It’s very common to find ourselves in a situation where we have used the wrong word, whether by accident or because we genuinely weren’t aware of the appropriate term. This happens to everyone on occasion, however, what is it that you’re supposed to call the use of the wrong word?
What Is It Called When You Use The Wrong Word?
There is a particular variety of terms and phrases that can describe the moment or incident when we use the wrong word. For the purposes of this article, we will be taking an in-depth look at the following ten terms in particular:
- Malapropism
- Catachresis
- Miswording
- Typo
- Eggcorn
- Solecism
- Misuse
- Infelicity
- Slip Of The Tongue
- Error
The preferred version that we are going to highlight is “malapropism”. This is because the term “malapropism” is the best and most accurate way of describing the incident when we use the wrong word – whether in speech or written context.
Malapropism
“Malapropism” is both a formal and professional term that we can utilize. Cambridge Dictionary defines “malapropism” as the wrong use of one word instead of another word because they sound similar to each other, with results that are unintentionally funny.
Therefore, a “malapropism” may be an instance of incorrect use of a word, but it’s done so in an innocently amusing way.
Here are a few examples that showcase the use of this term in a sentence:
- I had the funniest malapropism occur today when I was speaking to my dance instructor. I said I wanted to dance the flamingo, as opposed to the flamenco.
- An excellent example of malapropism is; Jesus cured the leopards, instead of saying, Jesus cured the lepers.
- It’s okay if you slip up and have a malapropism moment – you just need to learn from the situation for future use.
Catachresis
Another phenomenally formal and professional alternate term that we can choose to use is “catachresis”. The term “catachresis” is defined as the use of a word in a way that is not at all correct or proper. This makes it an incredibly applicable synonym for “using the wrong word”.
An example of “catachresis” would be to use the word mitigate in place of mediate or meditate.
For additional information on the use of this word, we can go over the following examples:
- The earliest uses of catachresis can be dated back to the mid 16th century, proving that it is a common error.
- Catachresis can be the complete misuse or the strained use of unsuitable words.
- Catachresis is actually classified as being a rhetorical term for the inappropriate use of any word.
Miswording
We can choose to use the term “miswording” as another alternative or synonym. The term “miswording” is defined as being the incorrect use of a word or to word or phrase something incorrectly, in a way that comes off as a lack of understanding or utterly nonsensical.
We can also consider “miswording” as the incorrect expression or pronunciation of the correct word. Despite attempting to use the correct word, this is still considered wrong, as it could confuse or mislead someone.
We will now go over these various examples that include this particular term:
- Her miswording throughout the essay made it so I could barely comprehend what she was meaning to say.
- Miswording to this extent is not an acceptable error in university – I suggest you consider a tutor.
- My boyfriend was miswording and rambling all at the same time, which caused me to believe that he was delirious.
Typo
While using the wrong word often occurs through speech, it can also occur in text as well. Cambridge Dictionary defines a “typo” as a small mistake in a text made when it was typed or printed. Therefore, when a “typo” occurs, it’s often a misspelled or misused word.
A “typo” is a typographical error and because of this, it will generally be autocorrected by a phone or computer, however, this is not always the case. Occasionally, the mistake is left behind or autocorrect to the wrong term, which can cause greater confusion.
The following examples highlight the use of this particular term:
- I had the most embarrassing typo in a text conversation with my father today – I was mortified.
- I hate when autocorrect believes my favourite swear word is a typo and corrects it to “duck”.
- My sister had the funniest typo in our group conversation with our parents – we all had such a laugh over it.
Eggcorn
A very uncommon, but an applicable term that we can use as an alternative is “eggcorn”. Cambridge Dictionary defines the term “eggcorn” is a word or phrase that a person wrongly thinks is another word or phrase that sounds similar. An example of this is using acorn in place of “eggcorn”.
Often, an “eggcorn” occurs because we have misheard or misinterpreted a term previously, which was never corrected. This can occur in both speech and text.
Here are some examples that we can go over for this term:
- An example of an eggcorn is writing tow the line, instead of toe the line.
- My teacher called me out in front of the rest of the class because she said I consistently use eggcorns, but what do nuts have to do with this?
- I didn’t know what an eggcorn was until my professor explained it to me.
