The Top Five Grammatical/Editing Errors that Make Readers Cringe

There are mistakes that can detract from your credibility as a writer and book author. While we all hope what we have to say is more important than some silly grammatical error, the truth is some people will not continue to read our books or recommend them to friends if you make dumb mistakes when you write.

Here are five mistakes to avoid when blogging and writing web copy

1.    There/their-  there (usually a place),  their (usually possessive)
 I saw a deer over there in the forest.
The kids were playing in their sandbox.

2.    A lot - It is TWO words.  There are a lot of jellybeans in that container.

3.    Your/you’re- your (possessive) you are= you’re (contraction).  When deciding which you are supposed to use, think “Should it say “you are?”  If so, then use you’re, NOT your.  You’re running very quickly.  Your phone is ringing.

4.    Supposed.  It is not suppost.  I’m supposed to meet my mother after school.

5.    It’s/its- It’s (contraction-it is or it has), its (possessive pronoun).
Think about what you are trying to say, and whether “it is” can be substituted.  If it can, then the contraction is likely. It’s great my hairdresser is so fabulous.   Its mouth is filled with sharp teeth.

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