7 Common English Mistakes in Pakistan

Every language has its common pitfalls, and Pakistani English is no different. These are not signs of low intelligence — they are habits picked up from local speech patterns. The moment you become aware of them, you can fix them permanently.

1. "He don't know" → He doesn't know. Third person singular (he, she, it) always takes "does" or "doesn't" — never "do" or "don't." This is the single most common error Shaista hears, and it is the easiest to fix.

2. "I am having two brothers" → I have two brothers. "Have" for possession does not use "am having." Save continuous forms for actions: "I am having lunch" is correct, but "I am having a car" is not.

3. "Discuss about the plan" → Discuss the plan. The verb "discuss" already means "talk about." Adding "about" is redundant. Same with "describe about" — just say "describe."

4. "From last two years" → For the last two years. Use "for" with durations and "since" with specific starting points. "For two years" or "since 2024" — never "from last two years."

5. "I am agree" → I agree. "Agree" is a verb, not an adjective. You do not need "am" before it. Simply say: "I agree" or "I don't agree."

6. " revert back" → revert (or reply). "Revert" already means to go back or respond. "Revert back" is redundant. In formal Pakistani English, many people use "revert" to mean "reply" — which is acceptable in local context but not internationally.

7. "Do the needful" → Please take the necessary action. This phrase is understood but sounds outdated outside South Asia. Replace it with modern alternatives like "please handle this" or "please take the necessary steps."