Make sure you know the difference between . . .

1.  Your vs. You’re
   • “Your” is the second person possessive adjective and describes something as belonging to you.
     • Ex.: Your paper is written very well.
   • “You’re” is the contraction of “you are.”
     • Ex.: You’re going to do very well on this test.
2. Its vs. It’s
   • “Its” is a possessive adjective meaning “of it” or “belonging to it.”
     • Ex.: I love that bakery.  Its bread is to die for.
   • “It’s” is the contraction of “it is” or “it has.”
     • Ex.: It’s also got amazing coffee.
3. There vs. Their vs. They’re
   • “There” can indicate a place, introduce a noun or clause, or be used for emphasis.
     • Ex.: I’m going to be sitting over there.
   • “Their” is the third-person plural possessive adjective meaning “of them” or “belonging to them.”
     • Ex.: I don’t like our new neighbors.  Their dog was barking all night.
   • “They’re” is the contraction of “they are.”
     • Ex.: They’re buying a house.
4. Who’s vs. Whose
   • “Who’s” is the contraction of “who is” or “who has.”
     • Ex.: Who’s going to the baseball game tonight?
   • “Whose” is the possessive form of “who.”
     • Ex.: Whose baseball bat is this?
5. Who vs. Whom
   • “Who” is a subject, the person performing the action of the verb.
     • Ex.: Who wants ice cream?
   • “Whom” is an object, the person to, about, or for whom the action is being done.
     • Ex.: To whom should I send this letter?
6. Then vs. Than
   • “Then” can mean “at that point in time,” “next,” “in addition,” “also,” “in that case,” “therefore.”
     • Ex.: The man opened the door.  Then he turned off the light.
   • “Than” is a conjunction used in comparisons.
     • Ex.: He is taller than his brother.

For more tips on grammar and writing, check out The Secrets of Top Students.