Top 3 writing goofs of the week

I’m often asked, “What are the most common errors you see people make when they write?” Here are the top three I’ve run across repeatedly this week.

Goof 1: Writing “it’s” when you really mean “its” (or vice versa)

Remember: The word “it’s” is a contraction for “it is.” And the word “its” is the possessive form of “it.” It’s really that simple!

Wrong: Turn the box on it’s side. (You would not say “it is” side.)
Right: Turn the box on its side (possessive form of “it”).

Wrong: I saw the movie, and it’s similarity to the book was amazing. (You would not say “it is” similarity.)
Right: I saw the movie, and its similarity to the book was amazing (possessive form of “it”).

Wrong: Its the right way to do things.
Right: It’s the right way to do things (the contraction for “it is”).

Goof 2: Joining two sentences with a comma

First, recognize when you have two sentences. You can join sentences with a semicolon, colon or conjunction.

Wrong: I like this, it is simple and to the point. (This is a run-on sentence.)
Right: I like this; it is simple and to the point.

Wrong: I am sure of one thing, you can’t get blood from a turnip. (This is a run-on sentence.)
Right: I am sure of one thing: You can’t get blood from a turnip. 

Wrong: Sheridan is a girl, Kim is a boy. (This is a run-on sentence.)
Right: Sheridan is a girl, and Kim is a boy.

Goof 3: Using an apostrophe to make a word plural

Use an apostrophe to form the possessive of a word or to form a contraction. An apostrophe is not used to form the plural of a word.

Wrong: Attached is important information for this year’s 10 mentor’s.
Right: Attached is important information for this year’s 10 mentors.

So before you hit “send” on that all-important document you’re writing to impress a client or potential employer, make sure you’re not making one of these three very common mistakes.

One final tip: If you’re on a tight deadline and something about your prose doesn’t sound quite right, or you fear you’re breaking a grammar rule, simply recast your sentence. (When in doubt, throw it out.)