Grammar and Spelling Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet for Eliminating Some of the Most Common Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation Mistakes

(AFTER running spell check, use these rules to catch mistakes spell check doesn’t catch.)

Know the difference between:
1)  their/they’re
Their faces lit up with anticipation.  (their – possessive)
They’re waiting for you.  (they are – subject and verb)

2) your/you’re
Your face is sparkling.  (your – possessive)
You’re always right.  (you are – subject and verb)

3) it’s/its
It’s been a long time.  (it has – subject and verb)
It’s nice of you to visit.  (it is – subject and verb)
Jane put on her coat.  Its buttons shone.  (it – possessive)

Know when to use apostrophes:
1) The passenger’s seat was uncomfortable.  The passengers’ seats were uncomfortable.  (possessive – use apostrophe)
2) The passengers were uncomfortable.  (plural noun – no apostrophe)

In English, only proper nouns are capitalized:
1) The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is a terrific museum.
2) I often visit the art museum.

In direct address, commas set off the name of the person being addressed:
Yes, John, I am going to the movie.  Dan, are you going with John?

Recommended stylebook:  The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White