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.

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To customize a keynote or professional development session that will have your audience laughing and learning, contact Mandi Stanley.