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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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