Educate Yourself Concerning These Commonly Confused Words

“Two,” “too” and “to”, “they’re”, “their” and “there”, as well as “you’re” and “your” are some of the most commonly misused words in the English language.  It is not too difficult to determine which word works within the context of your sentence if you will stop and think about it.

“Two” represents the number 2.  There is no other reason for you to use “two,” unless you are referring to the number.  “Too” means “excessive,” as in “too hot” or “too cold.”  It also means, “also.”  “To” is a preposition, used in sentences like “I am going to town.”  You wouldn’t say “I am going 2 town” or “I am going excessive or also town,” so please choose your “two’s” carefully.

“Their” represents ownership, as in “This is their house.”  “There” is a preposition, used like “I am going over there.”  “They’re” is a contraction, the joining of “they” and “are,” as in “They’re the ones I’d like to meet.”

Just like “they’re,” “you’re” is also a contraction.  It joins “you” and “are,” as in “You’re my best friend.”  “Your” indicates ownership, as in “Are those your shoes?” 

I realize that this is very basic information, but having worked in a middle school English class for two years, I discovered that many students simply have not gotten “the basics” in their early education.  So, I hope this little tutorial may help someone to clear up a slightly confusing, but easily remedied error or two.