Dear Grammar Gal,
We’ve been working on essays in both English and history class, and I’ve gotten my rough drafts back with a ton of marks correcting my grammar mistakes. I know I’m terrible with grammar, so, I guess I’m writing to you with hopes that you’ll be able to help me. Thanks in advance.

Sincerely,

Grammar Grasshopper

Hello there Grasshopper!
Why, since grammar is my forte, I hope I can help you out! Even though you’re a fictitious character I’ve made up, I still want to help the very real people of NHS. I’ve asked around as to what grammar mistakes ruffle other people’s feathers, and here are my findings of the most common grammar mistakes people make.

Best of luck!

Love,

Grammar Gal

Feel free to send in more grammar questions to our Grammar Gal to her email, listed above.

“Its” vs. “It’s”

This one we have (or should have) been taught since the first grade. Let’s set the record straight– “Its” is possessive, while “it’s” is a contraction of “it is.” Remember, just because “it’s” has an apostrophe, it doesn’t mean it’s possessive.

Dangling Modifiers

I love the name of this grammar mistake — it can give a sense of dread, and can make you worry about the modifier– “Oh no! Will the modifier be saved?!” Well, thankfully, you can be the modifiers hero by making sure the descriptive phrase modifies the correct noun. “We couldn’t believe she wore a pink wig to see the Eiffel Tower!” would be a correct example.

Affect vs. Effect

If you use “affect” incorrectly in your writing, it can have a negative “effect” on your audience. Most people confuse them when they talk about something changing another thing. Remember, effect is a noun, but affect is a verb.
“Dr. King’s speech had a great effect on me.”
“Dr. King’s speech affected me greatly.”

Alot vs. A lot vs. Allot

Well, let’s start with the easiest one— “alot” is not a word. If someone has come into possession with a large amount of money, you would say “They have a lot of money!” Lastly, there’s “allot,” which is usually used with reference to time or money. “She was allotted twenty dollars to spend at the store.” or “I can only allot two hours for this launch meeting.