In the words of Meghan Trainor, “it’s all about that noun.” At least, I think that’s what she said. If you can’t seem to figure out when to use amount vs. number vs. quantity when writing content, a good place to start is to define each word and then think about the noun that you’re referring to and whether it’s singular, plural or countable.

Definition of Amount

The dictionary defines the meaning of amount to be:

• the same in effect or meaning as
• to add up to a total
• to reach in quality or kind

Definition of Number

The definition of number is as follows:

• a sum of units
• a large total that is indefinite
• a large group
• a total that cannot be ascertained

Definition of Quantity

The quantity definition is:

• a total sum of units
• a large sum of units
• an indefinite total

Kind of sounds like they all meant the same thing, right? Let’s dive a little deeper in how amount vs. quantity vs number are used in content writing.

Amount vs. Number vs. Quantity at a Glance

– Amount should be used when you’re talking about a singular noun that CAN’T be measured.
– Number should be used when you’re referring to a singular or plural noun that CAN be counted.
–Quantity should be used for an inanimate, single or plural noun that CAN be counted or measured.

When To Use Amount in a Sentence

If you can’t measure it, use amount. It’s also important to keep in mind that amount should come before a singular word and is generally used for mass nouns and words like respect, love and envy. If you aren’t sure whether a noun is countable, take a minute to think about whether or not someone could add up the number on his or her calculator.

Amount Examples:

– In July, the amount of work he got done writing SEO articles was more than ever before.

– The amount of love the preteen girl had for Justin Bieber was way too much.

When To Use Number in a Sentence

If you can count it and it’s plural, use number. However, make sure that you pay attention to the verb that comes after the noun phrase. When you use, “the number,” you should follow it up with a singular verb, while you should use a plural verb after you say, “a number.”

Number Examples:

– The number of people I need to show up at my party is probably unrealistic.

– After spending 20 minutes on Facebook, a number of emails were waiting for me in my inbox.

When To Use Quantity in a Sentence

Here’s where things get a little bit tricky. Quantity, much like number, can be used for singular or plural nouns that you can count or measure. The main difference is that it’s best to use quantity when you’re talking about an inanimate object. However, there are times where you can use quantity and number interchangeably, specifically when the noun is plural. For example, if you were talking about how many tomatoes you have, either number or quantity would technically work.

Quantity Examples:

– It would take a large quantity of ice cream to make me feel better.

– After getting paid, the quantity of dollar bills in my wallet was finally enough to buy Taco Bell.

Amount vs. Number vs. Quantity: You Don’t Have To Be a Mathematician

Remember, you don’t have to be able to do calculus to get amount vs. number vs. quantity straight. Instead, it just takes a little practice. What are some other commonly confused words that make you crazy? Check out some of our other Commonly Confused Words posts.

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One of the best things about the English language is that some pairs of words sound identical, right?  Wrong. From pray and prey to there, they’re, and their, these homophones, if you’re like me, probably make you a little crazy. Today, we’ll be going over two homophones that are particularly tricky to keep straight: passed vs. past.

Passed vs. Past at a Glance

When deciding between passed vs. past, the meanings of both words are important to consider:

• Passed is the past-tense form of the phrase to pass.
• Past has several meanings, but it can be used as an adverb, noun, adjective, or preposition.

When To Use Passed

In the battle between passed vs. past, let’s get the easier one out of the way first. Although we already covered the fact that passed is the past-tense form of to pass, it can be easy to get this word confused with other phrases that involve movement, like to run past, to fly past, or to hop past. If you’re using another movement verb, besides just to pass, you need to pair it with past instead of passed.

Examples of Using Passed:

– As she passed Dunkin Donuts, she couldn’t stop herself from going in.

– Instead of going into work, the man passed his office and went back to bed.

When To Use Past

The main thing that you need to keep in mind is that the word past has several different meanings. Before you get too worried and go back to writing custom content, let’s go over how this word can be used as an adverb, as a noun, as an adjective, or as a preposition.

