play the piano well.
2. Confusing “He Have” and “He Has”
Another frequent error is using “have” instead of “has.” In the third person singular (he, she, it), you must use has. ❌ Wrong: He have a meeting tomorrow. ✅ Correct: He has a meeting tomorrow.
3. Missing Articles “a,” “an,” and “the”
In Korean, there are no articles, so learners often forget to use them in English. ❌ Wrong: I will go to mall. ✅ Correct: I will go to the mall. ❌ Wrong: She is teacher. ✅ Correct: She is a teacher.
4. Incorrect Prepositions
Prepositions can be tricky because they don’t translate directly. ❌ Wrong: I’m married with him. ✅ Correct: I’m married to him. ❌ Wrong: Let’s discuss about it. ✅ Correct: Let’s discuss it.
5. Literal Translations from Korean
Some mistakes happen because students directly translate from Korean expressions. ❌ Wrong: “My condition is not good.” (from “컨디션이 안 좋아요.”) ✅ Better: “I don’t feel well.” Similarly, “Let’s fighting!” is a common mistake. The natural English version is: ✅ “Let’s cheer up!” or “You can do it!”
6. Overusing “Very” or “So”
Korean learners often use “very” too frequently, such as “It’s very delicious” or “I’m so happy very much.” In English, just one intensifier is enough. ✅ Correct: “It’s very delicious.” / “I’m so happy.” ❌ Wrong: “I’m so very happy.”
7. Using Wrong Verb Forms
English verb tenses can be confusing for learners. ❌ Wrong: “Yesterday I go to the beach.” ✅ Correct: “Yesterday I went to the beach.” Remember to match your verbs with the correct time expression.
8. Forgetting Plural Forms
Korean nouns do not always indicate plural, so students forget to add -s or -es. ❌ Wrong: “There are many student.” ✅ Correct: “There are many students.”
9. Pronunciation Challenges
Some English sounds like f, v, r, l don’t exist in Korean, which leads to pronunciation mistakes. For example: “rice” vs. “lice,” or “fan” vs. “pan.” The best way to fix this is through consistent listening and speaking practice with native teachers.
10. Forgetting Subject or Object
Korean sentences often omit the subject because it’s understood from context. ❌ Wrong: “Is raining today.” ✅ Correct: “It is raining today.” Always include a subject when forming English sentences.
Conclusion
Making mistakes is a natural part of learning English. The key is to notice patterns and practice correct usage every day. By studying in Cebu and being surrounded by English speakers, Korean students can improve rapidly — especially when they understand their most common errors. Remember: practice makes perfect!
This article aims to help Korean students studying English in Cebu identify and correct frequent grammar and speaking mistakes.