Languages aren’t easy to learn, especially English. There are many confusing rules and structures to a language that are tricky to get down.
That said, many common grammatical errors are just baffling. If you fall into one of these traps, you may want to check a dictionary or grammar guide.
1. Their vs. They’re vs. There
As a quick reminder, homophones are words pronounced the same but can have different meanings and spelling. Their, they’re, and there are often mixed-up in writing. A lot.
2. Misuse of Apostrophes
An apostrophe marks contractions, possessives, and plurals–most frustratingly misused with plurals. No need to add that apostrophe when talking about “Cindy’s five cat’s.” “Cindy’s five cats” works fine.
3. Apart vs. A part
This error changes the meaning quite drastically. “Apart” indicates a separation of things, whereas “a part” means one thing is a fraction of a larger unit.
4. Would of, could of, should of
This mistake may be due to an auditory error. “Would of” sounds a lot like “would’ve” (the contraction of “would have”). And, as you probably guessed, “would have” is the correct phrase.
5. Oxford Comma
Grammar enthusiasts argue about using the Oxford Comma—the final comma in a series or list of things. But make no mistake, pro-Oxford Comma fans will always spot a writer who doesn’t use it.
6. “Pacifically”
The correct word you’re (probably) looking for is “specifically.” It’s okay, we get it. Those words sound the same. Sort of.
7. You’re vs. Your
Sure, sure. Autocorrect sent the wrong you’re/your in your text to your friend. But, did it really?
8. “I could care less.”
So, you could, in fact, care less. If you’re trying to state that you no longer have the ability to care at all, the correct phrase is “I couldn’t care less.” See the difference?
9. Alot vs. A lot vs. Allot
“Alot” is a common misspelling of “a lot,” which means a large quantity of something. “Allot” on the other hand is to give, share, or assign a portion of something.
10. “I seen.”
Depending on where you are in the country, “I seen” may be a common phrase part of your local dialect. Unfortunately, it’s grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is “I’ve seen” or “I have seen.”
11. Quotation Marks
In case you forgot, quotation marks are used to—you guessed it—identify quotes. Also, don’t confuse an apostrophe (‘)for a quotation mark (“).
12. Than vs. Then
Again, homophones are tricky, but each word has its own meaning. Remember to use “than” when comparing things and use “then” to indicate a certain time that something will happen.
13. Double Negatives
This one grinds the gears of grammar nerds. “I don’t know nothing about it” will have you sent back to 7th-grade English class.
14. “Irregardless”
Grammar purists will battle over “irregardless” not being a word, a real word. The correct way you can say this instead is “regardless.” Now that is a real word.
15. Less vs. Fewer
This mix-up is a bit confusing. If you’re ever stuck on which one to use, remember this: “less” is used when a number is measured, and “fewer” is used when a number can be counted.
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