Language is an intriguing and complicated tool, but it’s not always used properly. In a popular online forum, users shared phrases and expressions that make them recoil because people typically misuse or say them incorrectly. We’ve gathered a list of these linguistic faux pas to help you avoid making the same errors. So, let’s take a look at these commonly misused phrases and learn how to use them correctly!
I Could Care Less Instead of I Couldn’t Care Less
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Using “I could care less” implies that you still have some level of care, while “I couldn’t care less” means you don’t care at all.
For All Intensive Purposes Instead of for All Intents and Purposes
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The correct expression is “for all intents and purposes,” meaning “in every practical sense” or “virtually.”
Nip It in the Butt Instead of Nip It in the Bud
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The correct phrase is “nip it in the bud,” which means to stop something before it has a chance to grow or become a bigger problem.
Irregardless Instead of Regardless
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“Irregardless” is a nonstandard word that combines “irrespective” and “regardless.” Stick with “regardless” to convey the intended meaning.
One in the Same Instead of One and the Same
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The correct phrase is “one and the same,” meaning that two things are identical or the same thing.
Piece of Mind Instead of Peace of Mind
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“Peace of mind” is the correct expression, meaning a feeling of being at ease or free from worry.
Supposably, Instead of Supposedly
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The correct word is “supposedly,” meaning “according to what is generally assumed or believed.”
Take It for Granite Instead of Take It for Granted
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The proper phrase is “take it for granted,” meaning not to appreciate something because it’s always been there or easily available.
Escape Goat Instead of Scapegoat
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The correct term is “scapegoat,” which refers to someone or something that takes the blame for the mistakes or faults of others.
Biting My Time Instead of Biding My Time
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The correct expression is “biding my time,” meaning waiting patiently for the right moment or opportunity.
Statue of Limitations Instead of Statute of Limitations
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The correct term is “statute of limitations,” referring to the legal time limit within which certain actions must be taken.
The Spitting Image Instead of the Spit and Image
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While “the spitting image” is now widely accepted, the original phrase is “the spit and image,” meaning someone who closely resembles another person.
Should of Instead of Should Have
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The correct form is “should have,” as in “I should have done that.” “Should of” is a common mistake due to the contraction “should’ve.”
Doggy-Dog World Instead of Dog-Eat-Dog World
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The proper expression is “dog-eat-dog world,” which means a competitive, ruthless environment.
Peaked My Interest Instead of Piqued My Interest
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The correct phrase is “piqued my interest,” meaning to arouse or stimulate curiosity.
Wet Your Appetite Instead of Whet Your Appetite
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The proper expression is “whet your appetite,” meaning to sharpen or stimulate your desire for something.
Bare With Me Instead of Bear With Me
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The correct phrase is “bear with me,” meaning to be patient or to endure something. “Bare with me” would mean undressing together, which is likely not the intended message.
Chock It Up Instead of Chalk It Up
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The proper expression is “chalk it up,” meaning to attribute something to a particular cause or source.
Worst case scenario instead of Worst-case scenario
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The correct term is “worst-case scenario,” which refers to the most severe or unfavorable outcome that could happen in a given situation.
Do Diligence Instead of Due Diligence
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The correct term is “due diligence,” meaning the necessary research or investigation before making a decision or entering into an agreement.
Upmost Instead of Utmost
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The correct word is “utmost,” meaning the greatest or most extreme extent or degree.
Tow the Line Instead of Toe the Line
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The proper expression is “toe the line,” meaning to adhere to rules or conform to a standard.
Prostrate Cancer Instead of Prostate Cancer
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The correct term is “prostate cancer,” which refers to cancer that develops in the prostate gland. “Prostrate” means lying face down on the ground.
Deep-Seeded Instead of Deep-Seated
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The correct phrase is “deep-seated,” meaning firmly established or deeply ingrained.
Sneak Peak Instead of Sneak Peek
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The correct expression is “sneak peek,” meaning a preview or an advanced look at something.
Mute Point Instead of Moot Point
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The proper phrase is “moot point,” meaning a point or issue that is open to discussion or debate but ultimately irrelevant or of no practical importance.
Flush Out Instead of Flesh Out
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The correct expression is “flesh out,” meaning to add substance or detail to something. “Flush out” means to force something out into the open.
Make Due Instead of Make Do
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The proper expression is “make do,” meaning to manage with the limited resources available. “Make due” is incorrect and does not convey the same idea.
Safe Haven Instead of Safe Harbor
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While “safe haven” is now widely accepted, the original phrase is “safe harbor,” which refers to a place of safety or refuge.
Fall by the Waste Side Instead of Fall by the Wayside
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The correct phrase is “fall by the wayside,” meaning to be abandoned, discarded, or left behind, often in relation to plans or goals.
Linguistic Faux Pas
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Language is an essential tool for communication, and it’s crucial to use it correctly to ensure our thoughts and ideas are accurately conveyed. By becoming more aware of these commonly misused phrases and expressions, we can improve our communication skills and avoid potential misunderstandings and embarrassing situations. Let’s take the initiative to educate ourselves and others about these linguistic faux pas and work towards a more precise and effective use of language in our everyday lives.
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