Microsoft Word Longman-Common Errors docx

city centre 

Most people work in city centre. 
 Most people work in the city centre. 
the city centre (WITH the): ‘It’s only five minutes by bus to the city centre.’ 
civilization 

Each country has its own civilization and ideology. 
 Each country has its own culture and ideology. 

American civilization is very different from that of Japan. 
 American culture is very different from that of Japan. 
civilization = (a society or group of societies having) a way of life that is considered to be 
advanced in terms of culture and social organization: ‘The remote mountain villages are still 
untouched by modern civilization.’ ‘The film examines the ancient civilizations of Greece and 
Rome, and their contributions to Western society.’ 
culture = art, music, literature, etc especially that which is produced by a particular society or 
group of societies: ‘Visitors to Singapore discover a happy marriage of western and oriental 
cultures.’ ‘The Samba is an important part of Brazilian culture.’ 
claim 
1 

The public are claiming stricter laws. 
 The public are demanding stricter laws. 
claim = ask to be given something that belongs to you or that you think you are entitled to: 
‘People on a low income are able to claim legal aid.’ 
demand = ask strongly for something: ‘The laboratory was surrounded by demonstrators 
demanding an end to animal experiments.’ 
Note also clamour for = repeatedly ask for something in a noisy or angry way: ‘In response to the 
increase in domestic violence, people are clamouring for stricter laws that will help to protect 
wives and children.’ 
 
2 

At the end of World War 11 there was a claim for a ‘United Europe’. 
 At the end of World War 11there was a demand/clamour for a ‘United Europe’. 
See Note
 at CLAIM 1