Have you ever considered how a few simple grammatical errors could in fact be killing your fine reputation? Well, you’ll be pleased to know that I’m here to help you identify those most common mistakes so you can read ‘em, review ‘em, and NEVER EVER EVER make ‘em.
As a copywriter, editor, blogger, former grammar, writing, and English teacher, I’ve corrected more grammatical errors than a mother of multiples changes diapers. And I’ve composed a list here for you consisting of the seven MOST common grammatical mistakes I’ve encountered. So sit back, grab your cup of coffee, and pretend you're back in English class—and just be thankful that it’s me here and not my first-grade teacher—seventy-year-old-scary-nun, Sister Joseph, who’d be sure to give you nooggies and nightmares for simply forgetting to write your name on a worksheet. But that’s a whole other story. Anyway, let’s review:
Seven Most Common Grammar Mistakes:
1.) Its vs. It’s:
How do you know which form of its to use?
It’s means it is. The apostrophe is shortening two words into one.
Its means the possessive form such as in: the cat bit its tongue.
Correct: It’s cold in here.
Correct: The dog wagged its tail.
TIP: A way to check if you have it right is by changing it’s to it is. If the sentence reads correctly then you can keep it with the apostrophe.
2.) Who’s vs. Whose:
Follow the same rules for it’s and its. The apostrophe is shortening two words into one. So who’s it is short for who is.
The word whose is showing possessive form: meaning belonging to.
Correct: Who’s yelling outside?
Correct: Whose socks are these?
3.) You’re vs. Your:
Again follow the rule of the apostrophe: If it has an apostrophe it is an abbreviation. You’re means You are.
Your is the possessive form.
Correct: I like your jeans.
Correct: You’re late again!
4.) Than vs. Then:
The word than is used for comparisons.
The word then is used to describe a reference to time.
Correct: Frank has more pizza than Vinny. (Than is used because it is a comparison).
Correct: Frank went to the store and then to the movie. (Then is used as a reference to time.)
5.) Could of vs. Could Have:
It is ALWAYS could have or should have or would have. The problem is that when we talk we sometimes say it with an accent that makes it sound more like could of, should of, would of. But that is incorrect.
Correct: I should have studied these grammar rules.
6.) A lot vs. Alot:
The answer is simple: There is no such word as alot. It’s two words: a lot.
Correct: I have a lot of work to do.
7.) The Comma Splice:
In short the comma splice is where you put a comma instead of a period. It is combining two independent clauses with a comma instead of breaking it up into two.
Incorrect: The dog went to the vet, it was sick. These are two independent clauses so there should not be a comma.
You can fix a comma splice by:
1.) Breaking it into two sentences:
Correct: The dog went to the vet. It was sick.
2.) A semi colon can be used to join two independent clauses if they are related
Correct: The dog went to the vet; it was sick.
3.) Use a conjunction instead of a period to combine the two independent clauses.
Correct: The dog went to the vet because it was sick.
So there you have it: the seven deadly grammatical errors to avoid so Sr. Joseph doesn’t come running toward your scalp with her long, extended, bony, index finger. Take it from my experience, not only will your clients thank you for your professionalism but your scalp will too. Mine, however, is still tingling.
Photo by J. Paxon Reyes
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