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ONLY AFTER running spell check, use these rules to catch mistakes spell check doesn’t catch.
Know the difference between:
1) their/they’re
Their faces lit up with anticipation. (their – possessive)
They’re waiting for you. (they are – subject and verb)
(Also note that their and there are NOT the same words.)
2) your/you’re
Your face is sparkling. (your – possessive)
You’re always right. (you are – subject and verb)
3) it’s/its
It’s been a long time. (it has – subject and verb)
It’s nice of you to visit. (it is – subject and verb)
Jane put on her coat. Its buttons shone. (it – possessive)
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Know when to use apostrophes:
1) The passenger’s seat was uncomfortable. The passengers’ seats were uncomfortable. (possessive – use apostrophe)
2) The passengers were uncomfortable. (plural noun – no apostrophe) (Pay special attention to this – people frequently use possessive when they mean to use plural.)
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In English, only proper nouns are capitalized:
1) The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is a terrific museum.
2) I often visit the art museum.
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In direct address, commas set off the name of the person being addressed:
Yes, John, I am going to the movie. Dan, are you going with John?
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Recommended stylebook: The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
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