English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. However, many people make mistakes when speaking or writing it without even realizing it. Some expressions are so common in everyday conversations that people assume they are grammatically correct.
One popular claim is that saying “Good morning” is wrong. But is that really true?
The truth is that “Good morning” is perfectly correct English. It is a polite and widely accepted greeting used during the morning hours. There is no grammatical reason to stop using it.
Nevertheless, there are several other English expressions that people frequently use incorrectly. Below are nine common mistakes and their correct forms.
### 1. “Good Morning” Is Not Wrong
Common misconception: Saying “Good morning” is incorrect.
Correct expression: Good morning.
Some people mistakenly believe that “Good morning” is grammatically wrong or should be replaced with another greeting.
However, “Good morning” is a standard English greeting. You can confidently use it when greeting friends, colleagues, teachers, or family members.
Example: “Good morning, sir. How was your night?”
### 2. “I Am Coming” When You Mean You Are Leaving
Incorrect: I am coming.
Correct: I will be right back.
In Nigeria, people sometimes say “I am coming” when they are actually leaving a place temporarily.
Although “I am coming” is grammatically correct, it can confuse someone who expects you to be moving toward them.
If you intend to leave and return shortly, saying “I will be right back” is clearer.
### 3. “More Better”
Incorrect: This phone is more better than mine.
Correct: This phone is better than mine.
The word “better” is already the comparative form of “good.” Therefore, adding “more” before it is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in standard English.
### 4. “I Didn’t Knew”
Incorrect: I didn’t knew you were around.
Correct: I didn’t know you were around.
Whenever the auxiliary verb “did” is used to form a negative sentence, the main verb should remain in its base form.
Therefore, “didn’t know” is correct, while “didn’t knew” is incorrect.
### 5. “Return Back”
Incorrect: Please return back tomorrow.
Correct: Please return tomorrow.
The word “return” already means to come or go back. Adding “back” is generally unnecessary when both words express the same idea.
You can simply say, “Please return tomorrow” or “Please come back tomorrow.”
### 6. “Discuss About”
Incorrect: We need to discuss about the issue.
Correct: We need to discuss the issue.
The verb “discuss” normally takes a direct object without the preposition “about.”
However, you can correctly say, “We need to have a discussion about the issue.”
### 7. “She Is My Senior Sister”
Common Nigerian expression: She is my senior sister.
Standard international expression: She is my elder sister or older sister.
In Nigerian English, “senior sister” is commonly understood to mean an older female sibling.
However, “elder sister” or “older sister” is more widely used in international English.
This does not mean the Nigerian expression is meaningless. It simply reflects a regional variety of English.
### 8. “I Am Having Headache”
Incorrect: I am having headache.
Correct: I have a headache.
The noun “headache” is countable when referring to an episode of head pain, so it normally requires an article such as “a.”
You can also say, “I am experiencing a headache.”
### 9. “He Is More Taller Than Me”
Incorrect: He is more taller than me.
Correct: He is taller than me.
The word “taller” is already the comparative form of “tall.” Adding “more” creates an incorrect double comparative.
For example, instead of saying “She is more smarter than her brother,” say “She is smarter than her brother.”
### Conclusion
Speaking good English does not mean using complicated vocabulary. It means choosing words correctly and communicating your thoughts clearly.
It is also important to understand that some expressions commonly used in Nigerian English may differ from British or American English without necessarily being wrong.
Most importantly, do not stop saying “Good morning.” It is a completely correct English greeting.
By learning these simple corrections and practising them regularly, you can improve your grammar, speak more confidently, and communicate more effectively in everyday conversations.