Dodging Grammar Gaffes with Style

Effective writing relies on good grammar. It brings clarity and impact to your sentences. Mastering grammar can elevate your writing and engage your readers.

Let's explore common grammar mistakes and how to fix them.

The There, Their, and They’re Threesome

What are the differences between "there," "their," and "they're"?

• "There" indicates a location, as in "over there by the treasure chest."
• "Their" shows ownership, like in "their parrot knows too many secrets."
• "They’re" is a contraction for "they are," as in "they’re plotting a course to Grammar Island."

If you can replace "they're" with "they are" in your sentence and it still makes sense, use "they're." If discussing ownership, choose "their," and for pointing to a place, use "there."

Its Versus It's: Possessive Predicaments

What distinguishes "its" from "it's"?

"Ins" is possessive, used like "the cat with its inscrutable gaze." It doesn't need an apostrophe. In contrast, "it's" means "it is," as in "it's a fine day for sailing."

The Comical Comma

How important are commas in writing?

Commas help clarify your sentences and provide necessary pauses. Avoid run-on sentences. For example:

"With rum in our bellies, maps on the table, and stars overhead, we found the path to good grammar."

Be cautious with the Oxford comma, which appears before 'and' in a list. It can change meanings:

• With the Oxford comma: "I dedicate this book to my parents, Oprah Winfrey, and Elon Musk."
• Without it: "I dedicate this book to my parents, Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk."

In one case, you have remarkable parents; in the other, Oprah and Elon might be confused!

To and Too: Double Trouble

What’s the difference between "to" and "too"?

"To" indicates direction, as in "to the land of proper grammar." Use "too" when you mean "also" or "excessively," such as "You’re going too? Splendid!"

Than or Then: A Temporal Tangle

When should you use "than" versus "then"?

Use "than" for comparisons, like "A pirate’s grammar is mightier than a musket." Use "then" when discussing time, as in "We learned to punctuate, and then we conquered the literary seas!"

Less or Fewer: Countable Curses

What’s the difference between "less" and "fewer"?

"Fewer" applies to countable items, such as "fewer mistakes on the page." "Less" refers to uncountable quantities, like "less confusion in your wake."

If you can count it—like “three grog spills”—use "fewer." If discussing an uncountable quantity—like "less grog spillage"—use "less."

The Wild Who and Whom

How do "who" and "whom" differ?

"Who" indicates the subject performing the action, as in "Who hoisted the Jolly Roger?" "Whom" is used for the object receiving the action, like "To whom do we owe the pleasure of this grammar lesson?"

Use the "he/him" trick: If "he" fits the sentence, use "who." If "him" fits, opt for "whom."

Apostrophe Apostasy

How do you use apostrophes correctly?

Apostrophes signify possession or contraction. For singular possession, attach it to the owner, such as "the sailor’s tale." For plural possessive, if the noun ends in "s," place the apostrophe after, as in "the sailors’ stories."

For contractions, remember you’re combining words, like "you’re" for "you are" and "let's" for "let us."

The Perilous Passive Voice

Why should you avoid passive voice?

Passive voice can make your writing weak. For example, "The treasure was found" lacks energy. Instead, say, "We found the treasure," which conveys action and urgency.

May your writing be free of grammatical errors and full of creative expression.