Common English Errors

[setifienne]

It's vs. Its
It's is the contracted form of It is. This form is used in sentences using "they" as the subject of the sentence with the verb "to be" used as either the helping verb (e.g. It's going ..., It's raining ...) or the principal verb of the sentence
Examples
It's difficult to find work these days
It's going to rain soon
Its is the possessive pronoun form. This form is used to express that "it" has a specific quality, or that something belongs to "it"
Examples
I found its taste to be superb
Its color is deep red, almost Burgundy

They're vs. There vs. Their
They're is the contracted form of They are. This form is used in sentences using "they" as the subject of the sentence with the verb "to be" used as either the helping verb (e.g. They're going ..., They're playing ...) or the principal verb of the sentence
Examples
They're working hard this week
They're very interested in helping out
There is used as an introductory subject is sentences with "There is" and "There are". It is also used as an adverb of place meaning "in that place"
Examples
There are many people in that room
That's my house over there
Their is the possessive pronoun form
This form is used to express that "they" have a specific quality, or that something belongs to "them"
Examples
Their house is in Los Angeles
He liked their looks

You're vs. Your
You're is the contracted form of You are. This form is used in sentences using "you" as the subject of the sentence with the verb "to be" used as either the helping verb (e.g. You're going ..., You're watching ...) or the principal verb of the sentence
Examples
You're going to have a great time
You're much better at tennis than Jim
Your is the possessive pronoun form. This form is used to express that something belongs to "you"
Examples
Your wife is such a kind woman
I think your skills are outstanding