• Home
  • Blog
  • Calendar
  • Printed Calendar
  • Web Page
  • Social media
    • facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • youtube
    Any question?
    33 3825 5838
    informes@institutocultural.com.mx
    Login
    culturalenlinea.comculturalenlinea.com
    • Home
    • Blog
    • Calendar
    • Printed Calendar
    • Web Page
    • Social media
      • facebook
      • Twitter
      • Instagram
      • youtube

      Reading of the Day

      • Home
      • Blog
      • Reading of the Day
      • 43 Embarrassing Grammar Mistakes Even Smart People Make

      43 Embarrassing Grammar Mistakes Even Smart People Make

      • Posted by Gustavo Cruz
      • Date January 22, 2021

      By Christina DesMarais│getpocket.com│8 min

      Ver original

      Like it or not, words, spelling, and punctuation can leave a lasting impression on others. But even the most educated people often unknowingly make these common flubs.

      When someone uses grammar incorrectly do you make an assumption about his or her intelligence or education? Like it or not, words, spelling, and punctuation are powerful and can leave a lasting impression on others. But even the most educated people often unknowingly make common writing and speaking flubs. Check out this long list of ubiquitous grammar mistakes. Guarantee: You’ll either learn something new or find a few of your biggest pet peeves here. (And likely, you’ll find fault with my own use of the English language. I welcome your thoughts, critiques, and insults.)

      1. First-come, first-serve

      It should actually be “served.” Without the d, the phrase above suggests that the first individual who arrives will be the one who serves everyone, which is not the idiom’s intent.

      2. I could care less

      Think about this one for a minute. The way it’s written above suggests you possess care which still could be allocated to the situation in question. “I couldn’t care less” is correct because it communicates that “I have no more care to give.”

      3. Irregardless

      This is not a word. It’s simply “regardless,” as in “Regardless of what you think about grammar, you’ll look silly if you use it incorrectly.”

      4. “I” as the last word in a sentence.

      This mistake is remarkably common, yet a correct example would be “Karlee talked with Brandon and me.” The trick to getting this one straight is to take the other person’s name out of the sentence and see if your personal pronoun choice still sounds right. “Karlee talked with I” is awkward and incorrect.

      5. “Me” as the first word in a sentence.

      I hear people saying things such as “Me and Brandon met at Starbucks this morning” all the time, even though it’s always wrong. “Brandon and I met at Starbucks this morning” is correct.

      6. Shoe-in

      “Shoo-in” is what you really want to write when you’re trying to say that someone is a sure winner. It’s because when you “shoo” something you’re urging it in a certain direction.

      7. Emigrated to

      “Emigrate” and “from” always go together, as do “immigrate” and “to.” To emigrate is to come from somewhere, and to immigrate is to go to somewhere. “Colin emigrated from Ireland to the United States” means the same as “Colin immigrated to the United States from Ireland.”

      8. Overuse of apostrophes

      These little guys are ubiquitously misused. Apostrophes indicate one of two things: possession or letters missing, as in “Sara’s iPad” and “it’s” for “it is” (second i missing). They don’t belong on plurals. “FAQs,” for example, should not have an apostrophe. Also, people often make a mistake with their own last name. If you want to refer to your family but don’t want to list everyone’s first name write “The Johnsons” not “The Johnson’s.” Another big one: Decades should not have apostrophes. For example, “1980s” is correct but “1980’s” is not.

      9. Prostrate cancer

      This one is a simple spelling mistake resulting from an extra r. “Prostrate” actually means to lie face down. The “prostate” gland is a part of the male reproductive anatomy.

      10. Slight of hand

      A “slight” is an insult, whereas “sleight” indicates dexterity or cunning. It’s why “sleight of hand” is commonly used in the world of magic and illusion.

      11. Honed in

      Just know that to “home in” on something means to move toward a goal, such as “The missile homed in on its target.” To “hone” is to sharpen.

      12. Baited breath

      When I think about bait, worms and lures come to mind. The first word should actually be “bated,” which stems from the verb “abate,” meaning to stop or lessen. So, if you’re trying to say that someone is holding his breath, you can see that “bated breath” makes the most sense.

      13. Piece of mind

      If you want to share what you’re thinking with someone, this could work if you add “my” before “mind.” But if you’re trying to indicate tranquility, then spell it “peace.”

      14. Wet your appetite

      “Whet” means to sharpen or stimulate. As such, the latter spelling is more appropriate.

      15. Make due

      “Due” means “owed,” and that’s not the intent with this idiom. “Make do” is the proper way to say that you’re going to get along with what you have.

      16. Do diligence

      “Due diligence” is the proper business and legal term. It means you will investigate an individual or company before signing a contract.

      17. Peaked my interest

      To pique means to arouse, so the correct phrase is “piqued my interest,” meaning that my interest was stimulated. While the incorrect way it’s written in the heading may suggest that someone’s interest was taken to a high level, it’s still wrong.

      18. Must of, should of, would of, and could of

      All those ofs should be “have.” The proper versions were corrupted by contractions such as “must’ve.”

