Word Usage:10 Common Mistakes

Training Series Article Writing - Paragraph & Grammar Structure Word Usage: 10 Common Mistakes Here is the next edition of the EzineArticles.com Article Writing: Paragraph and Grammar Structure Training Series. Mistakes are often made with word usage. Unfortunately, it's not something that can always be remedied with spell checker. Here is a list of ten common word usage mistakes with explanations and examples of proper use: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 my articles.