Have you ever walked around with something in your teeth all day, smiling brightly at everyone you pass? It’s beyond humiliating — and, sadly, there’s a verbal equivalent.
There’s a huge chance you’ve been confidently throwing around some often-used phrases, but saying them totally wrong. Sure, it’s “literally” the worst when you get caught, especially “on” accident, but, hey, we’ve all done it. In fact, there are about 17 common sayings that exist in the English language that people are constantly mispronouncing — and unless you’re part of the grammar police, you’re likely one of them. But “for all intensive purposes,” don’t be too embarrassed, because obviously you’re not alone. It’s truly a “doggy-dog” world out there, right?
Here’s how you’re “suppose to” say the following phrases. Embrace these these helpful grammar do’s and don’ts, and you’ll be a pro at nailing these commonly mispronounced phrases in no time.
A version of this article was originally published in February 2016.
It’s a Dog-Eat-Dog World
This oldie but goodie has been screwed up since the dawn of time. In 43 B.C., Roman scholar and writer Marcus Terentius Varro coined the ruthless phrase when he compared humanity to animals, saying that even "a dog will not eat a dog."
For All Intents & Purposes
Say this phrase a few times fast, and you can see where the confusion lies. But it still doesn’t change the fact that “intensive,” signifying a purpose that is intense, is just plain wrong.
I’m Supposed To
As we’ve learned many times before, adding one little letter — in this case, a “d” — makes a world of difference.
The Baby Screamed for Half the Night
There is literally no other way to say this: Don’t use the word “literally” unless you are talking about a fact.
He Spilled His Milk by Accident
This is an easy slipup to make, so don’t get too down on yourself. “By” is the grammatically correct preposition to use with “accident,” not “on.”
It’s a Moot Point
“Mute” means unable to talk, while “moot” means irrelevant or obsolete. Case closed.
I Nipped That Problem in the Bud!
This phrase comes about from nipping a plant in its bud to prevent it from flowering. Let’s leave the “butts” out of it, shall we?
Case in Point
Correcting this grammar gaffe is easy — “case and point” is not an expression. It’s just not.
Toward
Ah, another grammar sin that feels so right it can’t be wrong. Nonetheless, don’t ever add an “s” to the end of “toward” or “anyway.” You’re welcome.
Should Have
You are likely to mess this one up if you are writing or speaking quickly, but still — it’s “should have” or “should’ve.” And yes, “would have” and “could have” count too.
Regardless
As fun as it is to say, “irregardless” is not a thing.
Beck & Call
Yet another common phrase that does not exist in the English language — it’s in your best interest to wipe “beckon call” from your vocabulary forever.
Hunger Pangs
It may get quite painful when you get hangry before lunch, but "hunger pangs" is still the correct usage of the phrase.
You Have Another Think Coming!
"Thing" has replaced "think" in this expression over time, totally confusing its meaning. "You have another think coming" actually means that you have another thought coming your way.
Wreak Havoc
In this case, "wreck havoc" is a bit too redundant, implying adding chaos to more chaos. "Wreak havoc" is the proper usage that means causing damage or destruction.
Scapegoat
Blame all your problems on a scapegoat, but don't forget — an escape goat is the goat that got away.
I Couldn’t Care Less
This mispronunciation is perhaps the most common of all because it requires a little extra thought to get it right. The intention of the phrase should always be negative: When you "could not care less," it means you're really, really fed up… which is how you might feel if people spell these common words incorrectly.
Pin It!
Pin this and never say one of these phrases wrong again.
Leave a Comment