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No one was born perfect when it comes to language. We say one thing when we mean entirely another. We mix up words, add endings, and pretend it’s all fine. Well, not quite.
You see, even though some phrases roll off the tip of the tongue as if they were almost identical, it doesn’t mean they are. From hunger pains to hunger pangs and sleight of hand to slight of hand, there are too many common phrases that are way more confusing than they really should be.
So this time, we’re gonna look at the most common mistakes we make when using these phrases, and hopefully, learn something that would have made our English teachers proud.
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We all have that one phrase or two (or too many) that pop into the conversations we have with people. These go-to expressions surely add some style to whatever we’re saying unless they’re used the wrong way.
But the more we use them, the more unaware we become of these repetitive language slip-ups. And honestly, our interlocutors are often unaware of the fact as well. Think of how many times you've heard someone say “I could care less.” In fact, this means the exact opposite as meant by the right usage “I couldn’t care less.”
Other common phrases people confuse very often are “tongue and cheek” (should be tongue in cheek), “for all intensive purposes” (should be “for all intents and purposes”), “another thing coming” (the right way is “another think coming.”)
#5
Dennis Michael 4 years ago
The word "buck" refers to a male native american indian. The phrase "buck naked" comes from the fact that back in the early days (pre 1900) male indians would be seen riding their horses to a river or stream to bathe or do what ever, and would be totally naked on the horse. White people would see them and thus the phrase "Buck naked" was born.
#6
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Finally. Thank you. AMEN. English isn't my family's first language on one side, and I've spent a lifetime explaining these things. I feel so happy I'm not alone....
Even though the misused phrases may be annoying to some sharp-eared listeners, they are never harmful or intentional.
But there are some common phrases that can never work in any conversation and they can definitely turn your encounter sour. For example, saying “you look good for your age,” “this might sound stupid, but…” or “you’re so…” this and that, can be interpreted in a bad way.
So in the end, it’s never really about language and grammar, but rather the content and the way you say it that really matters in a fruitful and pleasant conversation.
#7
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Ever see my mom after an espresso? EXpresso ain't a bad description...
#9
Lance d'Boyle 4 years ago
The term has nothing to do with the Scotts. It comes from old Scandinavian 'skatt fri', which means 'tax free'.
#14
Katrina B. 4 years ago
This one is misleading though because they are pronounced the same way. If you're saying them at least.
#17
Robert Thornburrow 4 years ago
Gets confusing when you get possessive. My brother-in-law's car is the car belonging to my brother-in-law, but what would you say for all the cars belonging to multiple brothers-in-law? My brothers-in-law's cars?
#20
Martha Meyer 4 years ago
A lot of people online seem to be unable to correctly use superlatives.
#22
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Pangs is archaic, but yes, that's the conventional usage. Frankly, I've been hungry enough to hurt. It is not a pang. It was pain.
#29
troufaki13 4 years ago
In Greece we say "one is worse than the other" when everything is bad and you can't tell which is worse
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What do you think ?
Remi Flynne 4 years ago
It being used instead of sympathy when people don't understand but are sorry for the person's plight.
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Terry Farnell 4 years ago
'Fine-toothed comb' is often used incorrectly as a 'fine tooth comb' or even as 'tooth comb'
Liam Walsh 4 years ago
Oh, yes. That one is irritating. I see it in published novels and wonder who the hell was editing. Grrrr 🤬
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Lynn Plouff 4 years ago
I love good grammar. Can’t help but cringe when words are used incorrectly.
Just JoLynn 4 years ago
I completely agree. https://photos.app.goo.gl/brzaVqwtnhEohecb6
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Remi Flynne 4 years ago
It being used instead of sympathy when people don't understand but are sorry for the person's plight.
Load More Replies... Terry Farnell 4 years ago
'Fine-toothed comb' is often used incorrectly as a 'fine tooth comb' or even as 'tooth comb'
Liam Walsh 4 years ago
Oh, yes. That one is irritating. I see it in published novels and wonder who the hell was editing. Grrrr 🤬
Load More Replies... Lynn Plouff 4 years ago
I love good grammar. Can’t help but cringe when words are used incorrectly.
Just JoLynn 4 years ago
I completely agree. https://photos.app.goo.gl/brzaVqwtnhEohecb6
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