Research Guru by Alice Irvan, PRC, APR

Five “oops” in your writing that spell check might miss

A written “oops” can happen to even the best writer with an accidental click, a typo, or an incorrect auto fill. Whether you’re writing a research report, news article, blog, or tweet, you  must choose correctly within each pair of these easily-misused words.

1) Your versus you’re. Use “you’re” as the shortened version of “you are.” For example:  You’re my BFF. Use “your” when describing something that belongs to the person you’re speaking to. For example:  “Your eyes are beautiful.”

2) Its versus it’s. Use “it’s” as the shortened version of “it is.” For example: It’s never too late to have a good time. Use “its” when describing something that belongs to someone or something. For example: The cat is washing its whiskers.

3) Too versus to. Use “too” when discussing more than enough or to indicate “also” or “in addition to.” For example:  The temperature outside is “too” hot for my comfort. I will purchase the motorcycle, and I will ride it off the sales lot, “too.” Use the word “to” when describing a direction or designating someone or something. For example: I gave a pizza coupon “to” all my friends. She went “to” the north side of the parking lot.

4) i.e versus e.g. When you want to give an example use “e.g.” Remember, “e.g.” stands for the Latin words “exempli gratia” which translate as “for the sake of an example.”  For example: My favorite restaurants, e.g., IJ Canns and The Scholar’s Inn, always have a great wine selection. When you want to say “that is,” use “i.e.” Remember, i.e. stands for the Latin words “id est” which translate as “that is.”  For example: I’m going to have my favorite drink tonight, i.e., Diet Coke.

5) Whose versus who’s. Use “who’s” for the shortened version of “who is.” For example: “I don’t know who’s coming to my party tomorrow night.” Use “whose” to designate ownership of something. For example: I don’t know “whose” books were left on the table.