1. Common Mistakes in Writing There, Their and They’re: Use there when referring to a place concrete use: “Over there by the building” abstract use: “It must be difficult to live there.” Ex: There are plenty of books left. I want to go there. Use their to indicate possession OR indicates that a particular noun belongs to “them” Ex: My friends lost their tickets. Their cars were all on fire. They're is a contraction of the words “they” and “are”. Ex: They’re (They are) going to the movies. I’m glad that they’re (they are) so nice to the students.

2. Common Mistakes in Writing Your vs. You’re -Use “YOUR” to indicate posession; something belongs to “YOU” Ex: Your shoes are cute. Your time is up. - “YOU’RE” is a contraction of the words “YOU” and “ARE” Ex: You’re beautiful. (You are beautiful) You’re funny. (You are funny)

3. Common Mistakes in Writing Than vs. Then: Than is used to indicate comparison: Ex: Ninjas are better than pirates. She likes apples more than oranges. Then is used to indicate time or a sequence of events: Ex: We went to the mall, then we went to the beach. Wash the clothes, then dry them.

4. Common Mistakes in Writing Could have, Would have, Should have DO NOT WRITE: “Could of” “Would of” “Should of” -Just because it SOUNDS like “could’ve, would’ve, should’ve” doesn’t mean it is correct; it literally doesn’t make any sense - Abbreviations: United States of America = USA United States = U.S.

5. Common Rules for Writing Do not contract words: CORRECT:INCORRECT: do notdon’t should notshouldn’t would notwouldn’t could notcouldn’t will notwon’t is notisn’t (ain’t) Rules for writing numbers: 1-9 (spell it out: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine) 10 and up (write as numerals: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, etc.) When writing decades, do not use an apostrophe: 80s, 90s, etc.

6. Common Mistakes in Writing Learn how to spell DEFINITELY: The correct spelling is definitely. Not definately. Not definatly. Not definitly. Not definetly. And certainly not defiantly. The correct spelling is definitely.