GRAMMAR

Grammar Guides

Clear up common grammar confusions with our comprehensive guides. Learn the differences between commonly mixed-up words and improve your writing accuracy.

22 GuidesQuick Reference
Activevs.Passive Voice
Grammar Guide

Active vs. Passive Voice

by Maria Scott

Using the active voice is one of the quickest ways to make your writing stronger, clearer, and more engaging. While the passive voice has its place, overusing it can make your writing sound weak and c...

Affectvs.Effect
Commonly Confused Words

Affect vs. Effect

by Maria Scott

"Affect" and "effect" are two of the most commonly confused words in the English language. But don't worry, once you learn the basic difference, you'll be able to use them with confidence. This guide...

Complimentvs.Complement
Commonly Confused Words

Compliment vs. Complement

by Maria Scott

"Compliment" and "complement" are two words that sound the same but have very different meanings. They trip up even the best writers, but once you learn the difference, your writing will be much clear...

Consciousvs.Conscience
Grammar Guide

Conscious vs. Conscience

by Maria Scott

"Conscious" and "conscience" are two words that are often confused. They're related to the mind, but they have very different meanings. This guide will break down the difference and help you use them...

Discreetvs.Discrete
Grammar Guide

Discreet vs. Discrete

by Maria Scott

"Discreet" and "discrete" are two words that are easy to confuse. They sound the same, but they have very different meanings. This guide will break down the difference and help you use them correctly....

Elicitvs.Illicit
Grammar Guide

Elicit vs. Illicit

by Maria Scott

"Elicit" and "illicit" are two words that are easy to confuse. They sound similar, but they have very different meanings. This guide will break down the difference and help you use them correctly....

Furthervs.Farther
Usage & Style

Further vs. Farther

by Maria Scott

"Further" and "farther" are two words that are easy to mix up. But once you learn the simple rule that separates them, you'll be able to use them with confidence. It all comes down to one key question...

How to Use a Semicolon (and Look Smart Doing It)
Grammar Guide

How to Use a Semicolon (and Look Smart Doing It)

by Maria Scott

The semicolon is one of the most misunderstood and underused punctuation marks. Some writers are intimidated by it, while others sprinkle it in where it doesn't belong. But once you learn the two main...

How to Use Apostrophes (and Avoid Common Mistakes)
Grammar Guide

How to Use Apostrophes (and Avoid Common Mistakes)

by Maria Scott

Apostrophes are one of the most commonly misused punctuation marks. They might seem small, but using them incorrectly can make your writing look unprofessional. This guide will break down the two main...

i.e.vs.e.g.
Abbreviations

i.e. vs. e.g.

by Maria Scott

You've probably seen "i.e." and "e.g." in academic papers, business documents, and even casual articles. They're easy to mix up, but mastering them is a quick way to make your writing more precise and...

Insurevs.Ensure vs. Assure
Word Choice

Insure vs. Ensure vs. Assure

by Maria Scott

"Insure," "ensure," and "assure" are three words that sound alike and are easy to mix up. But each one has a very specific meaning. Once you learn the difference, your writing will be much clearer and...

Intovs.In To
Homophones

Into vs. In To

by Maria Scott

"Into" and "in to" are two little phrases that can cause a lot of confusion. But once you learn the simple rule that separates them, you'll be able to use them with confidence. It all comes down to th...

Itsvs.It's
Contractions & Possessives

Its vs. It's

by Maria Scott

"Its" and "it's" are two little words that cause a whole lot of confusion. Even experienced writers get them wrong. But the good news is that the rule is simple, and once you learn it, you'll never ha...

Layvs.Lie
Verb Forms

Lay vs. Lie

by Maria Scott

"Lay" and "lie" are two of the most confusing verbs in the English language. But don't worry, this guide will break it down for you with some simple rules and memory tricks.

Lessvs.Fewer
Grammar Guide

Less vs. Fewer

by Maria Scott

"Less" and "fewer" are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have a specific grammar rule that can make your writing more precise. Once you learn the simple trick to telling them apa...

Precedevs.Proceed
Grammar Guide

Precede vs. Proceed

by Maria Scott

"Precede" and "proceed" are two words that can be easy to mix up. They sound similar, but they have very different meanings. This guide will break down the difference and help you use them correctly....

Principalvs.Principle
Grammar Guide

Principal vs. Principle

by Maria Scott

"Principal" and "principle" are two words that are easy to confuse. They sound the same, but they have very different meanings. This guide will break down the difference and give you a simple trick to...

The Oxford Comma
Grammar Guide

The Oxford Comma

by Maria Scott

The Oxford comma, also known as the serial comma, is one of the most hotly debated punctuation marks in the English language. Some people swear by it, while others think it's unnecessary. This guide w...

Improve Your Writing Today

Master these common grammar confusions to write with confidence. Each guide includes practical examples, memory tricks, and practice exercises.