There are certain words that everyone tends to use incorrectly at one time or another. Of course that doesn’t make it ok to join in. It’s always wise to know the correct words to use for every situation. Even if you continue opting to use a slang version at least you’ll be aware you’re doing it so that you can save face in more formal situations.
Take a look at these 10 words that are commonly used incorrectly. Have you gotten any of them wrong?
1.Anyway not Anyways
Anyways has slipped into everyday use, but is not technically correct. An easy way to remember this is that the “s” in anyways stands for “slang” making anyway the correct choice.
2. Espresso not Expresso
I said this one incorrectly for years. Expresso is not a word, always use espresso.
3. Nauseated not Nauseous
Technically nauseous means to cause a feeling of sickness whereas, nauseated means you feel like you will be sick. Most people using nauseous mean nauseated. That being said it’s so commonly misused it almost feels awkward to use nauseated over nauseous. My suggestion is feel free to use nauseous in casual conversation, but if in a more proper setting or when used in writing, opt for nauseated.
4. Well not Good
Obviously both words are real, however there’s a tendency to overuse good when we should actually use well. Just remember well refers to an action or verb. The drive went well. I did well on the test. Good refers to a person, place or thing. The flower smells good. This is a good book.
Where most people make the mistake is when is comes to wellbeing. Health and wellbeing is the exception to the rule. If someone asks how you are tell them you are well, not good. Same if you’re asking about someone else. “Is Brian well?” not “Is Brian good?”
5. Regardless not Irregardless
This is probably the most mentioned vocabulary faux pas. People go as far to say irregardless is not even a real word. In fact, irregardless can be found in the dictionary, but it does not mean it’s necessarily “correct.” Basically it became so commonly used that it’s meaning is accepted and understood, but the original and correct word is regardless. So unless you’re ok with grammar snobs thinking you’re uneducated it’s far better to stick with regardless.
6. Couldn’t care less not Could care less
While not grammatically wrong, this phrase is often used incorrectly. Typically it’s used to imply that you don’t care at all. Could care less implies you care at least a little.
7. Undoubtedly not Undoubtably
Undoubtably is a non standard word. In nearly all cases, undoubtedly is the correct form to use.
8. Supposedly not Supposably
While supposably is a word, in most cases you probably mean supposedly, which refers to what is generally assumed or believed and is often used to cast a shadow of doubt. In fact, supposable is a very rarely used word so unless you know exactly how to use it, go for supposedly.
9. Sherbet not Sherbert
It’s can be a difficult change to make as most of us form this habit in childhood, but it’s sherbet not sherbert.
10. Famous not Infamous
While both words refer to someone or something famous, infamous only refers to someone famous for negative reasons. Beyonce is famous. Jack the Ripper is infamous. Of course if Beyonce decides to go on a killing spree or become a criminal mastermind she too would become infamous.
HOMEWORK: Have a look over all the words. Were you sure how to use them? If not take a few minutes to thoroughly memorize them and learn how to use each correctly.
