Grammar and structure
Its and it's, then and than, fewer and less — the pairs that change a sentence.
its vs it's
Its shows ownership, while it's is a shortened form of it is or it has.
it's
contraction of it is or it has
It's going to be a very long day at the office.
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The bird built it's nest in the old oak tree.
The bird built its nest in the old oak tree.
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I think its time for us to leave the party.
I think it's time for us to leave the party.
Remember If you can't swap it for 'it is', use 'its'.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The company decided to change logo to attract younger customers.
- 2.
I think been raining since early this morning.
your vs you're
Your shows ownership, while you're is the shortened form of you are.
Belonging to the person being addressed.
Please make sure you bring your passport to the airport tomorrow morning.
you're
The contraction of 'you' and 'are'.
I think you're going to be very successful in this new job role.
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Is this you're jacket or does it belong to someone else?
Is this your jacket or does it belong to someone else?
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I hope your having a great time on your vacation.
I hope you're having a great time on your vacation.
Remember If you can swap it for 'you are', use you're.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I really like new car and the color you chose for it.
- 2.
Let me know when ready to leave for the dinner party.
their vs they're vs there
Their shows ownership, they're is the short form of 'they are', and there points to a place or introduces a fact.
the possessive form of they
The neighbors decided to paint their front door a bright shade of blue.
they're
contraction of they are
They're planning to move to a larger apartment closer to the city center.
a location or existential marker
Please put the groceries on the table over there in the kitchen.
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The children left they're toys scattered all over the living room floor.
The children left their toys scattered all over the living room floor.
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I hope there having a good time at the wedding reception.
I hope they're having a good time at the wedding reception.
Remember Their has an 'i' for ownership; there contains 'here'; they're has an apostrophe for 'a'.
Fill the gap with one of the three options.
- 1.
Students must submit final assignments before the end of the week.
- 2.
I think coming to the party later this evening after work.
- 3.
is a small cafe on the corner that serves excellent coffee.
whose vs who's
Whose shows possession, while who's is a contraction for who is or who has.
the possessive form of who
The manager is looking for the employee whose car is blocking the main entrance.
who's
contraction of who is or who has
I need to know who's coming to the staff meeting on Friday afternoon.
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I wonder who's umbrella this is because it was left in the hallway.
I wonder whose umbrella this is because it was left in the hallway.
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The teacher is looking for the student whose responsible for the mess.
The teacher is looking for the student who's responsible for the mess.
Remember Who's = Who is. If you can't swap it, use whose.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I need to find out phone has been ringing for the last ten minutes.
- 2.
She is the only person been to the new office in London.
then vs than
Then indicates a point in time or a sequence of events, while than introduces the second part of a comparison.
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First we eat, than we can discuss the project details.
First we eat, then we can discuss the project details.
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She is much taller then her older brother.
She is much taller than her older brother.
Remember Then = Time. Than = Comparison.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
If you arrive early, you will have time to prepare your notes.
- 2.
I would rather walk to the station wait for the delayed bus.
to vs too vs two
To marks a destination or an infinitive, too indicates excess or addition, and two is the number 2.
Direction, destination, or an infinitive marker.
We need to walk to the station before the next train arrives.
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It is two late to change your mind about the project.
It is too late to change your mind about the project.
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I have to brothers who live in the city center.
I have two brothers who live in the city center.
Remember To is for travel; Too has an extra 'o'; Two has a 'w' like twelve.
Fill the gap with one of the three options.
- 1.
She decided send the package to her sister in London.
- 2.
If you are going to the cinema, I would like to go .
- 3.
They have been living in this apartment for years now.
who vs whom
Who functions as the subject of a verb, while whom functions as the object of a verb or preposition.
the person performing the action
The manager is looking for the employee who submitted the final report yesterday.
the person receiving the action
To whom should I address this formal complaint regarding the recent service delays?
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Whom is responsible for organizing the catering for the annual conference?
Who is responsible for organizing the catering for the annual conference?
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The client who you called earlier is waiting for a response in the lobby.
The client whom you called earlier is waiting for a response in the lobby.
Remember Who = He. Whom = Him.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
decided to change the meeting time without consulting the rest of the team?
