10 Grammar Tricks to Help You Master the English Language
If you know me, then you know I’m a bit of a grammar nazi. I’m not perfect at it, but it does drive me crazy when people blatantly destroy the English language.
1. Than vs. Then
Think of then as apart of a sequence: first, next, then, last; than is used to compare things.
I got dressed this morning and then I made my bed.
I’d rather make my bed than do most other chores.
2. To, Too, and Two
Nine times out of ten, you’re going to use to in a sentence. The best way to remember using too is you can replace it with also. Two is, of course, referring to the number 2.
I went to the movies.
I wanted to go to the movies too.
I saw two new movies last month.
3. There, Their, and They’re
There is a place, their is a possessive term, and they’re is short for “they are”.
The children went over there to play.
Their favorite activity at the playground is swinging.
They’re never going to want to come home after having so much fun.
4. Your vs. You’re
Your is the possessive and you’re is “you are”. Remember, if you can’t say “you are” and have it make sense, then it should be “your.”
It’s your choice where we go for lunch.
You’re the best at picking great restaurants.
5. Its vs. It’s
Similarly, its is the possessive and it’s is “it is” or “it has.” Just like “your” and “you’re,” make sure you can always say “it is” when you use “it’s.”
It feels like the sun is shining its hottest today.
The sun is shining now, but it’s supposed to rain later.
6. The Semicolon [;]
A semicolon is used to separate two parts of a compound sentence. Typically, I remember it this way: a semicolon can be used instead of a period to split two complete sentences.
When you make a grilled cheese sandwich, it’s best to butter the bread before toasting; it has much more flavor that way.
7. Affect vs. Effect
Affect is a verb, while effect is a noun. If you can replace “affect” with “to influence,” you’re using it the correct way. If you’re describing the “effects” of something, you’ve got the right form.
I didn’t think the cold would affect me so much.
It only took about 10 minutes of skiing to feel the effects of the cold.
8. Who vs. Whom
The best way I’ve learned this is by replacing each: who with he, and whom with him.
I don’t know who to vote for.
Whom should I vote for?
9. Lose vs. loose
Lose is when you don’t win at something or you lost something; loose is the opposite of tight.
I always lose my car keys when I’m in a hurry.
I need a belt; my pants are too loose.
10. Quotations and punctuation
When quotation marks and punctuation are used together, remember that punctuation always goes before the quotation marks.
“When I was in school,” he said, “I was the class clown!”
Bonus: Words that don’t exist
These are all words that don’t exist; remove them from your vocabulary!
- Alot: “a lot” is a phrase, but “alot” is not
- Intensive purposes: should be “intents and purposes”
- Irregardles: not a word, but “regardless” is
- Supposably: did you mean “supposedly”?