Do you find yourself surprised when you stumble upon a LinkedIn profile of a high-level executive, or a prominent website only to find that it contains silly grammar mistakes?
We are surprised when we see these things too, and we’ve been finding more and more silly grammatical errors in publications and profiles all over the web.
Are these errors an indication of lack of intelligence? Or are they just silly mistakes that the writer is oblivious to?
LifeDaily has explored the most common grammar errors that even smart people make, compiled by Byron Reese the CEO of Knowingly. Reese got these errors from Correctica, a tool that scans websites looking for errors that spell checkers miss:
13. Piece of mind
Correct phrase- Peace of mind
This is such a common mistake that people make, but the term “piece” of mind, actually means taking out parts of your brain. “Peace” of mind translates to the meaning you are trying to convey which is calmness and tranquility of the mind.
12. I could care less
Correct phrase: I couldn’t care less
“I could care less” translates to it being impossible for you to care less about this because you have no more cares to give. “I couldn’t care less,” is the correct phrase which means you have maximum apathy towards a situation, which translates to you being indifferent, or having a lack of interest or concern.
11. For all intensive purposes
Correct phrase: For all intents and purposes
I know we’ve hardly ever seen anyone use this phrase correctly, but it is indeed the right one. “For all intents and purposes” originates from 1500s English law which stated “to all intents, constructions and purposes,” which basically means “officially” or “effectively.”
10. One in the same
Correct phrase: One and the same
“One in the same” would literally translate to “one” is inside of the same thing as myself, which makes absolutely no sense. The correct phrase “one and the same,” means the same thing or the same person. It’s only a one word difference, but like all of these phrases, it makes a huge difference in the meaning you’re trying to convey.
9. Make due
Correct phrase: Make do
To say something is due means that it is owed. To “make due” translates to “make owed,” which is incorrect. The correct phrase “make do” means “to make something do well” or “to make something sufficient.” When life gives you lemons, you make do and make lemonade.
8. By in large
Correct phrase: By and large
While “by and large” doesn’t have a literal meaning that makes sense, it was first used back in 1706 to mean “in general.” “By and large” is a nautical phrase derived from sailing, and it is the correct one.
7. Do diligence
Correct phrase: Due diligence
The correct phrase “due diligence” is a business and legal term that means you will investigate a person or business before signing a contract with them, or before you formally engage in a business deal together.
6. Case and point
Correct phrase: Case in point
“Case in point” derives its meaning from a dialect of Old French, and while it may not make any logical sense today, it is still the correct phrase.
5. Alot and a lot
Correct spelling- A lot
Spell check usually corrects this, or at least puts a red squiggly line underneath the word to show that it’s incorrect. Surprisingly however, people are still making this common grammatical error.
4. Loose and lose
Loose used correctly in a sentence is “loose change clinking in your pocket,” or “my pants are too loose.” Lose is what happens when you can’t find your keys, or you’ve been beat in a game.
3. Overuse of apostrophes
Many people overuse apostrophes, for example, if you want to refer to your whole family but don’t want to list everyone’s first name, you would say “The Browns” not “The Brown’s.” Years also should not have apostrophes for example “1980s” is correct but “1980’s” is incorrect.
2. Sneak peak
Correct phrase: Sneak peek
A “peak” is a mountain top, and a “peek” is a quick look. The correct expression is “sneak peek,” meaning a secret or early look at something.
1. Deep-seeded
Correct phrase: Deep-seated
While “deep-seeded” might seem like it makes sense, it actually indicates that something is planted deep in the ground, which is usually not the meaning you are trying to convey, unless you are a farmer. The correct phrase “deep-seated” indicates that something is firmly established.
We hope that this article has inspired you to use phrases correctly. What’s funny is, in using them correctly, people will probably tell you that you are wrong because they are so used to using and seeing these phrases incorrectly.
Be sure to pass the knowledge along and share this article!
[Featured Image Credit: LinkedIn- Matt Secrist]
13 Silly Grammar Mistakes Even Smart People Make is a post from: LifeDaily