- 2.
The candidate we interviewed this morning has a very impressive professional background.
everyday vs every day
Everyday is an adjective that describes something ordinary, while every day is an adverbial phrase that tells you how often something happens.
Ordinary or typical; used before nouns.
The shop sells everyday items like bread, milk, and household cleaning supplies.
Happening each day; a frequency marker.
I try to walk at least five miles every day to stay healthy.
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These are my every day shoes, so they are quite worn out.
These are my everyday shoes, so they are quite worn out.
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I practice my English everyday for thirty minutes.
I practice my English every day for thirty minutes.
Remember Everyday is one word when it describes one thing; every day is two words when it counts the days.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
You should wear your clothes instead of a formal suit for this party.
- 2.
The manager checks the inventory before the store opens for business.
maybe vs may be
Maybe is a single-word adverb of probability, whereas may be is a two-word verb phrase consisting of a modal and a main verb.
an adverb meaning perhaps or possibly
Maybe we should call the office before we leave for the meeting.
may be
a verb phrase indicating a possibility
There may be a slight delay in processing your recent application.
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May be we can reschedule the appointment for next Tuesday.
Maybe we can reschedule the appointment for next Tuesday.
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It maybe raining later this afternoon so bring an umbrella.
It may be raining later this afternoon so bring an umbrella.
Remember Maybe = Perhaps. May be = Might be.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The project will take three weeks, or even a full month.
- 2.
The results of the blood test available by tomorrow morning.
already vs all ready
Already marks time to show something happened sooner than expected, while all ready describes a subject that is completely prepared.
happened before now or sooner than expected
I have already finished the report even though the deadline is tomorrow.
all ready
completely prepared or set to go
The students are all ready for their final exams after weeks of studying.
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She has all ready seen that film three times this week.
She has already seen that film three times this week.
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The team is already for the kickoff at three o'clock.
The team is all ready for the kickoff at three o'clock.
Remember Already = Time. All ready = Prepared.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
By the time we arrived at the theater, the movie had started.
- 2.
Once you have your passport and bags, we will be to leave.
altogether vs all together
Altogether means completely or in total, while all together describes a group acting or gathered in one place.
Completely, entirely, or in total.
The new office layout is altogether more efficient than the previous design.
all together
A group acting in unison.
The choir members began to sing all together after the conductor's signal.
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I am not all together sure that this strategy will work.
I am not altogether sure that this strategy will work.
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The team arrived altogether for the start of the morning briefing.
The team arrived all together for the start of the morning briefing.
Remember Altogether = All-in-all. All together = All at once.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
We spent fifty dollars on the supplies for the staff party.
- 2.
Please place the completed application forms in this blue folder.
any more vs anymore
Any more describes an additional amount of something, while anymore describes a change in time or frequency.
any more
an additional quantity or amount
I do not think we have any more coffee left in the kitchen.
no longer or at present
He does not work at the hospital anymore since he retired last year.
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I cannot eat anymore cake because I am completely full.
I cannot eat any more cake because I am completely full.
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She does not live in London any more after moving to Paris.
She does not live in London anymore after moving to Paris.
Remember Any more = extra quantity. Anymore = no longer.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The store told us they would not be receiving stock today.
- 2.
It is difficult to find a cheap apartment in this neighborhood .
a lot vs allot
A lot indicates a large quantity or frequency, while allot is the act of assigning or distributing shares.
a lot
A large amount or frequency.
We spent a lot of time discussing the new project requirements yesterday.
To assign or distribute portions.
The committee will allot ten minutes to each speaker during the conference.
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There were allot of people waiting outside the stadium before kickoff.
There were a lot of people waiting outside the stadium before kickoff.
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The manager will a lot twenty minutes for the presentation.
The manager will allot twenty minutes for the presentation.
Remember Allot has two L's for 'Limited Lines' or 'Legal Limits'.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
She travels for work and rarely stays home on weekends.
- 2.
We need to more funds to the research and development department.
apart vs a part
Apart describes things being separated or distant, while a part refers to a single piece of a larger whole.
a part
one piece of a whole
She wants to be a part of the new research committee.
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The two buildings stand two meters a part.
