COMMON GRAMMAR & STYLE ISSUES
To / Two / Too
“To”—Relates to direction:
He went to school.
“Two”—Is the number:
He has two tests today.
“Too”—Means also:
Mary has a test too.
Or relates to a generic comparison amount:
He has too many tests today.
NOTE: When it comes to placing a comma before “too,” the preferred style
is to omit it unless it adds wanted emphasis or clarity to the sentence:
I would like to attend the meeting too.
I, too, find the meetings helpful.
There / Their / They’re
“There”—Relates to direction/location:
Before Lyceum Park was there, the area was a parking lot.
There are several other campus improvement projects underway.
“Their”—Is a plural possessive:
Their offices are just down the hall.
“They’re”—Is the contraction of “they are”:
They’re going to the café later.
Here / Hear
“Here”—Relates to position:
Here is the brochure you requested.
“Hear”—Relates to listening:
I always hear so many great things about LIFE.
Its / It’s
“Its”—Is the possessive form:
Its purpose is to involve and engage students in their own learning.
“It’s”—Is the contraction of “it is”:
It’s called the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP).
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