Identify and correct errors with frequently confused pronouns and contractions

key notes :

1. Understanding the Difference

• Pronouns are words that replace nouns (e.g., he, she, it, they).
• Contractions are shortened forms of two words, using an apostrophe (e.g., they’re = they are).

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2. Commonly Confused Pairs

Confused Pair	Correct Use	Example
your vs. you’re	your = possessive pronoun you’re = contraction of “you are”	“Is that your book?” “You’re going to love this.”
its vs. it’s	its = possessive pronoun it’s = contraction of “it is” or “it has”	“The cat licked its paw.” “It’s raining outside.”
their vs. they’re vs. there	their = possessive they’re = they are there = place or existence	“That’s their house.” “They’re coming over.” “Put it over there.”
whose vs. who’s	whose = possessive who’s = who is / who has	“Whose turn is it?” “Who’s ready to go?”
than vs. then	than = comparison then = time/order	“He’s taller than me.” “Finish homework, then play.”

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3. Tips to Identify and Correct Errors

• 🔍 Read the sentence aloud – Does it sound like a contraction or possession?
• ✏️ Try replacing the word with both meanings. See which one fits.
  • Example: “It’s a sunny day.” → “It is a sunny day” ✅
  • “Its raining” → “It is raining” ❌ — should be It’s.

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4. Common Error Correction Examples

Incorrect	Correct
Your going to win.	You’re going to win.
The dog wagged it’s tail.	The dog wagged its tail.
Their coming to the party.	They’re coming to the party.
Who’s book is this?	Whose book is this?
I’d rather eat cake then cookies.	I’d rather eat cake than cookies.

Learn with an example

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