Inc. Magazine recently released an article on the most misused words as chronicled by a Harvard linguist. I personally enjoy exercises in making sure that my language is correct. Or at least I should say that I find focus on written language to be worth the effort. I am afraid my oral (not verbal!) language will continue to always be a work-in-progress. It appears I will at least have to rethink my use of, “begs the question,” which from this list seems to be my most frequent linguistic sin.
Here are some highlights:
- Adverse means “detrimental.” It does not mean “averse” or “disinclined.” Correct: “There were adverse effects.” / “I’m not averse to doing that.”
- Appraise means to “ascertain the value of.” It does not mean to “apprise” or to “inform.” Correct: “I appraised the jewels.” / “I apprised him of the situation.”
- Beg the question means that a statement…
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Utopia, you are standing in it! 
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