Your and you’re. They’re, their and there. It’s and its. These are such common spelling trouble spots for writers, it’s time for me to write on the topic. While there are many excellent grammar sites on the internet, I haven’t found one that deals with this issue in the context of self-editing.
Believe it or not, I apply the It’s vs. Its rule every time I write or edit either of these words, because choosing the correct spelling never has felt native. I’ve come to use these quick tips for self-editing my spelling choices automatically
Here are the tricks I use to make sure I use the correct spelling.
You’re vs. Your
Do I intend to say, “You are?” Then the correct spelling is you’re (with the apostrophe).
“You’re going to eat your corn, young lady, if you know what’s good for you.”
The glint in my father’s blue eyes told me he meant it, but I thought, “If I spin them around my plate long enough, we’ll have to leave for the concert. Then I won’t have to eat them after all.”
Am I showing possession? Then the correct spelling is your (no apostrophe).
I smiled as we entered the house. I had enjoyed the concert even more than my victory over the distasteful corn.
Dad helped me put my coat in the closet. Then he said, “Sit at the table, Denise.”
I squirmed in the chair as I watched my father open the frig door. Out came an all-to-familiar plate. Except now, it was covered with shrunken pellets.
“Your corn, Denise,” Dad said, placing the plate before me. “You will eat it. Now.”
Gone the thrill of victory—replaced with cold, rubbery pellets. Chewing, choking, thinking, “They tasted better when they were warm.” Looking at Dad through tears, I swallowed each bite between whimpers. It’s the last battle over eating my vegetables I remember. I was four or five.
They’re vs. Their vs. There
Do I intend to say, “They are?” Then the correct spelling is they’re (with the apostrophe).
“They’re over there,” John said.
Am I showing possession? Then the correct spelling is their. (EI can never say are, but I can own something.)
“Their car is over there,” John said.
Am I pointing to a place? Then the correct spelling is there. (There is farther away from here.)
“Are we there yet?” my granddaughter asked—again.
Am I showing something exists? Then the correct spelling is there.
There aren’t many cars in the lot are there?” John said.
It’s vs. Its
Do I intend to say, “It is?” Then the correct spelling is it’s (with the apostrophe).
Corn tastes much better when it’s hot.
Am I showing possession? Then the correct spelling is its (no apostrophe).
Its flavor didn’t improve during its time in the refrigerator.