Solecism
We can choose to use the term “solecism” very similarly to our other alternate terms that we have gone over. Cambridge Dictionary defines a “solecism” as a grammatical mistake, as well as behaviour that is a social mistake or is not polite.
A “solecism” can occur in person, speech or in writing.
For additional clarity on the use of this term, we can go over these examples:
- I made far too many grammatical solecisms throughout my essay, so my teacher returned my paper to me to redo it.
- Burping in public without immediately saying excuse me is an example of social solecism.
- It’s important to have a vast understanding of a language, as well as a good comprehension of spelling, in order to cut down on the number of solecisms you make.
Misuse
Although the term “misuse” can apply to many situations, it’s certainly applicable for the use of the wrong word or phrase. Cambridge Dictionary defines the term “misuse” as to use something in an unsuitable way or in a way that was not intended.
Because of this, we can consider speaking, writing or typing the incorrect word to be “misuse”.
We can now take a closer look at some examples that use this particular term:
- My teacher is unimpressed with my consistent misuse of the term potency, as opposed to the proper term, which is apparently potential.
- She has a blatant misuse of swear words, in place of the adequate or correct term.
- If you misuse the incorrect term more than five times on our online test, you are automatically given a failing grade.
Infelicity
We can consider “infelicity” to be the inappropriate use of a work, remark or suggestion. This is because Cambridge Dictionary defines “infelicity” as the fact that something is not suitable or correct in a situation. Because of this “infelicities” can often come across as entirely rude or unpleasant.
It’s important to note that an “infelicity” can happen during a conversation either in person, over the phone, through text or even email.
Some examples that we can take a look at, that include this term are:
- There is both an abundance of infelicities and inconsistencies in this book, which leads me to believe that it was plagiarized.
- Rewatching herself on video, she winced as she heard her repeated infelicity and the way she had botched the script.
- A had an infelicity during my presentation in front of my class, which was incredibly embarrassing.
Slip Of The Tongue
Another great alternative that we can use, as well as our only phrase synonym, is a “slip of the tongue”. Cambridge Dictionary defines a “slip of the tongue” as something that you say by accident when you intended to say something else.
Because of this, we can consider a “slip of the tongue” the blurting out of a private secret, this misuse of a phrase and the use of the incorrect word.
Here are various examples that include the use of this specific phrase:
- I had a slip of the tongue in front of my best friend’s parents and accidentally told them that she tried marijuana at a party.
- I called my mother’s new boyfriend by her previous boyfriend’s name and neither was impressed with that slip of the tongue.
- I apologize wholeheartedly for that honest slip of the tongue moment.
Error
The last alternative that we will be going over is “error”. Although the term “error” is another generic term, it is applicable to a situation where we say the wrong word. Often, we consider this to be an “error” in speech, but it can be applied for writing or text as well.
Cambridge Dictionary defines the term “error” as something done or written by accident that is not correct, not accurate, or does not give the right result. We can also consider an “error” to be a generalized mistake.
We will now look over our last few examples for this article, all of which include this term:
- He made an error in his speech but immediately corrected himself in a way that the audience appreciated.
- I’ve made a very crucial error in communication and sent the delivery driver to my old address – I am so sorry!
- She made an error in judgement and assumably called me by my younger sister’s name.
You may also like: 16 Best Replies When Someone Corrects Your Grammar
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
On today’s episode of Thinking in English, let’s learn some of the English words you are probably using incorrectly!
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Hopefully, after listening to a few episodes of this podcast, you’ve come to realise the flexibility and ever-changing nature of the English language. Words are invented, evolve, change meaning, and sometimes disappear from our vocabularies.
Think of the word “awful.” What does it mean? In modern English, the dictionary defines “awful” as very bad or unpleasant. However, originally it meant the complete opposite. A combination of the words “awe” and “full,” “awful” was used to refer to something that “inspired wonder or fear.” Over the years, the word was used incorrectly by so many people that eventually the meaning completely changed. There are hundreds of similar examples in the English language of words with meanings that have evolved from their original meaning.
However, not all of these words have been accepted to the degree of the term “awful.” Many words are regularly used incorrectly – sometimes in the wrong grammatical sense and other times with the completely wrong meaning. Today I want to introduce to you all a few English words that are commonly misused by both native speakers and language learners. Perhaps in the future such words’ meanings will completely change, but as of the time I’m writing this episode people are using them all incorrectly!
