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Ever found yourself in a conversation or writing an email and wondered if you’re using the right grammar? We’ve all been there.

Knowing some key grammar rules can make you sound smarter and more polished.

Plus, good grammar shows you care about the details.

So, let’s dive into 41 little grammar rules that can help you step up your communication game.

1. Use “Fewer” for Countable Nouns

If you can count it, use “fewer” (e.g., fewer apples). If not, use “less” (e.g., less water).

2. Its vs. It’s

“Its” shows possession, while “it’s” means “it is” or “it has.” Easy to mix up, but important to get right!

3. They’re, There, and Their

“They’re” is short for “they are,” “there” refers to a place, and “their” shows possession.

4. Who vs. Whom

Use “who” as the subject of a sentence and “whom” as the object. Try replacing with “he” or “him” to test it out.

5. Affect vs. Effect

“Affect” is usually a verb, and “effect” is usually a noun. Remember, actions affect things, and the result is an effect.

6. Between vs. Among

Use “between” for two items and “among” for more than two.

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7. Lay vs. Lie

“Lay” requires a direct object (e.g., lay the book down). “Lie” does not (e.g., lie down).

8. Compliment vs. Complement

A “compliment” is a kind word, while “complement” means something that completes.

9. Farther vs. Further

“Farther” is for physical distance, “further” is for figurative distance.

10. i.e. vs. e.g.

“i.e.” means “in other words,” while “e.g.” means “for example.”

11. Ensure vs. Insure

“Ensure” means to make certain, and “insure” refers to insurance.

12. Use Oxford Comma

The Oxford comma is the comma before the last item in a list. It can help clarify meaning.

13. Capitalize Proper Nouns

Always capitalize the names of people, places, and specific things.

14. That vs. Which

Use “that” for essential clauses and “which” for non-essential clauses, often with a comma.

15. Me vs. I

Use “me” when referring to the object of a sentence and “I” as the subject.

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16. Whose vs. Who’s

“Whose” shows possession, “who’s” means “who is” or “who has.”

17. Fewer vs. Less

Remember, “fewer” is for things you count, and “less” is for things you measure.

18. Subject-Verb Agreement

Ensure your subject and verb agree in number (e.g., “She runs,” not “She run”).

19. Good vs. Well

“Good” is an adjective, and “well” is an adverb. You feel good, but you run well.

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20. Your vs. You’re

“Your” shows possession; “you’re” is short for “you are.”

21. Than vs. Then

“Than” is used for comparisons, and “then” is used to refer to time.

22. Each vs. Every

“Each” refers to individual items, and “every” refers to all items collectively.

23. Historic vs. Historical

“Historic” means important in history, and “historical” refers to anything related to history.

24. Imply vs. Infer

“Imply” is what the speaker does, and “infer” is what the listener does.

25. Principal vs. Principle

“Principal” can mean the head of a school or a primary sum of money. “Principle” means a fundamental truth.

26. Who vs. That

Use “who” for people and “that” for things.

27. It’s vs. Its

Again, “it’s” is “it is” and “its” shows possession.

28. Whether vs. If

“Whether” is used to introduce alternatives, “if” is used for conditions.

29. A lot vs. Alot

“A lot” is always two words. “Alot” is not a word.

30. Into vs. In to

“Into” indicates movement or transformation. “In to” can be a combination of “in” and “to” from different phrases.

31. More than vs. Over

Use “more than” for quantities and “over” for spatial relationships.

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32. Past vs. Passed

“Past” is a time before now, “passed” is the past tense of “pass.”

33. Advice vs. Advise

“Advice” is a noun, “advise” is a verb.

34. Stationary vs. Stationery

“Stationary” means not moving, and “stationery” refers to paper and envelopes.

35. Emigrate vs. Immigrate

“Emigrate” means to leave a country, and “immigrate” means to come into a country.

36. Bimonthly vs. Semimonthly

“Bimonthly” means every two months, and “semimonthly” means twice a month.

37. Capital vs. Capitol

“Capital” refers to a city or money, and “Capitol” is a building where lawmakers meet.

38. Biannual vs. Biennial

“Biannual” means twice a year, and “biennial” means every two years.

39. Desert vs. Dessert

“Desert” is a dry place, “dessert” is a sweet treat.

40. Hanged vs. Hung

Use “hanged” when referring to execution and “hung” for everything else.

41. Worse vs. Worst

“Worse” is the comparative form, and “worst” is the superlative form.

Final Thoughts On Grammar Rules

These 41 little grammar rules might seem small, but they make a huge difference in how you come across in both writing and speaking.

By paying attention to these details, you can sound smarter and more professional.

Think about it: the right grammar can help your emails, chats with friends, and work reports shine.

Whether you’re firing off a quick text, crafting an important email, or putting together a detailed report, these grammar tips will have you covered.

Taking the time to get these little things right can really boost your credibility and make your communication clearer.

So, next time you’re writing or speaking, keep these rules in mind. Happy communicating!

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