Sometimes I feel like the English language was created by a prankster who thought it'd be funny to confuse as many people as possible (not really, but sometimes). It's no secret a good portion of the American population can't even decipher your/you're or they're/there/their, but since the majority of you reading this are writers, I thought I'd cover a few others that are not often talked about.
Whose vs. Who’s
Whose = possessive form of who
Whose book is this?
I can’t remember whose umbrella I borrowed yesterday.
Who’s = contraction of “who is” or “who has”
Who’s driving the car?
I don’t know who’s been in my room.
A lot vs. Alot
A lot = a two word phrase used to mean "many" or "much".
I like you a lot.
Alot = this is not a word. Although a common mistake, don’t use it. Ever.
Affect vs. Effect
Affect = a verb most commonly meaning to influence or have an impact on someone or something.
How will this post affect your writing?
Effect = a noun most commonly meaning a result or something brought about by a cause.
I hope this post will have an effect on your writing.
Into vs. In to
Into = has to do with motion from outside to inside. Direction implied.
She went into her house.
In to = the two-word phrase combines two meanings—direction AND purpose with going “in” somewhere “to” do something.
She went in to grab her sunglasses.
Hope this helps. Happy writing!
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