Grammar is not as easy as you might think. In a world where our English is affected by our use of mother tongue, you shouldn’t beat yourself up because your English is not good. That is why there are many resources available to help make things a bit easier. When you are self-editing, sometimes grammatical mistakes pass you by. You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t make a few mistakes along the way. The best thing about blogging though is that you can always correct it. We make mistakes so that we can learn from them.
Here are some common grammar mistakes, how to correct them and their use in a sentence:
They’re vs their
“They’re” is a contraction of there are while “their” refers to something owned by a group.
They’re going to love Paris! It is the most romantic city in the world.
My parents are going for their honeymoon in Paris.
Your vs you’re
“Your” is possessive while “you’re” is the contraction of you are.
Your phone is old. You should buy another one.
You’re awesome! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Its vs it’s
“Its” is possessive while “it’s” is a contraction of it is.
Why haven’t you given the cat its food?
It’s raining harder each day.
To vs too
“To” is used before a noun or a verb and usually describes an action, recipient or destination.
Lisa drove me to work. (destination)
I sent the edited article to Raddie. (Recipient)
I am going to get a bottle of water. (Action)
“Too” on the other hand is used to describe an adjective in its extreme. It is used on behalf of ‘also’ or ‘as well’.
It is too cold outside.
It is too cold to play outside.
I.e. vs e.g.
“I.e” roughly means that is or in other words while “e.g.” means for example. I.e. is used to clarify something you have said while e.g. seeks to expound through an example.
Who vs whom
“Who” is used to identify a living pronoun.
Who ate my lunch? (I did.)
Whom is used to describe someone who is receiving something.
To whom is this letter addressed to?
I’m vs am
“I’m” is a contraction of I am.
I am a journalist.
“Am” is an auxiliary verb, ‘to be’ like is or are. Therefore, it is wrong to start a sentence with am.
English, like many languages, has its own set of rules. It takes a lot of practice but once we master them, we become grammar ninjas too. What other common mistakes do you make?