An English Instructor's Pet Peeves ... or what NOT to do! (Part 1)

It has been a while since I posted on Writing Is Painless. I already covered most of the "should do's," but I was reminded yet again that there are certain "should NOT do's" that I have yet to address.

So here are some more common issues that are on most English teachers' pet peeves lists (in no particular order):

• Avoid informal language (see the blog on formal vs. informal writing). For example, don't use a lot. Use much or many.
• You in formal writing ... DON'T DO IT! Always write in third person (this is also addressed in the blog on formal vs. informal writing).
• Assure vs. ensure vs. insure: These are not interchangeable. If you're unsure about definitions, look them up. For example: I assure you that taking time to insure your car will ensure you will not have any money problems if you have an accident.
•  Can vs may: Can means you have the ability to do something; may means you have permission to do it.
• Could of ... would of ... should of: These do not exist! Could, would, and should are helping verbs to be used with have (e.g., I would have gone to the store, but I didn't have time).
• Good vs. well: Good is an adjective (e.g., You are a good pianist); well is an adverb (e.g., You play the piano well)
• Well in cases of health: When asked, "How are you?" the answer should be "I am well" NOT "I am good."
• It's vs. its: It's is the contraction of it is (e.g., It's going to be a good day); its is the possessive of it (e.g., The book was in its place).
• Real vs. really: Real is an adjective meaning genuine or true (e.g., You are a real friend); really is an adverb meaning genuinely or truly (e.g., You are a really good friend).
• That vs. who: Use that with animals, inanimate objects, or undetermined groups of people (e.g., Every year, Disneyland welcomes countless people that visit); use who with specific people (e.g., I went to the store with my cousins who needed groceries).
• That vs. which: That always introduces a restrictive clause (e.g., We should use the lettuce that Susan bought); which can introduce either restrictive or non-restrictive clauses, but many writers use which for non-restrictive clauses and that for restrictive clauses (e.g., The leftover lettuce, which is in the refrigerator, would make a good salad). NOTE: Restrictive clauses are not set off by commas; non-restrictive clauses are.
• Their vs. there vs. they're: Their is possessive (e.g., All employees need to pick up their paychecks); there is a preposition (e.g., Put your books there); they're is a contraction of they are (e.g., They're going to call you tomorrow).
• Your vs. you're: Your is possessive (e.g., Have you called your mother lately?); you're is the contraction of you are (e.g., You're going to have to speak more clearly).
• To vs. too vs. two: These are not interchangeable. For example: The two of you need to go before it gets too late.
• Lose vs. loose: Lose means misplace (e.g., You lose your keys often, don't you?); loose means to unbind or unbound (e.g., You have a loose thread on your sweater).

Well, these are just a few of those "pet peeves" that drive English instructors crazy (or at least this English instructor). I'll be back in a couple of weeks with a few more, so stay tuned!

Keep pen to paper!
Prof. Rinehart