Entry #670851, added on 10-07-09 @ 9:35 pm EDT
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| Issue 4: Commonly Confused Pronouns | Entry #670851 |
October 7, 2009
 About This Newsletter
In the very first issue, we discussed usage of its and it's. In this issue, we'll cover a few more commonly confused pronouns.
Letter from the Editor
Several weeks ago, this newsletter covered the important difference between its and it's: "Issue 1: Its vs. It's"  . Judging from positive response to the newsletter and its popularity in the archive, this seems to be a critical grammar point for writers. In this issue, we'll be covering a few more of the confusing pronouns we encounter all the time.
The main reason that these pronouns are so confusing is because they're homophones — that is, when you hear or say them aloud, they are indistinguishable.
Knowing proper usage of each of these words is vital to creative writing, and especially vital for publication. Editors will spot homophone confusion as the immediate mark of an amateur. Wow them with flawless spelling and your story will shine through!
Grammar Conundrum
For these pronouns, the apostrophe makes all the difference.
You're vs. Your
you're is a contraction of you are. Use this word, with the apostrophe, only where you'd use "you are."
You're going to be late if you don't hurry!
I was worried when you said you're not a Beatles fan.
your is the possessive for you. Use this word, no apostrophe, when you want to show that "you" own something.
Your refrigerator doesn't seem to be cold enough.
I read your story and thought it was fantastic.
Who's vs. Whose
who's is a contraction of who is. Use this word, with the apostrophe, only where you'd use "who is."
Who's the next person on our list of prospective employees?
I don't know who's coming to the party besides the two of us.
whose is an interrogative pronoun. It is used to show or ask about possession.
Whose coffee mug is that? It smells like hazelnut.
The man whose car broke down is now at the pay phone.
There vs. They're vs. Their
there is used to refer to specific locations, and in the expression "there is/are."
Did you see my shoes over there?
There is exactly one spot left in the competition.
they're is a contraction of they are. Use this word, with the apostrophe, only where you'd use "they are."
They're asking about homophones on tomorrow's test, so we better study.
Do you know when they're planning to arrive?
their is the possessive for they. Use this word when you want to show that "they" own something.
I saw their new cat; she's a beautiful tabby.
They have six children, so their house isn't big enough for us to stay over.
Editor's Picks
Check out these member items for further examples of the aforementioned pronouns.
Feedback
Use this survey to send us feedback, suggest a future topic, submit a piece for future editor's picks, or volunteer to guest edit.
For next time...
For our October 21 issue, I'll be turning the reins over to Jace  , who has kindly volunteered to guest edit. I'm looking forward to it very much!
This is the sort of English up with which I will not put.
--Winston Churchill, on the notion that one shouldn't end a sentence with a preposition.
Sincerely,
 
As always, past issues of the newsletter are available for viewing in "Unofficial Grammar Newsletter Archives" [ASR]. |
© Copyright 2009 Lorien (UN: thatonegirl at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Lorien has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
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