July 11, 2019

Grammar 101

Carolyn Taylor – Account Coordinator

Below are the most common grammar mistakes I still see made by professionals every day. Are you guilty of making these errors?

First Annual
An event can’t be annual if the first one hasn’t happened yet, therefore the term, “first annual,” is grammatically incorrect. Instead, use a word like “inaugural” in its place.

Payed
This is a commonly misspelled word. Payed in Webster’s dictionary is defined as an old Latin word that means “glue.” More often times than not, you’re looking for the word, paid.

Would of, could of and should of
This one usually surprises some people, but they simply don’t understand that they’re actually trying to say would’ve, could’ve and should’ve. With the way the English language has developed, this term sounds like “of,” but the correct spelled-out version of these words is would have, could have and should have.

Apostrophes don’t belong in last names
It’s true! The only time last names get an apostrophe is when they are given ownership of an object. Check out the examples below and remember to fix your holiday cards this year.

• Without apostrophes:
  - I am going to the Nelsons for dinner.
  - The Smiths love the Diles!
  - Love, the Williamsons
  
• With apostrophes:
  - Mr. Todd’s lawn chair is in the backyard.
  - I think this skateboard belongs to the Halbach’s.
  
• If your last name ends in -s, -x, -z, -ch or -sh, simply just add an ‘es’ to the end. No apostrophe needed.
  - Curtis: Merry Christmas from the Curtises.
  - Fox: The Foxes wish you a Happy New Year.

Every day vs. everyday

• Every day is a noun and refers to a specific day.
  
• Everyday, on the other hand, is an adjective. It is never used at the end of a sentence and simply works as a descriptive word that generally means the same thing as common.
  
• Examples:
  - I go to the ice cream shop every day.
  - The activities were a part of everyday life.

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