Part four in the "Common Grammar Mistakes" series.  Last time we talked about their vs. there vs. they're.  Here, we discuss another common grammar mishap.

It’s vs. Its
Finding the correct usage for these two words can be challenging to some writers.  But it need not be.  The difference between “it’s” and “its” is that one is a contraction and one indicates possession.

It’s is short for “it is” or “it has”.  You would use “it’s” in the following scenarios:

• It’s raining outside.
• The stock market is so bad that I don’t know if it’s ever going to get better.
• I’m glad we met up for lunch, it’s been good to see you.
• It’s been weeks since I’ve talked to you!

Its is always used to indicate possession, but generally not when talking about humans.  In the case of humans, you would use “his” or “her”.  You would use “its” in the following scenarios:

• The bird flapped its wings.
• That company has its own web page.
• The flower lost some of its petals today.

Here is an example that utilizes both it's and its:

• It’s interesting to watch my dog chase its tail.

Part three in the "Common Grammar Mistakes" series.  Last time we talked about to vs too.  Here, we discuss another common grammar mishap.


Their vs there vs they’re
The difference between these words is fairly straightforward.

Their – indicates possession, for two or more people/things.

• Sally and Dan took their shoes off. 
  
• That couple owns their own home. 
  
• The dogs were barking in their kennels.

There – indicates location, either concrete or abstract. 

• Look over there! 
  
• There were five of us in the group.
  
• I didn’t know that there were so many cabs in New York City.

They’re – is a contraction, and is short for “they are”. 

• They’re going to eat now. 
  
• It’s nice to see that they’re having fun

Next, we will talk about it's vs. its.

Part two in the "Common Grammar Mistakes" series.  Last time we talked about "loose" vs. "lose".  Here, we discuss another common grammar mishap.

To vs. Too
These two words have completely different usages, even though they sound the same.  Here is a quick way to remember the difference: 
If you are talking about an excess amount or an additional item, use “too”.  In all other cases, use “to”.

Too is always used to indicate something additional or excessive, or if you can substitute the word "entirely".

Examples of excess:

• I ate too much food.
• The mountain is too big.
• I have too much work to do.

Examples of additional items:
Hint: if you can substitute the word “as well”, then you should use “too”.

• He brought his bag too. (He brought his bag as well)
• Don’t forget to buy me a ticket too! (Don’t forget to buy me a ticket as well!)

One more usage of “too” is when you can substitute the word “entirely”. For example:

• I wasn’t too sure of what to do. (I wasn’t entirely sure of what to do)
• I am not too confident in my abilities. (I am not entirely confident in my abilities)

To is a preposition or is used before a verb.

• I got up and went to school.
• He sailed to the other end of the world.
• To eat is to live.
• I didn’t watch the movie because I didn’t want to have bad dreams.

Examples of both "to" and "too":

• When we said we were going to the game, Matt said he wanted to come too.  (“to the game” – preposition; “too” – Matt is the additional item)

Next, we will talk about "their" vs. "there" vs. "they're".

Many novice (and even some experienced) writers make mistakes when it comes to things such as apostrophes, an extra “o”, or possession.  Here are some of the most common mistakes I see people make, and how to choose the correct usage.

Lose vs. Loose
This is perhaps one of the most common (and most aggravating) mistakes I see writers make.  The word “loose” is often incorrectly utilized in place of “lose”.  What is the difference?

Lose is a verb, meaning to no longer be in possession of.  Or, in the case of team sports, it can mean the opposite of “win”.

Correct usage of “lose”
I’m going to lose my mind.
Losing my job has been really difficult.
I think we are going to lose the game.

Loose is an adjective, and is used to describe something.  In most cases it means the opposite of “tight”.  But there are some special uses.

Correct usage of “loose”
The bolt is loose.
I have a loose button on my shirt.
That movie is loosely related to the book.

Next, we will talk about "to" vs. "too".