1. Rewrite the sentences to correct the apostrophe errors. 1. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiche’s are my favorite. 2. The womens’ restroom is right around the corner. 3. Samanthas house is much larger than mine. 4. Lets go see a movie tonight. 5. Its been a long time since we’ve seen a movie.

2. Commonly Misused Words and How to Use Them Correctly

3. Spell Check is great for catching typos, but it cannot help you decide which word to use while writing.

5. Alot is not a word and is NEVER correct! Always use “a lot.” I have a lot of free time now that I quit my job.

6. Allusion is a literary term used to indicate an indirect reference to something. You can see a biblical allusion on page 78 of The Great Gatsby. An illusion is a misleading appearance. I thought I saw a ghost in my basement, but it was just an illusion.

7. All ready means completely prepared Once I find my shoes, I will be all ready to go. Already refers to something that has happened by now. She already took the trash out and did not want to go outside again.

8. Technically, alright is not a standard English word. It’s all right with me if it’s all right with you.

9. Altogether means completely. I was altogether unhappy with the results of my science experiment. All together means in a group For the last song, the choir sang all together.

10. Between refers to only two items: The money was divided between Larry and David. Among refers to more than two: The money was divided among the four relatives. Exception: Use “between” if you are comparing more than two items if each item is being compared individually to each of the others. Do you know the difference between a simile, a metaphor, and an analogy?

11. Cliché is always a noun, never an adjective. The adjective you want is “clichéd.” In other words, you can say, “That is such a cliché,” and you can say, “That is so clichéd,” but never say, “That is so cliché.” I used to love that movie, but now it just seems clichéd. (adjective) Have you noticed that everything that comes out of her mouth is a cliché? (noun) Have you noticed that everything that comes out of her mouth is clichéd? (adjective)

12. When you are saying something nice to someone, you’re complimenting them. Be sure to compliment Maria on her new shirt. To complement something is to complete something, make it perfect, or add a missing piece. Her lipstick shade complements the color of her dress perfectly. Both words can be used as nouns too: Her voice is the perfect complement for his guitar. Thanks for the sweet compliment.

13. Could of is never correct. Always use could have. (We just pronounce it like a contraction, “could’ve”; it sounds like “could of,” but always write “could have.”) I could have made brownies if I had remembered to buy milk. The same rule applies for “should have” and “would have.” It’s never “of”!

14. We went over this yesterday. Its = possessive It’s = it is

15. Irregardless is not a word. Always use regardless. I will do what I want regardless of your warnings.

16. It’s “supposed to,” not “suppose to.” Similarly, it’s “used to,” not “use to.” Incorrect: We’re suppose to be there at six. Correct: We’re supposed to be there at six. Incorrect: I use to love Sesame Street. Correct: I used to love Sesame Street.

17. Than is used to compare things. He may be richer than me, but I have more real friends than he ever will. Other than that, I have nothing to say. More often than not, I am the last one to finish. Rather than wait all night for a ride, I decided to ride my bike. Then marks a place in time. If you eat your broccoli, then you can have some dessert. Things were so much easier back then.

19. Accept is a verb meaning to receive I will accept all the packages except that one Except is usually a preposition meaning excluding I will accept all the packages except that one.

20. To is a preposition; too is an adverb; two is a number. Too many of your shots slice to the left, but the last two were right on the mark.

22. “Loose” is an adjective meaning not securely attached. My little brother likes to gross me out with his loose tooth. “Lose” is a verb, meaning to fail to win or keep something, to get rid of something, or to have something taken away against one’s will. I’m hoping my brother will finally lose his tooth so he will stop bothering me.