Common English Grammar Mistakes

How to get more readers to your blog

2011-04-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

No one likes to read a blog or website that contains words they have never seen or understand. So it would be best to keep them plain and simple. Just because you know these "big" words doesn't mean everyone does. It's a true fact that the easy to read blogs have the most readers.

Here are some tips for keeping your writing user-friendly:

# Keep Sentences Short.
# Use words your readers are likely to understand.
# Use only as many words as you really need.
# Prefer the active voice.
# Write as if you were talking to one person.
# Use the clearest, liveliest verb to express your thoughts.
# Use Vertical Lists to make complex material understandable.
# Try to avoid sexist usage.
# Put accurate punctuation at the heart of your writing.
# Avoid being enslaved by seven writing myths. It's okay to start a sentence with And or But
# Plan Before You Write.
# Organize your material in a simple way.
# Consider different ways of setting out your information.
# Use clear layout to present your plain words. Show some white space between paragraphs.
# Remember to keep it simple so everyone can read and understand what you write.

In to or into

2010-03-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

Just recently while reading a blog I came across this sentence.
I turned my paper into my professor and knew as soon as he looked at it that I had made a mistake.......did you catch that?
So what do you think is wrong here?

Too many times we do not stop and read what we write. I don't think there is a way to turn a paper into a professor unless you are doing some kind of magic. There are so many ways to get "in to" and "into" mixed up and when we do it changes what we wanted to say into something funny. Just remember that into expresses motion or direction to a point on or within, a change of state, direction of attention.

The car ran into the tree.
Turn your test paper in to me when you finish.

Beside and Besides

2009-10-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

Take a close look at these words and notice that one has a "s" on the end which changes the meaning.

Beside: preposition, near, next to, at the side of

I will stand beside you through good times or bad.
She stood beside the fence gate.

Besides: in addition to, apart from, except
It was the most popular book ever written, besides the Bible.
Everyone besides Anna wanted to go swimming.

pore and pour

2009-10-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

I recently read in a newspaper that "The police poured over the data of a crime looking for clues". We all know you can't pour over something, unless you are pouring a liquid over it. What they meant was pored which means to read or study.

Pore: intransitive verb; : to gaze intently, to read or study attentively —usually used with over,
to reflect or meditate steadily.

She will pore over the book to get ready for the test.

Pour: transitive verb; to cause to flow in a stream, to dispense from a container
to supply or produce freely or copiously
to give full expression to : vent

intransitive verb; to move with a continuous flow , to rain hard, to move or come continuously, stream
to score easily or freely (as in basketball) —used with in

The waiter will pour drinks for the guest while we serve the food.

Did the rain pour down hard in your area?

elicit and illicit

2009-09-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

Elicit and Illicit may sound the same when spoken but they have different spelling and meaning. Be careful when writing these words.

elicit: verb; to obtain, coax out, draw out, prompt

I could not elicit a response from her.

illicit: adjective; unlawful, forbidden, illegal

He is in jail for smuggling illicit drugs into the country.

Proved vs Proven

2009-09-11T12:36:00.000-07:00

“Proved" or "proven" is another one of those sets of words journalists, writers and speakers mix up constantly. While the use or should I say the misuse of these two words will not greatly affect the lives of most people, it's the responsibility of aspiring writers and professional writers, however, to know the difference.

Understand that both "proved and proven" are noted by some dictionaries as past participles of "prove."
Professional writers take a more particular view of the use of these words. But you can use whichever word sounds and works the best for you, Just be sure to use "proven" for the adjectives.

Example: "She used a proven method."

Know that "proved" is the current choice for the past participle of the verb "prove."
An example: The child has proved his strengths in numbers.

You may notice that journalist use "proven" as an adjective in journalism always.
"Proven" is not used as a past participle in journalism.

Apply the rules for predicate adjective in a linking verb construction as well by using "proven." Use "proven" as an adjective that modifies another word as in the following example: The child's ability to add has been proven. "Proven" modifies "ability;" it is not a part of the verb.

Be a careful writer when using "proved" and/or "proven" if you are a journalist where rules reign. But for most of us, we can use either word as a past participle if it applies. But remember to use "proven" as the adjective in all cases, just to be on the safe side.

