In this new fast-paced age of text and instant messaging, we’ve become prone to taking shortcuts in our day-to-day communication.
This trend has left many people with a poor vocabulary.
If we make a few grammatical errors in our essay writing, we may be spared. However, when we do so repeatedly, our writing will no longer look professional and will drive away from our readers.
Let’s identify some of the most common grammar mistakes made by many writers, including me. You can buy essay to avoid these mistakes, but in this particular article (web page), we will identify the 5 most common mistakes that can make our writing look unprofessional.
We will learn the proper use of these words “There, Their and They’re”, “You’re and Your”, “Than and Then”, “Its and It’s”, and “Loose and Lose”.
There, Their vs They’re
English as a language can be complicated sometimes, especially when you have words like “there”, “their” and “they’re” which sound alike.
To add to the dilemma, many of us pronounce them the same. So for someone trying to distinguish between the words can be a challenge.
So how do you determine when to use these words? Well, once we identify their differences there should be no problem, they’re not all that difficult.
Let me show you how…use the rule of thumb for each of these rather complicated words as explained below:
“There”
The word “there” is used to refer to a place, for example:
- “It must be hot out there”
- “I saw it there by the lake”
“Their”
The word “their” is used to imply possession (i.e. belonging to them), for example:
- “they lost their keys in the park”
- “citizens should understand their rights”
“They’re”
The word “they’re” is a contraction (or short form) for the words “they” and “are”, for example:
- “I think they’re in trouble now”
- “they’re going camping this weekend”
In Summary:
When the word refers to a place, use “there”; when the word means ‘belonging to them’, use ‘their’; when the word can be replaced with “they are”, use “they’re
You’re vs Your
Hopefully, the previous section provided clarity in differentiating the words “there”, “their” and “they’re.
If so, you should have no problem with this section even if you buy essay online. We will learn to determine the difference between the words “you’re” and “your” and you will notice that it works on the same principle.
Ok, so let’s continue and you’re going to enjoy using your words correctly:
“Your”
The word “your” is used to imply possession (i.e. belonging to you), for example:
- “did you take your vitamins today?”
- “do you know your citizenship rights?”
“You’re”
The word “you’re” is a contraction (or short form) for the words “you” and “are”, for example:
- “you’re enjoying grammar, aren’t you?”
- “I think you’re going to be a pro after we are done with this grammar session”
In Summary:
If the word means “belonging to you”, use “your” and if the word can be replaced with “you are”, use “you’re”.
Its vs It’s
These two little words can be hard to differentiate, but this will get easier as we continue on this learning path. Just pay close attention and you’ll get good at this.
“Its”
The word “its” refers to possession (i.e. “belonging to it”), for example:
- “that’s a cool-looking camera, what are its features?”
- “I now understand its meaning”
“It’s”
The word “it’s” is a contraction (or short form) for the words “it” and “is”, for example:
- “it’s starting to rain”
- “it’s a great looking car”
In Summary:
If the word means “belonging to it”, use “its” and if the word can be replaced with “it is”, use “it’s”.
Than vs Then
These two worlds can be pretty confusing to use in the right context mainly because they sound very much alike, but they are very different in meaning.
One is used for comparison and the other is used to indicate time. If you’re having trouble using these words in the right context, then stick with me and you will do better than you did before.
“Than”
The word “than” is used for comparison purposes, for example:
- “your results are better than last year”
- “this summer is expected to be warmer than normal”
“Then”
The word “then” is used to indicate time, for example:
- “We are going to dinner, and then to the movies”
- “there were lightning and thunder, then it rained”
In Summary:
Use the word “than” when you are comparing one to another. Use the word “then” when referring to time in a sentence.
Loose vs Lose
Two tricky words that can get you lost, but before they do; let’s continue and tackle these two final words in this grammar session:
“Loose”
The word “loose is an adjective that is the opposite of not firmly fixed or not tight, for example:
- “I recommend doing Yoga in loose and comfortable clothing”
- “It was reported in the news that there is a criminal running loose in the city”
“Lose”
The word “lose” is a verb to no longer have or to suffer loss, for example:
- “heads I win, tails you lose!”
- “where did you lose your wedding ring?”
In Summary:
Use the word “lose” to refer to lost & “loose” as the opposite of tight. One way I was taught to remember the difference was “lose has lost an ‘o'”.
