Okay, I can’t take it anymore
In that subject line, “can’t” is short for “cannot,” right? The easy way to discover whether you are using contractions correctly is to replace the abbreviated version with the two words the shortened version is replacing.
So, for instance:
Randall gives each of his pets its own warm blanket to sleep on.–Correct
Randall does not think its a problem to have a “For Sale: Meat and Pets” sign in his yard.–Incorrect (on several levels)
I just read a slick brochure from LifeWay with “it’s” used incorrectly. If I’m the only writer in Tennessee who knows these rules, it seems I should be making lots (not lot’s) more money.
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Jennifer Taylor
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That is hilarious! I have to review a lot of reports written by members of my agency, and it amazes me how many times those contractions are misused. My other big peave is the word “their” (they’re, there).
I dont have a problem w’th contractions. They hav’ent ever bothered me. Its probably only a problem for prefectionists. Im glad Im’ not one of those. im beginning to feel sorry for you, th’o.
Your mom must be so proud!
I’m sure that she nailed me on a few
Are smiley faces punctuation? lol
Some have concluded that the apostrophe is a nuisance. As an English teacher, I get weary of cant, wont im, hes–products of e-mail that appear in student papers.
[...] Learn the difference between their/there/they’re and its/it’s. Sadly, if you use these words correctly you’ll seem more professional and better educated [...]
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