Main Menu

Self Development

Here is a useful guide on the use of some tricky little words!

Mistakes are often made with word usage, “Which one do I chose?” Unfortunately, it’s not something that can be remedied with spell checker.

Here is a list of ten common word usage mistakes with explanations and examples of proper use:

1. There vs. Their vs. They’re

   * There is an indication of location.
   Example: I want to see that book over there.

   * Their is a possessive version of they.
   Example: They took their dog to the groomer.

   * They’re is a contraction, short for they are.
   Example: They’re going to the theatre tonight.

2. A lot vs. Allot vs. Alot

   * A lot is an indication of amount.
   Example:  I have a lot of laundry to do.

   * Allot means to distribute.
   Example:  I will allot you two cookies.

   * Alot is not a word.

3. I.e. vs. E.g.

   * I.e. means "in other words."
   Example: Writing more articles increases your
   website traffic. I.e., it will bring you more
   exposure.

   * E.g. means "for example."
   Example: I have a lot of chores to do. E.g.,
   laundry, dishes, vacuuming, dusting, etc.
  
4. To vs. Too vs. Two

   * To is a function word to indicate relative position.      
   Example: We took the dog to the vet.

   * Too can indicate excessiveness or in addition to.
   Example: The chili was too spicy.
   Example: I would like to go too.

   * Two is the number 2.
    Example: I want two cookies.

5. Its vs. It’s

   * Its is the possessive version of it.
   Example: Its door came off the hinges.

   * It’s is a contraction, short for "it is."
   Example: It’s a beautiful day.

6. You’re vs. Your

   * You’re is a contraction, short for "you are."
   Example: You’re the nicest person I’ve ever met.

   * Your describes the possessor as someone else.
   Example: Your shirt is very wrinkled.

7. Loose vs. Lose

   * Loose is an adjective, the opposite of tight or contained.
   Example: I have loose change in my pocket.

   * Lose is a verb that means "to suffer the loss of."
   Example: I hope I don’t lose my car keys.

8. Choose vs. Chose

   * Choose is a present tense verb meaning "to select."
   Example: I choose to eat healthy foods.

   * Chose is a past tense verb meaning "to select."
   Example: I chose to eat healthy foods.

9. Effect vs. Affect

   * Effect is usually a noun meaning "result."
   Example: The effect of increased traffic to your
   website is directly related to the number of
   articles you produce for syndication.

   * Affect is usually a verb meaning "to influence."
   Example: I hope this training series will affect
   you in a positive way.

10. Know vs. No vs. Now

   * Know is usually a verb meaning "to understand."
   Example: I know you are not coming to the movie.

   * No is a negative reply, refusal or disagreement.
   Example: There is no problem with the car.

   * Now is usually an adverb meaning "at the present time or moment."
   Example:  Now I can easily write and market my articles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits                                 Non           Solo             Silver           Gold
                                                Buddy       Buddy          Buddy          Buddy
 

View all public content                 √               √                    √                   √  

Single user access                      √               √                    √                            
 
Multi user access                                                                                    √

Free initial Debt Recovery
with our
Debt Due or Dispute service                  √                    √                   √

How Can We Help?