Almost daily, I see at least one example of an error listed below in documents, emails, instant messaging, or on social media. You might think these errors are insignificant, but when applying to a job and corresponding with a recruiter or future employer, grammar and spelling mistakes can disqualify you for the position.
Apostrophe ‘s’ doth not a plural make
I have to admit: this is something that affects me the same way nails on a chalk board affect others! Adding an apostrophe “s” (‘s) signifies possession, NOT more than one.
Please, just add an “s”
-More than one veteran = veterans; not veteran’s (the apostrophe signifies something belonging
to a veteran)
For words ending in “y” replace “y” with “ies.” Do not add an apostrophe "s."
-More than one company = companies; not company’s (the apostrophe signifies something
belonging to a company)
-BUT the rule doesn’t apply to proper nouns; e.g., we have three Marys in our company
Most words ending in “f” take “ves” in the plural form.
-More than one knife = knives
-Most words ending in “o” add “es..”
-More than one hero = heroes; not hero’s (the apostrophe signifies something belonging to a
hero)
-An exception (this is English, so there has to be one!) : More than one memo = memos.
Compound nouns: The element that is more than one takes the plural form. In both of the examples below, the word that takes the plural form is the noun (daughters and chiefs).
-Daughters-in-law (more than one daughter)
-Chiefs of staff (more than one chief)
Acronyms, Dates, and other oddities:
-I will send you the URLs for some of my favorite websites.
-The 1920s are often referred to as the “Roaring Twenties.”
-High IQs are required for membership in Mensa, but not all members have PhDs.
-Our accountant needs current addresses to mail out the 1099s.
To, too, and two
Many people have difficulty knowing whether to use “to” or “too”; knowing when to use “two” is usually pretty obvious.
To is a function word or preposition.
-He turned his back to the door.
-Are you going to the store?
Too means “in addition” or “also”, “excessive” or “more than.”
-Richard tells me he will be on vacation that week, too.
-I added too much salt to this recipe.
Two is a number.
-We have two tickets to the next Bucs game.
-I have only two calls on my calendar today.
Example: I need to work late today because I have too many unfinished projects that must be completed within the next two days.
By Jennifer Quimby
Common Spelling and Grammar Errors That Could Scuttle Your Job Search
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