Write it the Right Way: Tips for Better Grammar

Some writing errors can be easily remedied. A few examples follow, along with tips and examples for getting it right. After all, writing correctly can make a difference on a job hunt. Many editors and many companies won't look twice at a résumé or submitted stories if they are peppered with mistakes. Even one little error can be damning.

Two, too and to.

Most people know two means one plus one. Simple enough.

Too is an adverb which means in addition, also, furthermore.

A good rule is if you can substitute "also" for "too," you're on the right track.

She's beautiful, rich and smart, too/also. She is coming along, too.

Too also indicates something excessive or something that is beyond what is right or what is wanted.

She is too tired to drive.

It also indicates excess, or more than what is right, safe, healthy, appropriate.

He is too close to the fire.

Too can also be used in place of "very" or "extremely."

She was not too/very happy with the test results.

To is a preposition, a "function word," according to www.merriam-webster.com. If it doesn't fit the definitions of two and too, then it's probably to.

Here are a few examples:

To can indicate movement, toward a person, place or thing. It can indicate direction or position.

We are going to the store.

She went back to her natural hair color.

It's five miles to the lake.

The cat is sitting next to the heat vent.

To can show purpose, intention, results.

She came to his rescue. This house has gone to the dogs.

To can indicate time: It is five minutes to nine.

To can show addition, attachment, connection, possession and more: merriam-webster.com's example: The key to the door. Danced to live music.

To can be used in comparisons: They compared the singer to a young Elvis Presley.

Their, there and they're

Their indicates possession: It is their house. They are taking their car.

There indicates direction. It is there, on the countertop.

They're is a contraction of they are. If you can substitute "they are" in the sentence, then go with they're. They're not happy with the results.

Its and It's

Its indicates possession: The puppy lost its way.

It's is a contraction of it is. If you can substitute "it is" in the sentence, use it's. It's not fair. It's raining.

Your and You're

Your is a possessive pronoun. We are going to your house. Your dog is barking too loudly.

You're is a contraction of you are. If you can substitute "you are" in the sentence, use you're. You're not going to be happy with the results. You're late.

Loose and Lose

Loose describes the state of something: A shirt is baggy, loose. A screw is coming loose.

Lose indicates loss. I want to lose weight. The team is losing the championship.

And never put an 'e' in losing (loseing) or loosing (looseing). Those are not words.

Affect and Effect

Affect can be either a verb or a noun. The Associated Press Stylebook advises against using affect as a noun if possible. It is used to describe an emotion. Most people would have "no need for it in everyday language." In psychology, however, it works.

As a verb, affect means to influence. The babysitter came down with the flu, which will affect our anniversary plans.

Effect can also be used as a noun or verb.

As a verb, it means to cause. The layoffs will effect many changes in job duties.

As a noun, effect means result or outcome. She took her the medication her doctor prescribed for her, and she did not like the effect it had on her sleep cycle.

These are only a few tips out of thousands, but these tend to be the most-repeated mistakes. Get these right, and your writing will improve and impress.

To err is human, but there is always room for improvement, especially in grammar.