      19. Per say or persay

      Both are incorrect because the Latin phrase which means “in itself” or “intrinsically” is spelled “per se.” The best communicators speak and write clearly and concisely and probably avoid phrases like this one anyway.

      20. All the sudden

      Whether you say “all of a sudden” or “all of the sudden,” the preposition “of” must be involved either way. But if you’re really trying to say “suddenly,” just do.

      21. The first-year anniversary

      The use of the word “year” is redundant. “The first anniversary” or “the 50th anniversary” suffice.

      22. Worse comes to worse

      “Worse comes to worst,”—note the t—is better because it indicates something has degraded from one negative plane to the lowest possible.

      23. Unthaw

      Even though people use this word as a verb all the time, the best way to “un-thaw” something would be to put it in the freezer. Is freezing what you mean, or thawing?

      24. Hot water heater

      If anything, it’s a cold water heater. Just use “water heater.”

      25. Boldface lie

      “Bald-face” means shameless or showing no guilt. When a person tells a bald-faced lie, they are openly lying. An acceptable variant of this phrase is a “barefaced lie.”

      26. Chock it up

      The correct version—”chalk it up”—comes from keeping score on a chalkboard.

      27. Through the ringer

      The incorrect example above is missing a w. A wringer is an old-fashioned mechanism which presses water out of clothes being washed by hand, a process indicative of giving someone a hard time.

      28. Subject and pronoun disagreement.

      This one is subject to debate, but here’s my two cents. Take the sentence, “A person who smokes damages their lungs.” See anything wrong there? You should. “A person” is—obviously—one person. But “their” is a word you would use if you were referring to more than one person. Correct sentences could either read:

      • “People who smoke damage their lungs.”
      • “A person who smokes damages his or her lungs.”

      In the first bullet, “people” is more than one person and now agrees with “their.” In the second bullet, the use of “his or her” can be awkward, so you can just pick one or the other as long as you’re sensitive to any gender issues an audience might raise.

      29. Given free reign

      It’s easy to see why this one looks correct, considering that “reign” is something that kings, queens, and other sovereigns do. Yet the correct idiom refers to the reins which control a horse. When you give a horse “free rein” you let it go where it wants to go.

      30. Nip it in the butt

      To “nip” means to pinch or to bite. Therefore, the correct version is “nip it in the bud,” which refers to snipping off a flower bud before it can bloom. The idea is to put an end to something before it gets worse.

      31. Tie me over

      You don’t really want someone to tie you on top of something, do you? The phrase “tide me over” is talking about sustaining someone through a difficult time and refers to the ocean’s tide, which is capable of moving boats to a new location when the wind will not.

      32. Tow the line

      To “toe the line” means to follow the rules. It comes from runners who put their toe to the line before running a race.

      33. Chalk full

      The word “chock” is an Old English word which means “cheek” as well as “full to the brim.” In other words, “chock-full” means “mouthful.”

      34. Throws of passion

      Just know that a throe is a sharp attack of emotion. So, to be in the “throes of passion” is to be violently consumed by something.

      35. A mute point

      Mute means silent, so would you really want to make a point that doesn’t say anything? A point that is “moot” is debatable or doubtful. So, a point can be moot, but not mute.

      36. Overuse of “literally”

      Some people throw this word around as an embellishment to intensify whatever they’re trying to say. But “literally” means “actually” or “in a strict sense.” So, if you say, “My head literally exploded,” you are lying.

      37. Expresso

      The strong coffee drink brewed into a tiny cup is pronounced with an “s” in the first syllable and written “espresso.”

      38. Jive with the facts

      Jive can be defined as a colorful form of speaking, or as referring to certain kinds of jazz or swing music. Since “jibe” means “to agree,” the correct phrase would be “jibe with the facts.”

      39. “For-tay” for forte

      If you’re trying to say that something is or isn’t your talent, the technically correct way to pronounce “forte” is “fort.” The only problem: Lots of people understand what you’re trying to communicate if you pronounce it “for-tay,” which is incorrect. So, if you use the correct version you’ll sound intelligent to the grammarians of the world but you risk alienating a certain percentage of people who will not understand your meaning. My approach: Avoid “forte” altogether and say, “It’s not my strength.”

      40. Eccetera

      Pronounce “etcetera” exactly how it is spelled. Lots of people bristle when a speaker drops the “t.”

      41. Deep-seeded

      The incorrect spelling above seems like it could be right since something that is planted deeply in the ground would be firmly established. The correct expression, though, is “deep-seated.”

      42. Extract revenge

      When you “extract” something, you remove it. “Exact,” when used as a verb, means “to require or demand.” Look it up if you don’t believe me.

      43. Sneak peak

      A “peak” is the top of a mountain. The correct word is “peek,” which means a quick look.

      What other written or spoken errors drive you nuts?The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.

