A coupe de gras (pronounced “coop duh grah”) would be a cup of fat; what is intended is the French fencing term coup de grace (pronounced “coo duh grahss”), the final blow that puts the defeated victim out of his misery.
Friday, May 31, 2013
coupe de gras/coup de grace: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, May 31, 2013
coupe de gras/coup de grace
A coupe de gras (pronounced “coop duh grah”) would be a cup of fat; what is intended is the French fencing term coup de grace (pronounced “coo duh grahss”), the final blow that puts the defeated victim out of his misery.
A coupe de gras (pronounced “coop duh grah”) would be a cup of fat; what is intended is the French fencing term coup de grace (pronounced “coo duh grahss”), the final blow that puts the defeated victim out of his misery.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
tirimisù/tiramisù: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, May 30, 2013
tirimisù/tiramisù
Tiramisù is Italian for “pick me up,” and is the name of a popular modern Italian dessert, commonly misspelled as tirimisù, which gives it a slightly Japanese air. The Japanese love tiramisù, but although they sometimes make it with green tea rather than coffee this misspelling isn’t their fault.
Tiramisù is Italian for “pick me up,” and is the name of a popular modern Italian dessert, commonly misspelled as tirimisù, which gives it a slightly Japanese air. The Japanese love tiramisù, but although they sometimes make it with green tea rather than coffee this misspelling isn’t their fault.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
risky/risqué: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, May 29, 2013
risky/risqué
People unfamiliar with the French-derived word “risqué” (“slightly indecent”) often write “risky” by mistake. Bungee-jumping is risky, but nude bungee-jumping is risqué.
People unfamiliar with the French-derived word “risqué” (“slightly indecent”) often write “risky” by mistake. Bungee-jumping is risky, but nude bungee-jumping is risqué.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
concensus/consensus: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, May 28, 2013
concensus/consensus
You might suppose that this word had to do with taking a census of the participants in a discussion, but it doesn’t. It is a good old Latin word that has to do with arriving at a common sense of the meeting, and the fourth letter is an “S.”
Speaking of a “general consensus” is extremely common, though strictly speaking it’s a redundant expression since a consensus is by definition a general agreement.
You might suppose that this word had to do with taking a census of the participants in a discussion, but it doesn’t. It is a good old Latin word that has to do with arriving at a common sense of the meeting, and the fourth letter is an “S.”
Speaking of a “general consensus” is extremely common, though strictly speaking it’s a redundant expression since a consensus is by definition a general agreement.
Monday, May 27, 2013
dominate/dominant: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Monday, May 27, 2013
dominate/dominant
The verb is “dominate”; the adjective is “dominant.” The dominant chimpanzee tends to dominate the others.
The verb is “dominate”; the adjective is “dominant.” The dominant chimpanzee tends to dominate the others.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Isreal/Israel: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, May 26, 2013
Isreal/Israel
To remember how to spell “Israel” properly, try pronouncing it the way Israelis do when they’re speaking English: “ISS-rah-el.”
To remember how to spell “Israel” properly, try pronouncing it the way Israelis do when they’re speaking English: “ISS-rah-el.”
Saturday, May 25, 2013
contrasts/contrasts with: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, May 25, 2013
contrasts/contrasts with
“With” must not be omitted in sentences like this: “Julia’s enthusiasm for rugby contrasts with Cheryl’s devotion to chess.”
“With” must not be omitted in sentences like this: “Julia’s enthusiasm for rugby contrasts with Cheryl’s devotion to chess.”
Friday, May 24, 2013
beckon call/beck and call: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, May 24, 2013
beckon call/beck and call
This is a fine example of what linguists call “popular etymology.” People don’t understand the origins of a word or expression and make one up based on what seems logical to them. “Beck” is just an old, shortened version of “beckon.” If you are at people’s beck and call it means they can summon you whenever they want: either by gesture (beck) or speech (call).
This is a fine example of what linguists call “popular etymology.” People don’t understand the origins of a word or expression and make one up based on what seems logical to them. “Beck” is just an old, shortened version of “beckon.” If you are at people’s beck and call it means they can summon you whenever they want: either by gesture (beck) or speech (call).
