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!