An Error Analysis on the Use of Gerund by the Second Year Students of English Department of Universitas Negeri Padang

Abstract

This research aimed to find out the types of error and causes of error on using gerund among the second year students of English Department of Universitas Negeri Padang. This research is desciptive qualitative research. The sample of this research is 39 students selected using simple random sampling. The instrument used in this research was test. The test was divided into two part; completion test and translation test. The students were given 15 questions for completion test and 20 questions for translation test. The research data were students’ answer sheet. Based on the data analysis, it was found that the total error is 291 errors. Most errors were misformation with the total number (125 errors/ 43%), second place was omission error (110 errors/ 38%) and the last was addition error (56 errors/ 19%). Meanwhile, misordering error was not found in this study. Then, it was also found the causes of error. The most causes of error was ignorance of rules restriction with the total number 125. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the students still experience great difficulties in using gerund.