I'll admit it. I'm an unofficial member of the grammar police.
I cringe every time I hear someone say "It don't matter" (doesn't, please!) and the sign "Used car's for sale" posted prominently on Robert C. Byrd drive is burned into my retinas.
However, nothing gets me rattled more than the incorrect usage of "its" and "it's," followed closely by "then" and "than."
Here's a quick lesson, you all. "Its" is possessive. Yes, possessive. No apostrophe, unlike most other possessives. "It's" is a contraction for "it is." Easy way to remember - just replace "it's" with "it is." If the sentence still makes sense, you probably have it correct. Example: "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to." Replace "it's" with "it is" and the sentence still stands. "It is my party and I'll cry if I want to." (I'm not even going to discuss ending that sentence with the preposition "to.")
Now, on to "then" and "than." "Then" refers to time: "I loved you then." "Than" makes a comparison: "I'd rather have broccoli than brussels sprouts."
Enough ranting and raving for now. Back to your regularly scheduled grammar. (Just discovered that I had spelled cabbages with three Bs. I hear sirens!)
