Easy Grammar Tip #1 - Your and You're
Since I've been teaching for 22 years, and I have a Master's Degree in Education - I thought it would be good practice to offer quick grammar tips here and there. I see a lot of writing mistakes on websites and social media. My inner control freak wishes to correct all the mistakes I see. That is not possible. So a blog post is the next best thing.
I know many here struggle with fluent English. I know how that feels as I work and live in communities that are Spanish dominant. Communicating flawlessly in a second language is not an easy task.
So today's tip is a common mistake that I see everywhere:
You're is short for "you are." The A is dropped and substituted with an apostrophe. To make sure you are using this properly, read the sentence aloud and substitute "you are" for "you're". If "you are" makes sense in the sentence you're all set!
The word "your" has no substitutions. And it does not mean "you are" The above graphic is a good example if I try to substitute.
"Is that you are book, or do you need to return it to the library?" This sentence makes no sense, so I know "your" is the proper word to use.
I hope this helps anyone who is confused. I will do my best to post more grammar and usage tips as my full time job allows. :-)
Recent Comments
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YAY!!! This is so needed, Wendy...for everyone! I cringe even if I send a text with a grammatical error. I have friends who (whom?) are teachers that have come to ME for advice on proper use of grammar!
I thoroughly embrace technology, but I can't seem to shake the feeling that a master plan is in place to make us all brain dead!
There was a WA member, JudeP, who used to offer posts on the proper use of grammar about a year ago. So it seems as if you have just taken on a new role! I'll be in the front row...notebook opened...pencil sharpened.
Hi Veronica,
The spelling, grammar and usage errors are everywhere. And it's becoming accepted because of social media - and that's where the master plan seems to have taken effect. It is dumbing us down if we let it.
I have a pretty strict rule with people, with very few exceptions, if they abbreviate their posts on social media I won't interact with them. I refuse to tell a grown person all the reasons they shouldn't use U instead of the word you.
I guess public shaming isn't appropriate either. LOL. There are no good answers.
We can each, in our little corner of the online universe, try to keep our English clean and blemish free, and encourage others to do the same. ;-)
I"m glad these Grammar tips are helpful...more on the way.
Good grammar converts into sales, I'm sure of it because I've done it. ;-)
WHOA!!!
I agree with you wholeheartedly, Wendy. I get it: the Internet is easy, breezy, and fast, but that doesn't mean that we would just turn off our thinking caps.
I thoroughly appreciate Grammarly, even as I'm typing this, 4 mistakes have been underlined. But there have been a few times when it's "corrections" were not accurate. It wasn't even something I had to look up on Google, it was just a blatant error on their part.
Ahh...I think I just came up with a few great titles for a movement:
#ThinkingCap
#KeepThinking
#ICanSpell
#EnglishIsMyFriend
Thanks, Wendy
English is my first language and I still struggle with writing. It is the one area that I lack confidence in, so thank you for taking the time to instill some better habits.
Best wishes,
Gloria
Yes, I know what you're saying and it drives me crazy when I see simple grammar being destroyed. They're, There and Their. You're and Your. Through, Thru or Threw. How do you get that wrong, right? Good point though Wendy.
Excellent example that's easy to follow. Thanks for sharing this. I was an English major, and seeing those basic rules mishandled makes me crazy!
This is great.
I don't like being critical of others, as I know that many of the people I interact with are not native speakers of English, but I often feel the urge to correct mistakes such as this.
Two other examples of what I see often:
"Would of" and "should of" instead of "would've" and "could've".
"You have another thing coming."
I cringe every time.
Thank you for reminding me of could've and should've. That's another grammar post. Makes me crazy too.
Nice grammatical training Wendy!
Often just "sounding out" the sentence and checking if it makes sense will tell us if we are using our words correctly within the context.
This is a lesson series many WA'ers need.
Yes, this is a common mistake, that even the Grammar Checker that we have here in SiteContent fail with sometimes.
Thanks for the tip. And, YOU'RE doing great! :)
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Hi Wendy, excellent idea!
Of course being a teacher you want to correct everyone. These posts will be of much value for all of us :D