TOP TEN WORDS MOST OFTEN CONFUSED/MISUSED

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1 TOP TEN WORDS MOST OFTEN CONFUSED/MISUSED
These common errors should be avoided in ALL writing! Points will be deducted for each error. Special thanks to Nathan Wood for his contributions. Also, to Grammar Girl-I am a big fan of her websites! April 21, 2017

2 TOP TEN LIST They’re, Their, There Your/You’re (you) To/Too/Two
A lot/alot It’s/its 6. S/s’/’s 7. Then/Than 8. COULD OF/MUST OF SHOULD OF/WOULD OF (HAVE) 9. Who vs. That 10. SVPS! (everyone, anyone, anybody, everybody, a person, etc.-check subjects & pronouns, check subjects and verbs)! April 21, 2017

3 ERROR #1 THEY’RE THEIR THERE April 21, 2017

4 They’re This is a contraction of “they are”. It should only be used when expressing they are. Example: They’re gone. *In academic/formal writing one would avoid the use of contractions opting for They are instead, thus avoiding this error. April 21, 2017

5 THEIR This is a possessive word. It is only used to express ownership.
Example: their books April 21, 2017

6 THERE This is the most commonly used form. It expresses location.
Example: There are some students. Go there. April 21, 2017

7 ERROR #2 YOUR YOU’RE April 21, 2017

8 YOUR This is a possessive word. It is only used to express ownership.
Example: Your books. WARNING: Be careful when typing that you do not type you when you mean your. Example: Be sure to bring you book to class. April 21, 2017

9 YOU’RE This is a contraction of you are. It should only be used when expressing you are. Example: You’re friendly. *In academic/formal writing one would avoid the use of contractions opting for You are instead, thus avoiding this error. April 21, 2017

10 ERROR #3 TO TWO TOO April 21, 2017

11 TO This word is a preposition. It expresses direction. Examples:
Go to the store. Whom* did you talk to? (Preferred academic would be-To whom did you talk?) *Whom is used as the object form; you is the subject of the sentence. April 21, 2017

12 TWO This word expresses the number two (2). It should only be used to express the number two. Example: Pick up two cases of pop. April 21, 2017

13 TOO This word is an adverb. It expresses also, sufficiently, or extremely. It should only be used when these words could be substituted. Examples: I am going too. (also) One can never have too much chocolate. (sufficient) I am too tired. (extremely) April 21, 2017

14 ERROR #4 A LOT ALOT April 21, 2017

15 DO NOT USE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!
A LOT If you wish to express a lot, write it as two SEPARATE words. Example: I have a lot of homework tonight. Alot-This is not a standard English word. DO NOT USE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES! April 21, 2017

16 ERROR #5 IT’S ITS April 21, 2017

17 IT’S This word is a contraction of it is. It should only be used when expressing it is. Example: It’s cold outside. *In academic/formal writing one would avoid the use of contractions opting for It is instead, thus avoiding this error. April 21, 2017

18 ITS This is a possessive word. It is only used to express ownership by something that is singular, and neither male nor female. Example: Its cord is not plugged in. April 21, 2017

19 ERROR #6 S ‘S S’ April 21, 2017

20 S The letter s is the most common way to make words plural. It should be added to most words to indicate more than one. Examples: schools, books, desks, teachers April 21, 2017

21 ‘S The ‘s is the most common method for showing possession. It MUST be used to make a singular noun show ownership. Examples: The school’s policies Jim’s car America’s flag April 21, 2017

22 S’ The s’ is used to show that the word is plural AND possessive. The s makes the word plural, and the apostrophe makes it possessive. Examples: two schools’ policies three teachers’ desks April 21, 2017

23 ERROR #7 THAN THEN April 21, 2017

24 THAN This word is used for comparisons. It should be used to show a difference between two or more items. Examples: He is taller than the door. I did more work than they did. Jim is smarter than Sam. April 21, 2017

25 THEN This word is used to express time or next in order of sequence or place. It cannot be used to compare in any circumstance. Example: I went to English class, then math. April 21, 2017

26 These are not standard English
ERROR #8 COULD OF MUST OF SHOULD OF WOULD OF These are not standard English DO NOT EVER USE! April 21, 2017

