What did she just say? Words that are mispronounced and poor grammar can influence people’s opinion of you and your education level. For example, just because the word “ain’t” is in the dictionary doesn’t mean you should use it. The dictionary will tell you if the word is spelled correctly. That doesn’t necessarily mean the usage of the word itself is “proper” or viewed in a positive light if you say it. Over the years, many slang words have been added to our dictionaries.
I am not an English major, but here is my shortlist of mispronounced words:
- The words are “wasn’t, business, isn’t, and didn’t” not “wadn’t, bidness, idn’t, and din’t.”
- “I have a ways to go” should be “I have a way to go.”
- The “t” in the word “often” is silent. You will find both pronunciations in the dictionary but in the United States; the silent “t” version is preferred. It’s “off-en” not “off- ten”.
- The word is regardless, not irregardless.
- This is important for all pageant girls to know. The word is “jewelry” (jewel- ree) not “jew-ler-ee”. No extra syllable.
- It is “with” not “wit”.
- It is “that” not “dat”.
- “Ask” me something but don’t “ax” me. Pronounce that “s”
- Say all the consonants in the word “important”. I’m going to have a hard time taking you seriously if you say the word “im-poor-unt”.
- Do say “across”, don’t say “acrossed”.
- The place where we borrow books is the “library” not the “ly-berry.”
- ESCAPE / ESPRESSO / ET CETERA
• Incorrect pronunciation: ex – cape / ex – presso / ex – set – err – uh
• Correct pronunciation: ess – cape / ess – presso / ett – set – err – uh
- FOR ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES
• Incorrect pronunciation: “for all intensive purposes”
• Correct pronunciation: “for all intents and purposes”
- SHERBET
• Incorrect pronunciation: sherr – berrt
• Correct pronunciation: sherr – bet
