Three Really Common Grammatical Errors
Grammar may be a dying art. And, to be honest, there’s nothing really wrong with improper grammar. It can invite confusion, but people generally understand what you’re trying to say.
Still, employing improper grammar is like walking into a business meeting with your shoelaces untied. Among those who notice, you might appear slightly less polished, and you might stumble every now and then because your meaning isn’t quite clear. While there’s nothing really wrong with improper grammar, there’s also no disadvantage to employing proper grammar in professional settings.
Common Grammatical Error #1: Misusing “and I” and “and me”
Rule: Use “and I” when you’re included in the sentence subject. Use “and me” when you’re included in the sentence predicate.
Jeff and I will preside this year’s Office Olympics.
Please send the results of each event to Sandy and me.
Me and Bill plan to compete in the cubicle slalom.
Tom and Gary hope to dethrone Caitlin and I as hallway bobsled champions.
If you’re uncertain of whether to use “and I” or “and me,” remove the reference to the other person(s), and the correct usage should be clear.
I will preside this year’s Office Olympics.
Please send the results of each event to me.
Me plan to compete in the cubicle slalom.
Tom and Gary hope to dethrone I as hallway bobsled champions.
Common Grammatical Error #2: Subject/Pronoun Disagreement
Rule: Use singular pronouns (he, she, him, her, his, hers) when referring to a single person. Use plural pronouns (they, them, their) when referring to more than one person.
Each competitor has to submit his or her event preferences to Mike by close of business.
Competitors must return their waiver forms to Lindsey.
Each competitor has to submit their event preferences to Mike by close of business.
Competitors must return his or her waiver forms to Lindsey.
Historically, grammarians assumed male pronouns with generic singular subjects; however, using female pronouns with generic singular subjects is a rising trend. Either is correct.
Each competitor has to submit his or her event preferences to Mike by close of business.
Each competitor has to submit his event preferences to Mike by close of business.
Each competitor has to submit her event preferences to Mike by close of business.
For a company or organization, use the singular pronoun (it, its).
One Hour Courses sponsors the Office Olympics and will induct the overall champion into its Hall of Fame.
One Hour Courses sponsors the Office Olympics and will induct the overall champion into their Hall of Fame.
Common Grammatical Error #3: Homophones
“Homophone” is just a fancy term for words that sound the same but have different meanings with different spellings. (Ironically, “homophone” doesn’t even resemble a homophone.)
Homophone #1: it’s and its
Rule: Use “it’s” when contracting “it is,” “is has,” “it was,” etc. Use “its” as a possessive pronoun.
It’s Lucille and George’s turn to compete in the pair stair skate.
Lucille’s costume lost some of its beads.
One Hour Courses sponsors the Office Olympics and will induct the overall champion into its Hall of Fame.
Its Lucille and George’s turn to compete in the pair stair skate.
Lucille’s costume lost some of it’s beads.
One Hour Courses sponsors the Office Olympics and will induct the overall champion into it’s Hall of Fame.
Homophone #2: they’re, their, and there
Rule: Use “they’re” when contracting “they are,” “they were,” etc. Use “their” as a possessive pronoun. Use “there” when referring to a place or location or as a subject, e.g., “There is…” or “There are…”
They’re in first place for the pair stair skate so far.
Their performance led a standing ovation.
Lucille and George are waiting over there.
There is only one pair remaining, Claire and Mitchell.
Homophone #3: you’re and your
Rule: Use “you’re” when contracting “you are,” “you were,” etc. Use “your” as a possessive pronoun.
You’re anxiously waiting in anticipation.
Please refrain from using your cameras until the performance ends.
Your anxiously waiting in anticipation.
Please refrain from using you’re cameras until the performance ends.
To strengthen your business writing, check out our online business writing courses: Writing Effective Business E-mails and Writing the Modern Memo. (Try our courses for free with promo code OHCBLOG.) You can also download ten tips for writing effective business e-mails.
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Julie H.
One Hour Courses
www.onehourcourses.com
Great post its very interesting