27 ERROR #8 Could have Must have Should have Would have
All should be expressed with the helping verb have. Could have Must have Should have Would have *In academic/formal writing one would avoid the use of contractions opting for could have etc. instead, thus avoiding this error April 21, 2017

28 ERROR #9 WHO VS. THAT April 21, 2017

29 WHO WHO is used to indicate or in reference to a human.
The skateboarder that does tricks is awesome. (Wrong!) The skateboarder who does tricks is awesome. Example: My grandma, who bakes delicious cookies, is coming over for Mother’s Day. Additional notes: A. a comma is used before and after the who clause because it describes grandma but is not necessary to the sentence because we know it is your grandma. This is called a nonessential clause. B. Notice the apostrophe in Mother’s as it is possessing a particular day. April 21, 2017

30 THAT THAT is used to indicate nonhumans or inanimate objects.
Examples: The dog that bit me is at the pound. The rock that was found by the little boy, weighed 10 pounds. April 21, 2017

31 #10. SINGULAR VS. PLURAL SVP’S
Singular versus plural can happen between subjects and verbs, subjects and pronouns and all three. The “number” is determined by the SUBJECT. Be careful with verbs: is/are (singular/plural present tense) and was/were (singular/plural past tense). April 21, 2017

32 Anyone, Everyone, Someone, Anybody, Everybody, Each, Anything, etc.
Most often people use “their” as the associated pronoun. For example, Everyone needs to bring their book to class. This is incorrect. April 21, 2017

33 SVP (singular versus plural)
WRONG-This author is able to pour a lot of creativity and emotion into their writing. CORRECT-This author is able to pour a lot of creativity and emotion into his writing. WRONG-The people who left their books is responsible for the mess. CORRECT- The people who left their books are responsible for the mess. OR The person who left his/her book is responsible for the mess. April 21, 2017

34 POSSESSIVE PRONOUN The correct pronoun(s) to use with anyone, everyone, someone, anybody, everybody, is his/her. Everyone needs to bring his/her book to class. April 21, 2017

35 TOP TEN PLUS WORDS MOST OFTEN CONFUSED/MISUSED
Now let’s go further! 55 and counting! These common errors should be avoided in ALL writing! Points will be deducted for each error. April 21, 2017

36 #11 EVERYDAY vs EVERY DAY April 21, 2017

37 EVERYDAY This word is an adjective. It describes a noun. Example:
I wear my everyday jacket to school. April 21, 2017

38 EVERY DAY These words are an expression of time. Example:
She wears the blue jacket every day. April 21, 2017

39 #12 ALL READY vs ALREADY April 21, 2017

40 ALL READY All ready means prepared.
Example: John is all ready to go to school. April 21, 2017

41 ALREADY Already means previously.
Example: Mom was going to clean the house, but Dad already did it. April 21, 2017

42 #13. ACCEPT vs. EXCEPT Accept means “to agree to”
Except means “with the exclusion of” I will accept all the recommendations except the last one. April 21, 2017

43 #14. ADVICE vs. ADVISE ADVICE (noun): counsel
ADVISE (verb): to recommend If I ask for her advice, she may advise me to quit. April 21, 2017

44 #15. AFFECT vs. EFFECT AFFECT-MOSTLY A VERB: to influence
His performance affected me. She affected an air of superiority. (noun) She had a happy affect. (from the field of psychology to acknowledge an emotion) EFFECT-MOSTLY A NOUN: the result That drug has dangerous effects. The sound effects were amazing. (verb) to bring about The teacher effected certain changes. Visit grammargirl on line for more fun information April 21, 2017

45 #16. AISLE vs. ISLE AISLE: a passage between sections of seats.
The bride walked down the aisle. ISLE: a small island He was stranded on the isle for 7 days before a plane rescued him. April 21, 2017

46 #17. All Right vs. Alright NEVER USE ALRIGHT it is not standard English. ALWAYS use ALL RIGHT. Even when “alright” means okay it is still slang. Can be used in creative writing in dialogue, but it is not acceptable in academic writing. April 21, 2017

47 #18. Altogether vs. All together
Altogether means “entirely” or “on the whole” (overall) All together means that each of the parts of a group are considered at once. Examples: Altogether, the band played well. The band played well all together. April 21, 2017

48 #19. AMONG vs. BETWEEN AMONG: use when referring to THREE or more of something. BETWEEN: use when referring to TWO only of something. April 21, 2017

