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 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, 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 .

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!

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.

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