If you are interested in writing jobs you can complete from home, you’ll find that there is a large demand for online content. From blogs and press releases to product descriptions and web pages, the different types of writing required is exceptionally diverse. When applying to be an online writer, you’ll want to make the best impression possible and submit work without mistakes. To help new writers looking to start a new career earning money from home, we have listed some common grammatical errors to watch out for.
1. They’re, their, and there
The word “they’re” is a contraction of they are, “their” refers to something that is possessed by a group, and “there” refers to a place. Most writers know the difference between these three words but triple-checking your work for any mix-ups is wise move.
2. Your and you’re
The difference between “your” and “you’re” refers to possessing something or being something. While obvious, this mistake is easily made when you’re writing against the clock, so look out for it when you’re proofing your piece.
3. Its and it’s
When to use these words can confuse even the most competent writers. While “its” is possessive, “it’s” is simply a contraction of it and is. Many words with an s after them often denote they are possessive, but this is not the case with the contraction “it’s”.
4. Passive voice
Passive voice occurs when the writer places the object of a sentence at the start, instead of where it belongs, at the end. As a result, writing reads as weak and unclear.
5. Referring to an entity or brand as ‘they’
An enterprise or brand is not plural. Therefore, it should be referred to using “it” or “it’s”, not “they” or their”. This is a common mistake, and you can find many articles online that include it, even on established and respected websites.
6. Affect and effect
The words affect and effect are often used incorrectly when people are discussing something that changes another thing. When you talk about the change itself (the noun), the word effect should be used however, when referring to the act of changing (the verb) you should use affect. Pay attention when checking your articles before submission that you haven’t made this simple mistake.
7. i.e. and e.g.
Many writers use these two terms interchangeably when they are trying to explain a specific point, however, each term has a different meaning.
A rough meaning for the term “i.e.” is “in other words” or “that is” but “e.g.” mean “for example” or “example given” where the abbreviation originates. The former expression is used to clarify something that a person states, while the second term is designed adds colour to sentence through another example.
8. Peek, peak and pique
They might sound the same when spoken but these three words have different meanings and are often confused in writing. “Peek” refers to taking a swift look at something, for example a sneak peek of an upcoming book or film. A “peak” on the other hand is a sharp or high point like the apex of a mountain. Finally, “pique” means to instigate or provoke and is commonly used in the phrase “pique your interest”. Always make sure you are using the correct word required in your sentence.
9. Lose and loose
When writers mix up “loose” and “lose”, it is often simply because they are spelled quite similarly.
The dictionary defines “lose” as a verb that means being unable to find someone or something, to fail to win a contest or game or to fail to hold or keep something of value or something wanted. On the other hand, “loose” is an adjective. Its meaning is not fastened, held or attached tightly.
Improve your writing by working as a freelance content writer
One of the best ways to get better at writing is to work as a professional undertaking writing jobs. While a good command of the English language and a desire to constantly improve your work is essential, you won’t need a degree to get started.
Each time you submit an article, you’ll receive feedback from your editor. While sometimes this will involve praise for a job well done, expert editors can also draw you attention to common errors in your work like those listed above. As a result, you can receive ongoing training while you work.
After you finish writing an article, always step away from it if you can before you proofread it. With a fresh pair of eyes, you are far more likely to spot mistakes and correct them.
If you are a writer who is based in the UK who is willing to take feedback on board and keep improving, apply to Words of Worth today.