Words.

Hello and Happy Thursday!

English is not my first language. I have been living in the United States for so many years already that writing in English is more comfortable for me. I took several Literature classes at College and had to write a plethora of essays, papers, finals and midterms in English and I loved it. Am I good at grammar? Well, I am learning as I go along and write on my blog daily. And of course reading in English helps a lot. Occasionally, I do look up grammar and words in The Elements of Style which I think is amazingly written and easy explained. I would like to share some words that I people still do get wrong all the time. Especially on Facebook. 

1. Your vs. you’re (you are)

This one actually drives me insane and I read it usually in ‘comments’ on blogs. To avoid this error, you simply need to think before you write. The possessive pronoun “your” is used for your house, your car. “You’re” is a contraction for “you are” like you are okay. You are fine. You are welcome. 

2. There vs. Their 

“Their” is a plural possessive pronoun and you use it in “their house” or “their baby”. “There” on the other hand is used usually as a reference to a place (“I want to go there”) or as a pronoun (“there is simply no hope for you”)

3. Further vs. Farther

“Further” refers to a somewhat metaphorical distance while “farther” is used for a physical distance. Say what? Here is an example: I can see further into the future but my parents live farther away from me. 

4. Effect vs. Affect

This one is actually also difficult to me at points and I have to re-read my sentence to get it right. “Effect” is a noun and means the change that came as of a result of something for example “To be polite has a positive effect on people”.  “Affect” on the other hand is a verb for example “It is possible that it could affect their lives”. 

5. Should have (should’ve) vs. Should of

This one makes me almost throw up when people type it wrong. The phrase “should have” indicates simply a missed opportunity or obligation that happened in the past. “Should have” can be used informally as in “should’ve”. For example: You should have (should’ve) called me. NEVER EVER use “should of”. It only exists in sentences like “You should, of course, pay attention to the grammar in your sentences. Otherwise, it simple does not exist and makes you sound like and idiot. 

6. Every day vs. Everyday

“Every day” means all of the days. Every single day. “Everyday” describes something that is normal or ordinary. I wear my yoga pants every day. They are my everyday most comfortable pants. 

7. Lie vs. Lay

“Lie” means to assume a resting position and “Lay” means to put something down. “You are tired. Why don’ you lie down for a while. Why don’t you lay these books on the floor to sort through them?”

8. Except vs. Accept

“Except” simply means to exclude something. “Accept” means the consent to receive something. “Sometimes you have to give her a little time to accept the ideas. You can use all your pencils except the red one.” 

9. It is (It’s) vs. Its

“It’s” is a contraction to replace “it is”. “Its” indicates ownership. “It is raining. The child wants its toys.”

10. “Then” vs. “Than”

“Than” is used for comparison and “Then” conveys time. “We enjoyed the party and then went home. I would rather go to bed than stay up all night.” 

Which of these words drive you insane when used wrongly? Are you a grammar nerd?