Things that are commonly used incorrectly...

We were listening to Car Talk on the radio one day and were surprised to learn we had been adjusting our car’s side mirrors all wrong! Here’s how you’re supposed to do it: https://www.cartalk.com/sites/default/files/features/mirrors/CarTalkMirrors.pdf

Dare I mention the toilet paper roll?! The paper goes over, not under :slight_smile:

Amazon’s Echo (or other “helpers”) – you’re not supposed to sit around and say “shhh, Alexa might hear you…”

The word “bring,” for “take”.

@Sue22: Let’s get our kids together for a banana fest.

The turn signal is used incorrectly (a second before the turn or 5 minutes before turning) or not at all.

Stop signs are used incorrectly as suggestions rather than requirements.

Yellow lights mean “speed up”, right?

It’s/its, that/which, who/whom, lay/lie.

Commas placed incorrectly or not placed at all.

Responses to the question, “Do you mind…?”

@Waiting2exhale The incorrect use of bring and take used to drive my mother crazy! It’s emblazoned upon my brain, and whenever I hear it used incorrectly, which is almost everyday, I cringe…and think of her!

Incorrect use of the word decimate. The word means to reduce by 1/10. People too often use it as a fancy form of devastate, which is better suited to imply severe damage.

@Waiting2exhale, I know you’re talking about innocent fruit, but I must say that sounds rather dirty!

File this complaint under “etymological fallacy.” Language evolves.

It’s an acceptable synonym.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decimate

TIME - Nothing like the misuse of time! Ahem… :slight_smile:

Homophones, and words people think ought to be homophones.

Seen most recently in the first category: break used when the intended word was brake. Most egregious “logical” conclusion: “The car in front of me broke hard, which is why I rear-ended it.”

Seen most frequently in the second category: weary when the intended word was wary.

One word:

Chopsticks

@skieurope - sloppy usage isn’t acceptable as evolution, more like devolution.

Another word misuse - virtually. Virtually is a synonym for truly, but it’s used to mean “almost but not quite truly”, as in “this will leave your dishes virtually (but not quite…) spotless”.

And I disagree with thy point. :slight_smile:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtually

We can agree to disagree, but for me, if it’s in the dictionary, I’m good to go. Regardless, if you find the usage annoying, I’d classify them more as pet peeves than incorrectness. Fortunately (or unfortunately), the English language is not regulated by a handful of immortals such as those that exist within the Académie française who try, often in vain, to retain the “purity” of the language.

Ironic and ironical, regardless and irregardless—like nails on a chalkboard.