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. I can't imagine
learning it as a second language. Where
other languages seem to have set rules, English has set rules that all seem to
have exceptions and sometimes even those exceptions have exceptions.
Here is a list of 21 commonly mispronounced or misspelled
phrases.
It didn't phase me, should be: It didn't faze me.
For all intensive purposes, should be: For all intents and
purposes.
He has another thing coming, should be: He has another think
coming.
Escape goat, should be: Scapegoat.
One in the same, should be: One and the same.
Given free reign, should be: Given free rein.
Low and behold, should be: Lo and behold.
Case and point, should be: Case in point.
Peak your interest, should be: Pique your interest.
Hunger pains, should be: Hunger pangs.
Suppose to, should be: Supposed to.
Should of, should be: Should have.
Nipped that problem in the butt, should be: Nipped that problem in the bud.
Mute point, should be: Moot point.
Piece of mind, should be: Peace of mind.
Beck on call, should be: Beck and call.
On accident, should be: By accident.
Expresso, should be: Espresso.
and probably the two most commonly misused:
I could care less, should be: I couldn't care less.
Irregardless, should be: Regardless.
2 comments:
Oh, some of these drive me crazy, especially when I see/hear others mispronounce or misspell them (of course, i'm sure I make as many mistakes as they do, so I really need to learn more patience).
Jennifer: I know what you mean...some of those really drive me nuts but I should be more tolerant. The one that really bugs me the most is 'irregardless.'
Thanks for your comment.
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