Grammar Tidbits: Passed vs Past and Other Confusing Words

In my editing endeavors recently, I’ve encountered a lot of words that spellcheck doesn’t always catch and so it prompted me to share a few of them with you.

Passed (verb) vs Past (preposition or adverb):

• The time has passed for you to submit the rebuttal.
• That event happened in the past.
• I passed by the door on the way to the bathroom.
• I walked past the door.

Two vs Too:

• Two is a number (2) — I have two cycling friends.
• Too means ‘also’ — I have to invite my cycling friends to the event, too.

Four vs For:

• Four is a number (4) — She has four brothers.
• For is a preposition (or conjunction) — She needs her brothers for protection.

Peace (noun; uncountable) vs Piece (noun; countable):

• The peace between the cats and dogs lasted until the treats were devoured.
• Mom won’t get a moment’s peace until Dad gets home and can watch the baby.
• Meditation helps reach a peace of mind.
• She used four pieces of paper.
• The musicians separated the sheet music into separate pieces.
• Can you give me a piece of advice, please?

Of course there is their/there, too, and so many others. I’m sure you come across many in your daily reading.