Top 10 common mistakes in English language

Lucknow: English has always been the most confusing language. On the occasion of English language day newztrack.com brings you an educational fact to avoid common mistakes the next time you write English.

There vs. their vs. they’re

• There =an adverb, in or at that place. There is only one lemon left. There should be an easier way to do this. I hope you don’t go there.
• Their=a possessive pronoun. Their mansion is beautiful. Their olive trees make me dream of Italy. Their baby cries a lot.
• They’re=contraction of they are. They’re simply stunning. They’re going to perform for us. Don’t act as if they’re here already!

Easy reminder: You can replace they’re with they are every time and re-read your sentence for meaning.

Lose vs. Loose

• Lose = a verb, to come to be without something; to suffer the loss of something. I do not wish to lose more weight. I was about to lose my ear ring. She cannot stand the thought of losing him.
• Loose=an adjective, free or released from attachment; not bound together; not strict.My belt is very loose around my waist. She likes to wear her hair loose and free.That is aloose interpretation of our document.

Easy reminder: Lose has come to be without its extra “o”!!!

It’s vs. Its

• Its = a possessive pronoun. Examples would be: The puppy played with its toy. The computer and its power supply are for sale. Do you know whether my car needs its own inspection?
• It’s = contraction of it is. Examples would be: It’s much too hot in July. I think it’s going to rain. I doubt it’s ever going to be the same.

Easy reminder: You can replace it’s with it is every time and re-read your sentence for meaning.

Effect and Affect

• Effect=noun, produced by a cause; a result. The effect of your leadership is visible here. The rules are in effect as of today. What if the change has no effect?
• Affect=verb, to act on; to produce a chance. She affected all of us with her speech.The cold weather affected my plants last night.I let the movie affect me deeply.

Whose vs. Who’s

• Whose= possessive form of who. Whose plans are these? Whose money did he take? Do you know whose boat we saw the other day?
• Who’s= a contraction for who is. Who’s going to clean all this mess? She was wonderingwho’s going to dance with her. Do we need to tell them who’s going to be there?

Easy reminder: You can replace who’s with who is every time and see if it makes sense.

Your vs. You’re

• Your=possessive pronoun. Your job is very exciting. I wish I were in your shoes. Did you tell me your secret yet?
• You’re=contraction for you are. You’re going to amaze them with your performance.I want you to know how much you’re delivering for us. Perhaps you’re about to get started?

Easy reminder: You can replace you’re with you are every time and see if it makes sense.

Write and Right

• Write=verb, to express in writing. I want to learn how to write well. Did you write this?Write a letter to Mom
• Right=adjective, correct, justified, suitable, opposite of left. The little boy knew rightversus wrong. It’s the right way to do things. I meant to write this for you right away.

Me vs. I

The best explanation for this rule is here; nonetheless here is a simple explanation:

I=subject. Me=object. Which one to use when?

Let’s learn by example:

This would be wrong: They are going to send my wife and I a package.

Why? The rule is that the sentence should make sense if you remove the person andpreceding the I.

So in our case: They are going to send I a package. This is obviously wrong. It should be: They are going to send me a package.

This would be wrong: Jim and me are going to the beach.

Why? Remove Jim and. In this case, also adjust the verb to match single form of first person.

Then re-read the sentence: Me am going to the beach. This is also obviously wrong. It should be: Jim and I are going to the beach.

This would be wrong: The best one is sent to Ashley and I.

Correct form would be The best one is sent to Ashley and me.

Easy way to remember this is that I does not follow a verb. I should always make sense if it is followed by a verb.

I am rather pleased to learn that my favorite phrase, “it is she“, upon answering the phone has formal correctness on its side but is rather antiquated

Accept vs. Except

Accept=verb, to take or receive. I accept the challenge. They accepted the generous gift. Why not accept our flaws and still love ourselves?

Except=preposition, excluding, save, but. So it will never follow a subject such as I, they, we.

Everyone except me decided to go. Do anything you can to please her except calling her. Except for her attitude, I think she is ideal.

Gone vs. Went

“Went” is the past tense of the verb to go whereas “gone” is the past participle. Use them correctly.

Correct: I went to the store. I should have gone to the open market instead.

Incorrect: I should’ve went somewhere!