49 #20. AMOUNT vs. NUMBER AMOUNT: use to refer to money or to things that cannot be counted. NUMBER: use to refer to things that can be counted. The amount of student interest was measured by the number of homework assignments turned in. April 21, 2017

50 #21. ANY ONE vs. ANYONE Spell as two words when followed by “of”
Spell as one word when the accent is on “any” Example: Anyone is allowed to attend any one of the classes. April 21, 2017

51 #22. ANYWAYS anywayS is NOT A WORD!!!
The word is anyway (NO S!) Now you know, right? April 21, 2017

52 #23. Apart vs A part Apart-into pieces or parts; ex. To take a watch apart; separately in place, time, motion, etc. New York and Chicago are far apart. A part =article and a noun: ex. He had a part in the play. April 21, 2017

53 #24. ARE vs. OUR ARE-verb OUR- possessive pronoun.
Proof read carefully. April 21, 2017

54 #25. BECAUSE Because and cause are two different words.
Because (conjunction): for the reason that Cause: reason, motive Cause pronounced as “cuz” is slang! NEVER USE CUZ. April 21, 2017

55 #26. CAN vs. MAY Can indicates ability May indicates permission
Example: I can finish the project on time if I may have someone help me. I can play the piano. May I use a bathroom pass? April 21, 2017

56 #27. COMPLEMENT vs. COMPLIMENT
COMPLEMENT (noun): something that completes Example: A direct object is a sentence complement. Also a (verb) to make whole or bring to perfection. Example: That color complements your eyes COMPLIMENT (noun): Expression of praise. Example: Her hair receives many compliments. April 21, 2017

57 #28. COUNCIL vs. COUNSEL Council-noun-a group of people gathered together to consider a topic or to deliberate ideas. Counsel-noun-advice given Verb-to give advice April 21, 2017

58 #29. Decent vs Descent Decent-adjective-respectable, worthy
Descent-noun-the act or process of moving from a higher position to a lower one; one who comes from a previous ancestor or parentage April 21, 2017

59 #30. DESSERT vs. DESERT I’d rather have two s’s in dessert, sugar and sweets, than one s in desert, sand! April 21, 2017

60 #31. DEFINITELY vs. DEFIANTLY
DEFINITELY: having distinct limits, fixed, clear in meaning DEFIANTLY: bold, impudent, challenge, a disposition to resist. April 21, 2017

61 #32. E.G. vs. I.E. e.g.: means “for example” and is followed by a comma. Latin: exempli grati E=example i.e.: means “that is” or “in other words” and is followed by a comma. Use i.e. as a transition and use it to introduce a restatement or explanation of a preceding expression. Latin: id est I=in other words The assignment has merit: e.g., (for example) it is helpful, forward-looking and educational. Unfortunately, it is also controversial; i.e., (that is/in other words) it will generate some unfavorable opinions. April 21, 2017

62 #33. EMINENT vs. IMMINENT EMINENT: means well-known.
IMMINENT: means about to happen. The arrival of the eminent teacher from Harvard is imminent. April 21, 2017

63 #34. FARTHER vs. FURTHER FARTHER: refers to distance (think- literal)
FURTHER: refers to extent or degree (think-figurative) Example: We drove 10 miles farther while we discussed the matter further. The farther he throws the ball, the further his chances are to be MVP. April 21, 2017

64 #35. FEWER vs. LESS FEWER: use fewer to refer to things that can be counted. LESS: use less to refer to money or to things that cannot be counted. Alvin worked fewer hours on his homework and therefore generated a less interesting assignment. April 21, 2017

65 #36. GOOD vs. WELL Good is an adjective
Well is an adverb or an adjective when referring to health. Example: Joe does a good job and performs well on tests, even when he does not feel well. I am doing well. April 21, 2017

66 #37. IMPLY vs. INFER IMPLY (verb): suggest (speaker or writer)
The lawyer implied that her client had been treated badly. (think-throw) INFER (verb): conclude (listener or reader) (think-catch) I inferred from your argument that you intend to win. A higher level thinking skill! April 21, 2017

67 #38. KNEW vs. NEW Knew/new are two different words.
Know/now are two different words Knew is the past tense of know. Know is Knowledge New: not old Now: at the present time, or in view of the fact. April 21, 2017

