What frequently misused—or misspelled—phrases annoy you?
You often can't hear the difference between the “right” and “wrong” versions of common expressions. But in this digital age when so much of our communication is typed, it's easy to fall into language traps—and see whether someone is misusing or misspelling a common expression.
Work + Money suggests that getting expressions wrong in your writing can make you look unprofessional. It lists more than 30 commonly misused or misspelled expressions. Among them:
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• On accident versus By accident: “When something happens by accident, nobody saw it coming. It was a happenstance instance. But when something happens on an accident, it means that whatever went down actually went down on top of an already existing accident.”
• Jive with versus Jibe with: “To jive is a much more playful, often musical verb. But to jibe with something means you’re getting along with or understanding it. To jive with something means you’re likely spitting hot scat in the basement of a musical jazz club.”
So this week, we’d like to ask you: What frequently misused—or misspelled—phrases annoy you?
Answer in the comments.
Read the answers to last week’s question: What was your path to law?
Featured answer:
Posted by Bryan B.: “I grew up poor, but with educated parents. I decided on law school after long talks with my grandfather (an attorney) and after having been steamrolled by a city attorney in a traffic case. I had always wanted to help people, and this was the way I could do that and support my family. Unfortunately, cancer came just as I passed the bar, and I had to forgo many plans. I am now, happily, a lawyer analyst for the state. I have input into legislation and programs meant to help the needy and vulnerable.”
Do you have an idea for a question of the week? If so, contact us.