13 rules to using Apostrophes

2009-09-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

Apostrophes

Rule 1. Use the apostrophe with contractions. The apostrophe is always placed at the spot where the letter(s) has been removed.
Examples: don't, isn't
You're right.
She's a great teacher.

Rule 2. Use the apostrophe to show possession. Place the apostrophe before the s to show singular possession.
Examples: one boy's hat
one woman's hat
one actress's hat
one child's hat
Ms. Chang's house
NOTE: Although names ending in s or an s sound are not required to have the second s added in possessive form, it is preferred.
Mr. Jones's golf clubs
Texas's weather
Ms. Straus's daughter
Jose Sanchez's artwork
Dr. Hastings's appointment (name is Hastings)
Mrs. Lees's books (name is Lees)

Rule 3. Use the apostrophe where the noun that should follow is implied.
Example: This was his father's, not his, jacket.

Rule 4. To show plural possession, make the noun plural first. Then immediately use the apostrophe.
Examples: two boys' hats
two women's hats
two actresses' hats
two children's hats
the Changs' house
the Joneses' golf clubs
the Strauses' daughter
the Sanchezes' artwork
the Hastingses' appointment
the Leeses' books

Rule 5. Do not use an apostrophe for the plural of a name.
Examples: We visited the Sanchezes in Los Angeles.
The Changs have two cats and a dog.

Rule 6. With a singular compound noun, show possession with 's at the end of the word.
Example: my mother-in-law's hat

Rule 7. If the compound noun is plural, form the plural first and then
use the apostrophe.
Example: my two brothers-in-law's hats

Rule 8. Use the apostrophe and s after the second name only if two people possess the same item.
Examples: Cesar and Maribel's home is constructed of redwood.
Cesar's and Maribel's job contracts will be renewed
next year.
Indicates separate ownership.
Cesar and Maribel's job contracts will be renewed next year.
Indicates joint ownership of more than one contract.

Rule 9. Never use an apostrophe with possessive pronouns: his, hers, its, theirs, ours, yours, whose. They already show possession so they do not require an apostrophe.

Examples:This book is hers, not yours.
Incorrect: Sincerely your's.

Rule 10. The only time an apostrophe is used for it's is when it is a contraction for it is or it has.
Examples: It's a nice day.
It's your right to refuse the invitation.
It's been great getting to know you.

Rule 11. The plurals for capital letters and numbers used as nouns are not formed with apostrophes.

Examples:She consulted with three M.D.s.
BUT
She went to three M.D.s' offices.
The apostrophe is needed here to show plural possessive.
She learned her ABCs.
the 1990s not the 1990's
the '90s or the mid-'70s not the '90's or the mid-'70's

She learned her times tables for 6s and 7s.
Exception: Use apostrophes with capital letters and numbers when the meaning would be unclear otherwise.
Examples: Please dot your i's.
You don't mean is.
Ted couldn't distinguish between her 6's and 0's.
You don't mean Os.

Rule 12. Use the possessive case in front of a gerund (-ing word).
Examples: Alex's skating was a joy to behold.
This does not stop Joan's inspecting of our facilities
next Thursday.

Rule 13. If the gerund has a pronoun in front of it, use the possessive form
of that pronoun.
Examples: I appreciate your inviting me to dinner.
I appreciated his working with me to resolve the conflict.

Misused and Misunderstood words...

2009-08-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard or read something like "That was an incredible presentation"
or "She gave an incredible speech" or "It was an incredible performance." Most of us have heard the word incredible being used as a complimentary word, when in fact it is just the opposite.
Incredible: adjective
1. so extraordinary as to seem impossible: incredible speed.
2. not credible; hard to believe; unbelievable:

I have noticed just recently the use of "Irregardless" on some blogs. Just like the word ain't it has NOT been accepted as a standard English word.
Irregardless: adverb; originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century. Its fairly widespread use in speech called it to the attention of usage commentators as early as 1927. The most frequently repeated remark about it is that “there is no such word.” There is such a word, however. It is still used primarily in speech, although it can be found from time to time in edited prose. Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead.

