Common Mistakes in English
Let's face it, English can be confusing. A lot of words are similar but with different meanings, as a result, it is almost impossible to avoid making mistakes in English.
I compiled this list in hopes that it will help you recognize these and maybe, you have found yourself making the mistakes in which I catch myself, also making.
1. its or it's
its = a possessive pronoun.
Examples:
Do you know if my handphone needs its battery replaced?
The puppy played with its ball all morning.
it's = a contraction for it is.
Examples:
I think it's going to rain.
After the company meeting I doubt it's going to be the same working here.
2. there, their or they're
there = is an adverb, refers to in or at that place.
Examples:
There is a chocolate bar for you.
I hope you get the job there.
their = a possessive pronoun.
Examples:
Their food is delicious.
Their dog is so cute.
they're = a contraction for they are.
Examples:
I heard that the band will be there. They're going to play their new song.
They're going to have their wedding in Bali.
3. your or you're
your = a possessive pronoun.
Examples:
Your job is so exciting.
Is she your wife or daughter?
you're = a contraction for you are.
Examples:
Mr. Douglas, you're a great teacher.
You're going to do very well with your presentation.
4. lose or loose
lose = a verb to show without something. Sounds (Z)
Examples:
I cannot lose my job.
I sure need to lose some extra weight.
loose = an adjective to show a release from attachment. Sounds (S)
Examples:
My belt has become loose.
My pants are now very loose after being on the diet.
I have a loose tooth.
5. whose or who's
whose = a possessive for of who.
Examples:
Whose keys are these? Do you know?
Whose idea was it to go skinny dipping?
who's = a contraction for who is.
Examples:
Who's going to clean this big mess?
Do you need to tell them who's going to lead the meeting?
6. write or right
write = a verb, to express in writing.
Examples:
I love to write teaching material.
Could you write a letter to mom for Mothers day?
right = an adjective, to express correct, justify, suitable or direction (opposite to left).
Examples:
He knew the difference between right and wrong.
Turn right and then go straight.
7. effect and affect
effect = a noun, to express result. Produced by a cause.
Examples:
The effects of Global Warming can be seen everywhere.
What if all our work doesn't have any effect?
affect = a verb, to act on; to produce a chance.
Examples:
His talk affected me in a very strong way.
This kind of weather can affect your health.
8. accept or except
accept = a verb, to take or recieve.
Examples:
I accept the offer.
I hope she can accept my many flaws and still marry me.
except = a preposition, excluding; save, but except will never follow a subject such as I, We, They.
Example:
She will accept you as you are except your bad habit of texting while driving.
9. I or me
I = the first person singular subject pronoun, meaning that it refers to the person performing the action of a verb.
Examples:
I want to go.
You and I need to get ready.
me = an object pronoun, meaning it refers to the person that the action of a verb is being done to, or to whom a preposition refers.
Examples:
Between you and me, I think this is a really bad idea.
My boss asked for me to replace her as the manager.
10. gone or went
gone = the past participle of the verb go.
Example:
I should have gone to the gas station before I left town. (Correct)
I gone to the gas station before I left town. (Incorrect) Needs the auxiliary verb (should have)
went = the past tense of the verb go.
Examples:
I went to the gas station before I left town. (Correct)
I should've went to the gas station before I left town. (Incorrect)