Literally
I’ve chosen literally as the first word of today’s episode because it is probably the most misused word in modern English, is at risk of losing its original meaning in the next few decades, and I find its incorrect use really annoying. In standard English, literally means actual fact. It means ‘in a literal sense, as opposed to a non-literal or exaggerated sense.’
Literally is used to say that something really happened, in a completely accurate way, or to emphasise the truth or accuracy of your statement. It is a synonym for words including ‘precisely,’ ‘exactly,’ or ‘accurately.’ For example, the celebration ‘Mardi Gras’ literally translates as “Fat Tuesday” in French. Or, there are literally hundreds of thousands of podcasts on Spotify.
However, you’ve probably heard literally used incorrectly. Somehow, the word has taken on the exact opposite meaning – something that isn’t an actual fact. It is used as a synonym for ‘virtually’ or ‘figuratively’. A friend of mine once told me that “she was literally going to die from embarrassment.” She didn’t actually mean she was going to die, but instead used literally as to emphasise her embarrassment. Instead, she should have said “she was going to die from embarrassment – figuratively speaking.”
Another friend once told me the restaurant we were meeting at was literally opposite the train station – I arrived at the train station, looked at the restaurants opposite and couldn’t seem to find it. In fact, the restaurant was about 50m away – it was close but not literally opposite. Make sure you don’t make the same mistakes as my friends!
Ironic
Have you heard the song Ironic by Alanis Morrissette? It is really famous! Her song describes various situations in life and follows them by asking the questions “Isn’t it ironic? Don’t you think?” Let me read you one of the song’s verses,
“A traffic jam when you’re already late
A no-smoking sign on your cigarette break
It’s like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife
It’s meeting the man of my dreams
And then meeting his beautiful wife
And isn’t it ironic … don’t you think?”
Alanis Morissette, Ironic
Well, to answer Alanis’s questions, no… I don’t think any of that is ironic… because they are not ironic. The situations are examples of coincidences, not irony. A “no smoking sign on your cigarette break” is annoying, unfortunate, and coincidental, but it is not ironic. However, the fact that Alanis Morissette wrote a whole song about irony without including any ironic examples, may in itself be ironic!
An ironic statement conveys a meaning that is opposite of its literal meaning – when you make an ironic statement, you say one thing, but mean something different. If there is a terrible storm, with gusting winds and torrential rain, an ironic statement would be to say “what a beautiful day”! This is the most common form of irony – verbal irony. You can also have dramatic irony – for example a TV show where the audience knows something the characters do not – and situational irony – where outcomes turn out different to what is expected.
Irregardless
Even though irregardless is commonly used, it is not actually a real word. What people want to say is ‘regardless’ – used to mean “in spite of present circumstances.” For example “Regardless of the result, I’m happy with my answers in the exam.” Or, “regardless of how many times you ask, I’m not going to lend you my car.”
Irregardless is a portmanteau (so a combination) or ‘regardless’ and ‘irrespective.’ While some people consider irregardless as part of non-standard or different variants of English, and it has been used for hundreds of years, I would advise all of you to avoid it! Instead, just use either “regardless” or “irrespective”!
Poisonous
The reason I’ve included poisonous on this list is because of a discussion I overheard about poisonous snakes. The people involved in that discussion were talking about what they would do if they got bitten by a poisonous snake – things like how they would get the poison out of their body, how they should go to hospital, and whether they should capture the snake that bit them! However, they made a common mistake – poisonous is not the correct word!
Something that is poisonous could be fatal (in other words kill you) if you eat it, drink it, inhale it, or absorb it. Some wild mushrooms are poisonous, the apple Snow White ate was poisonous, and medicine can be poisonous if used incorrectly. Something that could kill you if it bites you is venomous not poisonous. The Inland Taipan is the most venomous snake in the world! All over the TV, internet, and magazines you will see references to poisonous snakes – but, in fact, most dangerous snakes are not poisonous. They deliver toxins by biting – they are venomous.
