Grammar Grappler #26: Is it “free rein” or “free reign”?
A fellow Amory Panther brought this confusing word pair to my attention through Facebook. Let’s see how well you choose the correct word in this sentence: Read more
Grammar Grappler #25: Start is the New Begin
Are you starting something or beginning something? Read more
Grammar Grappler #18: Are you running the gauntlet or running the gamut?
This confusing phrase pair was not even on my RADAR until a reader brought it up. And, when I found out what running the gauntlet really means, I was appalled. I definitely won’t be using that expression again. Read more
Grammar Grappler #15: Let’s Go to Walmarts
It’s Walmart. Read more
Grammar Grappler #13: Windshield Wipers
During a recent lunch with a couple of speaking colleagues, I asked them about funny words and expressions they hear mispronounced. One of my friends admitted she had called “windshield wipers” something else for many years. She had been calling them “windshield swipers” until someone pulled her aside and politely pointed out the error of her ways. Read more
Grammar Grappler #10: Don’t Get Flustrated with this Post
One of my speaking colleagues and I were having lunch with a new friend yesterday, and my new friend mentioned seeing the blog on “for all intents and purposes.” The conversation quickly turned to other mispronounced expressions, and we had quite a list going. This week’s word is perhaps one of my favorites because I had forgotten about it. It’s when people say “flustrated” instead of “frustrated.” Read more
Grammar Grappler #10: Chester Drawers
This weeks’ blog spot is short and sweet.
How do you pronounce this piece of furniture?
.
.
.
.
Answer: chest of drawers
As a child, I called it a “chester drawers.” Fortunately, someone kindly corrected me before I entered college.
However, I am not alone. So many people to this day say “chester drawers,” even as adults. Someone close to me (and older than I) called it a “chester drawers” last week. Even a furniture store rep pronounced it that way not too long ago. I used to believe it was a Southern tendency, but I have discovered in my travels that other regions of the country go furniture shopping for a bed, night stand, dresser—and “chester drawers.”
Which other mispronunciations come to mind from childhood?
Certified Speaking Professional Mandi Stanley works with business leaders who want to boost their professional image by becoming better speakers and writers through interactive high-content keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, technical writing seminars, and fun proofreading classes.
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Photo by Rumman Amin on Unsplash
Grammar Grappler #7: Could Care Less versus Couldn’t Care Less
“Well, I could care less.” Read more
Grammar Grappler #5: Readers Share Mispronunciations
Last week I shared a word I found out I had been saying incorrectly for more than four decades:
Sherbet
After telling my “sher-bert” story, I asked you to chime in with similar examples. You did not disappoint! We’ve had so much fun these past few days sharing some hilarious stories and examples, and I appreciate all of your input.
For fun, I’m sharing a few of the most common mispronounced terms according to the blog’s readership. See if you can relate.
One reader shared she recently had a coworker take her aside and say, “You know, it’s ‘for all intents and purposes,’ not ‘for all intensive purposes.’”
NO: for all intensive purposes
YES: for all intents and purposes
Another reader said he still calls his bedroom furniture “chester drawers,” even though he knows better now.
NO: chester drawers
YES: chest of drawers
Last Friday I spoke at a statewide association of REALTORS® leadership retreat. They were the first to speak up and give examples of how many people mispronounce their job title. It’s two syllables, not three.
NO: re-la-tor
YES: REAL-TOR
And who can forget Joey Tribbiani’s classic mispronunciation of “supposably” on Friends.
NO: supposably
YES: supposedly
Let’s keep this thread going. I’m sure you have other relatable examples you can share—at least, supposedly.
To customize a keynote or professional development session that will have your audience laughing and learning, contact Mandi Stanley.
Certified Speaking Professional Mandi Stanley works with business leaders who want to boost their professional image by becoming better speakers and writers through interactive high-content keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, technical writing seminars, and fun proofreading classes.
You might also like:
How Do You Handle Virtual Meeting Whiners?
Use this App to Capture Fresh Presentation Ideas
Wacky Word of the Week: Purge this Particular Word
To customize a keynote or professional development session that will have your audience laughing and learning, contact Mandi Stanley.
Certified Speaking Professional Mandi Stanley works with business leaders who want to boost their professional image by becoming better speakers and writers through interactive high-content keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, technical writing seminars, and fun proofreading classes.
You might also like:
How Do You Handle Virtual Meeting Whiners?
Use this App to Capture Fresh Presentation Ideas
Wacky Word of the Week: Purge this Particular Word
Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash
That’s a Whole “Nuther” Story
Twice this week I’ve heard professional speakers and broadcasters use the word “nuther.” But, I’m posting this blog today because for the first time I saw someone actually write it in a report: nuther. Read more
