Continued from first part This is perhaps the best example of a word from “Indian English”. In India, it is very commonly used and is understood by every English speaker. However, world at large does not really understand the meaning of this word. Prepone is used as an antonym of “postpone”. Indians cleverly ask “If something could be postponed; why can’t it be preponed?”. I support the usage of this word because it’s logical and there are situations that this word can easily convey. Prepone, however, is no longer an invalid word. Owing to its widespread use in India, need for such a word and its being logical; the word has been included in the Oxford English Dictionary. To say that something was done before a particular amount of time elapsed –the right word is “ago” and not “back”. Incorrect: I started blogging two years back Correct: I started blogging two years ago Although, there is nothing wrong with this phrase but it is now considered obsolete and therefore it has become part of the archaic English. Its use should be avoided. Well, you just “discuss” something –“discuss about” is wrong because “about” is implicit with the word “discuss” Incorrect: Lalit, I want to discuss about how to earn money from Internet Correct: Lalit, I want to discuss how to earn money from Internet This phrase is also obsolete –although it used to be of significance during British Rule. In pre-Independence India, the East India Company used to post its officers to particular “stations”. When they used to be out from their duty stations –the officers used to be referred to as “out of station”. Incorrect: The CEO cannot meet you because he is out of station Correct: The CEO cannot meet you because he is out of town In India, the meaning of “passing out” is taken as “to graduate” or to complete studies from an institution. However, the real meaning of “pass out” is to lose consciousness. So, we should hope, no one actually passes out upon knowing that s/he has successfully completed studies.
- In the military context, “pass out” is considered as a valid term for completing training. That’s why we get to see passing out parades.
Incorrect: He has recently passed out of college Correct: He has recently graduated from college
Here, the preposition “for” is unnecessary. You just order something –not order for something.
Incorrect: Let’s order for a pizza Correct: Let’s order a pizza
First of all, use of the word “kindly” is considered antiquated. You should use “please” instead. The second problem with the phrase is that the word “revert” actually means “going back to an earlier state”. For example, if you press a sponge pillow –it reverts to the original shape when the pressure is removed.
Incorrect: Kindly revert at the earliest Correct: Please reply as soon as possible
Saying this is entirely wrong (especially if you are going to ask the other person to do more than one thing). “Do one thing” is understood only in India. This phrase is somewhat meaningful if you are going to give exactly one instruction. But that’s rarely the case. Therefore it’s better to avoid using it.
When someone is not paying attention –you tend to say s/he is “acting pricey”. Instead of this you should use “snobbish” or “arrogant”.
Hope this was of some use. Please comment to add more such phrases to this list. I will update the article.
Well when people adapt to phrases like ‘roger that’,’dude’,’soccer’, etc, we should adhere to what’s been taught/used rather than tagging it incorrect.
e.g. “I bought a house a year back” – note that it’s considered pretty informal, almost rustic.
On the subject of the English language, malapropism is quite hilarious at times. Got anything to say about it.
Thanks
Really learnt a lot from your blog.Keep sharing your further research on it.
Thanks, Arti
Another improper phrase I hear is when Indians are introducing themselves; they say, “I myself Sunitha,” instead of “I am Sunitha,” or “My name is Sunitha”.
I have heard in an exercise class, “straight your legs” instead of “straighten your legs”. “Fresher” is another term that is unique here (someone new on the job who has just graduated from college or university). My driver will often tell me, “it’s on backside”, meaning it is behind us. I know there are many more that I have noticed in the three years that I have been here but those are the ones that come to mind initially. “I will return back on Wednesday”. Using Return and back together is illogical. I will return on Wednesday. It’s worth sharing, I guess. Keep up the good work. :) Improve means “to make better” Improvise is what you do on a musical instrument, or in a comedy show :) Comment * Name * Email * Website
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