The two buildings stand two meters apart.
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I am happy to be apart of this successful team.
I am happy to be a part of this successful team.
Remember Apart (one word) means away; a part (two words) is a piece.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
It is difficult to keep the children during the school holidays.
- 2.
The broken screen is just of the overall damage.
every one vs everyone
Everyone refers to all people in a group, while every one singles out each specific person or thing.
every one
Each individual item or person separately.
I have read every one of the books on that top shelf.
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I checked the reports and everyone of them contains a mistake.
I checked the reports and every one of them contains a mistake.
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Every one was surprised when the CEO resigned yesterday.
Everyone was surprised when the CEO resigned yesterday.
Remember Everyone = Everybody. Every one = Every single one.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
of the applicants must submit a portfolio by Friday.
- 2.
Is ready to start the meeting now?
each other vs one another
Each other and one another both describe reciprocal actions, though traditionalists prefer each other for two people and one another for larger groups.
Reciprocal action between two specific people.
The two tennis players shook hands and congratulated each other after the final match.
Reciprocal action within a larger group.
The team members encouraged one another to keep training during the off-season.
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The twins are always arguing with one another about their shared toys.
The twins are always arguing with each other about their shared toys.
Remember Each other for two; one another for a crew.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
My parents have known since they were in primary school.
- 2.
In a small village, all the residents tend to help with chores.
fewer vs less
Fewer modifies plural countable nouns, while less modifies singular uncountable nouns.
a smaller number of countable items
The express lane is reserved for customers with ten fewer items than usual.
a smaller amount of uncountable mass
Adding less sugar to your coffee is a simple way to reduce daily calories.
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There are less chairs in this classroom than we actually need.
There are fewer chairs in this classroom than we actually need.
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I have fewer time to finish this project than I thought.
I have less time to finish this project than I thought.
Remember Fewer is for things you count; less is for things you measure.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
There were people at the conference this year due to the travel strike.
- 2.
The new engine design produces significantly noise during takeoff and landing.
number vs amount
Number is for things you can count individually; amount is for bulk quantities or mass.
Quantity of separate, countable items.
A large number of students signed up for the weekend seminar.
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The amount of people in the lobby is growing quickly.
The number of people in the lobby is growing quickly.
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We spent a large number of money on the new equipment.
We spent a large amount of money on the new equipment.
Remember Number = Nouns you can count. Amount = All the rest.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The of cars on the road has doubled since last year.
- 2.
The total of work required for this project is overwhelming.
many vs much
Many precedes plural countable nouns, while much precedes uncountable nouns.
Used with plural countable nouns.
How many people are planning to attend the conference next week?
Used with singular uncountable nouns.
We don't have much time to finish the report before the deadline.
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There are too much students in the classroom today.
There are too many students in the classroom today.
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I don't have many information about the new project yet.
I don't have much information about the new project yet.
Remember Many for things you can count; Much for things you can't.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
There aren't options left on the menu this late at night.
- 2.
How luggage are you planning to bring on the flight?
few vs little
Few modifies plural countable nouns, while little modifies uncountable nouns.
a small number of countable items
Very few students attended the optional seminar on Friday afternoon.
a small amount of something uncountable
There is very little water left in the reservoir after the drought.
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I have very little friends in this city.
I have very few friends in this city.
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There is few information available about the upcoming merger.
There is little information available about the upcoming merger.
Remember Few for things you count; little for things you weigh or measure.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I have a questions regarding the new company policy.
- 2.
She showed interest in joining the committee this year.
some vs any
Some indicates a positive existence or specific quantity, while any indicates an open-ended or non-existent quantity in negatives and questions.
A certain but unspecified quantity.
I need to buy some fresh vegetables for the dinner party tonight.
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I do not have some money to lend you right now.
I do not have any money to lend you right now.
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Are there some students waiting outside the classroom?
Are there any students waiting outside the classroom?
Remember Some for 'Yes'; Any for 'No' or 'Maybe'.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Would you like coffee while you wait for the manager?
- 2.
Do you have idea what time the next train arrives?
another vs other
Another is used with singular countable nouns, while other is used with plural or uncountable nouns.
additional or different people or things
Some students prefer morning classes, but other students like the evening.
