Saturday, July 11, 2020

The English Language part 2 of 2

As pointed out in last week's blog, the English language (or at least the American branch of the language) is often confusing even to those who were born here with this being the only language they speak.

Here is a list of 20 common errors. Some are spelling/using wrong spelling of word with same pronunciation, some are different pronunciations of words spelled the same way, and others relate to literally using the wrong words in popular phrases.

1)  It didn't phase me, should be: It didn't faze me.

2)  For all intensive purposes, should be: For all intents and purposes.

3)  He has another thing coming, should be: He has another think coming.

4)  Escape goat, should be: Scape goat.

5)  One in the same, should be: One and the same.

6)  Given free reign, should be: Given free rein.

7)  Low and behold, should be: Lo and behold.

8)  Case and point, should be: Case in point.

9)  Peak your interest, should be: Pique your interest.

10)  Hunger pains, should be: Hunger pangs.

11)  Suppose to, should be: Supposed to.

12)  Should of, should be: Should have.

13)  Nipped that problem in the butt, should be:  Nipped that problem in the bud.

14)  Mute point, should be: Moot point.

15)  Piece of mind, should be: Peace of mind.

16)  Beck on call, should be: Beck and call.

17)  On accident, should be: By accident.

18)  Expresso, should be: Espresso.

and tied for most commonly misused:

19)  I could care less, should be: I couldn't care less.

20)  Irregardless, should be: Regardless.

6 comments:

JENNIFER WILCK said...

These are great! I always have to double-check.

Nightingale said...

Some good advice here. Thanks!

Ilona Fridl said...

I know I've been guilty of some of these. Thanks!

Shawna Delacorte said...

Jennifer: Yeah, some of the no-nos seem to come naturally.

Thanks for your comment.

Shawna Delacorte said...

Nightingale: Glad you found it helpful.

Thanks for your comment.

Shawna Delacorte said...

Ilona: I think we've all been occasionally guilty of using at least one or two of them from time to time.

Thanks for your comment.