11. Collaborate vs. corroborate
If you are verifying someone’s story with evidence, it’s corroborate. To work together is to collaborate.
12. Comprised of
This is a nonsensical phrase. Comprise means to contain. The U.S. comprises 50 states, which means it’s composed of 50 states. The proper phrase is “composed of.”
13. Controversial vs. contentious
If a person is difficult to deal with or is being stubborn, they’re being contentious — not controversial.
14. Conversate
Definition: to speak with someone else
While used in a few dialects, this word remains nonstandard English. So while it may be accepted locally, in business, one should use “converse.”
15. (In good ) conscious
Conscious means awake. What you really wanted to say is “in good conscience.” Conscience refers to your inner sense of right and wrong.
16. Could care less vs. couldn’t care less
Definition: purportedly, ones inability to be less affected by something
The phrase is “couldn’t care less,” meaning there’s nothing one could do or say to enable you to be more ambivalent.
17. Debark
Definition: to get off a plane or boat
The correct word is disembark. Debark is most commonly used to mean removing bark from a tree. You can also say “deplane” if referring to an aircraft.
18. Decimate
Definition: to destroy; exact a tax of 10 percent
Don’t use it to describe something that’s “completely destroyed.”
19. Disinterested vs. uninterested
Many people say they’re disinterested when they don’t care about something. What they mean is “uninterested.” Someone who’s disinterested is an objective third party.
20. Drowneded
Drowned is the past tense of drowning. There’s no need for an extra -ed.
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