Invariable: adjective; means it never varies. It stays the same...
This is another word people have been misusing to mean "almost always"
But if it never varies it can not be almost always the same.
If it can change it is variable.

disc and disk

2009-08-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

Disc and disk are homophones.
These two words disc and disk are hard to get right when writing about CDs, CD-ROMs, floppy and/or hard drives. Seems as if all would be the same but they aren't, so be careful when writing about them.

disc: Noun; 1. Sound recording consisting of a disc with continuous grooves; formerly used to reproduce music by rotating while a phonograph needle tracked in the grooves. Compact Disc
2. something with a round shape like a flat circular plate.
3. Cushions of the spine.

When writing about CDs, CD-ROMs and the spine the preferred spelling is disc.

When writing about floppy and/or the hard drive the preferred spelling is disk.

Disk: noun;
1.(Computer science) a memory device consisting of a flat disk covered with a magnetic coating on which information is stored. Floppy Disk
2.a flat circular plate.

2009-07-31T08:14:00.000-07:00

Sometimes what we mean to say just doesn't come out right!
But it's always good for a laugh...

Lend and Loan

2009-07-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

The words lend and loan are 2 commonly misused words and for some reason they are popping up more and more on websites and blogs in incorrect usage.
You can't loan money, you have to lend it.

Lend: verb: to give for temporary use on condition that the same or its equivalent be returned.
I will lend you the money for that item.

Loan: noun: the temporary provision of money (usually at interest)
I will need to get a loan for the car.

Gaffe and Gaff

2009-07-20T16:36:00.000-07:00

Gaffe: noun

1. a social or diplomatic blunder
2. a noticeable mistake

Obama made a gaffe in his speach.

Gaff: verb

A gaff is what a fisherman uses to spear or lift a fish, what workers use to climb a telephone pole, or a spur affixed to a gamecocks leg.

1. I tried to gaff the fish but it got away.
2. The rooster had large gaffs on its leg.

Weather or Whether

2009-06-19T04:15:00.000-07:00

I was surprised to see just how many people got these 2 homophones mixed up when writing articles on their blog.

Weather: noun The short term state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place, including the temperature, humidity, cloud cover, precipitation, wind, etc. unpleasant or destructive atmospheric conditions, and its effects.
*Homophones: wether(a castrated sheep.), whether

The weather was warm and humid.

The bad weather kept us from going fishing.

whether pronoun, which one of the two, sometimes used in place of "if"
* Homophones: weather
* Homophones: wether

1. Used to introduce an interrogative content clause (indirect question) that consists of multiple alternative possibilities, and indicate uncertainty between them; if.

He chose the correct answer, but whether by luck or by skill I don't know.

2. Used to introduce a yes-or-no interrogative content clause (indirect question) that consists of a single possibility, and indicate uncertainty over it; if, whether or not.

Do you know whether he's coming?

3. Used to introduce multiple alternative possibilities, and indicate the irrelevance of which is the case; regardless of whether, no matter whether.

He's coming, whether you like it or not.

"He's coming, whether you like it or not" is ungrammatical but is often used when speaking or writing.

heard and herd

2009-06-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

These two words are Homophones and the word "herd" is also a Homonym because it has two meanings.

heard: verb perceive with the ear, listen to
I heard the doorbell when it rang.

herd: noun a number of animals,
herd: verb keep together, move in a herd.

We have a large herd of cows.
We will herd them through Texas.

New and Knew

2009-05-07T07:12:00.000-07:00

These two words are Homophones. They sound the same when spoken but have different meanings. While visiting some blogs yesterday I noticed that "new" was being used when in fact "knew" was what should have been used. It could have been a typo and the author of the article didn't notice. Funny thing is spell check wont catch these typos because the word is spelled correctly. That's another reason you can't depend entirely on that program.

New:noun; now, for the first time, in original condition, strange(being new to me)

I wore a new dress to work today.
I found a new baseball card for my collection.

Knew: verb;(past tense of know) to be acquainted with, to know, identify, be subject to

I knew it was the same man I saw yesterday.
I knew it was the wrong answer.
He knew it was the wrong color.

