Use
power
words
Roger Gafke, CFRE
Fund-raising, public relations & training services for non-profit organizations
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What's right?

It's or its?

Apostrophes can

  • Show possession
  • Indicate missing letters

Possessive pronouns
don't require them

  • Find its handle
  • The decision was theirs

Contractions do

  • It's been a long day (It has been...)
  • Who's coming? (Who is..
Me, myself or I?
Reflexive or intensive pronouns are never used alone
  • Incorrect: For Donna and myself, thank you.
  • Correct: Donna and I thank you.
  • Incorrect: This is great news for Donna and myself.
  • Correct: This is great news for Donna and me.
  • Correct: I cut myself shaving this morning.
Who or Whom?

Test with these substitutes

  • Who = he or she
  • Whom = him or her
  • Same for whoever or whomever

Example:

  • We do not know from whom this year's membership appeal will come.
  • Will this year's membership appeal come from him or her?
You try it
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Phone: (57) 881-5446r FAX: (573) 881-5446, E-mail:roger@gafke.com, 325 E. Dripping Springs Rd., Columbia, MO 65202, updated: 7/03/2007