Common Grammar Goofs
Righting Writing well doesn't come natural to most of us; in fact, even the goodest best writers need a second sets of eyes to catch the most obvious misktakes. Common grammar goofs happen to the best of us.
All kidding aside, you're not the only one who has trouble remembering all the rules of the English language. For every rule there is usually an exception, and that can make anyone's head spin.
It's like when you were a child and your parents told you not to do something, only to do that very thing themselves. When you were astute enough to remind them not to do that, they always had the same old adage, "do as I say, not as I do." Well, English grammar can be a bit like that, too. It doesn't always follow its own rules, but insists that you do.
So here are some common grammar goofs to remind you that good grammar is essential for writing well.
Their/there/they're (Don't go there...)
Their: Shows possession. Bobby and Joey love their new bikes.
There: Indicates location. They like to ride them down that steep hill over there.
They're: Shows contraction (they are). They're always riding their bikes together.
Whose/who's (Who's the "Nosy Nelly"?)
Whose: Shows possession. Whose corporate policy book is on my desk?
Who's: Shows contraction (who is). Who's in charge here?
Its/it's (It's so over...)
Its: Shows posession. The squirrel put the nut in its mouth.
It's: It's a good idea to avoid having squirrels as pets.
Your/You're (Your outfit is so last season...)
Your: Shows possession. Your new Jimmy Choo's are so hot!
You're: Show contraction (you are). You're going to cringe when you get the credit card bill.
Contusion or confusion? Commonly confused words
Affect: Generally a verb that refers to "influence": Global warming affects life around the world.
Effect: Usually a noun referring to a "result": The effects of global warming can be seen around the world.
Good: Describes a person, place, thing or idea: Billy is a good student.
Well: Describes an action: Billy plays the trumpet well.
Lie: As a verb, "to rest or recline": Susie had to lie down because she was tired.
Lay: As a verb, "to place in a certain position": I asked Tim to lay the pencil on the desk.
Farther: Refers to distance: Michigan is farther from Georgia than Alabama.
Further: Refers to time or intensity: Darcy is further along in her training than Marie.
Comprise: To consist of, to be composed of. The United States comprises fifty-one states.
Compose: To make up something. The United States is composed of fifty-one states.
and just for the record...
Contusion: Usually hurts- really bad. To crush or bruise without laceration. The driver suffered a facial contusion when the airbag deployed.
Confusion: Doesn't usually hurt, but can cause quite a headache. Perplexed, disordered or mixed up. Confusion was the main reason Sally never balanced her checkbook.
