Tuesday, September 30, 2008

There, Their, and They're Frustrations

I've been noticing loads of people who don't know the correct homonym to use. For example, the most commonly seen mess up are:

There - Their - They're
Its - It's
Whose - Who's
Your - You're
Poor - Pore - Pour
Ware- Where - Wear
and yes even the
To - Too - Two

When I first moved here, I was forced into taking an English class because UVSC claimed that the 4 English classes I took at CSUF wouldn't transfer over. The first day the professor made us sign up to give a presentation on some of the homonym mix-ups he would see in the college student's papers over the years. I couldn't believe it, these were lessons and words I had mastered by middle school. He had said that 80% of the students in his classes would still use the incorrect homonyms in their essays. CRAZY! I can see why. I spent a month in 2 different classrooms and the only lesson on homonyms were just quick worksheets. BUSY WORK! It's madness! I understand why they don't drill the correct usage while they are in the lower grades, teachers are just glad the students are writing. However, you would think the high school teachers would notice a problem and give a lesson on the proper way to use these words. This way, we as college students don't lose valuable learning time more important things, rather than stuff they teach in 3rd grade.

I've just been noticing that adults who write emails or blogs mess up on these all the time. Seriously people, learn the right spelling of the words you are using, so it doesn't confuse the recipient. I don't count texting, since everyone is just trying to get as much info quick and short.

7 comments:

Jen said...

I will be the first to admit I am really bad at this! We never had teachers in any school I went to that really "taught" these, which is part of my problem, the other part is that I dont care as much as I should. Sad but true.

Katy said...

Ha Ha. I share the same frustrations. I admit that I am not perfect at its and it's, but when in doubt, I write it is (well, if that is the context of my writing, you know what I mean!!).

Kerri Jex said...
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Kerri Jex said...

Ha..I love that you wrote this because I feel the same way! I have never had a problem mixing these words up and for some reason I can't understand why other people do! I am a little OCD about it. Especially when it comes to: to, two, and too! Now that I am teaching 2nd graders I am always pounding it in their heads. Maybe they will actually learn something from me and their college profs. wont be ashamed of them!

Anonymous said...
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Kirstin said...

That's why I wouldn't be able to teach those lower grades. I really should go into Jr. High or High School.

Anonymous said...

People at my work always mix up 'effect' and 'affect,' not true homonyms, but close.