Jade Small
Jade Small
October 18, 2024 ·  5 min read

11 common grammar mistakes that make people cringe—and make you look less smart

In today’s professional landscape, clear communication is essential, and good grammar plays a vital role. No matter your industry, having a firm grasp of grammar can significantly influence your career trajectory. As Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, pointed out in a Harvard Business Review article, a lack of attention to grammatical details can cost job seekers their chances, with applications being discarded over minor errors. While some may view this as overly strict, many managers have expressed frustration over employees’ struggles with basic grammar.

Mastering grammar not only reflects well on your individual capabilities but also enhances team dynamics and company reputation. In a world filled with instant messaging and informal communication, maintaining grammatical standards may seem less critical, but the reality is that professionalism is paramount.

Common Grammar Mistakes to Avoid

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Let’s dive into the 11 most prevalent grammar pitfalls that employees encounter, ensuring you can steer clear of these missteps in your professional communications.

1. Your vs. You’re

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Wrong: Your the best employee on the team.
Right: You’re the best employee on the team.

A frequent error involves confusing “your” and “you’re.” “You’re” is a contraction for “you are,” while “your” indicates possession. It’s a subtle but critical distinction that can impact your professionalism. Not only does using the correct form show attention to detail, but it also conveys that you care about the message you are sending.

2. There, Their, and They’re

Learning to use proper grammar, A white card on a desk with a pen with words They're, Their and There
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Wrong: They’re going to take their lunch over there.
Right: They’re going to take their lunch over there.

Similarly, these three words can be troublesome. “There” refers to a location, “they’re” is a contraction for “they are,” and “their” indicates possession by a group. Mixing these up can lead to confusion. In a workplace, where clarity is essential for productivity, misusing these terms can disrupt communication flow and lead to misunderstandings.

3. Then vs. Than

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Wrong: She is smarter then her brother.
Right: She is smarter than her brother.

This common mix-up occurs between “then,” which refers to time, and “than,” which is used for comparisons. Remembering their distinct functions will help clarify your writing. Poor distinctions can make your writing seem less polished, which might not sit well with colleagues or superiors who value professionalism.

4. Its vs. It’s

Learning to use proper grammar, A white card on a desk with a pen with words Its vs It's
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Wrong: The company is known for it’s innovative solutions.
Right: The company is known for its innovative solutions.

“It’s” is a contraction of “it is,” while “its” is a possessive form. This confusion can arise due to the general rule of using apostrophes to denote possession, but “its” is an exception. Recognizing these exceptions is crucial to avoiding careless mistakes that could undermine your credibility.

5. Less vs. Fewer

Learning to use proper grammar, A white card on a desk with a pen with words Less vs Fewer
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Wrong: There were less people at the event than expected.
Right: There were fewer people at the event than expected.

The distinction between “less” and “fewer” is essential, especially when discussing countable items. Use “fewer” for items that can be counted individually and “less” for uncountable quantities. Knowing when to use each term adds an extra layer of precision to your writing, demonstrating your understanding of language nuances.

6. Lie vs. Lay

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Wrong: I need to lay down for a bit.
Right: I need to lie down for a bit.

Understanding the difference between “lie” and “lay” can be tricky. “Lie” is an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn’t take an object, while “lay” is transitive and requires an object. Knowing this distinction can prevent awkward phrasing in your writing and speech.

7. That vs. Who

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Wrong: The team that won the project is here.
Right: The team who won the project is here.

While it may seem minor, many managers prefer using “who” for people and “that” for things. This attention to detail can enhance your writing’s clarity and professionalism. Using “who” shows that you value the human aspect of your team and your colleagues, which can foster a more collaborative atmosphere.

8. Apostrophes

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Wrong: The client’s are pleased with our work.
Right: The clients are pleased with our work.

Misuse of apostrophes is a frequent issue, often used unnecessarily when forming plurals. Remember to use them for contractions or possession only. Consistent misuse can undermine your authority and lead others to question your attention to detail.

9. Everyday vs. Every Day

Inspiration quote : " Do new things every day" with blur bokeh background ,Motivational typographic.
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Wrong: I exercise everyday after work.
Right: I exercise every day after work.

The term “everyday” is an adjective meaning common, while “every day” refers to each individual day. This distinction is crucial for conveying your message accurately. Using “everyday” incorrectly can make it seem like you’re dismissing the importance of regular tasks.

10. Lose vs. Loose

Learning to use proper grammar, A white card on a desk with a pen with words Lose vs Loose
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Wrong: My pants are lose after the wash.
Right: My pants are loose after the wash.

These words are often mixed up due to their similar spelling. “Loose” means not tight, while “lose” is a verb meaning to suffer a loss. Understanding these terms will not only improve your writing but also make you sound more confident in your communications.

11. I vs. Me

Learning to use proper grammar, A white card on a desk with a pen with words Me vs I
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Wrong: The manager spoke with Riley and I about the project.
Right: The manager spoke with Riley and me about the project.

The key to using “I” and “me” correctly is knowing their grammatical roles. Use “I” when the pronoun is the subject and “me” when it is the object of a verb. Misusing these pronouns can create awkwardness in conversations and presentations, distracting from your message.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Professional Image

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Being mindful of these common grammar mistakes can enhance your communication and professional image. In a world where first impressions matter, attention to detail in your writing can set you apart. By mastering these grammatical nuances, you’ll not only improve your writing skills but also position yourself as a competent and professional employee in any workplace. Good grammar is more than just a series of rules; it’s a reflection of your commitment to clear communication and your respect for your audience. Embrace these guidelines, and watch your confidence and credibility soar!

This content has, in part, been generated with the aid of an artificial intelligence language model. While we strive for accuracy and quality, please note that the information provided may not be entirely error-free or up-to-date. We recommend independently verifying the content and consulting with professionals for specific advice or information. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the use or interpretation of this content.