10 Common English Phrases and Their Correct Usage

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 115 views

10 Common English Phrases and Their Correct Usage

As a non-native English speaker, it's not uncommon to come across phrases that seem straightforward but have multiple possible interpretations. In this article, we'll explore 10 common English phrases, their correct usage, and provide examples to help you better understand their context.

1. My father's birthday falls on the 15th of April.

When expressing dates, it's essential to use the correct preposition. In this phrase, "falls on" is the correct preposition to use when referring to a date. This phrase is an example of a sentence that uses the preposition "on" to indicate a specific date.

Example: My mother's birthday falls on the 20th of May.

Incorrect usage: My father's birthday falls at the 15th of April. (Using "at" instead of "on")

2. Are you afraid of spiders?

This phrase is an example of a question that uses the preposition "of" to indicate a fear or dislike. When asking someone if they're afraid of something, it's essential to use the correct preposition.

Example: Are you afraid of heights?

Incorrect usage: Are you afraid with spiders? (Using "with" instead of "of")

3. When are you coming to visit me?

When asking someone when they're planning to visit, it's essential to use the correct preposition. In this phrase, "to" is the correct preposition to use when referring to a destination.

Example: When are you coming to the party?

Incorrect usage: When are you coming with me? (Using "with" instead of "to")

4. Cut the cake with a knife.

When giving instructions, it's essential to use the correct preposition. In this phrase, "with" is the correct preposition to use when referring to an instrument or tool.

Example: Cut the paper with scissors.

Incorrect usage: Cut the cake on a knife. (Using "on" instead of "with")

5. The man stood at the edge of the cliff.

When describing a location, it's essential to use the correct preposition. In this phrase, "at" is the correct preposition to use when referring to a specific location.

Example: The woman stood at the door.

Incorrect usage: The man stood on the edge of the cliff. (Using "on" instead of "at")

6. He was hiding behind the tree.

When describing a location, it's essential to use the correct preposition. In this phrase, "behind" is the correct preposition to use when referring to a location that is not visible.

Example: She was hiding behind the curtain.

Incorrect usage: He was hiding on the tree. (Using "on" instead of "behind")

7. I will give the gift to my sister.

When describing a recipient, it's essential to use the correct preposition. In this phrase, "to" is the correct preposition to use when referring to a recipient.

Example: I will give the book to my brother.

Incorrect usage: I will give the gift with my sister. (Using "with" instead of "to")

8. Please keep October 10th as the deadline.

When setting a deadline, it's essential to use the correct preposition. In this phrase, "as" is the correct preposition to use when referring to a specific date.

Example: Please keep March 15th as the deadline.

Incorrect usage: Please keep October 10th on the deadline. (Using "on" instead of "as")

9. Alien? My house? A knife.

This phrase is an example of a sentence that uses the correct preposition to describe a location. When asking about a location, it's essential to use the correct preposition.

Example: Alien? The park? A book.

Incorrect usage: Alien? My house with a knife. (Using "with" instead of the correct preposition)

10. Please keep the wet floor clean.

When giving instructions, it's essential to use the correct preposition. In this phrase, "on" is the correct preposition to use when referring to a surface.

Example: Please keep the table clean.

Incorrect usage: Please keep the wet floor with a mop. (Using "with" instead of "on")

In conclusion, using the correct prepositions in English can make a significant difference in the meaning and context of a sentence. By understanding the correct usage of prepositions, you can improve your communication skills and avoid misunderstandings.
10 Common English Phrases and Their Correct Usage: Q&A

1. My father's birthday falls on the 15th of April.

When expressing dates, it's essential to use the correct preposition. In this phrase, "falls on" is the correct preposition to use when referring to a date.

Q: What is the correct preposition to use when referring to a date? A: The correct preposition to use is "on".

Q: Can I use "at" instead of "on"? A: No, using "at" instead of "on" would be incorrect.

2. Are you afraid of spiders?

Q: What is the correct preposition to use when asking about a fear or dislike? A: The correct preposition to use is "of".

Q: Can I use "with" instead of "of"? A: No, using "with" instead of "of" would be incorrect.

3. When are you coming to visit me?

When asking someone when they're planning to visit, it's essential to use the correct preposition. In this phrase, "to" is the correct preposition to use when referring to a destination.

Q: What is the correct preposition to use when asking about a destination? A: The correct preposition to use is "to".

Q: Can I use "with" instead of "to"? A: No, using "with" instead of "to" would be incorrect.

4. Cut the cake with a knife.

When giving instructions, it's essential to use the correct preposition. In this phrase, "with" is the correct preposition to use when referring to an instrument or tool.

Q: What is the correct preposition to use when referring to an instrument or tool? A: The correct preposition to use is "with".

Q: Can I use "on" instead of "with"? A: No, using "on" instead of "with" would be incorrect.

5. The man stood at the edge of the cliff.

When describing a location, it's essential to use the correct preposition. In this phrase, "at" is the correct preposition to use when referring to a specific location.

Q: What is the correct preposition to use when referring to a specific location? A: The correct preposition to use is "at".

Q: Can I use "on" instead of "at"? A: No, using "on" instead of "at" would be incorrect.

6. He was hiding behind the tree.

When describing a location, it's essential to use the correct preposition. In this phrase, "behind" is the correct preposition to use when referring to a location that is not visible.

Q: What is the correct preposition to use when referring to a location that is not visible? A: The correct preposition to use is "behind".

Q: Can I use "on" instead of "behind"? A: No, using "on" instead of "behind" would be incorrect.

7. I will give the gift to my sister.

When describing a recipient, it's essential to use the correct preposition. In this phrase, "to" is the correct preposition to use when referring to a recipient.

Q: What is the correct preposition to use when referring to a recipient? A: The correct preposition to use is "to".

Q: Can I use "with" instead of "to"? A: No, using "with" instead of "to" would be incorrect.

8. Please keep October 10th as the deadline.

When setting a deadline, it's essential to use the correct preposition. In this phrase, "as" is the correct preposition to use when referring to a specific date.

Q: What is the correct preposition to use when referring to a specific date? A: The correct preposition to use is "as".

Q: Can I use "on" instead of "as"? A: No, using "on" instead of "as" would be incorrect.

9. Alien? My house? A knife.

This phrase is an example of a sentence that uses the correct preposition to describe a location. When asking about a location, it's essential to use the correct preposition.

Q: What is the correct preposition to use when asking about a location? A: The correct preposition to use depends on the context.

Q: Can I use "with" instead of the correct preposition? A: No, using "with" instead of the correct preposition would be incorrect.

10. Please keep the wet floor clean.

When giving instructions, it's essential to use the correct preposition. In this phrase, "on" is the correct preposition to use when referring to a surface.

Q: What is the correct preposition to use when referring to a surface? A: The correct preposition to use is "on".

Q: Can I use "with" instead of "on"? A: No, using "with" instead of "on" would be incorrect.