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I need other book to finish my research project.
I need another book to finish my research project.
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She has another friends who live in the city center.
She has other friends who live in the city center.
Remember Another = An + Other (singular only).
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
We need to find way to solve this technical problem.
- 2.
There are options available if you don't like this specific model.
between vs among
Between links distinct, individual items; among places an item within an undefined group or mass.
connecting distinct, separate individuals or objects
The negotiations between the three neighboring countries lasted for several months.
part of a collective or group
The secret was shared among all the members of the secret society.
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There is a strong bond among the mother and her daughter.
There is a strong bond between the mother and her daughter.
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The inheritance was divided between the five surviving children.
The inheritance was divided among the five surviving children.
Remember Between is for two or more individuals; among is for the crowd.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I had to choose the red shirt and the blue one.
- 2.
She felt comfortable her peers during the university orientation.
beside vs besides
Beside indicates physical proximity, while besides introduces an additional point or item.
in addition to or apart from
Besides the salary, the company offers a generous health insurance package for all staff.
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I left my keys on the table besides the front door.
I left my keys on the table beside the front door.
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Beside the rain, the cold wind made the hike very difficult.
Besides the rain, the cold wind made the hike very difficult.
Remember Beside = By the side of; Besides = S added for 'Something extra'.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The hotel is located right the old stone bridge in the center.
- 2.
Who else was at the meeting the department heads and the director?
during vs while
During precedes a noun phrase, while while introduces a clause with a subject and a verb.
-
The fire alarm rang while the lunch break.
The fire alarm rang during the lunch break.
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I listened to a podcast during I was driving to work.
I listened to a podcast while I was driving to work.
Remember During + Noun; While + Verb.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
We are not allowed to use our phones the meeting.
- 2.
Please don't interrupt me I am speaking to the manager.
until vs by
Until marks the duration of a continuous state, while by marks a deadline for a single event.
up to a specific point
The office will remain closed until the renovations are finished next Monday morning.
no later than a time
Please ensure that you submit the final report by five o'clock this evening.
-
The shop is open by 9:00 PM every night.
The shop is open until 9:00 PM every night.
-
I need to finish this project until Friday.
I need to finish this project by Friday.
Remember Until = How long. By = When it's due.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
We stayed at the beach the sun went down behind the cliffs.
- 2.
The guests should arrive noon if the train stays on schedule today.
especially vs specially
Especially means 'particularly' or 'above all', while specially means 'for a specific purpose'.
Used for emphasis or to single out one thing.
The traffic is always heavy in the morning, especially on Monday.
Used when something is done for a specific reason.
This software was specially designed for small business owners.
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It is a beautiful day, specially now that the sun is out.
It is a beautiful day, especially now that the sun is out.
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I bought this gift especially for your birthday.
I bought this gift specially for your birthday.
Remember Especially = Extra. Specially = Specific.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
She loves all kinds of music, but she is fond of jazz.
- 2.
The chef prepared a requested meal for the wedding guests.
hard vs hardly
Hard describes the intensity or effort of an action, while hardly indicates that an action almost never happens or barely occurs.
with great effort or intensity
The team worked hard all weekend to finish the project before the deadline.
scarcely, barely, or almost not at all
The music was so quiet that I could hardly hear the lyrics.
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She studied hardly for the exam but still failed the most difficult section.
She studied hard for the exam but still failed the most difficult section.
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I have hard any money left in my bank account after paying rent.
I have hardly any money left in my bank account after paying rent.
Remember Hard is for effort; hardly is for 'almost not'.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
It started raining just as we stepped out of the office building.
- 2.
He was so tired after the flight that he could keep his eyes open.
late vs lately
Late describes something happening after the expected time, while lately describes something that has happened recently.
-
The bus arrived lately today.
The bus arrived late today.
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I haven't seen him late.
I haven't seen him lately.
Remember Late is about the clock; lately is about the calendar.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I apologize for being to the meeting this morning.
- 2.
Have you seen any good movies at the cinema ?
near vs nearly
Near describes physical or temporal proximity, while nearly indicates that something is almost but not quite the case.
-
Is there a gas station nearly the highway exit?
