Using to, Two, Too, There, Their, They're, Your, You're Correctly and Other Confusing Words

They say English is one of the hardest languages to learn. I am not bi or tri-lingual and I certainly struggle with using English correctly. Since I barely master English and have a horrid memory, the thought of learning other languages is intimidating. Even though I'd love to be that talented.

In writing this article, my goal is not only to re-educate myself and have a reference point for when I make mistakes, but also help others use these words correctly, and with confidence.

When you write or publish an advertisement, article, or book, it's in your best interest to have an editor look over your work. Four eyes viewing something is almost always better than two, even in my profession in Finance/Accounting, I often seek co-worker's eyes to look over detailed spreadsheets missing key formulas or when things just won't balance. But not everyone is lucky enough to afford the luxury of an editor, and often that means re-reading, and correcting, and proofing, over and over until you feel it's perfected, and even then you may overlook mistakes. I often do this, even when I've sworn I've read something 15x. Sometimes it just helps to ask a trusted friend for feedback and constructive criticism of your work. I may have mistakes within this very article on exactly what I'm writing about!

Correct Grammar is very important to get your point across and be clear and concise in what you are trying to tell your reader. How sad is it to read a really good piece of work, only to have it destroyed or totally misunderstood by improper word usage? Not only do you lose your audience, but they probably won't be back to read more of your work. You become discredited, look uneducated, and seem unreliable.

When you are focusing on content writing or any type of writing, losing your audience is the last thing you want to do!

There are so many words in the English language that are confusing. Some spelled the same with different meanings, others spelled differently with the same meanings. Such as homophones, “Homo” means “same,” and “phone” means “sound.” When you are out of school and no longer taking basic English grammar classes or English 101, it's very easy to forget the correct usage, context, and placement.

We have a lot of goofy words in the English language. Tea, tee, see, sea, on and on it goes. But don't be scared or intimidated. With a little awareness, common sense, memory, and practice, you'll have these words mastered in no time flat.

Here are some of the most common misused words and how to use them.

Now you have a good idea of how to use these words when creating your literary masterpieces!

You can also use this as a reference point if you are confused during your writing. Sadly, I have to make a point to do this because these words confuse me frequently. In many of my hubs or blogs, you may notice I've misused these words. Please, by all means, bring this to my attention! I am never offended and prefer to correct my errors and learn from them.

If all else fails, get a pocket grammar guide!