Have you ever been surprised to find the expression you’re using or the quote you’re repeating isn’t at all what you thought it was? Try these out:
Wrong Phrase: I could care less.
Correct Phrase: I couldn’t care less.
Think about could vs. couldn’t. If you already don’t care, saying you couldn’t care less would be the appropriate way to tell someone you really, really don’t care.
Wrong Quote: Luke, I am your father.
Correct Quote: No, I am your father.
Possibly the most misquoted movie line of all time. In their clash toward the end of The Empire Strikes Back, Darth Vader does indeed inform Luke of his paternity rights to the Jedi; he doesn’t use his name when he tells him.
Wrong Phrase: For all intensive purposes.
Correct Phrase: For all intents and purposes.
I mean, if your purposes are strong and forceful, go with it, but if you’re alluding to the significance and practicality of something, one makes more sense than the other.
Wrong Quote: If you build it, they will come.
Correct Quote: If you build it, he will come.
In the iconic movie Field of Dreams, Ray Kinsella (played by Kevin Costner) hears a voice that insists he build a baseball field in his front yard. And the whole purpose of the field – while a bunch of other deceased legends do show up to play – is so Ray can have a game of catch… with his dad.
Communication can be a challenge sometimes. What we mean to say isn’t always what comes out, and what comes out isn’t always what we meant to say. But if we take the time and make the investment, we quickly discover how valuable a tool it is in strengthening our relationships… all our relationships!
Looking forward to seeing you Wednesday night!