Scribd
Upload
123 views1 page

Error Terror

This document provides examples of poorly written signs from English-speaking countries and analyzes the linguistic errors in each. It includes 7 examples of signs with issues like ambiguous meanings, unnecessary language, and missing context. The analysis section explains the problems and provides suggestions for clearer alternative wording in each case.

Uploaded by

Irina Vadan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
123 views1 page

Error Terror

This document provides examples of poorly written signs from English-speaking countries and analyzes the linguistic errors in each. It includes 7 examples of signs with issues like ambiguous meanings, unnecessary language, and missing context. The analysis section explains the problems and provides suggestions for clearer alternative wording in each case.

Uploaded by

Irina Vadan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

AUDIO

ERRORTERROR
ERROR TERROR

Our mini-series on funny signs from English-speaking countries.


If you’ve ever been abroad, you’ve probably seen a poorly-written menu full of spelling errors. But it isn’t just
foreigners who make mistakes: native English speakers are just as bad. The following is a collection of badly written
signs from shop windows and public places in English-speaking countries. See if you can identify the linguistic
problem in each sentence. Then check our “Error Analysis” section for a full explanation.

3. The problem with this sign is the incorrect use of the word
“non- existent”. Of course, if a book is “non-existent” it has never
existed. We think the sign should simply read: ”Rare and
out-of-print books.”

4. The implication here is that there is an invitation to literally


go to the toilet on the floor. This can be avoided by adding three
simple words:
“This urinal is out of order. Kindly use the toilets on the floor
below.
 
5. This is an example of unnecessary language: if you are
“trespassing”, you obviously don’t have permission to be on the
grounds. So, the sign could simply read:
1. At a restaurant gas station (West Virginia, USA): “No trespassing.”
“Eat here and get gas.”
2. In a barbershop (Manchester, England): 6. The problem with this sign is that “fine for littering” has two
”During vacation of owner, a competent hair stylist will possible meanings:
be here.” a) It is fine to litter = which means that it is OK to litter.
3. At a bookstore (London, England): b) There is a fine if you litter = which means you must pay
”Rare, out-of-print and non-existent books.” a financial penalty if you litter.
4. Notice in a toilet (Wisconsin, USA): We think the sign would be better like this:
This urinal is out of order. Kindly use the floor below. “No littering. Maximum penalty: $400.”
5. On the grounds of a private school (Kent, England):
“No trespassing without permission.” 7. The use of “while you wait” is unnecessary. This sign could be
6. On a freeway (California, USA): reduced to these two simple words: “Ears pierced.”
”Fine for littering.”
7. In a jewellery store (New Hampshire, USA):
“Ears pierced while you wait.”

Error Analysis
1. The problem with this sign is that “get gas” could have two
meanings:
a) To get some gas (gasoline) for your car.
b) To produce gas in your body as a result of eating bad
food at the restaurant.
To avoid any confusion we think they should use the word
“gasoline”, and have two separate signs such as these:
“Get your gasoline here” GLOSSARY
“Food served here”
gas station n US a freeway n US
a place where you can buy petrol for your a large road with many lanes for lots of cars.
car. “Petrol station” in British English A “motorway” in British English
2. The problem with this sign is that it implies that the owner gas n US to litter vb
is not a “competent stylist”. To avoid any confusion, we gasoline. “Petrol” in British English to throw rubbish on the floor or ground and
a urinal n not in a rubbish bin
think they should add one important word: a toilet for men to pierce vb
to trespass vb to put a hole in your ear so you can wear
”During vacation of owner, an equally competent hair stylist to walk on land that is private and not open an earring
will be here.” to the public

These eBooks will guarantee

idioms you learn and remember over


500 idioms! Try one out for
yourself, it’s pure magic!
Tap here to buy!

6 / www.learnhotenglish.com / Contact us for fantastic online classes for your company, wherever you are: [email protected]

You might also like