Some Common Mistakes in English

Here are 10 of the most common mistakes in English with explanations and examples.

It's vs. Its

It's is the contracted form of It is. This form is used in sentences using "they" as the subject of the sentence with the verb "to be" used as either the helping verb (e.g. It's going ..., It's raining ...) or the principal verb of the sentence.
Examples:
It's difficult to find work these days.
It's going to rain soon.
Its is the possessive pronoun form. This form is used to express that "it" has a specific quality, or that something belongs to "it".
Examples:
I found its taste to be superb!
Its color is deep red, almost Burgundy.
                                                       Test your knowledge with this it's vs. its quiz.

Too vs. Two vs. To

Too means "also" and is generally used at the end of a sentence. "Too" also indicates too much of a particular quality.
Examples:
That car is too expensive for me!
I'd love to come to the party, too.

Two is the written form of the number 2.
Examples:
There are two applicants for the job.
She has two cats.

To is generally used as a preposition. It is also used as part of the infinitive form of verbs.
Examples:
I gave the book to him.
The verb "to understand" is irregular.

                                    Test your knowledge with this to vs. too vs. two quiz.

They're vs. There vs. Their

They're is the contracted form of They are. This form is used in sentences using "they" as the subject of the sentence with the verb "to be" used as either the helping verb (e.g. They're going ..., They're playing ...) or the principal verb of the sentence.
Examples:
They're working hard this week.
They're very interested in helping out.

There is used as an introductory subject is sentences with "There is" and "There are". It is also used as an adverb of place meaning "in that place".
Examples:
There are many people in that room.
That's my house over there.

Their is the possessive pronoun form. This form is used to express that "they" have a specific quality, or that something belongs to "them".
Examples:
Their house is in Los Angeles.
He liked their looks!

                                  Test your knowledge with this they're vs. their vs. there  

You're vs. Your

You're is the contracted form of You are. This form is used in sentences using "you" as the subject of the sentence with the verb "to be" used as either the helping verb (e.g. You're going ..., You're watching ...) or the principal verb of the sentence.
Examples:
You're going to have a great time!
You're much better at tennis than Jim.

Your is the possessive pronoun form. This form is used to express that something belongs to "you".
Examples:
Your wife is such a kind woman.
I think your skills are outstanding.

                                              Test your knowledge with this your vs. you're quiz.

Since vs. For with Present Perfect

Since is used with the present perfect to express that something has happened since a point in time.
Examples:
I've lived here since 1999.
She's been working hard since two this afternoon.

For is used with the present perfect to express that something has happened for a period of time.
Examples:
I've worked at this job for 10 years.
Peter's been playing tennis for two hours.

                                                    Test your knowledge with this since vs. for quiz.

Then vs. Than

Then is used as a time expression.
Examples:
I'll see you then.
I'll be at the party. We can speak then.

Note: It is not used in the form "different than" which is used for comparisons.
Than is used for comparisons.
Examples:
He's lived here longer than I have.
His skills are very different than mine.

                                             Test your knowledge with this than vs. then quiz.