Commonly Mixed Pairs of Words Practice


Review

It's is a contraction for it is.  Thus it can only be used in place of the words it is.
          Example: It's (it is) a nice day today.


Its is the possessive pronoun.  It is used to show ownership or relationship.
          Example: The cat licked its paws.


They're is a contraction for they are.  Thus it is used in place of the words they are.
          Example: They're (they are) going on the trip next week.


There is a word that is either an introductory word to a sentence or indicates a place, which makes it an adverb.
          Example: There are five boys in the room.  (There is an introductory word in this sentence and is not the subject of the sentence.  Boys is the subject of the sentence.)
          Example: We will ride our bikes there.  (The word there is an adverb.)


Their is a possessive adjective.  It is used to show possession of a noun.
          Example: The students will take their books to the lockers.


To is a preposition.  It is used to show a relationship between a noun or pronoun (object of the preposition) and another word in the sentence.
          Example: Mary gave a present to Beth.


Too is an adverb.  It can mean also or it can mean very.
          Example: Beth will go to the play, too.  (also)
          Example: Beth said the test was too hard.  (very)


Two is a number.  It means 2.
          Example: There were two games on the kitchen table.


You're is a contraction for you are.  It can only be used for the words you are.
          Example: You're (you are) too short to ride the amusement ride.


Your is a possessive adjective.  It is used before a noun.
          Example: Those folders contain your report.
Exercise Directions: Write down the correct choice of the two words that fit into the following sentences.

1. (There, Their) home was very beautiful.

2. Many times (they're, there) is (to, too, two) much work to do in one day.  (Choose two)

3. (They're, There) coming to the house on Friday.

4. The test was difficult, but (its, it's) hard for a reason.

5. (You're, Your) library is really big.

6. The politicians running for President of the United States were giving (their, there) speeches at the convention.

7. (They're, There) are Gore and Bush.

8. The envelope is missing (it's, its) contents.

9. Is this possibly (you're, your) signature?

10. In the city (there, their) are (to, too) many tall buildings.

11. (To, Two) shoes make a pair.

12. One cannot be (to, too) kind to others.

13. Jamie placed the book (to, too) close to the heat.

14. The campers cooked (there, their) meals.

15. The students will take (they're, there, their) registration papers to the office.
 

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