Common grammar mistakes, fixed
Eight mix-ups that spell check misses, with a rule you can remember for each.
1. their, there, they're
Their = belongs to them. There = a place. They're = they are.
Example: They're bringing their laptops over there.
2. your, you're
Your = belongs to you. You're = you are.
Example: You're going to love your new desk.
3. its, it's
Its = belongs to it. It's = it is or it has.
Example: It's a great app, and its price is fair.
4. affect, effect
Affect is usually a verb (to change). Effect is usually a noun (the result).
Example: The delay will affect the launch. The effect was small.
5. then, than
Then = time or next. Than = comparing.
Example: Finish this first, then send it. It is faster than before.
6. a, an
Use an before a vowel sound, a before a consonant sound.
Example: An hour, a user, an email, a one-off.
7. could of, would of
The right form is could have or would have (could've, would've).
Example: I could have sent it sooner.
8. lose, loose
Lose = to misplace or not win. Loose = not tight.
Example: Don't lose the loose screw.
Why spell check misses them
Every word in "their going to be late" is spelled correctly, so a basic spell check stays quiet. You need a check that reads the words around it.
Catch them as you type
NOVA Ink checks mix-ups like these in Chrome and Edge as you type, including their, there and they're, your and you're, its and it's, affect and effect, then and than, and a and an. Click the underline or press Tab to fix it, and Ctrl+Z undoes it.
Want your sentences clearer too? Read how to rewrite a sentence clearly.
Questions
What is the most common grammar mistake?
Mixing up words that sound alike, such as their, there and they're, or your and you're.
Is it "could of" or "could have"?
Could have. "Could of" comes from how "could've" sounds when you say it.
How do I remember affect vs effect?
Affect is the action (a verb); effect is the end result (a noun). A for action, E for end result.
Why doesn't spell check catch these?
Because each word is spelled correctly. Catching them needs a check that reads the sentence, like NOVA Ink's fix as you type.
Catch the mix-ups before you hit Send.
NOVA Ink helps in Chrome and Edge, right where you type. 7-day trial with 10 AI actions a day. No card needed.