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Common English Errors

Common English Errors

Date: Mar 04 2008

Topic: Grammar

Author: marksimz

Lesson

It's vs. Its

It's is the contracted form of It is. This form is used in sentences using "they" as the subject of the sentence with the verb "to be" used as either the helping verb (e.g. It's going ..., It's raining ...) or the principal verb of the sentence.

Examples:

It's difficult to find work these days.
It's going to rain soon.

Its is the possessive pronoun form. This form is used to express that "it" has a specific quality, or that something belongs to "it".

Examples:

I found its taste to be superb!
Its color is deep red, almost Burgundy.

 

They're vs. There vs. Their

They're is the contracted form of They are. This form is used in sentences using "they" as the subject of the sentence with the verb "to be" used as either the helping verb (e.g. They're going ..., They're playing ...) or the principal verb of the sentence.

Examples:

They're working hard this week.
They're very interested in helping out.

There is used as an introductory subject is sentences with "There is" and "There are". It is also used as an adverb of place meaning "in that place".

Examples:

There are many people in that room.
That's my house over there.

Their is the possessive pronoun form.

This form is used to express that "they" have a specific quality, or that something belongs to "them".

Examples:

Their house is in Los Angeles.
He liked their looks!

 

You're vs. Your

You're is the contracted form of You are. This form is used in sentences using "you" as the subject of the sentence with the verb "to be" used as either the helping verb (e.g. You're going ..., You're watching ...) or the principal verb of the sentence.

Examples:

You're going to have a great time!
You're much better at tennis than Jim.

Your is the possessive pronoun form. This form is used to express that something belongs to "you".

Examples:

Your wife is such a kind woman.
I think your skills are outstanding.

 

Comments

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millimono

millimono

Guinea

English is not so complicated like French Language where you’re dealing with gender ( LE and La ). It’s some time difficult for French speaking countries. But as me, I have been a Member of BBC and VOA English Club. So I don’t have a lot of problems but I need more help in order to overcome the gaps I have in English language.

10:17 PM Mar 05 2008 |

millimono

millimono

Guinea

My problem in English is referred to certains verbs. Example: Might, could and should. But thank God I have started to make the differencies among these verbs. Nevertheless, I need more explanation about its.

10:12 PM Mar 05 2008 |

taoufiknet

taoufiknet

Morocco

thanks a lot for your precious information and keep it up!

09:45 PM Mar 05 2008 |

hraza

hraza

Pakistan

hi this is hamid from pakistan

 

i want a person who can chat with me.

09:01 PM Mar 05 2008 |

marjan.flower

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

thanks alot my friend
i wait for your after text

06:25 PM Mar 05 2008 |

andrea.sirtori@yahoo.com.br

Brazil

Hello ! Thank for you help, but I have a question:

What is correct ????:

there are something strange  or

there is something strange or

there are anything  or

there is anything strange

 

 

04:38 PM Mar 05 2008 |

Faridi

Faridi

Pakistan

thnanks specially for it's @ its

02:42 PM Mar 05 2008 |

shinasia

shinasia

Oman

that is right

thanks 

02:32 PM Mar 05 2008 |

zul007

Malaysia

actually, i'm confuse on how to use it & its..anyway..thank you for the important info

02:11 PM Mar 05 2008 |

jhonnathan beltran sanchez

Colombia

is a method very goor and thanks

02:06 PM Mar 05 2008 |

afao

afao

Benin

it's good to aware us about these common mistakes! Thanks a lot.

01:03 PM Mar 05 2008 |

with allah

with allah

Egypt

thank you .but I am new here and I want to learn how to speak English well and anther things  so I want anyonetohelpme .pleassssssssssssssssssssssssse

11:07 AM Mar 05 2008 |

sonnieflomo

Liberia

too great.

10:42 AM Mar 05 2008 |

artistoo

artistoo

Tunisia

thanks

10:09 AM Mar 05 2008 |

rachaeita

rachaeita

Bangladesh

Embarassed

09:33 AM Mar 05 2008 |

Retaj

Retaj

Saudi Arabia

Thanks alot marksimz ..

08:33 AM Mar 05 2008 |

D19881201

China

Wonderful

 

01:32 AM Mar 05 2008 |

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