A must read for those who use a keyboard

[petal]

Here are a few common mistakes that are far too common on IA. This is by no means an academic or authoritative piece.

Do feel free to contribute.

1
Than is used for comparing.
Then is used to indicate sequence/order.

Your nose is bigger than mine.
I went home and then to school.

[petal]

2
There is used to indicate direction.
Their is used to indicate possession.
They're is the same as 'they are'.

Look at the fat man over there.
We went to their house.
They're humongous! (Same as 'They are humongous!').

[petal]

3
You're = you are.
Your = your = possession.

Look after your health.
You're lovely. (Same as 'You are lovely').

[petal]

4
Loose is used to describe something that is too big and doesn't fit well.
Lose is the opposite of win.

Looser is used in comparison with tight/er, or to indicate a greater degree of looseness.
Loser is the one who doesn't win or used to describe an idiot.

My belt is too loose.
The nut was too tight so I made it looser.

Nobody likes to lose.
The loser congratulated the winner.

[petal]

5
To is used to indicate direction, aim/intention, condition as well as many other uses To Definition | Definition of To at Dictionary.com
Too is used instead of 'also' and 'very', and to indicate excess. More here Too Definition | Definition of Too at Dictionary.com

I wanted to go to Zimbabwe.
His mother was too ill to cook so he ordered food for her too.

[petal]

6
Know is used to indicate that one possesses knowledge of something.
Now is used to indicate the time, the present tense. It is also used instead of 'since'.
No is the opposite of 'yes'.

I know that you are at home so open the door!
It started raining just now so now that you're here you may as well stay.
Mum, can I go out to play? No! Do your homework first.

[IbnShaykh]

I am a frequent offender so thank you for this thread.

Although I do think you are going to far with this....

[petal]

7
Weather is sunshine, rain, snow, wind, etc..
Whether is the same as 'if'.

The weather is lovely this time of year.
He wasn't sure whether he wanted to go.

[petal]

8
Of is the same as 'about' and 'from'. Used to indicate possession, distance, source, inclusion etc... Of Definition | Definition of Of at Dictionary.com
Off is the opposite of 'on'. Has many uses Off Definition | Definition of Off at Dictionary.com

He sacked nine of his employees because of their absenteeism.
He fell off the horse when the horse wandered off course.

[abumuwahid]

Do feel free to contribute.

5


I wanted to go to Zimbabwe.
.

I too, wanted to go to Zimbabwe but I changed my mind.