Lesson 18 of 36 · beginner
Common Indian English Mistakes
Fix the habits that carry over from Hindi and other Indian languages.
Why this lesson
Indian English is a real and respected variety of English, and among Indians these phrases are perfectly clear. But in a job interview, an exam, or a call with someone abroad, a few of its habits can confuse the listener. This lesson gives you the version that is understood everywhere, so you can choose which one to use.
- With friends and family: completely fine as it is.
- In interviews, exams, and international calls: use the forms below.
Verbs that do not take -ing
Verbs about states rather than actions — have, know, understand, like, want, need, believe, belong — are not used in the -ing form, even though Hindi allows it.
- ✗ I am having a car. → ✓ I have a car.
- ✗ I am not understanding. → ✓ I do not understand.
- ✗ She is knowing the answer. → ✓ She knows the answer.
- ✗ I am wanting a new phone. → ✓ I want a new phone.
- ✓ I am having lunch. (here 'have' means eat, so -ing is correct)
Extra words that are not needed
Some verbs already contain the meaning of the preposition that follows them, so the extra word is repeated meaning.
- ✗ Let us discuss about the plan. → ✓ Let us discuss the plan.
- ✗ I will revert back to you. → ✓ I will get back to you.
- ✗ Please return back the book. → ✓ Please return the book.
- ✗ We reached to the office at ten. → ✓ We reached the office at ten.
- ✗ I ordered for a coffee. → ✓ I ordered a coffee.
- ✗ Repeat it again. → ✓ Repeat it.
Talking about family and people
English does not have separate words for the relationships that Indian languages mark carefully. Use the plain word, and add the detail in a second sentence if it matters.
- ✗ He is my cousin brother. → ✓ He is my cousin.
- ✗ She is my real sister. → ✓ She is my sister.
- ✗ What is your good name? → ✓ What is your name?
- ✗ My father is having two brothers. → ✓ My father has two brothers.
More examples in context
These are everyday phrases where the international version differs from the usual Indian one.
- ✗ Today morning → ✓ This morning
- ✗ Yesterday night → ✓ Last night
- ✗ Give me one water. → ✓ Could I have a glass of water?
- ✗ I passed out in 2019. → ✓ I graduated in 2019.
- ✗ He is out of station. → ✓ He is out of town.
- ✗ Do the needful. → ✓ Please do what is needed.
- ✗ I have a doubt. → ✓ I have a question.
- ✗ Can you prepone the meeting? → ✓ Can you move the meeting earlier?
Common mistakes to avoid
Three grammar habits worth special attention, because they appear in almost every conversation.
- ✗ I didn't went there. → ✓ I didn't go there. (after did, use the base verb)
- ✗ He don't know. → ✓ He doesn't know.
- ✗ Myself Suresh. → ✓ I am Suresh. / My name is Suresh.
- ✗ I am working here since three years. → ✓ I have been working here for three years.
- ✗ Where you are going? → ✓ Where are you going?
Quick practice
Correct each sentence, then check your answer.
- I am having two sisters. (answer: I have two sisters.)
- We discussed about the budget. (answer: We discussed the budget.)
- He is my cousin brother. (answer: He is my cousin.)
- I didn't saw the film. (answer: I didn't see the film.)
- Today morning I woke up late. (answer: This morning I woke up late.)