Jun 21 2009
Basic Grammar
So if you’re a Facebook junkie like me, you probably read TONS of status updates and comments. I hate to say it, but most of the grammar I read is atrocious.
Yeah, it’s only Facebook. I agree. It’s not the end of the world. Heaven’s knows my chatting on MSN isn’t the high point of my grammatical skills. But I mean, really, learn how to speak your language properly! If people are going to go on these rants about knowing English and equating it with patriotism (which irks me to no end but that’s a whole different ballpark), then understand your language. Even if you don’t think like that, it’s still a good idea to know how to use English.
What am I doing about that? Here’s a basic break down:
There. Their. They’re. One of the biggest mess ups I see. It’s not that hard! I’ve had adults (ok the instance I’m thinking of, I was 15) tell me they’ll never understand it, and then I break it down just fine. It’s not that hard.
There: Location. Simplest one to understand.
Example: I want to go over there to get a better view.
Their: Possesive pronoun. Plural. Also used to be gender neutral. Standardized English books may not state that, but in most professional writing it’s being used.
Example: The children want their mother to come home. Each student is responsible for turning in their (instead of ‘his/her’) homework each class period.
They’re: Contraction of third person plural. “They are.” While commonly accepted, it’s technically slang.
Example: They’re on the road to nowhere, fast.
Example of all 3: They’re on their way home from over there.
Get it? Got it? Good! 
Your. You’re. Now, this one is easier to accept, as people make typos, and what not. It’s a lot easier to mess up than there/their/they’re, even with a comprehension of the differences. But they’re getting explained nonetheless.
Your: Second person, singular and plural, possesive pronoun.
Example: Your breakfast is waiting on the table.
You’re: Second person, singular and plural, contraction. Like They’re it’s slang, but is commonly used/accepted.
Example: You’re going to the party tonight, right?
Last, but not least: too, to, two. Now, this is even easier to mess up than your/you’re, as it’s easy to not hit the o button hard enough, or something like that. But it still deserves explanation.
To: preposition, or indicates the infinitive form of a verb. As a preposition, preceeds a location. With a verb, preceeds a non conjugated form.
Example: I want to go to the store.
Too: used as a synonym to “also,” “aswell,” or other such words. Usually appears at the end of a sentence but can be used anywhere. Also commonly appears after a comma.
Example: I like Tokio Hotel, but I like Cinema Bizarre, too.
Two: the number (I can’t believe this one gets misused)
Example: I’d like two tickets to the concert, please.
There, it’s that simple!
