The Angel Chronicles: Stop. Grammar Time.

English. It's your first language. Know it well.

Well, Little One, if there is one thing that I will ensure you're taught, it's proper grammar. It's one of the simpler things in life, yet, so many people, even educated people, get it so wildly wrong. I've seen people in their 50's still get simple grammar wrong. It seems that even if you weren't taught the correct way to write your first language, you would pick it up, over time. But, I see it over and over again. I've come to one conclusion: people don't want to learn. It's a concept I can't wrap my brain around. I love being my best and if I can't attain my best, I enjoy trying and challenging my own brain. That being said, I don't have many grammatical pet peeves with other people. I've always thought it's more about what you mean, not what you say. But, in this world in which we live, the little things will help get you further in school, career, and gain respect of your peers because they understand you. Proper language helps people better understand what it is you're trying to say. That's what proper grammar is all about. Being clear.

I had a class in high school called College English and it was taught by a phenomenal teacher. I was lucky enough to have him both my freshman and senior years. And while I don't come off as nerdy, I love learning. I sat front and center of his class. No joke. Anyway, here are two simple, minor examples of what many people get wrong and glimpse of what I'll help teach you:

Your vs You're

This is the most common mistake.

YOUR is possessive. (Replace with MY.) Technically, its a second person possessive adjective, but we won't get that complex with it. In easy terms, it's used to describe something belonging to you.
"I'll take your bear that your great grandma gave to you with us." (And yes, I have that bear, waiting for you.)

YOU'RE is the contraction of YOU ARE and a combination of two words. (Replace with YOU ARE.)
"You're beautiful." (Aka: You are beautiful.)
"I can't believe you're a tiny little baby!" (Aka: I can't believe you are...)

It's that easy. =)

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The other common mistakes that people use in every day language are:

Hay vs Hey

HAY is for horses, literally. And pigs and barns and so forth.
"The horse mows on hay all day."

HEY is used to express yourself or to greet someone.
"Hey! How are you!"

Their/There/They're

Again, THEIR is possessive.
"It's their best prose they've ever written."

THERE is a location.
"There is my crystal ball!"

THEY'RE is the contraction of THEY ARE.
"They're so awesome at juggling while riding a unicorn!"

Some people will try to be mean and grumpy to you, like this: