I’m always asked about the most common grammar mistakes that I come across as an editor. From my experience, these are it! Here are the first 6 of 12 top grammar mistakes.

#1: It’s / Its

“Its” is possessive. “It’s” is a contraction for “it is.”

Incorrect: I love this pie; its the best ever!
Correct: I love this pie; it’s the best ever!

Incorrect: It’s coat is too shaggy.
Correct: Its coat is too shaggy.

#2: They’re / Their / There

“They’re” is a contraction for “they are.” “Their” is possessive. “There” indicates location.

Incorrect: The managers are in they’re weekly planning meeting over their where there working on reports.

Correct: The managers are in their planning meeting over there where they’re working on reports.

#3: Effect / Affect

#4: You’re / Your

“Your” is possessive; “you’re” is a contraction for “you are.”

Incorrect: Your right … she does love you’re pie. 

Correct: You’re right … she does love your pie.

#5: Lay / Lie

“Lay” is a verb that is used with an object and means “to put or place in a horizontal position or position of rest; set down.” Verb tenses include: lay/laid/laying.

“Lie” is a verb that is NOT used with an object and means “to be in a horizontal position; recline.” Verb tenses include: lie/lay/lain/lying. 

Incorrect: I got dizzy and had to lay down. Lie the books here.

Correct: I got dizzy and had to lie down. Lay the books here.

#6: Could of / would of vs. could have / would have

“Could of/would of/should of” are all slang. Use the proper verbs “could have/would have/should have.”

Incorrect: I could of done that by mistake.

Correct: I could have done that by mistake.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of
“Top Grammar Mistakes.”