Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Websites for Writers

Not a major website this time. But check out this list of the top 10 misused English words. I have to admit, there were some new ones for me. Instant—yeah, that makes sense. Enormity—whoa. Did not realize that. Refute—okay, it’s specific to evidence.

The others I was pretty much up on, although in all honesty, I only knew about decimate because I read THE ZOMBIE WARS. And although I realize it’s wrong, I still use less and disinterested incorrectly. I know. Shameful.

Language habits are funny. One misuse of a word can spread like a disease, one that’s highly contagious but not fatal. I don't think we have much to worry about because it takes quite a while for a word’s meaning to change even slightly. As those of you who actually read my etymology posts should know.

Are there any words you can’t help using incorrectly? Does it drive you crazy when someone says “I was so shocked my jaw literally hit the floor?” No? Just me then?
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8 comments:

  1. LizJune 14, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    I'm just sick of "literally" whether its used correctly or not. Or rather, I should say overused.

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  2. erica and christyJune 14, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    loved this! tweeted it. and you are FAST with posting our giveaway on the sidebar! thanks SO much! and sorry we don't have a button...love that you used the wineglasses! :0) christy

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  3. SuJune 14, 2011 at 7:18 PM

    I see me doing a lot of smiling (or shaking my head) when I visit his site. I'm with Liz on the "literally" thing. And I'm happy to say that I also know what "decimated" means, so much so that last semester when one of my instructors described how a village was completely wiped out and then told us, "They were literally decimated," it was all I could do not to shriek. Instead, I said "No, they weren't," to the guy next to me. ;)

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  4. Susan KaneJune 14, 2011 at 9:03 PM

    Lately, I have been randomly pulling out books at the store, and reading the first page. It is horrifying. Language is being slaughtered on the page.

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  5. Jennifer HillierJune 14, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    For some reason, I cringe when someone says "irregardless." The word just sounds weird to me.

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  6. CrystalJune 15, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    I confess: I'm guilty of mis-using the word 'literally' for hyperbolic purposes, too... *hangs head*

    I'm going to check out that website...

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  7. JoleneJune 16, 2011 at 3:54 AM

    Great list :) Enormity made me go whoa, too. Ooh, and I'm with @Jennifer, "irregardless" creeps me out..!

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  8. lbdiamondJune 16, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    Hahaha! I totally hate it when people use the word "orientated" when speaking. Can't. Stand. It. Don't care if it's the new vernacular. Geez. ;)

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Please validate me.

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