Words like “Who”
The pairs and near-pairs that trip people up around Who. Start with the direct confusables — then follow the thread through the same tag.
Who vs. Whom
Subject versus object — the pronoun doing it versus the pronoun it happens to.
Who vs. Whom
Subject versus object.
That vs. Who
For things versus for people.
That (for people) vs. Who
Use WHO for people.
Whom as subject vs. Who
WHOM never leads a verb.
Entries in the same category — pick one if the main cluster didn't land.
Less vs. Fewer
For things you measure versus things you count.
UsageLay vs. Lie
You lay something down. You lie down yourself.
UsageThat vs. Which
Essential versus extra — a comma decides.
UsageComprise vs. Compose
The whole comprises the parts. The parts compose the whole.
UsageMe vs. I
When you’re the subject versus when you’re the object.
UsageIronic vs. Coincidence
A reversal of expectation versus two things happening to line up.
UsageLiterally vs. Figuratively
Claiming something really happened versus using it as a turn of phrase.
GrammarAgreement with Compound Subjects
Compound subjects joined by "and" are plural; those with "or" depend on the nearest subject.
GrammarAmbiguous Pronouns
Make sure it's clear what noun a pronoun refers to.
GrammarApostrophe Misuse
Apostrophes indicate possession or contractions, not plurals.
GrammarBring vs. Take
Bring means movement toward you. Take means movement away from you.
GrammarCapitalization Errors
Follow rules for capitalizing letters properly.
Looking for a specific mistake, not a word?