Correcting Common Usage Errors

To/Too/Two

To

• indicates direction or position
  
  
  
  

• used before a verb in an infinitive phrase

Example:

Sekani ran to the door when Layla came home.

The first grade class went to the zoo on a field trip.

Jack likes to sing in the shower. 

CJ likes to play basketball in the driveway.

Too

• Indicates excess
  
  
  
  
• Means “as well” or “also”

Example:

I think I ate too much cheesecake for dessert.

That box is too heavy for me to lift.

I love you, too.

Fortuna is taking composition and literature this semester too.

Two

• Indicates the number 2

Example:

Graham added two songs to his new music playlist.

There are two lightbulbs in the living room that need to be replaced. 

There/Their/They’re

There

• indicates direction or position. 

• states a fact

Example: 

You can stand in line to get a ticket over there. 

We should sit over there at the table by the window.

There is rain in the forecast tomorrow.

There are cookies on the counter for your dessert. 

Their

• indicates possession

Example:

Their dog loves to chase squirrels on walks.

It was their idea to go get ice cream after class. 

They’re 

• the contraction of “they are”

Example: 

They’re going to attend the reception after the wedding.

Do you know if they’re going to meet us for coffee?

Your/You’re

Your

• indicates possession

Example:

Your birthday is the same day as my brother’s. 

Do you know if your order arrived in the mail? 

You’re

• the contraction of “you are”

Example: 

Do you know if you’re going to the football game?

You’re doing a great job learning about how to correct common usage errors. 

It’s/Its

It’s

• the contraction of “it is”
  
  
  
  
  

Example:

It’s going to be chilly at the football game this evening.

It’s perfect weather for a bonfire this weekend.

Its

• indicates possession

Example:

I would not recommend this book because I was disappointed with its ending.

The band improved its performance after a week of practicing. 

Whose/Who’s

Whose

• indicates possession
  
  
  
  
  

Example:

Whose car are you going to take?

Do you know whose book this is?

Who’s

• the contraction of “who is” 

Example:

Who’s excited about tomorrow’s day off school?

I don’t know who’s coming to the costume party on Friday night.

Than/Then

Than

• indicates comparison

Example:

My ice cream tastes better than your chocolate cake. 

Caden is taller than his dad.

Then

• indicates time
  
  
  
• indicates sequence

Example:

I did not own a car back then.
I like to take a nap now and then.

I saved money. Then I bought a car. 

I did my homework, and then I took a nap.

Affect/Effect

Affect 

• indicates influence or change
  
  
  
  
  

Example:

The rainy weather will likely affect the number of people who come to the parade.

Josiah’s lack of motivation to study affects his grades. 

Effect

• indicates a result or consequence

Example:

What effect will it have on my grade if I do extra credit? 

This medication does not have any side effects. 

Accept/Except

Accept 

• indicates agreement or receiving something
  
  
  
  
  

Example:

Charlotte accepted a new job offer yesterday. 

I accept your apology.

Except

• indicates exclusion 

Example:

Miriam likes all fruits except bananas.

Jackson loves marching band so much that he hardly talks about anything except new drum cadences he is learning. 

Less/Fewer

Less 

• modifies a noun that cannot be counted
  
  
  
  
  

Example:

I should probably eat less dessert.

I got less sleep last night than I would have liked. 

Fewer

• modifies a noun that can be counted

Example:

I should probably eat fewer cookies.

I got fewer hours of sleep last night than I would have liked. 

Would Have/Would Of

When we use the contractions “would’ve” or “should’ve,” it sounds just like we are saying “would of” or “should of.” However, using the words “would of” or “should of” is incorrect. Use would have or should have instead.

Example:

Carmen would of stopped by the store, but she was running late.

Carmen would have stopped by the store, but she was running late.

I should of gone on a walk this morning, but I slept late instead.

I should have gone on a walk this morning, but I slept late instead.

Everyday/Every Day

Everyday

• an adjective that means “ordinary”
  
  
  
  

Example:

Drinking coffee when I first wake up in the morning is my everyday ritual.

Mariana has started doing yoga in the morning to help her handle everyday stress.

Every day

• means each day

Example:

Every day, I begin my morning with a cup of coffee.

To help her handle stress, Mariana has made a goal to practice yoga every day.

Anyone/Any One

Anyone

• means any person or anybody
  
  
  
  

Example:

Does anyone want a second serving of pasta?

I don’t think anyone caught the license plate number of the car involved in the hit and run.

Any one

• means any individual object or person (Hint: it is often followed by the preposition “of.”)

Example:

I think any one of these cupcakes would be a delicious, delectable choice.

If any one of the bystanders has any information about the burglary, they should contact the police.

Everyone/Every One

Everyone

• means every person in a group
  
  
  
  

Example:

Analise invited everyone in her kindergarten class to her birthday party.

Everyone is surprised at how poorly the Kansas City Chiefs are playing this season.

Every one

• means each member of a group

Example:

Even though they didn’t win, every one of the basketball players did a great job at the game.

Liliana has read every one of the books in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.