Common Usage Errors

 

there- describes location or existence of something

Put that book over there.

There is only one cookie in the jar.

their-  possessive pronoun indicating group ownership

The family is driving their new car to Disney World.

they’re- contraction for they are; not to be used in formal writing

They’re going to have a great time at the beach!

 

your- possessive personal pronoun; not to be used in formal writing

You need to think of the consequences of your actions.

you’re-contraction for you are; not to be used in formal writing

You’re a wonderful student and a good citizen.

 

Then-time, sequence, or cause and effect

We drove to the gas station, and then we stopped for coffee.

If you’re not going to study, then you’re not going to pass this class.

Than-a comparison between two or more things

This class is more difficult than my period 2 class.

 

To-infinitive verb or location

Can you explain how to input grades on PowerSchool?

We are going to the beach.

Too-also or an amount that is more than necessary

He read too many pages last night for homework!

She hopes to complete her college visit, too.

Two-written form of 2

Two students received A’s on the exam.

 

Affect-verb: to alter or change (REMEMBER: AFFECT=ALTER)

How did this affect your relationship?

My illness affected my ability to continue my sports career.

Effect-noun: an outcome or result   (REMEMBER:  EFFECT=RESULT/SIDE EFFECT)    

What are the side effects of the medication?

I felt the effect of my rude behavior for the rest of the day.

 

It’s-contraction of it is; not to be used in formal writing

It’s difficult to complete the assignment without a printer.

Its-indicates possession by an animal or object

The dog hurt its paw.

The topic has its positive and negative aspects.

 

would have-the correct way to express in formal writing

If the character would have repented, he would have been saved.

would’ve-the contraction of would have; not to be used in formal writing

She would’ve gone to the party if she’d left work on time.

***WOULD OF-THIS PHRASE DOES NOT EXIST AND SHOULD NOT BE USED***