COMMUNICATION IS EVERYTHING
In today’s world, communication is more important than it has ever been. Yet, most Americans tend to be lazy about language. We speak in slang, in clichés, in generalities, and local terms without giving much attention to saying, with precision, what we really mean. This frequently leads to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
In today’s world, communication is more important than it has ever been. Yet, most Americans tend to be lazy about language. We speak in slang, in clichés, in generalities, and local terms without giving much attention to saying, with precision, what we really mean. This frequently leads to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
Lazy language occurs more often in verbal than in written communications. At least we can proof read written words if we care enough. Most people can’t unhear spoken words, even if further explanations or corrections follow. They make an impact.
Writers and authors are expected to be more careful with their use of language, and we owe it to our reading audience to make our best effort to choose the correct words and phrases. Getting them in the correct order is part of our creative process.
Image Source: www.cartoonstock.com
Writers and authors are expected to be more careful with their use of language, and we owe it to our reading audience to make our best effort to choose the correct words and phrases. Getting them in the correct order is part of our creative process.
Image Source: www.cartoonstock.com
One pitfall of self-publishing is self-editing. Of course, the writer must self-edit, often many times. But in the final polishing stages, it is best to have an experienced editor. An outside eye helps to avoid those hidden grammar and wording mistakes which sometimes sneak into a manuscript because people misuse and misspell words so frequently we tend to read right over the top of them. [I know from experience. You may have found some already.]
COMMONLY MISSUED WORDS
The English language is complex, and all of us make mistakes. Using the wrong word can be the result of several things.
● Not knowing or understanding the definition of the word. This often happens when the words are similar in sound.
● Two or more words having the same pronunciation but different meanings, origins, or spelling. E.g. new and knew, discreet and discreet. (Homophones)
● Incorrect grammar (Malaproprisn) when a word is used in place of one that sounds similar to the correct one. E.g. “supposively” instead of “supposedly”; “fortuitously” instead of “fortunately”; “your” instead of “you’re”; “should of” instead of "should have."
COMMONLY MISSUED WORDS
The English language is complex, and all of us make mistakes. Using the wrong word can be the result of several things.
● Not knowing or understanding the definition of the word. This often happens when the words are similar in sound.
● Two or more words having the same pronunciation but different meanings, origins, or spelling. E.g. new and knew, discreet and discreet. (Homophones)
● Incorrect grammar (Malaproprisn) when a word is used in place of one that sounds similar to the correct one. E.g. “supposively” instead of “supposedly”; “fortuitously” instead of “fortunately”; “your” instead of “you’re”; “should of” instead of "should have."
Some of these can get picky. The whole purpose of this discussion is to avoid sounding (and being) ignorant. A lot of words fall into the category of improperly used words, but I’ve picked ones that I have seen recently in novels, and a few from my own earlier works.
Affect vs. Effect
“Affect” used as a verb means to have an influence on something. For example: "The weather affected my mood."
"Affect” used as a noun refers to feeling or emotion. Image Source: www.cartoonstock.com
For example, “Her face bore a dismal affect.”
"Effect” is most commonly used as a verb meaning to cause something (stronger verb than “affect,” which refers to merely having an influence on). Thus, you would “effect change,” and could be described as “effective.”
"Effect” used as a noun refers to the end result of the influence: "The weather had no effect on my mood."
Affect vs. Effect
“Affect” used as a verb means to have an influence on something. For example: "The weather affected my mood."
"Affect” used as a noun refers to feeling or emotion. Image Source: www.cartoonstock.com
For example, “Her face bore a dismal affect.”
"Effect” is most commonly used as a verb meaning to cause something (stronger verb than “affect,” which refers to merely having an influence on). Thus, you would “effect change,” and could be described as “effective.”
"Effect” used as a noun refers to the end result of the influence: "The weather had no effect on my mood."
Capitol vs. Capital
“Capitol” refers to a building, and specifically, the building where legislators meet. Capital is applied for every other use, but has a number of different meanings.
Compliment vs. Complement
A “compliment” is something nice that you say.
A “complement” is an addition, enhancement, or improvement.
“Capitol” refers to a building, and specifically, the building where legislators meet. Capital is applied for every other use, but has a number of different meanings.
Compliment vs. Complement
A “compliment” is something nice that you say.
A “complement” is an addition, enhancement, or improvement.
Discreet vs. Discrete
“Discrete” means individual, separate, or distinct.
