15 grammar goofs that make you look silly

I have a confession to make. I love infographics. Instead of telling stories explained through blocks of text the info is presented through graphics. Get it, info-graphic? Anyway, I love infographics almost as much as Keith loves grammar. And to our pleasure we found an infographic about grammar.

We couldn’t bare the thought of keeping this beautifully designed wealth of knowledge from all of you. So, in the vein of proper email and chat etiquette, take a look through the 15 grammar goofs that make you look silly.

1. Your/You’re 
Justin, your mom is so proud that you’re giving up World of Warcraft.

2. It’s/Its 
It’s an honor to be a Master Ninja. CPSU needs its own mascot.

3. There/Their/They’re
Keith: There are so many grammatical rules to teach! Their lives will change with this useful information.  
Kayla: You know they’re just going to skim it, right?

4. Affect/Effect 
Bad grammar will affect your communication with customers. The effect of miscommunication will alter your reputation.

5. Then/Than 
Lorna was popular. Then Rhonda joined CPS. Now Rhonda has more friends than Lorna.

6. Loose/Lose
Morgan keeps his loose change in the scary clown bank on his desk so he won’t lose it.

7. Me, Myself, and I 
Me/I – Matt Lamm, the caption underneath your self-portrait with Sinbad should say “Sinbad and I” instead of “Sinbad and Me”.

Myself – Some people think lip syncing to Celine Dion is pathetic and embarrassing, I myself think it’s rather fun.

8. Apostrophe (contractions and possession)
Don’t forget to throw Brenda’s bologna doughnuts away when you clean out the refrigerator.

9. Could of, Would of, Should of
You could’ve used a contraction. You would’ve saved face. You should’ve thought ahead.

10. Complement/Compliment
It wasn’t weird when Wade told Curtis that his non-matching ankle socks complement his eyes because it wasn’t a compliment.

11. Fewer/Less
If Bob brings fewer bagels to the party the Sales Reps have less incentive to break records.

12. Historic/Historical
First days of school and wedding days are historic occasions. The growth and development of CPS since 1987 is historical.

13. Principal/ Principle
Derek was the principal runner in the CPS Marathon that he ran by himself. The principle behind our Sample’s Policy is that customers pay shipping for free products.

14. Literally 
The customer didn’t literally talk your ear off. That is, unless you are holding it in your hand.

15. The Dangling Participle 
WRONG: After being tossed around in transport, Porter palletized the boxes of cylinders.
RIGHT: Porter palletized the boxes of cylinders after they were tossed around in transport.

Keep these grammar guidelines in your back pocket, on your white board or seared into your memory while communicating with customers (and coworkers, some of us are pretty manic about grammar. Not calling anyone out, Angie) through email and chats.