How to be Grammatically Correct Part 1

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Written by anthony potenza

There are some very common grammatical errors made every day when we communicate either by speaking or writing. We all try to use correct English grammar, but many of us fall short. The following are a few of the more basic errors. If you would like to be grammatically correct learn these rules.

LIE or LAY
Pay attention to this one because it is probably one the most common errors made. Learn to know the difference between LIE and LAY. The simple rule is, LIE is to rest or recline, as in, "I'm going to LIE down." LAY is to put or place, as in, "LAY the book on the table." "Let me LIE down beside you," is to recline."Let me LAY my coat down," is to place.

WHO or WHOM
We all fall victim to this grammatical error that even some experts struggle over. The basic rule is, WHO is always used as the subject of a sentence as in, "WHO is calling?," WHO being the subject. WHOM is always used as an object, as in, "WHOM did you say was calling?," YOU being the subject and WHOM being the object. "To WHOM it may concern," is another example of WHOM as the object. Though grammatically incorrect, using WHO in either of the last two sentences would probably not raise any eyebrows.

CLOSE PROXIMITY
Be aware that these two words are redundant. They mean the same thing and should not be used together. Saying, "The two cars are in CLOSE PROXIMITY to each other," may be idiomatic, but incorrect. It is like saying, "The two cars are CLOSE-CLOSE to each other," or "The two cars are in PROXIMITY-PROXIMITY to each other." Use, "The two cars are CLOSE to each other," or "The two cars are in PROXIMITY to each other."

DOUBLE NEGATIVES
Learn not to use double negatives in the same sentence. "I DON'T want NO breakfast," is an example of a double negative. The correct wording is, "I don't want ANY breakfast," or "I don't want breakfast." Another example would be, "She WON'T talk to NOBODY." The correct sentence would be, "She WON'T talk to ANYBODY," or "She won't talk to ANYONE."

PREPOSITIONS
Remember not to end a sentence with a preposition. "Where are you going TO?" is incorrect. "Where are you going?" is correct. Where did you buy this AT?" is incorrect. It should be, "Where did you buy this?" "Take your shoes off OF the table," is incorrect. It should be, "Take your shoes OFF the table."

HAVE or OF
You should never use OF in place of HAVE. "I should OF taken the bus," is incorrect. "I should HAVE taken the bus," is correct. "I SHOULD'VE been more careful," the contraction of SHOULD and HAVE, when spoken, can sound like "SHOULD OF" and be transferred incorrectly when written.

THERE or THEIR
Keep this in mind when writing. The difference between the two words is not discernible when spoken. The error occurs when written. Essentially, THERE refers to a location, while THEIR refers to persons. "She was going THERE for lunch." "They walked in carrying THEIR bags."

Obviously, there are many other grammatical errors that can be included and entire books have been devoted to the subject. You might want to go online for a free software grammar check but they are limited because of idiom and other factors. To be more grammatically correct, see "How to Be Grammatically Correct Part 2."

References
Your Dictiionary
http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/style-and-usage/free-online-grammar.html
Guide to Grammar and Wrting
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
How to Be Grammatically Correct Part 2
http://www.squidoo.com/workshop/how-to-be-grammatically-correct-part-2