“Discreet” means careful, cautious, or evidencing good judgment. This was a mistake in my first published book; and more than one reader let me know.
Image Source: www.grammexa.com
Defuse vs. Diffuse
“Defuse” means to render a bomb non-explosive by removing the fuse, or to render a situation less dangerous.
"Diffuse” is a verb that means to disperse over a wide area. The word is also be used as an adjective to describe something that is not concentrated but, in this case, is pronounced with a soft-s sound.
Emigrate vs. Immigrate
You “emigrate” when you leave your country to permanently live in another.
You “immigrate” when you arrive in another country to live permanently.
These words always give me problems and, considering current usage, seem picky. I’m not sure how many dictionaries would agree with this definition.
Eminent vs. Imminent
“Eminent” describes something or someone prominent.
“Imminent” describes something that is about to happen.
Further vs. Farther
“Farther” refers to actual physical distance, which is to say, a literal distance.
“Further” refers to a figurative distance. www.rd.com/list/words-youre-using-wrong/
Merriam-webster.com disagrees and treats them as synonyms. “Further” and “farther” share meanings relating to distance, whether spatial, temporal, or metaphorical.” As adjectives, meaning "more distant”; As adverbs, meaning "at or to a greater distance or more advanced point." merriam-webster.com/dictionary/farther
Insure, Ensure, Assure
“Insure” means promising to compensate someone for damages, loss, injury, or death in exchange for advance payment.
“Ensure” means making sure of something.
“Assure” means guaranteeing something.
Illusion vs. Allusion
An “illusion” is a misleading image or impression, such as an optical illusion.
An "allusion" is a reference to something else, such as a literary allusion.
Irregardless vs. Regardless
Dictionaries may now accept "irregardless" as a legitimate word because of common usage, but the correct word is “regardless.”
“Here’s how to remember the difference between lay and lie.
You lie on a keyboard and you lay a mouse on a pillow.”
“Discrete” means individual, separate, or distinct.
“Discreet” means careful, cautious, or evidencing good judgment. This was a mistake in my first published book; and more than one reader let me know.
Image Source: www.grammexa.com
Defuse vs. Diffuse
“Defuse” means to render a bomb non-explosive by removing the fuse, or to render a situation less dangerous.
"Diffuse” is a verb that means to disperse over a wide area. The word is also be used as an adjective to describe something that is not concentrated but, in this case, is pronounced with a soft-s sound.
Emigrate vs. Immigrate
You “emigrate” when you leave your country to permanently live in another.
You “immigrate” when you arrive in another country to live permanently.
These words always give me problems and, considering current usage, seem picky. I’m not sure how many dictionaries would agree with this definition.
Eminent vs. Imminent
“Eminent” describes something or someone prominent.
“Imminent” describes something that is about to happen.
Further vs. Farther
“Farther” refers to actual physical distance, which is to say, a literal distance.
“Further” refers to a figurative distance. www.rd.com/list/words-youre-using-wrong/
Merriam-webster.com disagrees and treats them as synonyms. “Further” and “farther” share meanings relating to distance, whether spatial, temporal, or metaphorical.” As adjectives, meaning "more distant”; As adverbs, meaning "at or to a greater distance or more advanced point." merriam-webster.com/dictionary/farther
Insure, Ensure, Assure
“Insure” means promising to compensate someone for damages, loss, injury, or death in exchange for advance payment.
“Ensure” means making sure of something.
“Assure” means guaranteeing something.
Illusion vs. Allusion
An “illusion” is a misleading image or impression, such as an optical illusion.
An "allusion" is a reference to something else, such as a literary allusion.
Irregardless vs. Regardless
Dictionaries may now accept "irregardless" as a legitimate word because of common usage, but the correct word is “regardless.”
“Here’s how to remember the difference between lay and lie.
You lie on a keyboard and you lay a mouse on a pillow.”
Lay vs. Lie
A person only “lies” down. A person does not lay down, unless you mean someone is “laying down" an object. You can also lay down the law. And hens lay eggs.
One exception if you mean a person lying down in the past tense. This is not to be confused with the past tense of the word “lie,” when used to refer to a non-truth, in which case the past tense is “lied” as in, “He told a lie. Therefore, he lied." Image Source: www.weareteachers.com
A person only “lies” down. A person does not lay down, unless you mean someone is “laying down" an object. You can also lay down the law. And hens lay eggs.
