Sofia
How to improve the mistake of singular/ plurals in spoken English
I have a serious problem in using singular/ plurals in my spoken English.
I totally understand the rules of using them but I keep making these kinds of mistakes in speaking.
Practice makes perfect. But sometimes it is not easy to find a native speaker to talk to.
Does anyone have any suggestions for self-practice? I feel so frustrated.


Anyone has the same problem and please tell me how to improve.
Thanks!
8 ต.ค. 2019 เวลา 8:45
ความคิดเห็น · 5
You can make phrases using the singular form and repeat the same phrases using the plural form (turning the subject, the verb, the noun, etc. to the plural form) 

Practice with a vocabulary that is more useful and common for you.

After you have written some phrases (for example in an excel worksheet) you can review the list form time to time checking if you use both, singular and plural, properly.

You can use an app like Anki to make the lists and to practice them.

8 ตุลาคม 2019
If you know the rules and can use plurals correctly in writing for example then it truly is just a matter of practice and it probably won’t take that long if you focus on it.

Besides more practice with native speakers, the only thing I can think of is to record yourself talking about a topic that involves plural and singular. Preferably something you tend to make mistakes on. Then listen to the recording and see if you got them correct. Then try again to say them correctly. Repeat the process with different topics until you don’t make the mistake anymore.
8 ตุลาคม 2019
Hi Sofia,
yes you said it..Practice makes perfect...but I understand it must be really frustrating from a Chinese standpoint.
My advice is to, through Italky or for instance Tandem app, find English speakers to talk to from time to time because learning a language is not like learning Math, Science or other matters..."Practice" is paramount! Then watch videos on youtube about this subject and many more, original movies with subtitles (English), listen to radio/songs...in short, just immerse yourself in the language and I'm sure you'll see improvement quickly.

Anyway, for a theoretical help, here a good link that might help you:

Especially this part I extrapolate purposely:

 For those instances when students encounter unknown or confusing English plural forms, the following three instructional resources are recommended: (a) the self-questioning strategy, (b) the dictionary, and (c) informational technology. To begin, teachers can directly teach the use of the self-questioning strategy. This is an overarching strategy in that it encompasses all three of the aforementioned resources. Specifically, this strategy provides students with a systematic problem-solving process to use when encountering unknown or confusing plurals. The self-questioning strategy includes the following three steps.

<ul><li>What do I already know about plural forms? Does this word match a rule, or fit into a category that I already know?</li><li>How can I find out more about this plural form? What is the most efficient way to learn about this word? Should I use a dictionary or informational technology?</li><li>What is my strategy for remembering this plural form? How will I remember what I have learned about this word? What is my personal strategy?</li></ul>



8 ตุลาคม 2019
Hi, this is a common trouble for English learners, and it shows you are in a right way. me personally try to imitate my native guys in movies. apart from that you can speak in front of mirror that is effective because you are able to see your face and body language while you are talking. grab a partner to practice English in a regular basic is another solution where you can count on me if you are interested in.

8 ตุลาคม 2019
Basically one needs speaking practice. Spanish is even more punctilious on plurals. For example, ellos visitaron muchos lugares interesantes literally translates to something like <em>theys visiteds lots (of) places interestings</em>.
8 ตุลาคม 2019