Using Past as an Adverb

As an adverb, you would use past if you want to note movement from one point to another.

Examples:

– The man drove past his exit because he didn’t listen to his wife’s advice to ask for directions.

– They decided to avoid going past McDonald’s so that their toddler wouldn’t ask for a Happy Meal.

Using Past as a Noun

As a noun, using past means that you want to take note of something that happened before what’s happening right now.

Examples:

– While talking to her friend, she realized how glad she was that middle school was in the past.

– In order to forget the past, the man moved away from his small town.

Using Past as an Adjective

When you want to use past as an adjective, it should also be used when referring to something that happened before the present. However, the difference between using past as an adjective, instead of as a noun, is that you have to use it while describing a noun.

Examples:

– All of the past members of the club meet every year to reminisce about their glory days.

– It’s way past time to get to the theater before the movie starts.

Using Past as a Preposition

Finally, when past is used as a preposition, you indicate that something is moving beyond something else or that something goes from one particular reference point to another.

Examples:

– Make sure that the dog doesn’t go past the edge of the yard.

– The kids were in such a hurry that they ran right past the ice cream truck.

Passed vs. Past: Don’t Leave This in the Past

Now that you know how to use past and passed the right way, make sure that you put this knowledge to work. Are there any other homophones or commonly confused words that you have a hard time with? Share them with us in the comments!

If you want to cite a site in your research paper, you’ll first have to get your sight checked so that you can see the computer screen. If you understood why I used cite, site, and sight in several different ways in that last sentence, I’ll give 10 points to Gryffindor. However, if you didn’t quite get it, don’t worry. I’ll help you understand cite vs. site vs. sight before you can say Slytherin.

Cite vs. Site vs. Sight at a Glance

Judging the difference between cite, site or sight doesn’t have to be difficult. Check out the meanings of sight, cite and site below to help clear up the confusion:

* Cite means that you’re going to reference another person’s work or idea.
* Site refers to a place’s physical location and is also an abbreviated version of the word website.
* Sight has to do with your vision or seeing something.

When To Use Cite

When you use the word cite as you draft a specialty blog post or custom SEO content, you’re quoting or formally mentioning other information that wasn’t originally yours. Cite is typically used as a verb. This verb can also be used as a notice of a violation.

Examples of using cite in a sentence:

– Even though I was going 47 miles over the speed limit, the officer didn’t cite me for the offense.

– She forgot to cite a source in her article, so her teacher gave her detention for six months.

When To Use Site

The word site can be used in two different ways. First, you can use it when you want to refer to a specified place. Second, site can act as a shortened version of the word website. Regardless of which way you use it, site is used when you want to refer to an actual place you can visit, whether it’s online or offline.

At this point, you’re probably thinking that it’d be easier if the internet didn’t exist so that there wouldn’t be two ways to use site. However, could you really survive living in a world where you weren’t watching Google cat videos while you’re trying to be productive?

Examples of using site in a sentence:

– Before he even had a chance to type in the site address, the internet shut down.

– They decided to visit the old construction site to find some building materials.        

When To Use Sight

As a noun, sight refers to something you can see. As a verb, sight can be used when you’re talking about your ability to see something.

Examples of using sight in a sentence:

– You won’t find any other sight in the world quite like the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

– The man’s sight was so bad that his optometrist decided to prescribe bifocals.

Cite vs. Site vs. Sight: It Only Takes a Little Bit of Foresight

If you’re still having a little bit of trouble keeping cite vs. site vs. sight straight, I have a simple way for you to fully grasp their differences. All you have to do is remember that if cite is an abbreviation of citation, and site refers to a physical or online location, you’ll have enough sight to use all of these words the right way.

Once you have cite and site vs. sight figured out, you’ll definitely be ready to win the House Cup! Are there any other commonly confused words that you have a hard time with? Let us know in the comments!