Ultimate
Ultimate is not necessarily always misused, but often people don’t know all the meanings of the term and don’t follow the proper grammar. Most people think ultimate means ‘the best of all,’ and this is correct! It can be used as a noun – such as “Rolex is the ultimate in luxury watch brands” – or as an adjective – such as “they want to challenge the ultimate power of the President.” However, in the sentence “it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of the situation,” ultimate doesn’t mean the best, but means the final.
You should use ultimate to describe the final result or aim of a series of events, or the original source or cause of something! I’m not sure what my ultimate aim is for this podcast, but some people have told me I should ultimately try to make this my job! Ultimate can be used for best, final, or last!
Regularly
Regularly is also commonly misunderstood. Regularly does not mean to do something frequently, but instead to do something consistently. Let me give you an example. Person 1 plays golf the second Tuesday of every month, and has done so for five years. Person 2 played golf twice last week, seven times the week before, zero times three weeks ago, and once the week before that. Many people would say that person two regularly plays golf – but actually they don’t. They play frequently, or often.
Regularly means at uniform intervals of time, and with a consistent or definite pattern – therefore, the golfer who only plays once a month, but always the same day, golfs regularly. Take another example, “the school reunion has taken place regularly every two years.” It is regular because it is consistent – every two years!
Inflammable
The final commonly misused word I’m going to introduce today is an interesting one – inflammable. Sometimes, the English language can be confusing and contradictory. As a prefix, ‘in’ can have the meaning of ‘no’ or ‘not’ – if something is ‘inoffensive’ it is not offensive, or ‘inaction’ means no or a lack of action. Therefore, as ‘flammable’ means easy to set on fire, inflammable should mean the opposite – difficult to set on fire – right? Actually, wrong.
Flammable and inflammable actually mean the exact same thing. They both mean that something can catch fire easily. It is one of the more confusing things in the English language, but you will see both words commonly used on fire safety material.
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January 28, 2022
Are You Saying These 12 Words Wrong, Like Most People?
“You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”
—Inigo Montoya, “The Princess Bride”
Many words have clear meanings which are difficult to confuse.
You’ll never use the word “cat” to refer to a “dog,” for example.
But there are other words which are not as simple to use.
As an English learner, you’ve probably come across a few words that you mix up again and again.
Well, we have a secret for you: Even native speakers confuse words!
Just as there are common phrases which people say wrong, there are also some English words which people use incorrectly. We’re going to take a close look at 12 of those words today.
You might be wondering how it’s even possible that native speakers would say these words wrong. So let’s begin by looking at why this is.
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English Words Are Constantly Changing
The way we pronounce, spell and use words is constantly changing.
Take the word “awful,” for example. “Awful” is the combination of the words “awe” (a feeling of inspiration or wonder) and the word “full” (as in, the opposite of “empty”). Something awful used to be something that fills you with awe or wonder. It could also mean something that fills you with fear. Over the years, though, that second definition became the one that stuck. So now the dictionary definition is “very bad or unpleasant.”
Thanks to the internet, the English language is changing even faster than ever. People use words incorrectly all the time, but now they often see others online using the same word in the same (incorrect) way.
Because of that, some of these words will either be used correctly over time, or their misuse will turn into the new definition. It’s already happening to some words on our list, like the word “literally.” Some dictionaries are starting to include the “wrong” usage of the word as one possible correct way to use it!
Until all these words change meaning, though, it’s important to understand their current correct meanings.
1. Literally
Wrong meaning: Figuratively, very. The word is often used for emphasis and as an exaggeration, as in “I’m literally dying of laughter.”
Right meaning: Actually, exactly, without exaggeration.
“Literally” is a weird word because somehow, in recent years, it has been used for literally the opposite of its definition. The word actually means something exact or precise. For example:
There are literally millions of stars in the sky.
( = There are millions of stars in the sky.)
There is literally a snake in my bathroom. Please help!
( = There is a real snake in the bathroom.)
You are not “literally dying of laughter” unless you are actually dying. In extreme situations, you might be so hungry you could literally eat a horse. (But for the sake of any horses around you, we hope not!)
2. Factoid
Wrong meaning: A small fact.
Right meaning: A false fact.
The word “factoid” was first used by journalist, author and activist Norman Mailer in 1973 to talk about a fact that is not true. He wrote that factoids were “facts which have no existence before appearing in a magazine or newspaper”—that is, stuff that the media just makes up.
