17 Phrases Everyone Gets Wrong but Shouldn’t
Language is powerful, but it can also trip us up. Some phrases, often heard in everyday conversations, are misused so frequently that many don’t even realize they’re saying them wrong.
While they might seem harmless, using them incorrectly can make you seem less informed or even uneducated. The good news? Recognizing and fixing these common mistakes is simple.
Here are 17 commonly misused phrases that you might want to double-check before your next conversation.
“For All Intensive Purposes”
The correct phrase is “for all intents and purposes.” The original meaning comes from legal language, emphasizing intent and purpose.
Saying “intensive” instead of “intents” changes the meaning entirely and makes the phrase nonsensical.
“I Could Care Less”
The proper phrase is “I couldn’t care less.” Saying “could care less” implies you still care to some extent, which is usually the opposite of what you mean.
This common error flips the meaning of the phrase entirely.
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“Nip It in the Butt”
The correct phrase is “nip it in the bud.” It refers to stopping something before it grows or gets out of control, like cutting a flower bud before it blooms.
“Nipping” something in the butt, while amusing, is not what you want to convey.
“One in the Same”
The correct phrase is “one and the same.” This expression emphasizes that two things are identical, not just similar. Misusing it changes its clarity and impact.
“Should of”
The proper phrase is “should have” or its contraction “should’ve.” This mistake often comes from how the contraction sounds when spoken.
However, writing “should of” is grammatically incorrect and stands out as a glaring error.
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“Escape Goat”
The correct term is “scapegoat.” A scapegoat is someone who takes the blame for others.
Adding “escape” muddles the meaning and sounds absurd, as there’s no such thing as a goat escaping responsibility!
“You've Got Another Thing Coming”
The right phrase is “you’ve got another think coming.” While the latter sounds odd, it’s the original version, emphasizing a change in thought or expectation.
“Hone In”
The accurate phrase is “home in,” meaning to focus or zero in on something, like a missile homing in on a target. “Hone” means to sharpen, which is a related but different concept.
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“Mute Point”
The correct phrase is “moot point.” A moot point refers to something debatable or irrelevant in the current context.
Saying “mute point” mistakenly implies silence, which changes the meaning entirely.
“Piece of Mind”
The right phrase is “peace of mind.” It refers to a state of mental calmness, not a fragment of your thoughts.
Mixing up these words alters the intended meaning completely.
“Wreck Havoc”
The proper phrase is “wreak havoc.” To wreak means to cause or inflict, while “wreck” refers to destruction itself.
Mixing these up confuses the meaning of the phrase.
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“Case and Point”
The correct phrase is “case in point.” It introduces an example that supports a statement. Saying “case and point” sounds awkward and incorrect.
“Chest of Drawers”
The proper term is “chest of drawers.” It’s a piece of furniture, not a “chest of draws.” The latter mispronunciation misrepresents the original phrase entirely.
“Doggy-Dog World”
The actual phrase is “dog-eat-dog world.” It refers to a competitive or ruthless environment. “Doggy-dog world” conjures up an amusing but meaningless image instead.
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“Paddle One's Own Canoe”
The accurate phrase is “paddle your own canoe.” It means to be independent and self-sufficient.
Replacing “your” with “one’s” can make the phrase sound awkward and overly formal.
“Old Timer's Disease”
The correct term is “Alzheimer’s disease.” Mispronouncing this serious medical condition trivializes it and can come across as disrespectful, even if unintentionally.
“Take It for Granite”
The correct phrase is “take it for granted.” It means to assume something will always be there without appreciating it.
Mixing it with “granite,” a type of rock, completely changes the meaning and makes it nonsensical.
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