[Instructors: You may download PDFs of the exercise and key. Links appear at the bottom of the post.]
- Their vs. They’re
Their is a third-person plural possessive pronoun. Example: The graduates threw their caps in the air. [Their refers to and takes the place of graduates, a plural noun.]
They’re is a contraction of they are. Example: After the ceremony, they’re going to a big party. [They’re is another way of saying they are.]
- Your vs. You’re
Your is a first-person singular possessive pronoun indicating ownership. Example: Maya, don’t forget to bring your wallet. [The wallet belongs to Maya.]
You’re is a contraction of you are. Example: If you want a ride, you’re going to have to hurry. [You’re is another way of saying you are.]
- Fewer vs. Less
Fewer is used only with plural nouns. It refers to things that can be counted, here meaning not as many. Example: Fewer applicants were vying for the internship this year. [The number of applicants can be counted.]
Less is used only with singular nouns and refers to something that cannot be counted;here it means not as much. Example: After the office was remodeled, employees had less personal space.
- Then vs. Than
Then refers to time. Example: First she finished the report; then she began the presentation.
Than is used to make a comparison. Example: The company grossed more than it did last year.
- ie vs. ei (in spelling)
As a general rule, remember the mnemonic rhyme for this spelling conundrum: I before E except after C and words that sound A as in neighbor and weigh.
Example: Quiet
Example: Ceiling
Your task. Choose the correct word in the sentences below.
- The company has fewer/less employees since the pandemic.
- After retirement, people enjoy leisure/liesure activities.
- Niether/Neither of the salespeople was available to help the customer.
- The lake had fewer/less water due to the drought.
- Their/they’re going to improve user experiences with the new version of the app.
- Please bring your/you’re computer to take notes next time.
- The net loss was greater than/then we expected.
- I wish the staff had thought to bring their/they’re laptops to the meeting.
- The boss stopped by her admin’s desk and than/then gave him a stack of files.
- Your/You’re not going to land the job if you don’t send a thank-you note after the interview.
- There/they’re were plenty of tasks to tackle for everyone on the team.
- The sales rep acheived/achieved the goal of landing the highest number of new clients in a single month.
- The department had fewer/less personnel after the budget cuts.
- Be sure to check your/you’re résumé for typos.
- The number of subscribers was much higher than/then before the rate cut.
- The accountant recieved a substantial raise after finding a grave error in the company’s tax processing.