Today the word is used to refer to a “bite-sized” fact, a small quick fact or something that is repeated by so many people that it’s eventually assumed to be true. The -oid in factoid is a suffix (word ending) that means “resembling” or “like,” so factoid really means “fact-like.”
3. Irregardless
Wrong meaning: Regardless, without consideration of (or despite) the circumstances.
Right meaning: Even though this word is included in some dictionaries, it’s very nonstandard and we really recommend you don’t use it.
The phrase “regardless of” is used the same way as you would say “even though” or “in spite of.” For example:
Regardless of the definition being very clear, he still didn’t understand the word.
“Irregardless” is normally used to mean the same.
It was first used way back in the 1700s, possibly instead of the word “irrespective” (which does mean the same as “regardless,” but people rarely use it), or as a fusion of the words “irrespective” + “regardless.”
The “word” is used in speech to this day, even though it should mean the opposite (since the prefix ir- and the suffix -less are both negative). That makes it a double negative, just like “I won’t not eat the last cupcake” means you totally will.
We think it’s confusing too, and that’s why it’s best to avoid this “word”!
4. Entitled
Wrong meaning: The title of a book, TV show, etc.
Right meaning: Having, or believing that you have, the right to something.
When you buy a house, you’re entitled to it—you legally have the right to own the house. You can also be entitled to your opinion, since you have the right to speak your mind. Sometimes people can act entitled, if they act like they deserve special treatment.
A book, on the other hand, is never entitled, it’s just titled! People often misuse this word by saying, “The best movie in the world is entitled ‘Troll 2.’” This is not only untrue, it’s the incorrect usage of the word. Books, movies, TV shows and anything else that has a title are “titled.”
5. Poisonous
Wrong meaning: Something that will make you poisoned if you eat it, or if it bites you.
Right meaning: Something that will poison you, but only if you eat it.
People often think the words “poisonous” and “venomous” mean the same thing. And they do both deal with poison, a substance that will make you sick or even kill you. The difference is in the way the poison is administered (given):
- Poisonous is used for anything that will poison you when you ingest (eat) it
- Venomous is used for anything that will poison you if it bites you.
This is why murderers on TV shows use poison to kill their victims, they don’t use venom. Another example is the pufferfish, the Japanese delicacy, which is a poisonous fish—it can kill you if you eat it (and yet many people do still eat it!). A snake that can poison you, on the other hand, is venomous. Unless you bite it first, we guess.
6. Runners-up, Passers-by
Wrong meaning: The meaning is usually correct here, it’s the word itself that’s wrong—people often incorrectly say “runner-ups” and passer-bys.”
Right meaning: The correct plural form of the words “runner-up” and “passer-by” are “runners-up” and “passers-by.” (Note: “passerby” and “passersby,” without the hyphen, are also correct spellings.)
Runners-up are people who did not win in a contest, but did well enough to deserve a mention. Passersby (or passers-by) are people who happened to be walking by some place.
Often, the words are misspelled by people writing “passer-bys” and “runner-ups.” The hyphen ( – ) is actually not necessary, which looks even weirder: “passersby” is the plural of “passerby.” This is because the people are plural, not the second word (which just helps describe the people).
7. Ironic
Wrong meaning: Something unfortunate.
Right meaning: Something that’s funny, interesting or strange because it happens in a way that is opposite to what you’d expect.
“Ironic” is one word that no one seems to get right, even native speakers!
There are a few different kinds of irony, but the kind people usually mean when they use the word ironic is “situational irony.”
This is when something happens which is the opposite of what you’d expect, making the whole situation look comical or unusual. For example, you go on a diet and gain 20 pounds, or the fire station burns down. Irony can be funny, in a sad kind of way.
The infamous song “Isn’t It Ironic” by Alanis Morissette has some great examples of things that are unfortunate, but not actually ironic. For instance, rain on your wedding day is only ironic if you specifically chose that day because the forecast said it would be sunny.
Then again, maybe the joke is on us… it’s pretty ironic that a song about irony doesn’t actually have any.
8. Infamous
Wrong meaning: Very famous.
Right meaning: Famous for a negative reason.
