Here are some common mistakes people make when writing:

  • Hopefully – Means to be in a hopeful, wishful manner. It does not mean, let us hope, it is hoped, or we hope.
    • Example: He stood on the dock waiting hopefully for her. (Correct)
    • Example: Hopefully we will finish our work. (Incorrect)
    • Example: We hope to finish our work. (Correct)
  • Afterward, NOT afterwards. Afterwards is not a word.
  • Anyway, NOT anyways.
  • Toward, NOT towards.
  • Regardless, NOT irregardless. Irregardless is not a word.
  • Never use ain’t.
  • Never use its’. Its’ is not a word. Use either it’s or its. It’s means it is. “Its” is the possessive form of the pronoun.
    • Example: The church has its own coffee shop.
  • Should have, not should of. Could have, not could of. Must have, not must of. May have, not may of.