Common writing mistakes

This post about Grammar Nerds reminded me that I've long wanted to write about some common mistakes I see over and over on the Internet and in emails.

The most common thing that I notice is confusing words that sound somewhat alike but have very different meanings and spellings:

• conscious/conscience

If your conscience is bothering you, you are conscious.

• effect/affect

Will poor grammer affect your chances of getting that next job?

Missing out on that next job may be the likely effect (outcome) of being sloppy with grammar.

• console/consul

You can change administrative settings via an application or server console.

• bare/bear

Bear in mind these grammar rules for next time.

• there/their/they're

They're = They are

There = refers to a location (e.g. over there)

Their = a possessive pronoun; used when referring to group possession of a thing or quality

• your/you're

You're = You are

Your = possessive pronoun; used when referring to someone possessing a thing or quality

• e.g./i.e.

e.g. = exempli gratia (for example); use when providing an example for clarification

i.e. = id est (that is... or "in effect"); use when providing additional clarifying information, not through the use of an example

• lose/loose

I always see this one when someone misspells lose as "loose". Playing fast and loose with spelling!

• mute/moot

When using the phrase, "a moot point" or similar, "this may become moot", moot is the right spelling. Mute refers to remaining or being unable to speak.

• to/two/too

Too = also

two = the number 2

to = a preposition meaning a variety of things, such as "toward"

There are a ton of sites that go into more detail than this. A simple google search will find most all of them. Or just check your favorite dictionary.