Common Mistakes : Advantage

  Advantage – Noun

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.BAD: Although the film has its advantages, it also has a serious flaw

.GOOD: Although the film has its merits/good points, it also has a serious flaw

advantage = something that puts you in a better position than other people: ‘A healthier lifestyle is just one of the advantages of living in the country.’ The main advantage of using word processors is the amount of time you save

merit = a good quality; a strength: ‘The merits of the new health programme are gradually being recognized.’ We should judge each application on its own merits

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BAD: Television provides many advantages

GOOD: Television provides many benefits

benefit = a good result which improves your life or situation: ‘Belonging to a union has a number of important benefits.’ It’s over a month since I got back from holiday, but I still feel the benefit

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?BAD: What are the advantages in studying in the United States

?GOOD: What are the advantages of studying in the United States

.BAD: There are many advantages of having your own computer

.GOOD: There are many advantages to/in having your own computer

the advantage/s of (doing/having) sth: ‘He described the advantages of living in the countryside.’ The advantages of independence soon became clear

there are (several/many etc) advantages to (doing/having) sth: ‘There are advantages to working in a supermarket.’ ‘There are clear advantages to such an approach.’ Are there any advantages in appointing coordinators