      • Share:
      Admin bar avatar
      Gustavo Cruz

      Previous post

      What's the Origin of 'Let the Cat Out of the Bag'?
      January 22, 2021

      Next post

      Meteorologist Debunks Weather Myths
      January 22, 2021

      You may also like

      William Shakespeare
      Poem vs. Sonnet: What’s the Difference?
      27 May, 2023
      Technology
      Always Do This Before Letting Someone Borrow Your Phone
      18 June, 2022
      HEALTH
      Important reasons why you should be drinking lemon water every morning
      17 June, 2022

      Uncoming Courses

      May
      02
      -
      May
      02
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.

      Event

      BIM 05 Tuesdays & Thursdays June 19 - Aug. 28, 2022 Online...

      Time of Event

      Start

      May 2, 2024

      End

      May 2, 2024

      Organizer

      Academic Department

      3338255838 ext. 113

      Venue

      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      Av Enrique Díaz de León Sur 300 Guadalajara , Jalisco 44160 Mexico
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      May
      07
      -
      May
      07
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.

      Event

      BIM 05 Tuesdays & Thursdays June 19 - Aug. 28, 2022 Online...

      Time of Event

      Start

      May 7, 2024

      End

      May 7, 2024

      Organizer

      Academic Department

      3338255838 ext. 113

      Venue

      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      Av Enrique Díaz de León Sur 300 Guadalajara , Jalisco 44160 Mexico
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      May
      09
      -
      May
      09
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.

      Event

      BIM 05 Tuesdays & Thursdays June 19 - Aug. 28, 2022 Online...

      Time of Event

      Start

      May 9, 2024

      End

      May 9, 2024

      Organizer

      Academic Department

      3338255838 ext. 113

      Venue

      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      Av Enrique Díaz de León Sur 300 Guadalajara , Jalisco 44160 Mexico
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      May
      14
      -
      May
      14
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.

      Event

      BIM 05 Tuesdays & Thursdays June 19 - Aug. 28, 2022 Online...

      Time of Event

      Start

      May 14, 2024

      End

      May 14, 2024

      Organizer

      Academic Department

      3338255838 ext. 113

      Venue

      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      Av Enrique Díaz de León Sur 300 Guadalajara , Jalisco 44160 Mexico
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      May
      16
      -
      May
      16
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.

      Event

      BIM 05 Tuesdays & Thursdays June 19 - Aug. 28, 2022 Online...

      Time of Event

      Start

      May 16, 2024

      End

      May 16, 2024

      Organizer

      Academic Department

      3338255838 ext. 113

      Venue

      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      Av Enrique Díaz de León Sur 300 Guadalajara , Jalisco 44160 Mexico
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      May
      21
      -
      May
      21
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.

      Event

      BIM 05 Tuesdays & Thursdays June 19 - Aug. 28, 2022 Online...

      Time of Event

      Start

      May 21, 2024

      End

      May 21, 2024

      Organizer

      Academic Department

      3338255838 ext. 113

      Venue

      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      Av Enrique Díaz de León Sur 300 Guadalajara , Jalisco 44160 Mexico
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      May
      23
      -
      May
      23
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.

      Event

      BIM 05 Tuesdays & Thursdays June 19 - Aug. 28, 2022 Online...

      Time of Event

      Start

      May 23, 2024

      End

      May 23, 2024

      Organizer

      Academic Department

      3338255838 ext. 113

      Venue

      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      Av Enrique Díaz de León Sur 300 Guadalajara , Jalisco 44160 Mexico
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      May
      28
      -
      May
      28
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.

      Event

      BIM 05 Tuesdays & Thursdays June 19 - Aug. 28, 2022 Online...

      Time of Event

      Start

      May 28, 2024

      End

      May 28, 2024

      Organizer

      Academic Department

      3338255838 ext. 113

      Venue

      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      Av Enrique Díaz de León Sur 300 Guadalajara , Jalisco 44160 Mexico
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      May
      30
      -
      May
      30
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.

      Event

      BIM 05 Tuesdays & Thursdays June 19 - Aug. 28, 2022 Online...

      Time of Event

      Start

      May 30, 2024

      End

      May 30, 2024

      Organizer

      Academic Department

      3338255838 ext. 113

      Venue

      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      Av Enrique Díaz de León Sur 300 Guadalajara , Jalisco 44160 Mexico
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      Jun
      04
      -
      Jun
      04
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Bi monthly Tuesdays & Thursdays Online Program Starting June 19, 2023
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.

      Event

      BIM 05 Tuesdays & Thursdays June 19 - Aug. 28, 2022 Online...

      Time of Event

      Start

      Jun 4, 2024

      End

      Jun 4, 2024

      Organizer

      Academic Department

      3338255838 ext. 113

      Venue

      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      Av Enrique Díaz de León Sur 300 Guadalajara , Jalisco 44160 Mexico
      Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco A.C.
      • Privacy
      • Terms
      • Sitemap
      icmn_logotipo
      33 3825 5838
       
      informes@institutocultural.com.mx

      Like Us On Facebook

      facebook_face1

      Nuestros maestros

      es el activo mas valioso!

      Our Courses

      ICMNJ by https://culturalenlinea.com/ Powered by WordPress.

      Login with your site account

      Lost your password?