Once an English Teacher, Always an English Teacher (Part 2)

So I've had quite a few requests for some more grammar lessons.  (I wish I had that when I taught high school English. ;-) )

Lessons for today:

There vs. Their vs. They're

and

To vs. Too vs. Two

So let's start:  

There/Their/They're

Unfortunately they all sound the same, so sometimes (alright, oftentimes) they become interchangeable while writing, but unfortunately they aren't interchangeable.

"There" is a bit more complicated, so I'll start with "their."

"Their" refers to people.  It is a pronoun.  Don't stop reading!  I'll explain pronoun!  A pronoun can be complicated, but think of it as a word that is used in the place of an actual name.  So let's use the example of "their."

"Sally, George, and Maddie's dance class starts at 10." Can also be written... "Their dance class starts at 10."   

"Their" refers to people. 

So now let's tackle "there."

I could go on FOREVER (or at least way too long) about all the uses of "there."  Just remember that "there" is not used to refer to people.  It is usually reserved to reference locations.

"The dance studio is over there."

"I am from California and my husband is from there too."

The only weird use for the word "there" is as an expression of satisfaction.

"There!  It's done!"

Now on to "they're."

"They're" is a contraction (one word made from two like, "do and "not" becomes "don't) of the words "they" and "are."  So when to use it?  Only if the sentence would also make sense saying "they are."

"They're great dancers" also makes sense when you say, "They are great dancers."

Whew!

Next!

To/Too/Two

Ok, the uses for "to" seem endless so we will start with "two."

"Two" refers to the number 2 written out.  (One down, two to go.  Teehee.)

"Too" is used to express the following: in addition, in excess, or degree.  If in your sentence the "too" is an expression those concepts, you need to use "t-o-o."

"Your daughter takes ballet? My daughter takes ballet too."   ("Too" here indicates in addition.  The speaker's daughter also takes ballet.)

"He was too good at fouette turns!  He made us all jealous!"  ("Too" here indicates excess.)

"Our teacher was not too happy when we showed up late to tap class."  ("Too" here refers to a degree of the teacher's displeasure.)

"To" is used everywhere else!  For example:

"Please take me to dance class."

"I need to stretch."

Honestly, I could explain all of the uses for "to," but it would include words like preposition, infinitive, etc., which isn't fun for anyone, and really what is important is if you know when to use "too" and "two," you won't run into problems.

Hope that helps!

Once an English Teacher, Always an English Teacher

So as the director of a dance company, numerous attributes are important to me when choosing people to work with.  There are the obvious ones: talent, experience, attitude, etc.; however, one that stands out to me the most is professionalism.

Professionalism can be shown in numerous ways: showing up early, answering e-mails, behaving respectfully, coming prepared and practiced, etc.

Let me let you in on a little secret.  Before I hire people, I put them through a series of little tests to see how they respond.  (I won't tell you all of them as that would negate their purpose.)  One of them is written communication.  I will ALWAYS write to you in a way that somehow requires a response to see how you communicate.

Think about it...If you receive an e-mail from someone that is riddled with spelling and grammatical errors, lacking correct capitalization, etc. you would get the feeling that they either do not take themselves or the project seriously and may not be someone you would want to work with.

Don't freak out!  Of course there are typos and little "boo boo's" that I of course overlook, but below are my two biggest grammatical pet peeves.  If you can incorporate these into your vocabulary (yes, including Facebook), you will present yourself in an intellectual and professional way; therefore, demonstrating your ability and dependability.  (This equals $$.)

You're vs. Your

A lot vs. Alot

These errors are happening SO FREQUENTLY that they are even popping up on professional signs and advertisements.  I've seen them and I'm frightened.

Ok so here are two English lessons for the day:

You're vs. Your

To quote Ross from Friends, "Y-O-U apostrophe R-E means 'you are.'  Y-O-U-R means 'your.'''

The trick I like to use and teach people is what I call the, "You Are Test."

So when you are using one of these, you have to determine if it is a contraction (the combination of two words like "do" and "not" can become "don't") or not.

Let's ("let us") practice. :)        

        

You're a great dancer!  Your technique is fabulous!

So let's test these two sentences.

"You're a great dancer" can become, "You are a great dancer," and still make sense.  This means we need to use the contraction "you're." 

"Your technique is fabulous" sounds wrong when you say, "You are technique is fabulous" so the "your" is appropriate here.

So when using "YOUR," please use the "You Are Test."  Does it make sense breaking apart the word to say "You Are?"  If it does, it needs to be "You're."

Ok let's go on to the next one:

A lot vs. Alot

This one is easier than "YOUR." Why, do you ask?  Well, wait for it... "ALOT" is not a word!  

 GASP!

 I know!

Ok, why is it not a word?  Webster says so!  Teehee.  No seriously.  When using "a lot" think of it this way... would you write "alittle?"  Of course not!  "I dance alittle" should be written, "I dance a little."  Therefore, "I dance alot," should be "I dance a lot."

Side note, the word "allot" is a real word, but it means something different.  It is a verb (action word) meaning "to give out."  For example, parents can allot a certain amount of allowance to each child.  However, DO NOT use "allot" as a substitute for "a lot."  

Happy writing!