Glossary of correct usage: to, too, two — who’s, whose
to, too, two
It isn’t urgent to write a report.
The actress was too nervous to go on stage.
There were two cars involved in the accident.
Too many cooks spoil the broth.
type of
Do not omit » of.»
Wrong: That type movie depresses me.
Right: That type of movie depresses me.
used to, supposed to
Do not omit the —d.
Wrong: He is suppose to be here by six.
Right: He is supposed to be here by six.
wait on means «to serve»
Do not confuse with wait for.
Wrong: She waited on me for half an hour.
Right: She waited for me for half an hour.
Right: The clerk waited on several customers during the morning.
want
is not followed by a clause.
Wrong: She wants that I help her.
Right: She wants me to help her.
were
is used in contrary-to-truth conditional clauses. Do not use was in these clauses.
Wrong: If I was taller, I could play basketball.
Right: If I were taller, I could play basketball.
Right: I was a basketball player when I was in college.
when refers to time
Do not use when to introduce a noun clause.
Wrong: When I miss my bus causes me to be late.
Right: When I miss my bus, I am late.
where refers to place
Do not use where meaning that.
Wrong: I read in the newspaper where the President is going to veto the proposed law.
Right:I read in the newspaper that the President is going to veto the proposed law.
while refers to time
Do not use while meaning but or and.
Wrong: My brother is a pilot while my sister is a teacher..
Right: My brother is a pilot, and my sister is a teacher.
Wrong: While my family is not rich, we have many advantages.
Right: My family is not rich, but we have many advantages.
Right: While you were out, someone called and left a message.
who’s, whose
Who’s means who is. Whose is a possessive.
Wrong: She is a woman who’s advice is easy to follow.
Right: She is a woman whose advice is easy to follow.
Right: Do you know who’s giving the party?
