OK, I've had enough of seeing the same spelling mistakes in
printed materials, e-mails, posters and newsletters. Poor spelling REALLY does reflect badly on your business.
Since I cover the most
common grammar and spelling mistakes during one of my workshops I thought I would share my top five
1. Confusion
between it’s and its
It’s is a contraction of it is: It’s dark outside, it’s raining again.
When you
are using the word in a possessive sense there is no apostrophe: look
at its flowers, feel its fabric.
2. Mistakes
re you’re and your
Same as
above. You’re is a contraction of you
are: because you’re worth it.
Your is possessive: your
dog ate my biscuit.
3. Mix up over they’re/their/there
·
They’re is a shortened form of they are
·
Their is possessive
– their dog ate my biscuit, their garden is lovely
·
Otherwise… there
is a guy works down the chip shop swears he’s Elvis…
4.
The use of could of or would of instead of could have or would have
A very simple rule: NEVER use COULD OF or WOULD OF. Never. Did I say never?
5.
Use of “alot” instead of “a lot”
Again – a very
simple rule – DON’T DO IT – AAARGH
This error pops up so often in online forums that the blog
Hyperbole and a Half wrote a long and very funny post on the topic. This is well worth a visit.
Was I paranoid whilst writing this?
Yes! I am now just waiting for the corrections to come pouring in. Do let me know if any other spelling errors drive you mad - in case you missed it I have already done a complete rant on complementary versus complimentary
Meanwhile - please do your bit to raise the standard of spelling by sharing this post I thank you.
Meanwhile - please do your bit to raise the standard of spelling by sharing this post I thank you.