Do you think you’ve got everyday English down? Think again. These sneaky phrases trip up even the best of us.
Let’s be honest — most of us don’t speak the Queen’s English when firing off texts, Slack messages, or even emails. Casual conversation is a playground of comfort, convenience… and frequent mistakes. But don’t worry — a few quick fixes can help you sound more polished without coming off as stuffy.
Here are 10 casual phrases you might be using incorrectly — and the right way to say them:
1. “For all intensive purposes”
What you probably mean: For all intents and purposes
Why it’s wrong: “Intensive” relates to intensity. The original phrase means “in every practical sense.”
2. “I could care less”
Correct version: I couldn’t care less
Why it matters: Saying you could care less implies you still care, not the dismissiveness you probably intended.
3. “Nip it in the butt”
Correct version: Nip it in the bud
Origin alert: This phrase comes from gardening — stopping something early, like a flower bud, not a… behind.
4. “One in the same”
Correct version: One and the same
Why it’s wrong: The mistaken version implies one item exists inside the other. The correct phrase emphasizes two things being identical.
5. “Supposably”
Correct version: Supposedly
Why it’s a big deal: “Supposably” is a word, but it means “conceivably,” which is likely not what you meant.
6. “You’ve got another thing coming”
Correct version: You’ve got another think coming
Yup, really: It initially followed, “If you think that, you’ve got another think coming.” Sounds weird, but that’s the original.
7. “I made a complete 360.”
Correct version: I made a complete 180
Why it’s backward: A 360-degree turn lands you back where you started, not a change at all.
8. “Baited breath”
Correct version: Bated breath
What’s ‘bated’?It means “restrained” — as in holding your breath. “Baited” breath is what worms fear.
9. “Each one worse than the next”
Correct version: Each one is worse than the last
Why? “Next” points forward. You can’t compare something to what hasn’t happened yet.
10. “Irregardless”
Correct version: Regardless
Common trap: “Irregardless” is often used, but it’s not standard English. It adds an unnecessary “ir-” to an already negative word.
So… Should You Fix Them?
Not all casual mistakes need correcting, especially in informal settings. Language evolves, and sometimes, phrases take on a life of their own. While some words are technically incorrect, they’ve become widely accepted in casual writing, especially in messages, emails, or even while browsing online platforms like this during your downtime.
The key is knowing your audience. A quick message to your friend on Slack? No big deal. A professional report or cover letter? That’s where precision matters most.
And hey, if you’re kicking back, casually exploring quirky grammar fixes while also scouting for fun distractions (like this surprisingly budget-friendly entertainment option), your downtime is being put to excellent use.
Final Tip:
When in doubt, Google the phrase — or double-check with tools like Grammarly. Casual doesn’t have to mean careless.
Lexy Summer is a talented writer with a deep passion for the art of language and storytelling. With a background in editing and content creation, Lexy has honed her skills in crafting clear, engaging, and grammatically flawless writing.
