Yawn, eyes wander and glaze over. Skip to the next post or see what’s cooking at the bitchy gourmet. All brought about by the tedium of… SPELLING! I signed up to submit articles to an online article distribution center. You submit articles and if someone wants to use your article, they have the right as long as they give you your due. Every so often they send out tips about writing. The following is one of them. Why is this important? Spell check won’t do you one bit of good with these. They’re all spelled correctly but they are so easy to misuse. Which one’s bother you? For me, it is always #7 and #9. Although it is so easy to be thinking of something else and just automatically spell there as they’re or their or thier :)). Students, heads up and if you don’t pay attention, a rap across the knuckles! Bring in the police. Child abuse! (When I was in elementary school during the 60’s, the superintendent’s means of punishment was a wooden paddle with holes in it. It was called “Sputnik”!)
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. Read more…
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.
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.
10. Know vs. No vs. Now
* 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
Their. That wasn’t so bad was it? Your know in the now.
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