One exception if you mean a person lying down in the past tense. This is not to be confused with the past tense of the word “lie,” when used to refer to a non-truth, in which case the past tense is “lied” as in, “He told a lie. Therefore, he lied." Image Source: www.weareteachers.com
Nucular vs Nuclear
The correct word is “nuclear”, a term that relates to the nucleus of an atom.“Nucular” is a common, proscribed pronunciation of the word, which first appeared in print in 1943. Although the word is disapproved of by many, its use is widespread among educated speakers, including scientists.
Safe deposit
Not safety deposit box.
Sit vs. Set
Putting your rear end in a chair: use “sit.” Placing an object, it’s “set.”
Poisonous vs. Venomous
“Poisonous” refers to something that is toxic if you eat it.
“Venomous” describes something that is poisonous if it bites you.
Principal vs. Principle
“Principal” in reference to a person and “principle” in reference to a standard, rule, or belief.
Reluctant vs. Reticent
“Reluctant” describes unwillingness in general.
“Reticent”, in its oldest use, means someone who is inclined to be silent or uncommunicative in speech; reluctant to share one’s thoughts.
Sensual vs. Sensuous
“Sensuous” refers to things that relate to the senses or appeal to the senses, such as a fabric or song.
“Sensual” also refers to things that appeal to the senses, but the connotation is erotic.
Undoubtably
If you mean “without a shadow a doubt,” then you have two choices, and neither of them is “undoubtably.” You can say either “undoubtedly” or “indubitably.”
Nauseous vs. Nauseated Image Source: www.yourdictionary.com
The correct word is “nuclear”, a term that relates to the nucleus of an atom.“Nucular” is a common, proscribed pronunciation of the word, which first appeared in print in 1943. Although the word is disapproved of by many, its use is widespread among educated speakers, including scientists.
Safe deposit
Not safety deposit box.
Sit vs. Set
Putting your rear end in a chair: use “sit.” Placing an object, it’s “set.”
Poisonous vs. Venomous
“Poisonous” refers to something that is toxic if you eat it.
“Venomous” describes something that is poisonous if it bites you.
Principal vs. Principle
“Principal” in reference to a person and “principle” in reference to a standard, rule, or belief.
Reluctant vs. Reticent
“Reluctant” describes unwillingness in general.
“Reticent”, in its oldest use, means someone who is inclined to be silent or uncommunicative in speech; reluctant to share one’s thoughts.
Sensual vs. Sensuous
“Sensuous” refers to things that relate to the senses or appeal to the senses, such as a fabric or song.
“Sensual” also refers to things that appeal to the senses, but the connotation is erotic.
Undoubtably
If you mean “without a shadow a doubt,” then you have two choices, and neither of them is “undoubtably.” You can say either “undoubtedly” or “indubitably.”
Nauseous vs. Nauseated Image Source: www.yourdictionary.com
I saved this mistake for last because it is my all-time favorite. It is an alarm bell that the writer or speaker is ignorant when it comes to proper English grammar.
Contrary to current popular usage “nauseous” is an adjective which means to cause nausea or disgust, such as nauseous smell. I have to laugh when people say “I feel nauseous.” I always want to ask them why they feel disgusting and repulsive.
The correct term is “nauseated” if you are physically affected with nausea/stomach distress. I understand that language is always a work-in-progress and always changing. To say you are “nauseous” when you have stomach issues has become the common usage. But novelists should know the correct terms and apply them appropriately in their manuscripts.
COMMONLY MISSUED PHRASES
I believe most of these mistakes come from hearing the phrase used incorrectly often, without thinking consciously about the meaning, until it is integrated into one’s vocabulary. Most writers will not make these mistakes in writing, even if they might in speaking. It is just sloppy grammar. However, I did discover several that were new to me.
"All and All" vs. "All In All"
“All in all” means everything being taken into account, or “in sum”. “All and all” is just redundant.
"At Nauseum" vs. "Ad Nauseum"
I haven’t seen this mistake in a book, but it is common in speaking. “Ad nauseum” is Latin for an argument or a discussion that has been extended to the figurative point of nausea or sickness. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ad_nauseam
Contrary to current popular usage “nauseous” is an adjective which means to cause nausea or disgust, such as nauseous smell. I have to laugh when people say “I feel nauseous.” I always want to ask them why they feel disgusting and repulsive.
The correct term is “nauseated” if you are physically affected with nausea/stomach distress. I understand that language is always a work-in-progress and always changing. To say you are “nauseous” when you have stomach issues has become the common usage. But novelists should know the correct terms and apply them appropriately in their manuscripts.