Thursday, May 23, 2013
carrot on a stick/the carrot or the stick: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, May 23, 2013
carrot on a stick/the carrot or the stick
Authoritative dictionaries agree—the expression refers to offering to reward a stubborn mule or donkey with a carrot or threatening to beat it with a stick and not to a carrot being dangled from a stick. For me, the clincher is that no one actually cites the form of the “original expression.” In what imaginable context would it possibly be witty or memorable to say that someone or something had been motivated by a carrot on a stick? Why not an apple on a stick, or a bag of oats? Boring, right? Not something likely to pass into popular usage. This saying belongs to the same general family as “You can draw more flies with honey than with vinegar.” It is never used except when such contrast is implied.
Authoritative dictionaries agree—the expression refers to offering to reward a stubborn mule or donkey with a carrot or threatening to beat it with a stick and not to a carrot being dangled from a stick. For me, the clincher is that no one actually cites the form of the “original expression.” In what imaginable context would it possibly be witty or memorable to say that someone or something had been motivated by a carrot on a stick? Why not an apple on a stick, or a bag of oats? Boring, right? Not something likely to pass into popular usage. This saying belongs to the same general family as “You can draw more flies with honey than with vinegar.” It is never used except when such contrast is implied.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
discussed/disgust: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, May 22, 2013
discussed/disgust
“Discussed” is the past tense of the verb “discuss.” Don’t substitute for it the noun “disgust” in such sentences as “The couple’s wedding plans were thoroughly discussed.”
“Discussed” is the past tense of the verb “discuss.” Don’t substitute for it the noun “disgust” in such sentences as “The couple’s wedding plans were thoroughly discussed.”
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
tic/tick: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, May 21, 2013
tic/tick
The word for a spasmodic twitch or habitual quirk of speech or behavior is spelled the French way: “tic.” You may have to worry about Lyme disease if you get a bite from a tick on your face, but that spasm in your left cheek whenever the teacher calls on you is a facial tic.
The word for a spasmodic twitch or habitual quirk of speech or behavior is spelled the French way: “tic.” You may have to worry about Lyme disease if you get a bite from a tick on your face, but that spasm in your left cheek whenever the teacher calls on you is a facial tic.
Monday, May 20, 2013
repel/repulse: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Monday, May 20, 2013
repel/repulse
In most of their meanings these are synonyms, but if you are disgusted by someone, you are repelled, not repulsed. The confusion is compounded by the fact that “repellent” and “repulsive” mean the same thing. Go figure.
In most of their meanings these are synonyms, but if you are disgusted by someone, you are repelled, not repulsed. The confusion is compounded by the fact that “repellent” and “repulsive” mean the same thing. Go figure.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
fiance/fiancee: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, May 19, 2013
fiance/fiancee
Your fiance is the man you plan to marry; your fiancee (or fiancée) is the woman you plan to marry.
Your fiance is the man you plan to marry; your fiancee (or fiancée) is the woman you plan to marry.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
ways/way: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, May 18, 2013
ways/way
In some dialects it’s common to say, “You’ve got a ways to go before you’ve saved enough to buy a Miata,” but in standard English it’s “a way to go.”
In some dialects it’s common to say, “You’ve got a ways to go before you’ve saved enough to buy a Miata,” but in standard English it’s “a way to go.”
Friday, May 17, 2013
exact same/exactly the same: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, May 17, 2013
exact same/exactly the same
In casual speech we often say things like, “The shirt he gave me was the exact same kind I’d thrown away the week before”; but in formal English the phrase is “exactly the same,” as in, “The shirt he gave me was exactly the same kind I’d thrown away the week before.”
In casual speech we often say things like, “The shirt he gave me was the exact same kind I’d thrown away the week before”; but in formal English the phrase is “exactly the same,” as in, “The shirt he gave me was exactly the same kind I’d thrown away the week before.”
Thursday, May 16, 2013
crevice/crevasse: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, May 16, 2013
crevice/crevasse
Crevices are by definition tiny, like that little crevice between your teeth where the popcorn hulls always get caught. A huge crack in a glacier is given the French spelling: crevasse.