68 #39. LAY vs. LIE Lay (laid, laying) means “to put” and requires an object to complete its meaning. Lie (lay, lain, lying) means “to rest” Examples: Please lay the supplies on the shelf. I laid the folders in the drawer I lie on the couch when I get home from school. The report lay on his desk for two days. April 21, 2017

69 #40. LED vs. LEAD Led-verb-simple past tense of lead
He led us around the park. Lead-verb-to go before, act as a guide He will lead us on the tour. Lead-noun-the first or foremost place He is the lead guitarist. April 21, 2017

70 #41. LOOSE vs. LOSE LOOSE: not fastened LOSE: to be unable to find
Do not lose the loose change in your pocket. April 21, 2017

71 #42. MORAL vs. MORALE April 21, 2017

72 #43. PASSED vs. PAST Passed is a verb meaning to move on or by.
Past is an adjective, adverb or preposition meaning “earlier” Example: That car has passed me in the past. April 21, 2017

73 #44. PERSONAL vs. PERSONNEL
April 21, 2017

74 #45. PRINCIPAL vs. PRINCIPLE
PRINCIPAL: most important or leading person. The principal person in our school is our principal, Mrs. Bustard. The principal is my pal! PRINCIPLE: rule or law He lives by his code of ethics, his principles. His principles would never allow him to cheat on the assignment. April 21, 2017

75 # 46. QUIET vs. QUITE April 21, 2017

76 #47. REAL vs. REALLY Real is an adjective. Do not use real to modify another adjective. Really is an adverb. Adverbs can “add” to a verb, another adverb, or an adjective. WRONG: He is real good at soccer. (test-can you say he is “real” at soccer? If not, it is modifying “good” and it is wrong!) CORRECT: He is really good at soccer. EX: She was really (not real) proud (to what extent was she proud=adverb) that her necklace contained real pearls (what kind of pearls=adjective). April 21, 2017

77 #48. SENSE vs. SINCE Sense is a noun meaning to perceive or having to do with any of the senses, understanding or common sense. Since means from that time or event until now. Example: His sense was that the room had not been cleaned since the last family had moved out. April 21, 2017

78 #49. SET vs. SIT SET: (set, setting) to place
SIT: (sit, sat, sitting) to be seated Please set your papers on the table. She set the computer on the desk. I have set the computer there before. Please sit in the chair. She sat in the first-class section. I had not sat there before. April 21, 2017

79 #50. SITE vs. CITE vs. SIGHT SITE (noun): a location
He chose a wonderful site for his new house. Also for websites CITE (verb): to refer to He cited several sources in his research project. SIGHT (noun/verb): the ability to see or something that is seen. He lost his sight when he was five. The nearly extinct bird was sighted flying over the jungle. April 21, 2017

80 #51. STATIONARY vs. STATIONERY
STATIONARY: remaining in one place. STATIONERY: writing paper. I used my personal stationery to write to them to ask whether the computer should remain stationary. April 21, 2017

81 #52. SURE vs. SURELY Sure- means free from doubt.
Sure is an adjective. Do not use sure to modify another adjective. WRONG: I am sure happy today. Surely is an adverb. CORRECT: I am surely happy today. Example: I’m surely (not sure) glad that she is running and feel sure that she will be nominated. April 21, 2017

82 #53. Uninterested vs. Disinterested
Uninterested means “having no interest.” Disinterested means “neutral” or “unbiased” April 21, 2017

83 #54. WEATHER vs. WHETHER WEATHER (noun): general condition of temperature. Check the weather before you dress. Also a verb: to get through safely We will weather any storm together. WHETHER (conjunction): if it be the case that; either He asked whether we were going. April 21, 2017

84 #55. WHOSE vs. WHO’S Whose is a possessive pronoun.
Who’s is a contraction for “who is.” Example: Who’s going to let us know whose turn it is to pick up donuts. April 21, 2017

85 Practice Activity You are to write either a poem or a short story that incorporates at least 10 items from the list. You are to use BOTH of the words from each of the 10 numbers you select (so 20 words from the list). Use them both correctly in context. Please underline or bold each of the words and write the error # it matches in parenthesis after it. Your words do not have to appear in the same sentence as they do in the example. They may appear anywhere throughout the piece. It is written this way merely as a sample. Example: It’s (#5) not too (#3) late to (#3) give the dog its (#3) bath; is it? April 21, 2017