I bought a new purse today and knew it wouldn't be big enough for everything I want to put in it.

What color are the words?

2009-05-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

This is a mind teaser. See how fast you can say the color of the words, not what the word is!

Now and Know

2009-05-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

For some reason I keep running across the word NOW used in place of know.
These words don't sound the same when spoken but when writing some people leave
the K off which changes the meaning of the sentence or makes it read funny.

Now :noun; at the present time, on this further ocassion
Please take the trash out now.
What do we do now?

know :verb; have in the mind, something learned, be able to recall

He didn't know her name.
Did he know a lot about fixing cars?
I know the answer to that question.

I know you will take the time to check your articles now.

Role and Roll

2009-04-18T18:06:00.000-07:00

These homophones seem to be tripping up a few blog writers for some reason even though they sound alike they do have different meanings.

role: noun; a character portrayed by an actor. "Ghandi" was Ben Kingsley's greatest role. "Hamlet" is a difficult role for most actors.

Roll can be a verb meaning to push something along the ground so that it rotates.
Roll out the barrel. Roll up the carpet.

Roll can also be a noun describing something that has been rolled up. Pass me that roll of carpet. Was it a sweet roll you baked today?

3 Most Common Mistakes made in English Punctuation

2009-03-21T17:28:00.000-07:00

3 Most Common Mistakes made in English Punctuation

Punctuation marks that are not placed where they should be give a negative impression of the writer as much as bad grammar does.

1. Writing Sentence Fragments

Sentence fragments are not complete sentences but they can be made a part of sentences. You should avoid using them, as such. For example:

I would go there. If I could.

There should be no period before the sentence fragment “if I could”. Instead, the fragment should be made part of the sentence, so that it reads like this:

I would go there if I could.

2. Using the Comma Splice

The comma splice joins two independent clauses with a comma. Below is an example.

I saw the itinerary, I want to join.

In this sentence, a comma connects two independent clauses. To correct this, you can either put a period after the first independent clause or add a conjunction after the comma.

I saw the itinerary. I want to join.
I saw the itinerary, and I want to join.

3. Putting Apostrophes for Plural Forms of Nouns

Another common mistake is adding apostrophes to plural nouns. Below are examples.

The orange’s are really sweet.
The kid’s will be performing in a musical.

The apostrophes in these examples should be omitted.

Correct way: The oranges are really sweet.
The kids will be performing in a musical.

Fewer and/or Less

2008-12-19T16:01:00.000-08:00

Again while doing some proofreading I ran across these 2 words which seem to give people quiet a hard time in knowing their proper usage. So even though they are not homonyms nor homophones I thought they should be explained so writers would have a better understanding of the way in which to use them properly.

fewer: /adjective/ not as many as (applies only to numbers)

Usage: In the supermarket, only people with 20 or fewer items should use the Express Lanes.

less: /adjective/ ,not as much as (applies to extent, degree, bulk),
Usage: There is less chance of a mistake if you read the instructions.

"Would of " , "could of", "should of" ???

2008-07-25T10:35:00.000-07:00

Recently I have run across the use of " would of", "could of", "should of" used in a sentence,
when it should have been "would have", "could have", and/or "should have"
This seems to be a very common mistake made when speaking as well as when writing.
I "could of" been a better writer if I "would of" learned to use English grammar properly.
The right way would read...I "could HAVE" been a better writer if I "HAD" learned to use English
grammar properly.

Waste and Waist

2008-06-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

Today while reading post in forums and on some social sites I visit often I noticed
the word "waist" had been used in place of the word "waste" in the post. So I thought these two homophones should have a place on my blog so my readers could get a better understanding of these words.

Waist /noun/, a part of the human body below the
ribs and above the hips.

Waste /verb/ anything of no purpose, fail to use, to wear gradually away, to use extravagantly.

The waist of the skirt was too tight.
The belt fit perfectly around the waist.

It was a waste of time reading that paper.
Don't waste your money on something you can't use.

