I have a feeling I’m going to get in trouble with this post’s title, but I have to admit that I didn’t come up with it. It’s the exact title of a post featuring an infographic created by the guys at The Expert Editor (who sent me this tip). A title that will catch attention for sure – whether positive or not, I’m sure I’ll find out soon.
On that note, I want to bring up an alternative title: 13 Grammar Mistakes Sexy People Don’t Make.
After all, they say that proper use of grammar is sexy.
Should I just stop now, and go straight to the common grammar mistakes we don’t make (or shouldn’t be making)?
Yes. I think I’ll do that.
Before I write down the 13 common mistakes awesome writers don’t make, let’s be clear about one thing: the infographic uses the term “grammar” loosely. Many of the mistakes mentioned are vocabulary-related, and some of the mistakes are up for debate.
Here we go.
- There, their, they’re. I’m sure you don’t have a problem with words. Unless it’s a typo.
- Literally. The new meaning of literally literally drives me crazy (just a little bit). Language evolves, yes, but I’m old school in some ways, so I think I’ll stick to the old meaning.
- Comma splice.
- It’s and its. Captain Apostrophe will pay you a visit if you make this mistake.
- Split infinitive. I’m a Trekkie, so…
- Your and you’re.
- Whether and if. Know the difference?
- Passive voice. I understand the argument for this, but I believe that it’s not a mortal sin to use the passive voice. Using it doesn’t take your sexiness away.
- Improper use of the apostrophe. See #4.
- Lose and loose.
- Affect and effect.
- Fewer and less. The rules are simple, but there are exceptions, yes?
- Who and that. Who for people. That for things. However, I think they can be interchangeable.
Check out the infographic below.
Parting words…
Know the rules, then break them when appropriate.
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