Speaking of infamous people and things, this word does not mean “very famous.” It actually refers to something or someone who is famous for all the wrong reasons.
Heroes are famous for their great deeds. Bank robbers, on the other hand, are infamous for their criminal deeds. Celebrities can be either, depending on how well they behave themselves (or don’t).
9. Inflammable
Wrong meaning: Not flammable.
Right meaning: Flammable.
This mistake is very common for a very good reason: It just makes sense! As we mentioned before, the prefix in- means “not,” so it would make sense for the word “inflammable” to mean “not flammable.” The problem, though, is that “inflammable” actually comes from the word “enflame.”
So what’s the difference between “flammable” and “inflammable”? Absolutely nothing. You can use either word to mean the exact same thing. As if that weren’t enough, you can also use “non-flammable.” English can be weird sometimes! As comedian George Carlin put it, “Flammable… inflammable… non-inflammable. Why are there three of them? Either it flams or it doesn’t!”
10. Bemused
Wrong meaning: Amused, in a detached kind of way.
Right meaning: Confused or bewildered.
“Amused” and “bemused” look very similar, so it makes sense that people have started using the word “bemused” to mean amused in a calm way. What the word really means, though, is confused, puzzled or bewildered. It can sometimes also mean to be lost in thought.
So if you enjoy the silliness of the clown at your party, you are amused by him. If you didn’t invite any clowns to your party, you are more likely bemused.
11. Infer, Imply
Wrong meaning: People sometimes think both words mean the same thing, to suggest something.
Right meaning: “Imply” does mean to suggest something, but “infer” means to figure something out that isn’t stated outright.
“Infer” and “imply” are connected in meaning, but they are not the same thing. If you tell someone, “Wow this bag is really heavy for me to carry all alone,” you are implying that you want help. You’re not directly asking for help, but you’re hinting at it.
Whoever you’re talking to can infer from your statement that you want help carrying that heavy bag. Or they can respond that it doesn’t look that heavy, implying that you’re stuck carrying that bag by yourself.
12. Good, Well
Wrong meaning: “Well” and “good” mean the same thing, something that is positive.
Right meaning: The two words do have similar meanings, but “well” can be an adverb, an adjective, a verb, a noun or an interjection (Oh, well!), while “good” is just an adjective.
Many times, the words “well” and “good” are mixed up.
They can indeed have the same meaning sometimes: Something that is right or satisfactory, but they are used in different ways:
- When the word “well” is an adverb, it describes how you do something.
For example, “I play basketball well” or “Taylor Swift sings really well.” It describes how I play or how Taylor sings, and “play” and “sing” are both verbs.
- When the word “well” is an adjective, it simply describes a noun.
For example, in the sentence “Mary feels well,” our word refers back to Mary. Mary is described as feeling healthy, so well is an adjective.
- The word “good” can only be an adjective, which means its function is to describe a person, place or thing.
For example, “This is a good TV show,” “London is a good city,” or “He’s a good boy.” Saying “I feel good” would mean that you are feeling like a good person, which is possible, but probably not what you’re trying to say.
Learn the correct usage of all these English words, and you will feel more confident in your English skills. And remember that even native speakers get many of these words wrong!
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Click here to get a copy. (Download)
Q. I have a problem with speaking. Please help.
Patient’s Query
Hello doctor,
I have a problem with speaking. I cannot speak fluently without practicing it in my mind. Many a times I use wrong words accidentally, even though I meant to say some other word. Please help.
Answered by Dr. Divakara. P
#
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
These problems suggest a condition called aphasia. It happens due to some problems in a particular part of the brain.
Infections in the brain, salt imbalances, liver failure etc., also cause this disorder.
I need a detailed history of your problems like the duration of the problem, examples for wrong words used, any associated visual problems, any problems with swallowing and any weakness in hands or legs.
I advise you to get these tests done:
- Serum TSH.
- Serum creatinine.
- LFT (liver function tests).
- Serum sodium.
- Potassium, calcium and magnesium levels.
You may also require an MRI scan, but we will decide that after seeing these reports.
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This is the third (very belated) part in a series on oral correction. In the first part, I wrote about the importance of correction, and in the second about when to correct, so in this post I’d like to concentrate on the actual process of how to correct.
