Grammar Lesson

[Little G]

Here's a public service to all who are in need:

your = possessive pronoun
example - Your grammar blows.

you're = contraction of "you are"
example - You're an idiot.

there = adverb, refers to a place, as opposed to here
example - Go over there.

their = possessive pronoun
example - They need to brush up on their grammar.

they're = contraction of "they are"
example - Hopefully, they're paying attention to this.

Feel free to post up any contributions.

g

[WildBillyT]

This has sticky potential.

To, Too, and Two:

Classify "to" as a preposition. A preposition indicates the directional, spatial or logical relationship of its object to the rest of the sentence. It is used at the beginning of a prepositional phrase (to the store, to the market) or an infinitive (to run, to play).

Categorize "too" as an adverb. An adverb is similar to an adjective, but rather than modifying a noun or pronoun, an adverb modifies all words that are not nouns or pronouns. The word that an adverb modifies most often is a verb. "Too" is used to denote something as excessive (too expensive, too young) or to indicate an addition (I want a puppy, too. We need milk, too).

Use "two" as a number. It is used to show quantity. For example, "I have two children" and "We need two pounds of hamburger."

[qwikz28]

It's is a contraction for it is or it has.

Its is a possessive pronoun meaning, more or less, of it or belonging to it.

And there is absolutely, positively, no such word as its'.

A simple test

If you can replace it[']s in your sentence with it is or it has, then your word is it's; otherwise, your word is its.

Another test

Its is the neuter version of his and her. Try plugging her into your sentence where you think its belongs. If the sentence still works grammatically (if not logically) then your word is indeed its.

Examples

It's been good to know you. Contraction: it has
It's a bird! It's a plane! Contraction: it is

The dodo bird is known for its inability to fly. Possessive pronoun: its inability = the dodo bird's inability

[GP99GT]

Then - describes a time something happens
I have to go to work, then I'm going to a party.

Than - differentiates 2 different things
Mustangs sell better than Camaros.

[Tsar]

Read it. Learn it. Love it.

http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/errors.html

[Featherburner]

[Mike]

Can't is a contraction for can not. Example: This thread might work. But you can't fix stupid.

[ryanfx]

accept vs except

and my absolute favorite ls1tech pet peeve that I see at least once a week "true duels"

[Tsar]

How do you know they are not talking about a real duel?

[WildBillyT]

Originally Posted by ryanfx

accept vs except

and my absolute favorite ls1tech pet peeve that I see at least once a week "true duels"

Yeah. One pipe is named "Hamilton" and the other is "Burr".

[BonzoHansen]

^^LOL @ Billy's historical reference

Originally Posted by ryanfx

accept vs except

I put my money on Udo

[ryanfx]

oh I forgot one more

a "manuel cut out"

[Tsar]

Originally Posted by ryanfx

oh I forgot one more

a "manuel cut out"

It's made by Manuel!

[Knipps]

Originally Posted by Featherburner

I was going to post the same thing if someone else hadn't

[Knipps]

another addition.. there is no should of it is SHOULD HAVE

[Clark]

Loose vs. Lose ftw

Every time I see that misused I slap myself in the forehead.

[WildBillyT]

Originally Posted by Clark

Loose vs. Lose ftw

Every time I see that misused I slap myself in the forehead.

The bolt was lose.
The ass end of the car got lose.
How do I adjust my lifters? The rockers are too lose.
My dash is lose. How do I tighten it down?
I am racing next Friday and don't want to loose.

Unconscious yet?

[Teds89IROC]

I hate when people say "I could care less". If you could care less then that defeats the purpose of saying the phrase!

[Knipps]

a million ellipses in one post

also, how do you mix up the (potential) homonyms are and our?

[jims69camaro]

Originally Posted by Knipps

how do you mix up the (potential) homonyms are and our?

that's the fault of every second grade teacher who told you to spell it as it sounds. that is also the culprit of would of and could of and should of... (p.s. it's actually one of the multiple choice questions on the SATs - i ***** you not) when they mean would've, could've and should've.

your bonus is like a carrot on a stick - you'll never reach it.

[ar0ck]

[BonzoHansen]

Originally Posted by Teds89IROC

I hate when people say "I could care less". If you could care less then that defeats the purpose of saying the phrase!

Is there not implied sarcasm when using that line?


Isn't a near miss actually a hit?

[Teds89IROC]

http://incompetech.com/gallimaufry/care_less.html

[BonzoHansen]

lol

[Masonite]

http://www.learntospell.net/