These are what we call the “ouch” mistakes… the ones that make
anyone with an editing background cringe or close the window or
put down the book. These are the one that will lose you
business, writing or blogging credibility. These are the ones
that will sabotage even your best efforts to brand yourself or
your business. Mary’s Top 10 List of Common Spelling, Grammar
and Punctuation Mistakes 10. “Fewer” vs. “Less” If you can count
the items, use ‘fewer’: If I eat fewer calories, I will lose
weight. With fewer employees, we will not be able to provide
good customer service. If you can’t count the items, use ‘less’:
We need to concentrate on less expired inventory. 9. “Their
own”; “My own” If it’s already yours, then adding the word ‘own’
is redundant (i.e. you’re using two words to say the same
thing), for example: It was my own idea. Correct: It was my
idea. No such word! Adding “ir” in front of “regardless” is
completely redundant. “Regardless” is the correct word and the
only correct word. 7. “I.e.” vs. “E.