Let’s start by looking at immediate correction, while the student is speaking. The pros and cons of doing this are discussed here, but assuming that you have made the decision to correct immediately (and not just reformulate), how can you best go about it?
Most teachers would agree that it is usually best to try and elicit a correction from the student. The argument is that this will involve them in deeper mental processing than if the teacher simply provides the correct language. Some might argue that this is too difficult for the students, but I’d say that if they can’t attempt a correction even with help, then there probably isn’t much point in making the correction as it is likely to be something beyond their current level of competence.
But no-one can correct themselves if they don’t know what the problem is. Take this (fictional) example:
Student: I want to heat it.
Teacher: No..
Student: Sorry, I want to heating it.
Teacher: No..
Student: Er, I want heat it?
Teacher: No, you want to EAT it!
So, the first thing to consider is how you are going to help the student realise where the problem lies.
In the case above, the teacher could do a number of things:
- Indicate where the problem is by simply saying ‘pronunciation?’
- Ask a question to show the possible confusion- You want to make it hot?
- Repeat the sentence, stressing ‘heat’ in a questioning way.
Depending on the error, we can use a number of prompts to help the student self correct. Using a keyword, such as ‘pronunciation’, ‘tense’, ‘article’ and so on can be useful if the student knows the metalanguage. However, gestures can also work very well for giving the student a ‘nudge’.
Here are some useful possibilities:
Third person –s – Write an ‘S’ on the palm of your hand, so that when you open up your fingers the students can read it. In this way you can just ‘flash’ the –s whenever anyone forgets. (Be aware that in some cultures it is rude to show your palm however)
Word order– gesture with your hands swapping right over left to show that the order is different.
Missing –ly on an adverb. (E.g. a student says ‘I walk slow’) – Make an L shape with your hand (British and American teenagers sometimes use this to mean ‘Loser’ though, so use with some caution)
Tenses– pointing backwards for past, forwards for future and down for present (though a friend of mine thought that the teacher was teaching the word for table when she pointed downwards!)
Missing word- Spell out the sentence on your fingers (from right to left so that it runs the correct way for the students) and hold the finger representing the missing word, asking what word is missing.
Wrong word- Similar to missing word. Spell out the sentence or phrase, with one word for each finger and stop at the wrong word and ask them to correct it.
Contractions or linking – Again spell out the words on your fingers, then hold two (or three) together and ask students to say it again, putting them together. For example, ‘I would not have done it’ – you could hold would, not and have together to elicit ‘wouldn’t’
Contractions or short vowels sounds– You can pinch together your thumb and index finger to show either a contraction ‘I would’ – ‘I’d’ or to elicit a shorter vowel sound ‘sheep’ to ship’
If the student just can’t self-correct, and assuming you’re not asking the impossible, you then have a choice about whether to try and encourage a peer correction. I think it’s important for students not to jump in and correct each other too quickly, but it is useful if you can build a class culture where it is acceptable for students to correct each other. As Caleb Gattegno said, ‘A mistake is a gift to the class’. Knowing that they might be called upon, will keep students listening while you are working with an individual student to correct an error, and it’s likely that other students in the class will have similar difficulties, especially in a multi-lingual class. I would use this kind peer correction quite sparing though myself as the original student might start to feel too exposed. It’s a judgement the teacher needs to make, depending on the student, the error, the stage of the lesson, how long the first attempts to elicit correction have taken and so on. It might be better just to give the correction and move on.
However, in post-speaking correction, peer correction can be really useful. The classic way of doing this is to note down errors (and sometimes good examples) while the students are speaking, and then write them on the board without saying who said them. Students can then work together to correct them.
Variations include turning the activity into a grammar auction, where groups of students bid for sentences they believe are correct, or asking students to decide which sentences are correct or not before correcting as a class.
Students can also take on the ‘teacher’ role if you allocate an observer to each group doing a speaking activity. The observer should note down any errors (or examples of good language) that they hear. The group can then work on the language together as a follow up to the speaking activity.
Perhaps the key thing with all of these techniques is to remember and to help students remember that mistakes are indeed a gift. They are how the teacher can evaluate what needs teaching or reviewing, and they are often the moment when a student finally ‘gets’ something that they have never quite understood.