Good or Well

2008-05-11T18:11:00.000-07:00

Good or Well?

good /adjective/ modifies nouns
well /adverb/ modifies verbs, adjectives and other adverbs

But there are exceptions to this rule. "Well" may be used when describing if something is proper, healthy or suitable. As in, "I am well today."

When used in a sentence

That is a good cake. (Good is modifying the noun, cake )
You sang the song very well. (Well is modifying the verb, sang.)
The lady is working well. (Well is modifying the verb,working .)
The car is in good shape. (Good is modifying the noun, car.)

Exceptions
One exception is with the use of verbs of sensation like touch, feel, looks, hears, and smells. It would be proper to say, "The cake smells good." To say that the cake smells well would imply that the cake has a nose that can smell appropriately. So, to add more confusion, it is also correct to say, "I feel good today." Good refers to how you are physically and spiritually feeling.

How are you feeling?

I feel good.

How are you?

I am well, thank you.

I or Me

2008-05-11T15:51:00.000-07:00

I or me.

I /pronoun/ used by a speaker or writer when referring to him or herself.

Me /pronoun/ an objective case of I, also referring to oneself.

Sometimes the pronoun I or me can be a little confusing.

If we can get a little grammatical here, "I" should be used when it is the subject of the sentence, that is the person doing the verb. "Me" should be used for the object of the sentence either direct or indirect.

A good test as to which one to use is to think which one would be used if the other person were not included in the sentence.

These are the kinds of situations where there could be a problem deciding whether to use I or me.

The situation was awful for Sherry and me. (...was awful for me.)

John and I were out when the fire started. (I was out....)

She asked if she could come out with Mom and me. (...come out with me.)

Mom and I were happy to have her along. (I was happy...)

She thought she'd seen Dad and me at the store. (...she'd seen me.)

My best friend and I are going to the movies tonight. (I am going ...)

Tip: Imagine that the other person or people are not included in the sentence. It should then be obvious whether to use I or me.

to, too, and two

2008-04-22T06:21:00.000-07:00

to /preposition/ , introduces a noun expression,
what is reached,aproached or touched. What is aimed at, as far as, what is caused or produced.

too /adverb/ to a greater extent than is desirable or permissible, in addition, also, moreover, more than a match for, beyond what is endurable.

two /adjective/ one more than one. A number greater than the number 1, symbol 2.

We are going to the movies.

Wont you come too?

The pain was too much for him to bear.

There were 2 birds in the tree.

I went to the store to buy 2 urns but they were too heavy for me to carry.

Lose and Loose

2008-04-08T11:57:00.000-07:00

Lose /verb/ unable to find, be deprived of or cease to have

Loose is a homonym and it can be used as a verb or an adjective.

Loose /adjective/ not tight,free from bounds or restraints.

Loose /verb/ to let go, release

Did you lose your necklace?

It was a loose fitting vest.

Let the dogs loose to track the fox.

Please forgive me!

2008-04-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

I don't mean to hurt your feelings but it is one of the things that has been bothering me for some time. The use of the words "a lot". Notice this is two (2) words, not one (1).I have seen these 2 words written as "alot" on so many websites and blogs, even in some mail that I receive(e-mails and snail mail)and it is driving me up the wall. I did notice that people from other countries seem to have grasped this better than our own English speaking citizens. It makes me feel ashamed to think that foreigners can use our language better than the people who are born and raised in America.
So here it is Americans, plain and simple, learn your native language before you start writing.

Please forgive me if I have hurt your feelings, I just had to get that off my mind. Thanks a lot for reading and understanding.

When to use a or an

2008-04-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

This may come as a surprise to some but the rules you are taught in school
don't always apply. Take the word hour, that would sound funny if you said
a hour even though according to the rule, a is what you were taught to use.
An is used when the following word starts with a vowel, a,e,i,o,u.
But an is used not only when the word starts with a vowel, it is also used
with words that sound like they begin with a vowel. So next time say the word out loud to see if it sounds right. An hour, An honest person.
Because they have a silent h they are used with an. Please don't mistake the word an with the word "and" which is a conjunction or connective word.e.g, Jack and Jill, An apple and a pear.

