Monday, January 22, 2024

Grammar Hiccups to Avoid

 


Your grammar is a reflection of your image. Good or bad, you have made an impression. And like all impressions, you are in total control.

Jeffrey Gitomer.

Words and language can be a minefield at the best of times.

Let's take a look at the grammar hiccups and how you can avoid making them in the future:


1. Pray vs. Prey, a Difference Between Life and Death 

You can be preyed on or

You can be prayed for.

 

 

2. They're, Their and There, What's the Difference?

They're –The position of a person, plant or thing.

Their – Belonging to.

There –Short form of they are.


3. Brake or Break, You Can Use Your Brakes to Make Sure Nothing Breaks

Your car has brakes.

You can take a lunch break.

4. It's or Its,  How to Use Them Correctly

A simple tip about it's, if you can substitute the word with it is or it has, always use it's.  If not, use its.

My cat loves chasing its tail.

It's her favourite thing to do.


5. Cue vs. Queue, Stand in Line to Learn the Difference

Cue me when the music is about to start.

The moviegoers stood in the queue.


 6. Loose or Lose, What a Difference One Letter Can Make

You can lose your keys.

You can wear a loose fitting dress.

7. Specific or Pacific, Are Oceans Apart

I need specific details to complete the task.

The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean on Earth.

 

8. Led, Lead or Lead, Which One Has an Atomic Number?

I led the horse to water.

They lead a secluded life in Alaska.

A chemical symbol with the symbol Pb and atomic number 82.


 9. To, Too or Two, One is Just a Number

I went to the Arctic Circle, when I visited Norway.

I ate too much chocolate.

I have two pairs of jeans in my wardrobe.


10. Steal or Steel, Did The Man of Steel Steal Anyone's Thunder?

Robin Hood decided to steal from the rich and give to the poor.

The bridge is reinforced with steel girders.

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Read more:

The Essential Proofreading and Editing Guide

What You Need to Know About Editing a Book

Proofreading Essentials

8 Tips to Sharpen Your Editing Skills

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Editing and Proofreading Checklist for Writers

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