Common Mistakes about 12 Common Phrases
Hear, hear—don’t write “here, here” if you’re referring to the phrase expressing approval. Don’t take my word for it, check out the dictionary. The expression, which goes back to the 17th century, is short for “hear this, hear this.”
Many common phrases are also subject to common mistakes. I rounded up 12 of these easily confused phrases. Take note of them, especially if you’re a writer.
#1 Wrong: Another thing coming
Right: Another think coming
#2 Wrong: By in large
Right: By and large
#3 Wrong: Case and point
Right: Case in point
#4 Wrong: Cut and dry
Right: Cut and dried
#5 Wrong: Extract revenge
Right: Exact revenge (Exact means to demand, while extract means to take out.)
#6 Wrong: Here, here!
Right: Hear, hear!
#7 Wrong: Mute point
Right: Moot point (Moot means doubtful, while mute means silent.)
#8 Wrong: One in the same
Right: One and the same
#9 Wrong: Piece of mind (This doesn’t refer to serenity.)
Right:Peace of mind
#10 Wrong: Shoe-in
Right: Shoo-in
#11 Wrong: Slight of hand
Right:Sleight of hand
#12 Wrong: Wet your appetite
Right:Whet your appetite
Read this related article:
The Persistent Misuse of “Enormity” and 27 Other Commonly Confused Words
Note: I’ve updated this post, first published on my old blog on Feb. 24, 2016, from a list of 10 to 12 common mistakes.