Let's start with the basics shall we? I know everyone knows the basics. It is important to review them because sometimes, people tend to forget them. Poor forever alone basics.
It's versus its.
1) It's means it is.
Example: It's his first time to join the club. (It is his first time to join the club.)
The door was closed. It's impossible to get inside the house. (It is impossible to get inside.)
2) Its is a possessive case.
Example: Its blood shot eyes stared at the woman. (Its was used to say that the beast's or whatever's blood shot eyes stared at the woman.)
The train made it's way on the tracks. Its smoke was very thick. (Its was used to say that the train's smoke was very thick.)
Your versus you're.
1) Your is a possessive case.
Example: Your bag is ugly. (Really. Your bag is ugly.)
That's your porn magazine lying on the floor. (Why'd you leave your there?)
2) You're means you are.
Example: You're stupid. (You are?)
I signed your waiver. You're joining the class trip. (You are joining the class trip.)
Their versus They're added by There.
1) Their is possessive.
Example: Sally and Martha worked hard for the money. Their hard work paid off. (Who's hard work is it? Their (Sally and Martha's) hard work.)
2) They're is short for they are.
Example: They're mean. (They are mean.)
Sally and Martha are lazy. They're lazy to eat. (I don't believe anyone's lazy to eat. Are you?)
3) There is a location or a direction.
Example: The jacket is over there. (It could be over the counter, under your table, etc.)
Just move over there. (Same, you could move left, right, up, down, sideways.)
This versus these.
1) This is singular.
Example: This is stupid. (Seriously, why am I doing this?)
I have only one pencil and I will use this to dominate the world. (See? This is used to refer for singular things. One and one things alone.)
2) These is plural.
Example: These chocolates are mine. (Take note of the chocolates. I'll emphasize it for you. ChocolateSSSSSSS. Therefore, it is in plural form so we used these.)
Since versus because.
1) Since refers to time.
Example: I always go to work early since the beginning of time. (I'm lying.)
The pig haven't eaten anything since this morning. (Who haven't eaten yet?)
2) Because is used when you give reasons.
Example: I'm doing this because I'm bored. (Why am I doing this? The reason is because I'm bored.)
You have to comment below because I said so. (Why would you comment? The reason is because I said so.)
Affect versus effect.
1) Affect influences people or nature or whatever.
Example: This will affect your way of writing. (What will influence your way of writing? This.)
People's ignorance affects the nature in a bad way. (Stop global warming or we'll die.)
2) Effect is like cause and effect situation. No need for example, just ask: What is the outcome? So don't use: this will effect your lives!
Doesn't versus don't.
1) Doesn't means does not. It is used for he, she or it. It is also sort of used for singular.
Example: He doesn't wash his own clothes. (Take note of the he. Have you ever heard of: He don't wash his own clothes? It sounds awkward don't you think?)
She doesn't want to go. (Have you ever heard of: They doesn't wat to go? Exactly.)
2) Don't means do not. It is used for I and they. It s also sort of used for plural.
Example: I don't care. (I is sort of considered as plural. Live with it. If I'm wrong, then sorry.)
They don't want to see you. (They do not want to see you.)
Nor alone (Yes, without the Neither) is negative.
Example: I'm not a loser, nor are you. (You're not a loser.)
You can't fly, nor can you shoot laser beams. (You seriously thought of that?)
I should be always capital. Not me, but the letter I.
Example: I am writing. (I lied. I'm typing.)
I am stupid. (I'm lying again.)
Extra note: Capitalize i in I'm and also the first letter of proper names (persons, places...) and also the starting letter of sentences.
Alright, sorry for the crappy humor. Maybe next time, I'll categorize it as action, or romance, or maybe horror. Congratulations for making it to the last word of this virtual and unpublished book.
If I missed some basics, tell me. I'll add it up or whatever. I'll just mention you're name that you said it. Now that's I have refreshed you. Don't forget it.
I'll upload some more if I'm bored. I hope this helps.