Affect and Effect

2008-04-02T05:29:00.000-07:00

Affect: /verb/ move emotionally, to influence

Effect: /noun/ result, consequence, bring about, accomplish

These 2 words causes much confusion because,
the word effect can also be used as a verb,
the word affect can also be used as a noun,
but mostly in terms of psychology and psychiatry.

When used in a sentence:

His insult did not affect her.

The movie had a sad affect on her.

What affect did the movie have on you?

His speech will effect the voters.

The movie had some good special effects.

The effect of the hurricane left them homeless.

Heres a tip to help you remember
think of affect= affection.

Who said ain't isn't a word?

2008-03-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

For those of you who may have wondered about the word AIN'T
Yes! Ain't is a word and it's OK to use ain't when speaking or writing.
The only thing you need to remember is you can only use "ain't" with "I"

It's true that we should never say, "you ain't", "they ain't", "he ain't" or "she ain't" but we should say, without a smidgen of shame, "ain't I?" or "I ain't" rather than "aren't I". "Aren't I" is just as ungrammatical as "I aren't" Think about it this way, using I am not or am not I, as a verbal contraction it becomes the properly used ain't. You would never say are not I or I are not but you would say I am not or am not I.

I don't suggest that you run to your teacher or your boss or anyone else with this little bit of knowledge first thing tomorrow morning or tonight. We are still expected to coordinate the restitution of "ain't" to it's rightful position in the English language. And that my friend isn't likely to happen today or even tomorrow but it is time we all start thinking about it. At least it is nice to know that "ain't" refuses to go away despite the all-out assault it has suffered over the past years.

Then and Than

2008-03-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

These are NOT homonyms nor homophones but they are the most misused words in the written English language.

Then /adverb/ at that time, next, after that, in that case, used parenthetically to resume a narrative.

Than /conjunction/ a comparison of another

When used in a sentence:

You wash the dishes,then I will dry them.

The test was harder than I expected.

Tent and tint

2008-03-29T07:27:00.000-07:00

These are homophones

Tent /noun/ A canvas portable shelter or dwelling supported by poles and pegs.

Tint /noun/ A light or delicate variety of a color, a dye used for hair coloring.

When used in a sentence:

We used our tent when we went camping.

You can tint your hair green.

Your and You're

2008-03-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

These are homophones

Your /possessive pronoun/ of or belonging to you. Ownership of an object or thing.

You're /contraction/ you are

When used in a sentence:

Your house is very beautiful.

You're doing very well with the project.

Read (& Reed) and Read (& Red)

2008-03-29T05:49:00.000-07:00

Read and read homonym, Reed and Red are homophone

Read /verb/ (reed) to convert characters or symbols into the intended words or meanings. To interpret.

Reed /noun/ water or marsh plant with a firm stem, a strip of cane.

Read /verb/ (red) to understand words in written form.

Red /adjective/ color, tint or pigment

When used in a sentence:

I will read this book tomorrow.

The reed has a hollow stem.

I have read the instructions.

She wore a red ribbon in her hair

Buy, by, and bye

2008-03-29T05:22:00.000-07:00

These are homophones

Buy /verb/ To obtain in exchange for money.

By /preposition/ near or beside, not later than, through, via, according to, expressing a multiplier or divisor, dimension of an area.

Bye (1) /noun/ status of an unpaired competitor in a sport, who proceeds to the next round by default.

Bye (2) /interjection/ a farewell, ending of conversation,

When used in a sentence:

Where did you buy your shoes?

Lay the two by four boards by the others.

Tell your aunt bye and hang up the telephone.

There, Their and They're

2008-03-28T14:53:00.000-07:00

These are homophones

There /adverb/ In, at, or to that place or position. Used to indicate the fact or existence of something.

Their /possessive pronoun/ of or belonging to them. Ownership.

They're /verb contraction/ They are.

When used in a sentence:

I will arrive there by noon.

That is their new car.

They're going to the party.

Here and Hear

2008-03-28T14:20:00.000-07:00

These are homophones

Here /adverb/ In or to this place. In this position. At this point. At this place.

Hear /noun/ perceived with the ear. Listen to.

When used in a sentence:

Place the books here on this desk.

I can hear you very well.