Seriously people? Do we really have to have this lesson? Have we all sunk so low that we don’t even recognize proper contraction and word usage? Hate me for calling you out, but I’m more concerned with the issue of people not using “your” and “you’re” correctly. They mean two different things! And yet people- in what I can only assume is an act of extreme laziness- often use “your” when they really mean “you’re.” Is typing the extra apostrophe and ‘e’ really that much more work? This isn’t twitter where every character counts. Use the space!
Excuse me while I take a second to collect myself. *deep breath in, deep breath out.* Okay, if you read my last article about grammar, you’ll know I get aggravated easily. It is really scary how often this mistake occurs, and not just between friends. Sadly, I’ve seen professionals communicate this mistake as well. No excuses to not learn the proper usage now before you send that email to a professor or potential employer.
Spelling it out plainly:
- You + ’ + re = you are. Example, “You’re an excellent student.” “You’re the winner.” “You’re supposed to be doing your homework!” It’s a contraction. Combining “you” and “are” together. Learn it and do it.
- You + r = your. Example, “your phone is ringing.” “Your fly is open.” “Your computer is dying.” The word “your” is followed by something that belongs to you or with any person in general. “That sight is enough to break your heart.” The word “your” is a possessive adjective
I said it in my last entry about grammar that when you get these things wrong people judge you. This is no exception. In fact it arguably makes you come off worse. It doesn’t take a degree to know this simple rule. The funny fact is, most people either don’t care or notice, so they get into the habit of publicly posting their idiocy on sites like Facebook and Twitter. While good for a laugh, getting this wrong makes you look, well…tupidsay. If you don’t like my explanation, you can always learn from Ross. He’ll tell it to you straight.
I apologize, I grew up in a FRIENDS household.
Questions? Ideas or suggestions? Follow me on twitter @ChrisComella or email me at [email protected]
IMAGE: Courtesy of Random Thoughts on Life Blog
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