1. Solving Common Usage Problems 5/1/13

2. Solving Common Usage Problems then / than Don’t confuse these words. Than is a subordinating conjunction used in comparisons; then is an adverb meaning next or at.

3. Solving Common Usage Problems then / than Algebra is easier than I thought it would be. Read the directions; then, follow each step.

4. Solving Common Usage Problems this / that / these / those These four words are demonstrative adjectives. This and that are used with singular nouns; these and those are used with plural nouns.

5. Solving Common Usage Problems this / that / these / those This and these are used for objects that are at hand; that and those are used for objects that are at a distance.

6. Solving Common Usage Problems this / that / these / those SingularPlural Used with objects at hand thisthese Used with objects at a distance thatthose

7. Solving Common Usage Problems your / you’re Your is a possessive adjective; you’re is a contraction for you are.

8. Solving Common Usage Problems your / you’re Is that your bike? I hope you’re going to the party.

9. Solving Common Usage Problems who / which / that The relative pronoun who refers to people only; which refers to things only; that refers to people or things.

10. Solving Common Usage Problems who / which / that Here is the man who will install the new carpet. [person] We decided to replace our old carpet, which we have had for nearly ten years. [thing]

11. Solving Common Usage Problems who / which / that The dealer is a person that stands behind all of her products. [person] It is the type of carpet that will wear well. [thing]

12. Solving Common Usage Problems would have / could have Do not write of with the modal verbs could, might, ought, should, would. Instead use have.

13. Solving Common Usage Problems would have / could have Diane could have telephoned us. Diane would have telephoned us if she hadn’t lost our number.

14. Solving Common Usage Problems Each sentence has one or more common usage errors in it. Rewrite the sentences, correcting the errors.

15. Exercises 1. Don’t use more paper then you need. 2. Manuel prefers these kind of skateboard. 3. Please set the books on you’re desk. 4. Is she the player which is favored to win the Wimbledon this year? 5. I would of begun my report sooner then I did had I known it would need this much research.