COMMONLY MISSUED PHRASES
I believe most of these mistakes come from hearing the phrase used incorrectly often, without thinking consciously about the meaning, until it is integrated into one’s vocabulary. Most writers will not make these mistakes in writing, even if they might in speaking. It is just sloppy grammar. However, I did discover several that were new to me.
"All and All" vs. "All In All"
“All in all” means everything being taken into account, or “in sum”. “All and all” is just redundant.
"At Nauseum" vs. "Ad Nauseum"
I haven’t seen this mistake in a book, but it is common in speaking. “Ad nauseum” is Latin for an argument or a discussion that has been extended to the figurative point of nausea or sickness. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ad_nauseam
"Baited Breath" vs. "Bated Breath"
Correct version: “Bated breath” means abated or breathing that is restrained. The word “bated” is a shortened version of “abated.”
Image Source:ismagazine.wisc.edu
Correct version: “Bated breath” means abated or breathing that is restrained. The word “bated” is a shortened version of “abated.”
Image Source:ismagazine.wisc.edu
"Beg the Question"
This one is unusual because it isn’t a mispronunciation but a common misuse based on a basic misunderstanding of what the expression means.
When most of us say that something “begs the question” we mean it suggests that a question should be asked. The real meaning of the phrase is that it “makes the question unnecessary so there’s no need to ask”. www.phrases.org.uk/phrases-people-get-wrong
"Butt Naked" vs. "Buck Naked"
The actual term is “buck naked,” although grammarians actually are beginning to accept “butt naked” as a proper idiom.
"By In Large" vs. "By And Large"
Correct version: “By and large” which means “in general or near enough”. It is originally a nautical term which means “this way and that” as it pertained to wind and sails.
"Deep-Seated" vs." Deep-Seeded"
This one is unusual because it isn’t a mispronunciation but a common misuse based on a basic misunderstanding of what the expression means.
When most of us say that something “begs the question” we mean it suggests that a question should be asked. The real meaning of the phrase is that it “makes the question unnecessary so there’s no need to ask”. www.phrases.org.uk/phrases-people-get-wrong
"Butt Naked" vs. "Buck Naked"
The actual term is “buck naked,” although grammarians actually are beginning to accept “butt naked” as a proper idiom.
"By In Large" vs. "By And Large"
Correct version: “By and large” which means “in general or near enough”. It is originally a nautical term which means “this way and that” as it pertained to wind and sails.
"Deep-Seated" vs." Deep-Seeded"
Correct version: “Deep-seated” means firmly established and is generally the correct term to use. It also had an earlier literal meaning of “situated far below the surface” which is the source of the mistakenly written “deep- Image Source: www.grammarnestly.com seeded.” www.merriam-webster.com/deep-seated-deep-seeded-usage
Yahoo.search.com AI states that “Deep-Seeded is less common and typically refers to ideas or beliefs that have been planted deeply, suggesting a strong foundation.” I didn’t find that interpretation anywhere else.
"First Come, First Serve " vs. "First Come, First Served"
Correct version: “First come, first served”. (no hyphens)
“First come, first serve” suggests that the person who arrives first serves the latecomers, but the expression means the first to arrive gets served first.
The phrase is a shortened form of the earlier proverb “he that comes first to the mill grinds first”, found in Chaucer’s 14th century ‘The Wife of Bath’s Tale‘.
"For All Intensive Purposes” vs. “For All Intents and Purposes”
“Intensive” indicates that something is powerful and focused. If you’re discussing an intensive purpose, you’re simply indicating one focused purpose (or perhaps a few very focused purposes).workandmoney.com/commonly-misused-phrases
“For all intents and purposes”, the correct phrase, means that something is coming from more or less all important angles or opinions. Image Source: www.redbubble.com
Yahoo.search.com AI states that “Deep-Seeded is less common and typically refers to ideas or beliefs that have been planted deeply, suggesting a strong foundation.” I didn’t find that interpretation anywhere else.
"First Come, First Serve " vs. "First Come, First Served"
Correct version: “First come, first served”. (no hyphens)
“First come, first serve” suggests that the person who arrives first serves the latecomers, but the expression means the first to arrive gets served first.
The phrase is a shortened form of the earlier proverb “he that comes first to the mill grinds first”, found in Chaucer’s 14th century ‘The Wife of Bath’s Tale‘.
