To offer some grammar tips to anyone who might want them?

[UnaCorda]

I sincerely hope this doesn't come across as either rude or patronising - it genuinely isn't meant to. It's also not intended as a pedants' thread.

I just thought it might be useful to list a few common mistakes, with an explanation, so that anyone who isn't very confident with their written English might be able to correct errors which, for example, could perhaps count against them in a job application or when used in a professional context.

I'll start with three:

1. "Your" shows that what you're referring to (probably a person or object) belongs to whoever "you" is in the sentence; for example, "Your brother showed me your book". If you mean "you are" you need to write "you're".

2. "Non" is not a word on its own - it is negating something, such as in "non-stick" or "non-committal". ("None-stick" would be incorrect, as would "non of them".) "None" means there aren't any. "How many cakes are left?" "Sorry - none." Or, "How many of the children finished the test?" "None of them."

3. "Alot" is not a word and the same goes for "abit", "infront", "incase" and "inbetween". Instead use "a lot", etc., just like "a little".

Hope I haven't made any mistakes myself...

How patronising!

😂

You forgot to add 'could of' instead of 'could have'

It's not patronising, it's being thoughtful, so many people on threads apologise for poor grammar/ spelling and say they wish they could be better at it.

To/too/ two

Of/have

Their/there/ they're

Also common errors.

I think it's more the case that people have more pressing worries and this is just a social media chat site not a thesis!

@ssd

You forgot to add 'could of' instead of 'could have'

I didn't forget - I just wanted to limit my OP!

@lovelemoncurd

I think it's more the case that people have more pressing worries and this is just a social media chat site not a thesis!

That may well be true with some errors, but personally I wouldn't start writing "would of" just because it's a forum not an essay. Would you?

I'll get my popcorn for this thread...

Grammar lessons and a test should be mandatory throughout life periodically.

However we have iPads and phones that like to autocorrect, this autocorrect function makes me look like a dick on a daily basis...

@Puffalicious

It's not patronising, it's being thoughtful, so many people on threads apologise for poor grammar/ spelling and say they wish they could be better at it.

To/too/ two

Of/have

Their/there/ they're

Also common errors.

I'm glad you don't think it's patronising.

Thanks for your contribution, but you haven't given any explanations - you've just listed mistakes which isn't going to help anyone (assuming my intention for the thread actually happens and it doesn't get completely derailed...).

The one that seems to be on the rise on Mn is the misuse of the past participle, eg. 'If I'd known you were going to the beach, I would have came too.' (Or occasionally, 'I would of came too.')

What about lose and loose

I like this, it's helpful for those who might want or need it.

I have learned loads from reading grammar corrections on this site.

If people aren't interested then just don't click on the thread.

I eat cakes every day NOT
I eat cakes everyday

Not that hard, is it?

If you're really offering grammar tips can you answer this, when do you use "one" to refer to yourself / someone else?

What is a past participle ? @Procne

What about lose and loose
Lose is a verb meaning to mislay or not be able to find something/not win/get rid etc.
Loose is an adjective that means not tight.
Example: Lose those loose jeans and wear something more flattering!

Thanks for your contribution, but you haven't given any explanations
You're right OP to often posters list errors without explanation.
My SPAG is bad. It has improved.
I get stuck on too in a sentence I self taught myself over the years on Mnet.
Too can replace also I get that. If in a sentence it can confuse it with to.

Oh, please add the use of "myself" to this this list. "Myself and dh" makes me crazy!

when do you use "one" to refer to yourself
When you are the Queen.

Good thread! English is my second language and I’m seeing a trend that is rather confusing. Lots of posters saying, “I was sat”, “I was took for granted”, “When he shouted at me, I was shook” etc etc there are plenty more that I can’t remember right now.. I thought it was ‘I was siting’, ‘I was taken for granted’, “I was shaken”. I seem to be seeing the past participle less and less in use and even I’m now starting to change how I speak. Am I wrong or is this just a new way of speaking?

People are still just listing errors without giving explanations!

Lose vs loose: "lose" is a verb - "I want to lose weight" whereas "Loose" is an adjective and is the opposite of tight.

"Everyday" means a daily or common occurance - "an everyday event."
If you could substitute "each day", then separate the words and use "every day" - "I eat an apple every day" or "I go for a run every day."

@PetitTorteois

I eat cakes every day NOT I eat cakes everyday

Not that hard, is it?

My local Co-op has a sign saying they're open 7-10 Everyday 😬

It's often an informal regional usage, @Shimy. The 'correct'/standard version is, as you say 'I was sitting on the bed', 'I was taken for granted' etc.

‘Sitting’