Crevices are by definition tiny, like that little crevice between your teeth where the popcorn hulls always get caught. A huge crack in a glacier is given the French spelling: crevasse.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
regard/regards: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, May 15, 2013
regard/regards
Business English is deadly enough without scrambling it. “As regards your downsizing plan . . .” is acceptable, if stiff. “In regard to” and “with regard to” are also correct. But “in regards to” is nonstandard. You can also convey the same idea with “in respect to” or “with respect to.”
Business English is deadly enough without scrambling it. “As regards your downsizing plan . . .” is acceptable, if stiff. “In regard to” and “with regard to” are also correct. But “in regards to” is nonstandard. You can also convey the same idea with “in respect to” or “with respect to.”
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
sarcastic/ironic: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, May 14, 2013
sarcastic/ironic
Not all ironic comments are sarcastic. Sarcasm is meant to mock or wound. Irony can be amusing without being maliciously aimed at hurting anyone.
Not all ironic comments are sarcastic. Sarcasm is meant to mock or wound. Irony can be amusing without being maliciously aimed at hurting anyone.
Monday, May 13, 2013
jam/jamb: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Monday, May 13, 2013
jam/jamb
The only common use for the word “jamb” is to label the vertical part of the frame of a door or window. It comes from the French word for “leg”; think of the two side pieces of the frame as legs on either side of the opening. For all other uses, it’s “jam”: stuck in a jam, traffic jam, logjam, jam session, etc.
The only common use for the word “jamb” is to label the vertical part of the frame of a door or window. It comes from the French word for “leg”; think of the two side pieces of the frame as legs on either side of the opening. For all other uses, it’s “jam”: stuck in a jam, traffic jam, logjam, jam session, etc.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
wander/wonder: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, May 12, 2013
wander/wonder
If you idly travel around, you wander. If you realize you’re lost, you wonder where you are.
If you idly travel around, you wander. If you realize you’re lost, you wonder where you are.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
tentative: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, May 11, 2013
tentative
This is often all-too-tentatively pronounced “tennative.” Sound all three T’s.
This is often all-too-tentatively pronounced “tennative.” Sound all three T’s.
Friday, May 10, 2013
respond back/respond, reply: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, May 10, 2013
respond back/respond, reply
It’s possible that some people think they have to write “respond back” to distinguish a reply from other kinds of responses, like groaning and cursing, or chucking a request in the wastebasket; but most of the time the context makes perfectly clear that “respond” means “answer” and the “back” is redundant. Or you can just say “reply.”
It’s possible that some people think they have to write “respond back” to distinguish a reply from other kinds of responses, like groaning and cursing, or chucking a request in the wastebasket; but most of the time the context makes perfectly clear that “respond” means “answer” and the “back” is redundant. Or you can just say “reply.”
Thursday, May 9, 2013
one of the (singular): Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, May 9, 2013
one of the (singular)
In phrases like “pistachio is one of the few flavors that appeals to me,” I think you should use the singular form for the verb “appeals” because its subject is “one,” not “flavors.” However, note that usage experts are all over the place on this subject and you’re not likely to get into much trouble by using the plural, and some authorities absolutely prefer it.
In phrases like “pistachio is one of the few flavors that appeals to me,” I think you should use the singular form for the verb “appeals” because its subject is “one,” not “flavors.” However, note that usage experts are all over the place on this subject and you’re not likely to get into much trouble by using the plural, and some authorities absolutely prefer it.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
wheelbarrel/wheelbarrow: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, May 8, 2013
wheelbarrel/wheelbarrow
One very old meaning of the word “barrow” is an open container for carrying people or goods. The earliest barrows were carried by two people holding handles on either end. Add a wheel to one end and you have a wheelbarrow which can be handled by a single person. The word is also sometimes applied to two-wheeled versions.
The word has nothing to do with barrels.
One very old meaning of the word “barrow” is an open container for carrying people or goods. The earliest barrows were carried by two people holding handles on either end. Add a wheel to one end and you have a wheelbarrow which can be handled by a single person. The word is also sometimes applied to two-wheeled versions.
The word has nothing to do with barrels.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
moreso/more so: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, May 7, 2013
moreso/more so
“More so” should always be spelled as two distinct words. It is also overused and misused. Wherever possible, stick with plain “more.”
“More so” should always be spelled as two distinct words. It is also overused and misused. Wherever possible, stick with plain “more.”