"For All Intensive Purposes” vs. “For All Intents and Purposes”
“Intensive” indicates that something is powerful and focused. If you’re discussing an intensive purpose, you’re simply indicating one focused purpose (or perhaps a few very focused purposes).workandmoney.com/commonly-misused-phrases
“For all intents and purposes”, the correct phrase, means that something is coming from more or less all important angles or opinions. Image Source: www.redbubble.com
"It’s A Doggy-Dog-World" vs. "It’s a Dog- Eat-Dog World"
Correct version: “It’s a dog-eat-dog world”.
The expression “A dog-eat-dog world” alludes to the kind of ruthless, red in tooth and claw world of wild animals. The implication of such a scenario is that either you destroy your competitors or they will destroy you.
"On Accident" vs. "By Accident"
The correct usage of the phrase "by accident" is when describing something that nobody saw coming. It was an unforeseen happenstance; a surprise. The phrase has been around for a long time. “On accident” has become popular in American colloquial speech, especially in regional dialects and informal conversations, during the 20th century.
"I Could Care Less" vs. "I Couldn’t Care Less"
Most people say they “could care less” in an attempt to show how little they care about an issue. Actually, saying you could care less implies that you not only care, but you care enough that you would have the ability to care less if you wanted to. If you don’t care at all “I couldn’t care less” is more accurate.
As I said before, some of these grammarians get very picky. The common usage seems clear enough.
"On Tender Hooks" vs. "On Tenter Hooks"
Correct version: “It’s a dog-eat-dog world”.
The expression “A dog-eat-dog world” alludes to the kind of ruthless, red in tooth and claw world of wild animals. The implication of such a scenario is that either you destroy your competitors or they will destroy you.
"On Accident" vs. "By Accident"
The correct usage of the phrase "by accident" is when describing something that nobody saw coming. It was an unforeseen happenstance; a surprise. The phrase has been around for a long time. “On accident” has become popular in American colloquial speech, especially in regional dialects and informal conversations, during the 20th century.
"I Could Care Less" vs. "I Couldn’t Care Less"
Most people say they “could care less” in an attempt to show how little they care about an issue. Actually, saying you could care less implies that you not only care, but you care enough that you would have the ability to care less if you wanted to. If you don’t care at all “I couldn’t care less” is more accurate.
As I said before, some of these grammarians get very picky. The common usage seems clear enough.
"On Tender Hooks" vs. "On Tenter Hooks"
Correct version: “On tenterhooks” which means “under stress or tension.
“Tenterhook” is an archaic word that isn’t used anymore outside of this expression.
A “tenter” is a wooden frame which was used in the past to dry cloth attached to the frame with hooks.
Image Source: www.phrases.org.uk
"One in the Same" vs. "One and the Same"
Both phrases are idiomatic expressions used to suggest equivalence or identity.
“One and the same” is the phrase used to emphasize that two things are identical.
“One in the same” is incorrect, although commonly used, but should be avoided in writing.
"Shoe-in” vs. “Shoo In"
“Shoo in” is the correct term. This was a new one to me, so I have probably been using the phrase incorrectly forever. The word “Shoo” is a verb that means “To usher in.”
"Shoo in” (as a noun) means a candidate who is very likely to win a contest or other competition.
“Shoo in” (as a adjective) describes such a candidate.
The phrase is a “shoo in” dates back to horse-racing days when you could urge — or shoo — something toward victory. Hyphenated, the word takes on a modified meaning. A “shoo-in” someone who is likely to be ushered into victory. writingexplained.org/shoo-in-or-shoe-in.
“Tenterhook” is an archaic word that isn’t used anymore outside of this expression.
A “tenter” is a wooden frame which was used in the past to dry cloth attached to the frame with hooks.
Image Source: www.phrases.org.uk
"One in the Same" vs. "One and the Same"
Both phrases are idiomatic expressions used to suggest equivalence or identity.
“One and the same” is the phrase used to emphasize that two things are identical.
“One in the same” is incorrect, although commonly used, but should be avoided in writing.
"Shoe-in” vs. “Shoo In"
“Shoo in” is the correct term. This was a new one to me, so I have probably been using the phrase incorrectly forever. The word “Shoo” is a verb that means “To usher in.”
"Shoo in” (as a noun) means a candidate who is very likely to win a contest or other competition.
“Shoo in” (as a adjective) describes such a candidate.
