Archive for the ‘Copywriting Tips’ Category

You’re Vs. Your – The Important Distinction

Monday, July 6th, 2009

It’s the grammar snob again, and this time I’ll pick up another very common and very unnerving error. If a grammarian sees this particular goof up in your writing, you WILL be mercilessly attacked. We all know about grammarians now, don’t we?

The error I’m talking about is the mixing up of you’re and your. Are you one of the many confused? Don’t worry, you’re reading this and your confusions will be cleared! Let’s look at these tricky words individually:

  • You’re
  • You’re is a contraction, i.e., a combination, of ‘you are’. It is often followed by the present participle, a verb form ending in ‘-ing’.

    Some examples:

    You’re a nice person.
    I think you’re lying.
    I can’t believe you’re here!

  • Your
  • Your, on the other hand, is the possessive form of you. It is used to describe something as belonging to you. Your is almost always followed by a noun.

    Some examples:

    Is this your pen?
    Your book is on the table.
    Your hand looks a little bruised!

    Important Tip:

    When confused, try replacing you’re with ‘you are’ in the sentence. If it fits, you’re good! Otherwise, ‘your’ is the word you’re looking for!

    Very Important Note:

    There is absolutely no such word as your’e!!

    Want to add something? Have any inputs? Please feel free to leave a comment or contact us. I say it again, we grammar snobs love to argue :D .

    Some Common Errors in Usage of Words

    Friday, July 3rd, 2009

    It is quite common for most of us to get confused with what words to use while on a passionate writing spree. We tend to get so engrossed with the topic at hand, that we overlook the aptness of words and phrases that make our write-ups. Most of the times, their unsuitability with respect to the content, fails to capture our attention; but for someone who is reading, such an error is the first thing that grabs attention!

    For instance, one such universally repeated error is the usage of the expression, ‘free gift’.
    Needless to say, a gift is meant to be deprived of any charges. Of course, it comes free of cost! What is the point of presenting someone with a gift that has to be paid for?

    Remember, the word ‘gift’ itself implies that it is being given without extracting any compensatory charge. It is always better to replace the expression, ‘free gift’ with ‘free’ or ‘gift’ only depending upon its usage and connotation.

    Than vs. Then

    This is an oft-repeated error that is bound to make your head go spinning with its cyclic redundancy. Though if committed to memory once, it can be easily avoided in future.

    ‘Than’ refers to a ‘comparison’.

    Examples: Your dress is better than mine.
    She scores better than him.

    ‘Then’ always refers to ‘time’.

    Examples: If you fail, then be ready to bear the consequences.
    If the situation gets out of control, then give me a call.

    Their vs. There

    ‘Their’ refers to possession.

    Examples: This is their house.
    These are their children.

    ‘There’ refers to ‘place’.

    Examples: There is your new school.
    The book is lying there.

    Weather vs. Whether

    ‘Weather’ refers to ‘the state of the atmosphere’.

    Examples: The weather seems pleasant today.
    The harsh weather ruined the picnic.

    ‘Whether’ implies a ‘condition’.

    Examples: Find out whether she is coming or not.
    Be sure whether you will be able to do it or not.

    We hope that these tips would come in handy in times of confusions and complexities. Feel free to comment if you want to add some from your end. We would definitely love it!

    You are also more than welcome to contact us if you want to share any thoughts!

    Difference between American and British English – Part 2

    Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

    If spellings had us baffled last time, then this one would be a killer.

    American and British English differ greatly, even in terms of sentence structures and use of tense. What may be standard in British English might not be correct in American English.

    Following are a few more differences which you should take note of.

    Use of Present Perfect:

    British English

    I’ve lost my key. Can you look for it?

    American:

    I lost my key. Can you help me look for it?

    (Americans generally avoid using present perfect tense)

    Use of Already, Just and Yet

    British:

    I’ve just had lunch
    I’ve already seen that film
    Have you finished your homework yet?

    American:

    I just had lunch
    I already saw that film
    Have you finished your homework yet? OR Did you finish your homework yet?

    Generally have and has are preferred in British English and do and does in American English. However, both are accepted in American and British English. For instance:

    British – She has a beautiful home

    American – She’s got a beautiful home

    The verb get is also used as gotten in American English, for instance,

    She has gotten used to the brutality inflicted upon her

    Difference in Use of Prepositions

    American

    on the weekend
    on a team
    please write me soon
    Monday through Friday
    out the door
    Figure Out
    Children are at the School
    Lay off

    British

    at the weekend
    in a team
    please write to me soon
    Monday to Friday
    out of the door
    Work Out
    Children are in the School
    make redundant

    There are different versions of idioms in American and British English

    American

    not touch something with a ten-foot pole
    sweep under the rug
    knock on wood
    see the forest for the trees
    a home away from home
    blow (or toot ) one’s horn
    a drop in the bucket
    Tempest in a teapot
    beating a dead horse
    a new lease on life

    British

    not touch something with a bargepole
    sweep under the carpet
    touch wood
    see the woods for the trees
    a home from home
    blow one’s trumpet
    drop in the ocean
    storm in a teacup
    flogging a dead horse
    a new lease of life

    Knowing Americanisms is very useful, when creating a copy for American readers.

    So remember that and will easily suffice, where additionally should have been and one will respectfully make for you.

    Want to Know more or tell us something. Feel Free to contact us or leave a comment.