Monday, May 6, 2013
to where/so much that, to the point that: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Monday, May 6, 2013
to where/so much that, to the point that
Complains Fred, “Mac kept borrowing my tools to where I couldn’t finish fixing the front porch.” This sort of use of “to where” to mean “so much that” or “to the point that” is not standard English. The meaning is more about when than where.
Complains Fred, “Mac kept borrowing my tools to where I couldn’t finish fixing the front porch.” This sort of use of “to where” to mean “so much that” or “to the point that” is not standard English. The meaning is more about when than where.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
meantime/meanwhile: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, May 5, 2013
meantime/meanwhile
Although most authorities now consider these words interchangeable, some people still prefer to use “meanwhile” when it stands alone at the beginning of a sentence: “Meanwhile the dog buried the baby’s pacifier in the garden.” They prefer “meantime” to be used only in the expression “in the meantime”: “In the meantime, the dog chewed up my last tennis ball.”
Although most authorities now consider these words interchangeable, some people still prefer to use “meanwhile” when it stands alone at the beginning of a sentence: “Meanwhile the dog buried the baby’s pacifier in the garden.” They prefer “meantime” to be used only in the expression “in the meantime”: “In the meantime, the dog chewed up my last tennis ball.”
Saturday, May 4, 2013
bologna/baloney: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, May 4, 2013
bologna/baloney
“Bologna” is the name of a city in Italy, pronounced “boh-LOAN-ya.” But although in English the sausage named after the city is spelled the same, it is pronounced “buh-LOAN-ee” and is often spelled “baloney.” Either spelling is acceptable for the sliced meat product.
Then there is the expression “a bunch of baloney.” “Baloney” in this case probably originated as a euphemism for “BS.” When it means “nonsense,” the standard spelling is “baloney.” People who write “bunch of bologna” are making a pun or are just being pretentious.
_______________
For a meaty discussion of this word, Ben Zimmer gives us the history.
“Bologna” is the name of a city in Italy, pronounced “boh-LOAN-ya.” But although in English the sausage named after the city is spelled the same, it is pronounced “buh-LOAN-ee” and is often spelled “baloney.” Either spelling is acceptable for the sliced meat product.
Then there is the expression “a bunch of baloney.” “Baloney” in this case probably originated as a euphemism for “BS.” When it means “nonsense,” the standard spelling is “baloney.” People who write “bunch of bologna” are making a pun or are just being pretentious.
_______________
For a meaty discussion of this word, Ben Zimmer gives us the history.
Friday, May 3, 2013
awhile/a while: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, May 3, 2013
awhile/a while
When “awhile” is spelled as a single word, it is an adverb meaning “for a time” (“stay awhile”); but when “while” is the object of a prepositional phrase, like “Lend me your monkey wrench for a while,” the “while” must be separated from the “a.” (But if the preposition “for” were lacking in this sentence, “awhile” could be used in this way: “Lend me your monkey wrench awhile.”)
When “awhile” is spelled as a single word, it is an adverb meaning “for a time” (“stay awhile”); but when “while” is the object of a prepositional phrase, like “Lend me your monkey wrench for a while,” the “while” must be separated from the “a.” (But if the preposition “for” were lacking in this sentence, “awhile” could be used in this way: “Lend me your monkey wrench awhile.”)
Thursday, May 2, 2013
enormity/enormousness: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, May 2, 2013
enormity/enormousness
Originally these two words were synonymous, but “enormity” got whittled down to meaning something monstrous or outrageous. Don’t wonder at the “enormity” of the Palace of Versailles unless you wish to express horror at this embodiment of Louis XIV’s ego.
Originally these two words were synonymous, but “enormity” got whittled down to meaning something monstrous or outrageous. Don’t wonder at the “enormity” of the Palace of Versailles unless you wish to express horror at this embodiment of Louis XIV’s ego.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
pen/pin: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, May 1, 2013
pen/pin
In the dialect of many Texans and some of their neighbors “pen” is pronounced almost exactly like “pin.” When speaking to an audience outside this zone, it’s worth learning to make the distinction to avoid confusion.
In the dialect of many Texans and some of their neighbors “pen” is pronounced almost exactly like “pin.” When speaking to an audience outside this zone, it’s worth learning to make the distinction to avoid confusion.
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