Most of us have no idea whether we’ve misused or misspelled a word. Otherwise, we wouldn’t do it, right?
This humorous chart includes eight sets of words that often cause confusion. Are you guilty of any of these infractions? If so, study the examples and become a pro at using these words correctly!
Source: Online Schooling
Note: If “flammable vs. inflammable” still seems confusing, even with the cartoon, here’s a good explanation of the difference.
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Several words in the chart are homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings). Do homophones regularly give you or your children trouble? Consider All About Homophones, a wonderful resource that clearly teaches spelling rules with fun games and activities. Contains exercises for grades 1-8, and Mom can learn right along!
8 comments ↓
Ok, is it just me or is the use of the word “irregardless” so common yet so wrong? Really, what does “ir-regardless” mean that “regardless” doesn’t?
Not just you, Crystal. My dad drummed the “irregardless” no-no into my head from the time I uttered my first word!
Regardless versus Irregardless
Well, “irregardless” of the common usage, I must “complement” you on your “flare” for humor in presenting this issue. “Its” amazing how we “except” so many errors in speaking these days. ;D
Hehe, JoJo. I can always count on you to have fun with these posts!
I love this stuff, Kim. It reminds me of some of the grammar posters at The Oatmeal. I reposted and gave you credit.
I’m also wondering if dictionaries are caving to popular usage of “lay” as an intransitive verb. I almost never hear anyone say, “I’m going to lie down.” And no one tells their dog to “lie down!” either. I think that’s an example of where common “mis-usage” eventually wins out and becomes accepted usage.
I’m going to look it up as soon as I get off of blogs today!
Brian: It’s no wonder that some blogs are entirely devoted to this sort of stuff! I just like the amusement factor, myself.
[...] Credit to the good folks at In Our Write Minds for posting the cool graphic below. It’s a handy reminder about commonly confused [...]
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