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 and this being the only language they speak.
Here is a list of 20 common errors. Some are spelling/using wrong spelling of words with the 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 (unless you are giving someone a piece of your mind as in venting your anger).
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.
4 comments:
I admit to using the wrong peak when speaking of an eyebrow (used peeked), but at least I caught it. I can’t believe how many times I see the wrong words for should’ve, could’ve, would’ve in published pieces. (My phone keeps correcting the mistake!) Good post!
Thank you for the post. I've run into problems myself!
Anonymous: It's so easy to slip into some of those errors, especially when you're changing between narrative and dialogue. Those mistakes can sometimes be used in dialogue to identify the character speaking--it's the one with the bad grammar.
Thanks for your comment.
Ilona: I think we've all occasionally been tripped up over the oddities of the English language. That's why writers need editors and proofreaders. :)
Thanks for your comment.
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