Have you ever noticed the younger the speaker the harder he is to understand? There is so much up-ending that I have to assume the speaker doesn’t even know what she’s trying to convey if every statement coming out of her mouth is in question form. ie I think I’d like to eat spaghetti for dinner? It seems parents and schools are satisfied turning out the next generation who struggles with verbal communication. Given the immediacy of online resources, there is no excuse to overuse words, misuse words or confuse words anymore.

In 1971, Coca-Cola wanted to teach the world to sing. Almost 50 years later I’d be satisfied if they could just speak. I take no pride in being the Grammar Nazi. After all I went to public school and got mediocre grades like the rest of the general population. However, I did recognize the importance of communication skills and quickly realized they were an indication of my intelligence to others.

My words represent me in my writing. I want to be viewed as credible and taken seriously. There are too many readily available resources to use before publishing that post. Or taking a second glance to proofread that comment before submitting. So when I see cringe-worthy mistakes, be it on social media, professional email, or retail signage, I take umbrage. Read ahead for some of my champion pet peeves.

LITERALLY

Let’s just rip off the bandage with my number one offense. Literally is not only misused, it’s overused. Literally means literal, being the strict meaning of the word. It’s not figurative. My green Prius is literally a green car. I’m not sure what people are trying to illustrate when they emphasize literally. “I am literally going to lose my mind if I hear this song one more time.” Nope, I doubt that you will.

BASICALLY

Too many people use the word “basically” hoping it makes their answer seem more understandable when actually it really needs more explanation. The content of what you say will determine if your response is basic. Labeling it as basic doesn’t make it so.

HONESTLY

“Honestly” should be struck from our vernacular. If it’s coming out of your mouth, I should be able to assume it’s the truth. Do you really want to qualify some of your statements with “honestly”? That implies not all of your statements are honest. Just break the habit of saying it and make a habit of meaning it.

SERIOUSLY

Instead of using “seriously” to emphasize your intention, use more descriptive words. Again, if it’s coming out of your mouth, I’d like to think you’re being serious. “I’m seriously going to slap her if she asks me that one more time”. Eh, I doubt you will.

INTENSIVE PURPOSES

Not a phrase. Correct phrase – intents and purposes. Means essentially. For all intents and purposes, we consider Canada an ally.

SUPPOSABLY

Not a word. Correct word – supposedly. Once we sailed three miles from the coast, we were supposedly in international waters.

DEEP-SEEDED

Not a phrase. Correct term – deep-seated. I have a deep-seated belief that all sharks are dangerous.

COMING DOWN THE PIPE

Not a phrase. Correct phrase – coming down the pike. We have a hiring freeze until next year when we can see what’s coming down the pike.

PACIFICALLY

Not a word. Correct word – specifically. I specifically asked you to mow the yard when you got home from school.

BIMONTHLY

Frequently referred to as twice a month which is actually semi-monthly. Bimonthly is every two months (bi=two).

VENOMOUS/POISONOUS

Venomous – caused by injection (via teeth, stinger, fangs). Snakes, scorpions and spiders may be venomous if they sting or bite you.

Poisonous – caused by ingestion (swallowing something). The witch poisoned the prince when she added strychnine to his wine.

ACCEPT/EXCEPT

Accept – Agree to receive or do. He chose to accept the terms of my proposal when he signed the contract.

Except – not including. All U.S. coins are silver, except the penny which is copper.

ENSURE/ASSURE

Ensure – guarantee. I need to leave the house early to ensure I do not miss the beginning of the movie.

Assure – remove someone’s doubts. He wanted to assure her the house was safe by installing a security system.

IMPLY/INFER

Imply – indirectly suggest something. His angry tone implied he was still bitter.

Infer – draw a conclusion from. I inferred she had a cat because of the cat hair on her clothing.

LOSE/LOOSE

Lose – to fail or misplace something or someone. If I eat right and exercise, I will lose weight.

Loose – not tight. After fasting for 24 hours, my clothes feel loose.

BREATHE/BREATH

Breathe – process of inhaling and exhaling. If you feel anxious, it’s helpful to slowly breathe through your nose and not your mouth.

Breath – air that is inhaled or exhaled. As the baby slept, I could feel her breath on my neck.

DISINTERESTED/UNINTERESTED

Disinterested – impartial. A disinterested third party helped the couple split their assets.

Uninterested – not interested. I left the movie after only a few minutes because I was uninterested in the plot.

LIE/LAY

Lie – recline, rest or lounge. I need to lie down.

Lay – put, place. Lay a book on the counter.

ALLUDE/ELUDE

Allude – indirect reference. His internal anger alludes to an abusive childhood.

Elude – evade or avoid. Outlaws try to elude the law.

FARTHER/FURTHER

Farther – refers to physical distance. I can run farther than he can.

Further – refers to figurative distance. She will get further in life than her sister.

ILLICIT/ELICIT

Illicit – not allowed by law or against rules. The criminal was arrested for selling illicit drugs.

Elicit – draw out a reply or reaction. The comedian told a joke which elicited a roar of laughter from the audience.

UNSATISFIED/DISSATISFIED

Unsatisfied – unfulfilled or unmet obligations. He was unsatisfied until he received a full refund.

Dissatisfied – lack of contentment or happiness in regards to something. She was dissatisfied with her meal because the beef was overcooked.

PORED/POURED

Pored – studied carefully. The students pored over the law briefs prior to presenting their argument.

Poured – flow rapidly in a steady stream. She poured milk over her cereal.

YOU’RE/YOUR

You’re – contraction for “you are”. You’re the kindest person I know.

Your – shows possession in relation to you. Your car is impressive.

THEY’RE/THEIR/THERE

They’re – contraction for “they are”. They’re going to college next fall.

Their – shows possession in relation to other people. Their wedding was on a hilltop overlooking the ocean.

There – in or at that place. We traveled to Maui and stayed there the entire winter.

SHARE/COMMENTS

What are your pet peeve words or phrases commonly misused or overused? 

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