I don’t think there’s anything better in this world than eating pizza in yoga pants and watching Grey’s Anatomy. Anyway, I’m going to stop talking about what I do every night and help you understand why the anyways vs. anyway vs. any way confusion isn’t that hard to overcome, especially because these words are not interchangeable.

Anyways vs. Anyway vs. Any way at a Glance

• Anyways should probably be eliminated from your vocabulary.
• Anyway can be swapped with regardless and is also used to show that something is happening in spite of another event.
• Any way is both a noun and an adjective, and it is used to refer to direction, course or manner.

When To Use Anyways

We often get asked, “Is anyways a word?” and “Is it anyway or anyways?” If you’ve found yourself asking either of these questions, don’t feel bad – it’s quite common. Anyway, to clear up the confusion, the word anyways is just a variation of anyway. Since anyway is an adverb and adverbs can’t be plural, it’s best to just stop using anyways altogether, even if your mom, dog, and friends are guilty of doing it.

When To Use Anyway

Now that we’ve got that cleared up, we can get down to business. Whether you’re working on an SEO article or updating your status on Facebook, anyway should be used to redirect what you’re saying back to the main point. Or, you can use it if you want to help your audience understand that a situation is still happening even though a contradicting event is occurring.

Anyway Examples:

– Even though Mari couldn’t run a mile, she was going to hike Mount Everest on Monday anyway.

– Anyway, I have to get off the phone now so that I can feed my turtle.

When To Use Any Way

The word any way is a noun modified by an adjective. If that sentence tempted you to get out your Schoolhouse Rock DVDs to brush up on your grammar, just keep in mind that this word replaces the phrases by any method or in any manner.

Any Way Examples:

– To get their children to eat broccoli, parents often bribe their children in any way that works.

– Is there any way to get there that doesn’t involve driving on the freeway?

What’s the Big Deal Anyway?

Even though a small space is the only thing keeping any way and anyway from being the same word, they both have entirely different meanings. And, don’t forget that in the debate of anyway vs. anyways, that anyway should always win.

What are some other commonly confused words that boggle your mind? Let us know in the comments below!

“Because I work at home, I never have to shower.” “Since I work at home, I never have to shower.” Is there any real difference between these two sentences? If you said, “Yes,” you’re right! If you said, “No,” I’d say it’s time to take a closer look at the words because and since and why they are not always used interchangeably.  Also, if you agree with the sentiment that you don’t have to shower because you work from home, then it might be time to re-evaluate your hygiene standards …

Because vs. Since at a Glance

First, let’s get the basic definitions and meanings of since and because out of the way.

Here is the definition of because:

• Because indicates the reason for something.

Here is the meaning of since:

• Since generally refers to time and can be used to mean “after.” It can also imply cause.

When To Use Because in a Sentence

Because is a tricky little word. I remember the day that I figured out that you can actually use it at the beginning of a sentence, much to my elementary school teachers’ dismay, and let me tell you, it was life-changing. However, before you go crazy using this word, double-check that your audience needs a little clarification about the idea you’re presenting. Because should also be used in situations where you want to put more emphasis on the cause of an event.

Examples of Using Because in a Sentence:

• Because she forgot to tell her husband when she’d be home, he ended up ordering pizza.
• They asked him to speak at the charity event because he was witty and lively.

When To Use Since in a Sentence

If you’re about to write the next great American novel, or you’re just simply getting ready to turn in SEO content, you want to use since in a sentence when you’re introducing an idea that your audience is already aware of, or if you’re repeating common knowledge. This is where knowing your audience comes in. Before you write anything, make sure that you know who your readers are and why they’re reading what you write.

Examples Using Since in a Sentence:

• Since you have all of the cool Wii games, we should hang out at your house tonight. (cause)
• We’ve watched Frozen 500 times since last week. (time)

Since vs. Because: Don’t Sweat It

Easy enough, right? While you may not make the Grammar Gods furious if you use since or because the wrong way, knowing when to use these commonly confused words correctly is just one of the many ways you can make your writing that much better. Once you understand the since meaning and how to use since in a sentence, things start to become clear. Are there any other words similar to since or because that you just can’t seem to keep straight? Let us know in the comments!

