15 Common Phrases (Almost) Everyone Gets Wrong
If mistaken words are used often enough, they start to be misheard, misquoted, and misunderstood. Here are some of the most commonly misused phrases — and the correct versions with examples to help you get them right.
1. Did a 360
Incorrect: “I did a 360” (this means you’re back where you started).
Correct: “Did a 180.”
Sample sentence: After years of bad habits, she did a 180 and turned her life around.
2. Escape Goat
Incorrect: “Escape goat.”
Correct: “Scapegoat.”
Sample sentence: He became the scapegoat for the team’s failure, even though it wasn’t his fault.
3. First-Come, First-Serve
Incorrect: “First-come, first-serve.”
Correct: “First-come, first-served.”
Sample sentence: The event is first-come, first-served, so arrive early to get a seat.
4. For All Intensive Purposes
Incorrect: “For all intensive purposes.”
Correct: “For all intents and purposes.”
Sample sentence: For all intents and purposes, the project was a success.
5. Hunger Pains
Incorrect: “Hunger pains.”
Correct: “Hunger pangs.”
Sample sentence: After skipping breakfast, I started feeling hunger pangs by mid-morning.
6. I Could Care Less
Incorrect: “I could care less.”
Correct: “I couldn’t care less.”
Sample sentence: I couldn’t care less about the latest celebrity gossip.
7. Nip It in the Butt
Incorrect: “Nip it in the butt.”
Correct: “Nip it in the bud.”
Sample sentence: We need to nip this problem in the bud before it gets out of control.
8. On Tender Hooks
Incorrect: “On tender hooks.”
Correct: “On tenterhooks.”
Sample sentence: I’ve been on tenterhooks waiting for the job interview results.
9. Pass Mustard
Incorrect: “Pass mustard.”
Correct: “Pass muster.”
Sample sentence: Her work didn’t pass muster with the manager.
10. You’ve Got Another Thing Coming
Incorrect: “You’ve got another thing coming.”
Correct: “You’ve got another think coming.”
Sample sentence: If you think I’ll forgive you that easily, you’ve got another think coming.
11. Biting My Time
Incorrect: “Biting my time.”
Correct: “Biding my time.”
Sample sentence: I’m just biding my time until the perfect opportunity comes along.
12. Case and Point
Incorrect: “Case and point.”
Correct: “Case in point.”
Sample sentence: Social media addiction is a serious problem — case in point, my sister spends six hours a day on her phone.
13. Take It for Granite
Incorrect: “Take it for granite.”
Correct: “Take it for granted.”
Sample sentence: Don’t take your friends for granted; they’re your biggest support system.
14. Should of
Incorrect: “Should of.”
Correct: “Should have.”
Sample sentence: You should have told me about the deadline sooner.
15. Deep-Seated
Incorrect: “Deep-seeded.”
Correct: “Deep-seated.”
Sample sentence: Her deep-seated fear of failure stopped her from taking risks.
Understanding these commonly confused phrases can help you improve your communication and avoid embarrassing mistakes. Share this list with friends to spread the knowledge!
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