Grammar Tips & Fun Facts for Everyday English
Ever get stuck on "its" vs. "it's" or wonder why we say "I could of"? You’re not alone. This guide gives you straight‑forward tips you can use right now, plus a few cool language tidbits that make grammar feel less like a chore.
First off, remember the golden rule: read what you write aloud. If a sentence sounds off, chances are something’s off. Speaking the words helps you spot missing commas, awkward phrasing, or the wrong verb tense before anyone else does.
Common Grammar Mistakes and Quick Fixes
Here are three errors that pop up all the time, plus a fast fix for each.
1. Its vs. It’s – "Its" shows ownership (the cat chased its tail). "It’s" is short for "it is" or "it has" (It’s raining). A quick test: replace "it's" with "it is"; if the sentence still makes sense, use the apostrophe.
2. Their, There, They’re – "Their" means belonging (their house). "There" points to a place (over there). "They’re" contracts "they are" (they're excited). When you’re unsure, write the full phrase first – if it reads "they are," go with "they're."
3. Less vs. Fewer – Use "fewer" for countable items (fewer apples) and "less" for uncountable stuff (less water). If you can count it, it’s "fewer."
These fixes take seconds, but they clean up your writing fast. Keep a cheat sheet on your phone or a sticky note on your desk and you’ll catch them before they slip out.
Cool Language Trivia to Impress Friends
Grammar isn’t just rules – it’s full of quirks. Did you know the word "grammar" comes from the Greek "gramma," meaning "letter"? Or that the longest English word without a vowel is "rhythms"? Toss these facts into a conversation and watch eyebrows rise.
Another neat one: the Oxford comma. Some style guides swear by it ("I love my parents, Beyoncé, and Oprah"), while others skip it ("I love my parents, Beyoncé and Oprah"). The debate still rages, but the point is you can decide which style fits your brand.
If you’re into slang, remember that language evolves. Words like "bog roll" (British for toilet paper) and "stack" (slang for a thousand dollars) show how everyday talk adds fresh layers to the grammar puzzle.
Lastly, don’t forget about punctuation that changes meaning. "Let’s eat, grandma!" vs. "Let’s eat grandma!" A comma can be a lifesaver, literally.
Ready to level up? Try one tip a day – replace a vague word, add a missing comma, or drop a slang term in a sentence. Before long, good grammar will feel as natural as breathing.
Got a grammar question that’s been bugging you? Drop a comment below or browse our other posts for deeper dives. Happy writing!
