Bailey’s Hi-5: 5 Words/Phrases that We Use Incorrectly

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The English language can be incredibly tricky and these are some common errors we make.

 

  1. Literally. People use this word in the wrong way all the time. People will say: I’ll literally die if I don’t get my coffee right now. Or there were literally a million emails in my inbox. I’m pretty sure you are not going to die if you don’t get your coffee. Literally means that something is actually literal.
  2. Infamous. What people think it means: A synonym for ‘famous.’ What it really means: Well-known for a bad quality or deed. I recently saw a club advertise it’s infamous chill out sessions. I know they were probably meaning that it’s their famous or popular chill out sessions, but infamous means a bad thing… like they’re really bad chill out sessions – with a bad reputation.
  3. For all intents and purposes. Incorrect: For all intensive purposes. Correct: For all intents and purposes — meaning “in effect.” Example: For all intents and purposes, the beaches are open today.
  4. Dilemma. What people think it means: A problem. What it really means: A choice between two equally undesirable options.Example: I had to choose between eating asparagus and broccoli — it was a dilemma.
  5. Without further ado. Incorrect: Without further adieu — which means goodbye in French. Correct: Without further ado — meaning without further delay. Example: Without further ado, here are my favorite products of the year.

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