14 thoughts on “Common Word Mistakes

    1. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen similar lists to this that argue the opposite. It’s a colloquialism so I would just avoid it in anything formal. “Thing” makes more sense grammatically, but you’re probably correct that “think” is the original version of the phrase.

  1. It’s “free rein,” not “free reign.” Also “rein in,” not “reign in” (or “rain in”) It refers to a horse being free from its reins or being pulled in by them. It has nothing to do with being in charge.

  2. “Might have/Should have” not “Might of/Should of”
    “For all intents and purposes” not “For all intensive purposes”
    “Whet” your appetite not “Wet” your appetite

  3. Pallet – a simple or makeshift bed, or the flat wooden object used in warehouses for loading things on

    Palate – the roof of the mouth, or metaphorically, the sense of taste

    Palette – the flat object used by painters to mix their colors on, and to keep a selection of colors at hand to paint with; by extension, the assortment of colors used by an artist or designer

  4. Complimentary with an “i” is used to describe something that is given free, such as complimentary tickets or complimentary salsa at a restaurant or something positive or flattering2. Complementary with an “e” means something that enhances or completes something else. The cartoon is TOTALLY wrong…

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