Is there a gas station near the highway exit?
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The project is near finished after weeks of hard work.
The project is nearly finished after weeks of hard work.
Remember Near is for distance; nearly is for degree.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
We should leave soon because the deadline is drawing .
- 2.
I missed the train because the alarm didn't go off.
high vs highly
High describes physical elevation or a point on a scale, while highly functions as an intensifier meaning 'to a great degree'.
Physical distance upward or a large amount.
The birds were flying high above the clouds during the storm.
Extremely or to a very high degree.
The manager gave her a highly favorable review during the meeting.
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The plane was flying highly over the mountain range.
The plane was flying high over the mountain range.
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The new software is high recommended for professional video editors.
The new software is highly recommended for professional video editors.
Remember High is for height; highly is for how much.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The company reported profits for the third quarter this year.
- 2.
It is unlikely that the flight will arrive on time today.
close vs closely
Close describes physical or temporal proximity, while closely describes the degree of attention or the tightness of a connection.
with great attention or detail
The security guard watched the monitors closely for any movement.
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The hotel is located closely to the beach.
The hotel is located close to the beach.
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You need to follow the instructions close to avoid making mistakes.
You need to follow the instructions closely to avoid making mistakes.
Remember Close is for distance; closely is for detail.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
We are getting to the deadline for the final project.
- 2.
The two cases are linked by a common piece of evidence.
direct vs directly
Direct describes a path or connection without stops, while directly describes the timing or the exactness of an action.
without intermediate steps or stops
We took a direct flight to London to avoid a long layover.
immediately or in an exact position
Please come to my office directly after the meeting finishes.
-
Is there a directly train from Madrid to Seville?
Is there a direct train from Madrid to Seville?
-
I will call you direct when I arrive at the station.
I will call you directly when I arrive at the station.
Remember Direct is the route; directly is the clock.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The manager prefers communication instead of sending messages through an assistant.
- 2.
The pharmacy is located across the street from the hospital.
free vs freely
Free describes something that costs nothing or is not restricted, while freely describes an action done without hesitation or physical constraint.
Costing nothing or not restricted.
The museum offers free admission to all students on the first Monday of every month.
Moving or acting without hindrance.
The children ran freely through the park until the sun started to go down.
-
The software is available freely for anyone who wants to download it.
The software is available free for anyone who wants to download it.
-
She admitted free that she had made a mistake in the calculations.
She admitted freely that she had made a mistake in the calculations.
Remember Free is the price; freely is the flow.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
You are to leave the meeting once you have finished your presentation.
- 2.
He spoke about his experiences in the army during the long interview.
each vs every
Each focuses on individual members of a group one by one, while every views the group as a collective whole.
Refers to individual items in a group.
Each student received a personalized feedback report after the final exam.
Refers to all members together.
Every citizen has the right to vote in the upcoming national election.
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I have two brothers and every one of them lives abroad.
I have two brothers and each one of them lives abroad.
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Each student in the entire school must wear a uniform.
Every student in the entire school must wear a uniform.
Remember Each is for individuals; Every is for the entire group.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The manager spoke to employee separately to discuss their performance.
- 2.
The bus departs from this station twenty minutes throughout the day.
all vs whole
All focuses on the total number of individual items, while whole focuses on the entirety of a single unit.
-
The whole employees attended the mandatory safety meeting.
All the employees attended the mandatory safety meeting.
-
I read the all book in just two hours.
I read the whole book in just two hours.
Remember All for plural; whole for singular.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
She spent her money on a new laptop last weekend.
- 2.
We spent the day walking around the historic district.
most vs mostly
Most functions as a determiner or pronoun to indicate the majority of a group, while mostly is an adverb meaning mainly or generally.
Mainly, usually, or for the most part.
The audience consisted mostly of teenagers and young adults.
-
Mostly people in this city use public transport to get to work.
Most people in this city use public transport to get to work.
-
The new menu is most vegetarian with a few fish options.
The new menu is mostly vegetarian with a few fish options.
Remember Most = Quantity. Mostly = Frequency or Quality.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
She spent of her inheritance on a new apartment downtown.
- 2.
It was a sunny day, though the sky remained cloudy.