“Over the river and thru the woods, to Grandmother’s house we go….” Did you notice anything strange about that last sentence, besides the fact that you sang the melody in your head as you read it? Would it look better if I replaced thru with through? What if I put threw in there instead of thru?

If you’re still over there scratching your head about this, it might be a good idea to refine your knowledge of through vs. thru vs. threw. 

Thru vs. Through vs. Threw at a Glance

Deciding when to use thru vs through or threw is a lot easier to do when you understand what each of these words means. Here is the difference between threw, thru and through, as well as how to spell each one:

• Through means that you’re moving somewhere from beginning to end in a linear manner.
• Thru is just another less formal version of the word through.
• Threw means that you propelled something through the air.

When To Use Through

The word through usually describes movement and can be used in one of two ways. First, you can use this word to remark that you moved in and out of something or from one place to another. Second, you can use through to note that you are finished with something.

Examples of using through:

• After sitting on the phone with his insurance company for two hours, he wanted to be through with them forever.
• They decided to walk all the way through the mall, even though it was packed.
• Don’t worry, we’ll get through this together.
• He punched a hole through the wall.

When To Use Thru

Here is where things get a little bit tricky. Although thru has the same meaning as through, this doesn’t necessarily mean that this word should start showing up in your landing pages or blog posts.

For example, you can get away with using the word thru as you text your best friend or when you post on Facebook, but you should probably avoid using it when you’re applying for a job, writing an academic paper, or crafting any sort of formal document. If you aren’t sure whether or not to use thru or through, take a minute and think about who your audience is and you’ll probably make the right choice. Here are some examples of using thru vs. through to help you sort it out:

Examples of using thru: 

• “Go thru the tunnel and turn right to get to my house,” she texted her friend.
• If you decide to walk thru the storm, you might have to do your hair all over again.
• You can get your food faster by going through the drive thru.

When To Use Threw

The word threw is a verb that is used when you want to indicate that something moved through the air, usually with a little bit of force. To make things easier on yourself, just keep in mind that threw is the past-tense form of the word throw. 

Examples of using threw: 

• As he threw the Frisbee, he realized it was going straight for the girl’s head.
• Instead of eating her broccoli, the child threw her plate forcefully against the wall.
• After unwrapping the present, she quickly threw the packaging away.

Using Thru, Through and Threw in a Sentence

Just had to throw this last example in here for fun:

• After he threw the ball through the hoop, he celebrated by going through the drive thru.

You’re welcome.

Thru vs. Through and Threw: You’re Almost Through

When it comes down to it, understanding through vs. thru vs. threw really isn’t too difficult. All you have to do is remember that threw means that you’re throwing something, through means that you’re moving somewhere, and thru is a word that you probably shouldn’t use all the time unless you’re texting someone. See? Understanding thru vs. through and threw is easy!

Although you might be through with grammar for the day, make sure that you comment and mention any other commonly confused words that give you trouble. Check out some of our other Commonly Confused Words posts.

To me, the difference between the words between and among is like the difference between a Phillip’s head screwdriver and a star-shaped screwdriver. Even though both of these screwdrivers pretty much do the same thing, they’re two entirely different tools. If you’re having a hard time figuring out the difference between these two prepositions, here’s what you need to know about the between vs. among debate.

Between vs. Among at a Glance

When considering among vs. between, here are a couple of simple rules to remember:

• Between is usually used in situations where one thing is stuck in the middle of two other things.
• Among is generally used when something is a member of a group or a part of something bigger.

When To Use Between in a Sentence

To put things simply, between should be used while describing a one-to-one relationship having to do with two separate things or a group of things. The main point that you need to keep in mind when you’re using between in a blog post or SEO article is that these things need to be distinct.

