Basic English Lessons for ROOTers…

Basic English Lessons for ROOTers…

Many ROOTS members are not writers as their first discipline, but we communicate every day through email, proposals, etc.  Please take a few minutes to review the most frequent violations of the English language spotted in ROOTS communiqués. 

Its – is a possessive.  For example, “its place,” “its function,” “its proper usage…” 
It’s – is a contraction for “it is.”  For example “It’s raining outside.” “It’s great to be a ROOTer.”  You can help yourself remember the distinction between the two with the following mnemonic: “It is right to use an apostrophe for it’s if I’m saying it is.”

Your – is a possessive.  For example, “your pen,” “your proposal,” “your day…”
You’re – is a contraction for “you are.”  For example, “You’re amazing.” “You’re coming to the meeting, right?”

There – is the place.  Like “over there.”
Their – is the possessive of multiple people, places, or things.  “Their communities.”  “Their dancing shoes…”
They’re – is a contraction for “they are.” For example, “They’re not from around here.” “They’re fun.”

Than - is a comparative word.  "You are more lovely than a flower."
Then - is a point in time. "Then we will have met our goal."

Who's - is a contraction. "Who's on first?" "Who's a little bit crazy?"
Whose - is a possessive. "Whose membership is paid up?" "Whose bike is this?" 

Stationary – is the state of being still.
Stationery – is the paper you’ll find in your drawer.

And, most importantly, the one that we seem to have the biggest trouble with…

Principle – is the rule for conduct, the thing that people like to “stand on” – this is the thing that RSC has cultivated five of
Principal – is the person who ran your school.  A mnemonic device for this is that “your principal should be your ‘pal.’”