A good writer is someone who is able to use more than metaphors and vivid imagery to grasp readers’ fancy. They write properly with no typos. While erring is human, you have to show your mastery of the language in which you write.
One of my pet peeves is typographical errors. Sometimes, I get up in the middle of the night to re-read my previous posts or poems and check for mistakes. And I find them! There are not many, but they are numerous enough to tick me.
This morning, I received an e-mail in my Inbox. It came from the EzineArticles Training Series to which I am subscribed. I find it very interesting, and I want to share it with you.
Word Usage: 10 Common Mistakes
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.
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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.
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10. Know vs. No vs. Now
“Know” is usually a verb meaning “to understand.”"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.
Now, go write something! ;-)
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