Examples of How to Use Between in a Sentence:

• Let’s try and keep this secret about the broken window between me and you.
• Make sure that you choose between chicken and fish before the wedding.

When to Use Among in a Sentence

Comparatively, you should use among when you’re talking about a larger group of things, a thing that isn’t specific, or a thing that’s more general in nature. In most cases, among will come before a plural noun when used in a sentence.

Examples of How to Use Among in a Sentence:

• When you look out among the crowd, you can’t really tell what’s going on.
• You won’t find so much contention among college football fans anywhere else.

Among vs. Between: It’s Time to Show Them Who’s Boss

Don’t let these two extremely similar, but different, prepositions get you down. Instead, get out there and show them that you’re a preposition master by remembering that between and among really are two words with different meanings.

What are some other commonly confused words that you want to tackle? Make sure that you share them with us in the comments.

Nothing will raise more of an uproar on the Internet than using there, their, and they’re the wrong way. If you want to protect your online writing reputation and avoid snarky remarks from your friends, it’s important that you understand how to use these three similar words correctly.

There vs. Their vs. They’re at a Glance

Here are some simple rules when trying to figure out the difference between their, they’re and there:

• There is used to refer to a physical or abstract place.
• Their is used to show possession and is usually followed by a noun.
• They’re can be used as a substitute for the phrase they are.

When To Use There

There are two main uses for the word there. First, you can use it to refer to a physical place. Second, you can use it while referring to an unspecified place.

Examples:

– There is an old, abandoned house up the road that I think is haunted.

– We plan on going over there to talk about why people should eat more broccoli.

When To Use Their

Their is similar to other possessive adjectives like his, her, its, my, yours, and our. If you can’t decide if you’ve used their correctly, try replacing it with the word our. If your sentence still makes sense, then you can pat yourself on the back for using their the right way.

Examples:

– Their new puppy is probably the cutest thing I have ever seen in my life.

– If you’re looking for their secret Crabby Patty recipe, you probably won’t be able to find it.

When To Use They’re

They’re is simply a contraction of the term they are. If you’re in the middle of writing an SEO article and can use they’re and they are interchangeably in a sentence, you’re good to go.

Examples:

– I can’t figure out why they’re never able to stay up past 7 p.m. when they come over.

– They’re going to Costa Rica and won’t be back for another 15 years.

Their vs. They’re vs. There: You’ve Got This

Now that you know the difference between there, their, and they’re, you can go out there and conquer the Internet. What are some other commonly confused words you have a hard time figuring out?

When I was a second grader, I lied to my teacher and told her I was going to go and get a drink. Since my house was right across the street from the school, I walked straight past the drinking fountain and back to my mom. Today, we’re not talking about that kind of lie, but we will be going over the difference between lie and lay when they’re being used as verbs in the present tense.

The Nitty Gritty

– Lay means that you are putting, or setting, a physical or intangible object down.
– Lie means that you, or someone else, is going to rest in a horizontal position.

Lay

Although lay and lie are both present-tense verbs, you should only use lay when the subject of your sentence is acting on an object. To put things simply, think of this verb as meaning “to put” or “to place” when you’re describing a direct object.

Examples:

Tomorrow, I think it would be better to lay out my clothes before work.

When I lay my keys on the couch, I can never find them when I need to.

Lie

The word lie refers to an action that is accomplished by the subject of a sentence. However, unlike lay, it will never have a direct object attached to it. This means that lie cannot express an action that is performed to another object. Whether you’re writing an SEO article or simply writing in your diary, think of this word as meaning “to rest” or “to recline.”

Examples:

You should probably go and lie down if you’re starting to feel sick.

I like to lie out on the grass and enjoy the sunshine on my face.

Now Go and Lie Down

After all of that, you deserve to go and lie down, as long as you keep these rules in mind from now on. Are there any other commonly confused words or phrases that you have a hard time with?