English Grammar Demystified - A Self Teaching Guide

CHAPTER 11 Correct Word Usage^257

8. After the hurricane, one of the main tasks was to the
   victims.


9. Today, workers are judged on how much work they.


10. If I try hard enough, I can always fi nd an for my lateness.

Incorrectly Used Words and Phrases

We all know of words or phrases that are frequently misused. For example, consider
the use of anxious and eager. These two words are misused on a regular basis.

Incorrect: I’m anxious to meet your family.

Do you mean that you are nervous,worried, or uneasy about meeting the family? If
you do, then use the word anxious—think anxiety. If not, choose a more precise
word.

Correct: I’m eager to meet your family.

Are you excited,ready, or enthusiastic to meet the family? That’s what eager
means.

COMMON ERRORS

The following word is misused so much that it may—someday, but not yet—fi nd it’s way

into accepted usage. Until it is fully accepted, use the correct form—regardless. Think of

irregardless—the incorrect form—as containing a double negative: ir means “not” and less

means “without.” You don’t need that many negatives to express the thought.

Incorrect: I’m going irregardless of the weather. (... not without regard to the weather?)

Correct: I’m going regardless of the weather.