Common English Language Writing Errors

Common English Language Writing Errors

Written and edited by Kelsey Spence - July 2nd, 2023

Let's face it; the English language can be pretty tricky with its mashup of so many different languages that make up its vocabulary, and having to keep track of the countless grammar rules that come along with the language doesn't help. This post aims to clear up some confusion surrounding a few very common mistakes that even native English speakers make when writing.

My hope is to leave you never making these common grammar and spelling errors again. Let's get to it!

To vs. Too

I must admit that this one gets me sometimes, too.

Notice that I used the double-O spelling of the word in that initial sentence. There are only two different ways you can use the word "too". One is used as a replacement for words such as "also" and "as well". (This is precisely the way I utilized the word in the first sentence.) If you can replace the word with "also" or " as well", then you would use "too".

The second form of the word "too" shows that something is in excess. Thus, if you can replace the word with "excessively", then you would use the word "too" rather than "to". This meaning of the word seems to be the one that hangs English writers up the most.

Example: We went to the store and bought too many bags of chips. We bought an excessive amount of buns, too.

To comma or not to comma before a conjunction?

Although I would argue that commas can be used in a subjective manner at times, there is one way you can figure out whether you need a comma before a conjunction, in most cases.

It comes down to asking yourself if you can make a new sentence with the portion of the sentence that comes after the comma (excluding "and", but", "or" and other conjunctions). If you can, then, typically, a comma is necessary; otherwise, it is likely not.

This trick is one I use all the time when deciding if I should place a comma before a conjunction.

Example: I forgot I put a pizza in the oven, and smoke began to fill the room.

Your vs. You're

There is an incredibly easy way to remember whether to use "your" or "you're" while writing. Simply ask yourself this question: Can I replace the word with "you are"? If you can, then "you're" is the word to use, and if you cannot, then "your" is the right choice.

Example: Your mother called and said you're grounded.

Their vs. There vs. They're

This is a perfect example of how confusing the English language can be; three words that all sound the same and cause native and non-native English speakers alike a great deal of trouble.

As far as "their" goes, it's a matter of trying to replace the word with "his" or "her", since all of these words are pronouns that describe people (or animals, for some speakers). If you can't, the word must either be spelled "there" or "they're", right? "There" is used for describing a place, rather than a person like "their" does. So, if you can replace the word with "to the place" or "in the place", or if it is followed by the word "are" or "is", then you would use "there".

"They're" is the easiest of the three to remember. Knowing when to use it requires a trick very similar to the one I gave you for the word "you're". You just need to ask yourself whether you can replace the word with "they are". If so, then the winning spelling is "they're".

Example: It's raining on the people out there, and they're telling me their coats are soaked.

Now, you should have a better understanding of how to spell some of the most commonly misspelled English words, as well as when to use a comma before a conjunction. So, what are you waiting for? Start writing with more confidence now.