The phrase is a “shoo in” dates back to horse-racing days when you could urge — or shoo — something toward victory. Hyphenated, the word takes on a modified meaning. A “shoo-in” someone who is likely to be ushered into victory. writingexplained.org/shoo-in-or-shoe-in.
Many years ago – at least a hundred and fifty – when I began writing novels, the editors, conference speakers, and teachers would always say, “There is only one rule: There are no rules.”
Of course, they always seemed to follow that with a litany of things author should and should not do. In those days, as well as in today’s market, you can do just about anything you want from grammar and spelling to content. The caveat is: It has to work.
No one seems able to define what makes a novel “work.” Hence, an editor’s stock phrase is, “I’ll know it when I see it.”
Of course, they always seemed to follow that with a litany of things author should and should not do. In those days, as well as in today’s market, you can do just about anything you want from grammar and spelling to content. The caveat is: It has to work.
No one seems able to define what makes a novel “work.” Hence, an editor’s stock phrase is, “I’ll know it when I see it.”
BREAK THE RULES FOR A PURPOSE
Breaking the rules is okay, but first a novelists needs to know what the rules are. And for a beginner, it is usually best to follow them until you have more experience. Then, if you choose to break the rules, you should have a reason for doing so.
My message is to make fully informed choices that are not based on ignorance. There are always readers that can tell immediately.
JUST SAYIN’
Sources:
https://www.rd.com/list/words-youre-using-wrong/
https://www.rd.com/list/fancy-words-sound-smarter/
https://www.rd.com/list/mispronounced-words/
https://www.rd.com/list/words-that-make-you-sound-old/
https://www.rd.com/list/grammar-jokes/
https://www.rd.com/article/dictionary-editors-prank/
https://www.rd.com/article/oxymoron-examples/
https://grammarist.com/usage/nauseous-nauseating/
https://bestlifeonline.com/common-incorrect-sayings/
https://www.rd.com/list/grammar-jokes/
https://guidetostressless.com/words-and-phrases-that-make-someone-sound-ignorant/
https://egrammarbook.com/usage-of-on-accident-vs-by-accident/
https://grammardiary.com/usage-of-one-in-the-same-vs-one-and-the-same/
https://writingexplained.org/shoo-in-or-shoe-in
https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/phrases-that-people-get-wrong.html
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/farther
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nauseous
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ad_nauseam
https://vocabclarified.com/deep-seeded-or-deep-seated/#google_vignette
https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/deep-seated-deep-seeded-usage
https://englishsumma.com/other-ways-to-say-first-come-first-serve/
https://discover.hubpages.com/literature/Commonly-Misused-Words-Phrases-that-will-Make-You-Sound-Unprofessional
https://www.workandmoney.com/s/commonly-misused-phrases-that-will-make-you-sound-unprofessional-1923fda75f53419d
Breaking the rules is okay, but first a novelists needs to know what the rules are. And for a beginner, it is usually best to follow them until you have more experience. Then, if you choose to break the rules, you should have a reason for doing so.
My message is to make fully informed choices that are not based on ignorance. There are always readers that can tell immediately.
JUST SAYIN’
Sources:
https://www.rd.com/list/words-youre-using-wrong/
https://www.rd.com/list/fancy-words-sound-smarter/
https://www.rd.com/list/mispronounced-words/
https://www.rd.com/list/words-that-make-you-sound-old/
https://www.rd.com/list/grammar-jokes/
https://www.rd.com/article/dictionary-editors-prank/
https://www.rd.com/article/oxymoron-examples/
https://grammarist.com/usage/nauseous-nauseating/
https://bestlifeonline.com/common-incorrect-sayings/
https://www.rd.com/list/grammar-jokes/
https://guidetostressless.com/words-and-phrases-that-make-someone-sound-ignorant/
https://egrammarbook.com/usage-of-on-accident-vs-by-accident/
https://grammardiary.com/usage-of-one-in-the-same-vs-one-and-the-same/
https://writingexplained.org/shoo-in-or-shoe-in
https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/phrases-that-people-get-wrong.html
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/farther
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nauseous
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ad_nauseam
https://vocabclarified.com/deep-seeded-or-deep-seated/#google_vignette
https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/deep-seated-deep-seeded-usage
https://englishsumma.com/other-ways-to-say-first-come-first-serve/
https://discover.hubpages.com/literature/Commonly-Misused-Words-Phrases-that-will-Make-You-Sound-Unprofessional
https://www.workandmoney.com/s/commonly-misused-phrases-that-will-make-you-sound-unprofessional-1923fda75f53419d
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