Fossilization and Acquisition: A Study of Learner Language

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined the most frequent grammar errors made by 159 EFL college students. The data consisted of eight sets of writing samples produced either in class or out of class as part of the regular course activities. They were evaluated, and the errors were classified according to an error taxonomy. Results indicate that although the frequency of certain errors increases and decreases unpredictably across levels, errors pertaining to subject omission, subject verb agreement and negative forms tend to be more common in beginners. Furthermore, errors related to the use of articles and prepositions and incorrect verb forms were the most frequent categories across levels..