>Which "to" is it?
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Everyone makes mistakes. Usually they are innocent, most of the time they are fixable – but what if they aren’t? Agencies take the time to ensure everything is grammar-proof and correct before going to print. This step is performed numerous times over to protect our client’s message and name.
Proper spelling and usage of words has always been a big part of my writing. It is very easy to misuse a word, so here are the proper ways for common word mix ups. (Some definitions are courtesy of dictionary.com)
TWO, TO, TOO
Two – the number (ex. There are two men and five children.)
To – expressing motion or direction toward a point (ex. For vacation this year, we are going to Alaska.)
Too – in addition; also; furthermore; moreover; in excess (ex. Way too many people are here!)
THEIR, THEY’RE, THERE
Their – a form of the possessive case of they used as an attributive adjective, before a noun (ex. Their new home was gorgeous.)
They’re – contraction of “they” and “are” (ex. They’re going to have a meeting right after lunch.)
There – in or at that place; or into or to that place; thither (Jim and Donna are leaving there in a few minutes.)
ARE, OUR
Are – to occupy a place or position (ex. We are in Las Vegas!)
Our – a form of the possessive case of we used as an attributive adjective (ex. Our brother, David, is having a dinner party at his house on Saturday evening.)
YOUR, YOU’RE
Your – a form of the possessive case of you used as an attributive adjective (ex. Your car smells brand new!)
You’re – contraction of “you” and “are” (ex. You’re never going to believe who I ran into last night.)
ITS, IT’S
Its – the possessive form of it, used as an attributive adjective (ex: Its beauty resembled perfection.)
It’s – contraction of “it” and “is” (ex. It’s any wonder how those two are still friends after what she did.)
In Marketing, the proper use of these words is standard. Any mix-up could cost you a job, or worse yet, an account. Again this begs the question, are you saying what you want to say?
-Katy
