7 Common Grammar Errors To Avoid & Improve Your Web Content

Have you ever read something so clever and interesting that you wanted to "share" it via your social networks or email list, only to find you cannot because of the grammatical errors. It may not be that you particularly spell so perfectly but if you noticed the error, so will others.

It happens to everyone, even the grammar police.

Unfortunately, such mistakes can really make readers questions credibility or source of information (you).

No matter how you have been writing or if you just want to begin, here is a handly list of some of the most common grammar mistakes and how to correct them. This is based on American English and given the evolution of language can likely change at any time - just kidding. 

Avoid another grammar mistake, use this list as a reminder:

1. A and An - This mistake is not as common as some but still requires attention. The blanket rule is to use A before all letters beginning with consonants (non vowel letters). But of course, there are exceptions:

• If the word starts with an "h" that is silent, like hour or herb, you still use an.
•  If the word starts with "u" but sounds like the word "you," or the it starts with an "o" but sounds like the letter "w" - then you would use a.
• We waited over an hour for her to show up.
• We wish the new couple a happy union.
• There was a one lane highway closure this morning. 

2. "Then" and "Than" - Then is used when discussing time. An easy way to remember this it to ask yourself are you writing about a sequence of events or the time something happened.

• Example: I went to work, then I went to the grocery store.

"Than" is used to compare things, people, places, circumstances, etc. You would not use "than" to designate a point in time or sequence of events.

• Example: I would rather sprint than run long distance. I would rather sprint then run.

In this sentence, a comparison is made about sprinting and running long distance. If you write: I would rather sprint then run, what you are saying is that you would like to sprint before you run. 

3. There, Their, and They're - This is a grammar nazi's menace. For some reason, this is the most common mixup among bloggers, writers, and many others. I find it easy to remember them based on he following formula:

• There - an actual place or location. Never appropriate to use in reference to a person.
• Example: That looks like a great picnic spot over there.
• Their - speaking of a person or more than one person, depending on the context.
• Example: Their business is so customer-friendly. That is a great price their!
• They're - This is actually two words: they are; that can be remembered if you remove the apostrophe and write it as: they are. Makes it easier to see you are speaking of people, not places, and its also plural (more than one).
• Example: They're such a beautiful couple! There such a beautiful couple! Their such a cute couple.

4. Your and You're - Your has to do with ownership and you're is actually "you are."

• Your - Is that your car? Is that you're car?
• You're - You're so cheerful in the morning. Your so calm during stressful situations.

5. Whether and Weather - I am not sure why this one is so confusing but hopefully, the examples below can help you develop a way to easily know when to use them. 

• Whether - This word is used when dealing with choices. 
• I don't know whether to stay home until the rain stops or take a chance getting wet. I don't know weather to stay or go.
• Weather - This is the actual weather, the forecast, you know, hot, sunny, or cold. 
• There's always hot weather in Arizona! I wish I knew weather to fly or drive for this trip.

6. Rather and Whether - I have seen these words mixed up quite a bit as well, and truthfully because they both deal with choices, it's not so hard to understand. Saying what you write in this instance can help out. 

• Rather - You use this word when you are leaning towards a choice, or making a preference regarding a choice. 
• Example: I would rather sprint than run long distance. I don't know rather to laugh or cry.
• Whether - This word is about choices, but does not state a preference. It is simply to distinguish between choices, not provide a preferance.
• Example: The choice is whether to forgive or hold a grudge. I would whether stay inside with all this rain today. 

7. Pacific and Specific - This is the easiet of all grammar mistakes to correct. I promise!

• Pacific - An Ocean on the west coast of the United States. 
• Example: I had a wonderful time on the Pacific Ocean cruiselast month. I had a pacific idea of how I wanted it to look but it didn't turn out that way. 
• Specific - This is being very particular about something, leaving no room for interpretation. 
• Example: I had a specific date for the party but she wasn't available. Are you cruising the specific ocean this time?

This is by no means an exhaustive guide, rather a short reference sheet you can use for common grammar errors. 

What words would you add to this list?