May 24, 2016

The correct pronunciation of this word is “MISS-chuh-vuss,” not “miss-CHEE-vee-uss.” Don’t let that mischievous extra I sneak into the word. Back to list of errors

When you see the way some people misspell common phrases you sometimes feel you might as well give up. It’s simply amazing how many people think the standard phrase “might as well” is “minus well.” Back to list of errors

When baffled computer users phone Support they may say they have a Model AB “minus” 231. In the model name “AB-231” the linking character is a hyphen, though “dash” will do. “Minus” makes no sense in such contexts, but is so common that support personnel have begun to adopt it too. Back to list of […]

Shakespeare’s colleague and popular comic actor Will Kemp was famous for his stunt of dancing the jig from London to Norwich (about 80 miles). That’s what I think of when I see real estate ads boasting “only five minuets from downtown!” This is one of those silly typos that your spelling checker won’t catch, because […]

The preferred spelling is “minuscule.” Back to list of errors

In the US the term “minority” frequently refers to racial minorities, and is used not only for groups, but also for individuals. But many authorities object to calling a single person a minority, as in “We hired a minority for the job.” Even phrases like “women and minorities” bother some people. They think it should […]

Children are minors, but unless they are violating child-labor laws, those who work in mines are miners. Back to list of errors

A book, a person, or any other source stuffed with gems of useful knowledge is a mine of information, a metaphorical treasure trove of learning. The information involved may or may not be in someone’s mind. Back to list of errors

These are not very common words, but people who use them—especially lawyers—tend to mix them up. “Militate” is usually followed by “against” in a phrase that means “works against”: “His enthusiasm for spectacular collisions militates against his becoming a really effective air traffic controller.” “Mitigate” means almost the opposite: to make easier, to moderate. “His […]

In some dialects it’s common to say things like “you might ought to [pronounced oughta] turn off the engine before changing the spark plugs.” If you want to sound educated, you might want to avoid this combination. If you want to sound sophisticated you definitely ought to. Back to list of errors