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Its vs. It’s

Would you like to know the #1 Grammar Error?
Hint:
The word involved is small and it’s contained in this sentence.

That’s right: its vs. it’s
Yet the two rules are actually quite easy to remember.

Rule 1: When you mean it is or it has, use an apostrophe.

Examples:
It’s a nice day.
It’s your right to refuse the invitation.

It’s been great getting to know you.

Rule 2: When you are using its as a possessive, don’t use the apostrophe.

Examples:
The cat hurt its paw.

The furniture store celebrated its tenth anniversary.

Posted on Thursday, April 12th, 2012 at 5:35 pm


Hyphens with Common Prefixes, Part 2

The current trend is to do away with unnecessary hyphens with common prefixes.

Examples:
noncompliance
copayment
semiconscious
unending

However, there are exceptions.

Read more…

Posted on Tuesday, February 1st, 2011 at 10:33 am


The Number vs A Number

The expression the number is followed by a singular verb while the expression a number is followed by a plural verb.

Examples:

The number of people we need to hire is thirteen.

A number of people have written in about this subject.

Read more…

Posted on Thursday, December 9th, 2010 at 9:01 am


Spelling: -ce vs. -se

It is easy to get confused between nouns and verbs that are spelled almost identically. However, here is a simple rule that will help you with two sound-alike pairs of words.

Rule: Generally, the verb form will be spelled with the “s” and the noun with the “c.”

Examples:
advise vs. advice
devise vs. device

Example: She gave us good advice.
Noun meaning recommendation.

Example: Please advise us of our options.
Verb meaning the act of giving a recommendation.

To learn more about confusing words and homonyms, click here.

Read more…

Posted on Tuesday, October 19th, 2010 at 3:49 pm


When to Capitalize People’s Titles

When should you capitalize someone’s title? I get this question quite often so here are some guidelines:

Rule: Capitalize a person’s title when it follows the name on the address or signature line.

Examples:

Sincerely, Margaret Haines, Chairperson

Margaret Haines, Chairperson
1234 South Wallace St.
Portland, OR 97232

Read more…

Posted on Thursday, October 14th, 2010 at 10:35 am