We all want to make a good impression, especially when it comes to how we express ourselves.
However, certain phrases, while common in casual British speech, can give the impression that we’re less educated or articulate than we actually are. You don’t need to be pedantic or overly formal. However, you do want to aim for clear, effective communication. Here are 21 phrases that might seem harmless but could potentially undermine your intelligence. Don’t do it to yourself!
1. “I could care less.”
While this Americanism has crept into British speech, it’s still considered illogical by many. The correct phrase is “I couldn’t care less,” meaning your level of caring is at absolute zero. Using the incorrect version can make you appear careless with language or unable to grasp the logic of the statement.
2. “Should of” (instead of “should have”)
This error comes from the contraction “should’ve,” which sounds like “should of.” However, “of” is not a verb and can’t be used in this context. Using “should of” suggests a misunderstanding of basic English grammar and can make you appear less educated.
3. “I done it” (instead of “I did it” or “I have done it”)
This grammatically incorrect phrase is common in some dialects but is generally considered non-standard. Using “done” as a simple past tense can make you seem unaware of proper verb conjugation.
4. “Pacifically” (instead of “specifically”)
This mispronunciation can make you appear unaware of common words and their correct pronunciations. It suggests a lack of exposure to or understanding of more sophisticated vocabulary, which is often associated with higher levels of education.
5. “Brought” (when you mean “bought”)
Confusing these two words is a common error in British speech. “Brought” means to carry something, while “bought” means to purchase. Mixing them up can make you seem careless with language.
6. “We was” (instead of “we were”)
This is incorrect subject-verb agreement. “We” always takes “were” in the past tense. Saying “we was” instead of “we were” can make you seem unaware of basic grammar rules.
7. “Irregardless”
This non-standard word is a combination of “irrespective” and “regardless,” but it’s redundant and not recognised as proper English. Using “irregardless” instead of simply saying “regardless” can make you seem unaware of standard language conventions.
8. “Expresso” (instead of “espresso”)
This common mispronunciation of the coffee drink can make you appear unfamiliar with culinary terms or foreign words. While it’s a widespread mistake, it’s one that more educated or worldly individuals typically avoid.
9. “I seen it.”
Source: Unsplash This is a grammatically incorrect way of saying “I saw it” or “I have seen it.” Using “seen” without a helping verb like “have” is a common mistake in casual speech, but it’s a red flag in more formal settings.
10. “Literally” (when you mean “figuratively”)
Source: Unsplash Overusing “literally” or using it incorrectly to add emphasis can make you seem unaware of its actual meaning. “Literally” means “in a literal sense,” not “very” or “really.”
11. “Nip it in the butt” (instead of “nip it in the bud”)
Source: Unsplash This malapropism can make you seem unaware of common idioms and their meanings. The correct phrase refers to stopping something at an early stage, likening it to nipping a flower bud before it blooms.
12. “Yourself” (when you mean “you”)
Source: Unsplash Overusing reflexive pronouns is common in British English but can sound overly formal or incorrect. For example, “Would yourself like a cup of tea?” should be “Would you like a cup of tea?”
13. “Off of” (instead of simply “off”)
Source: Unsplash In British English, the “of” is unnecessary. Saying “Get off of the bus” instead of “Get off the bus” can make you sound less articulate.
14. “Different to” (instead of “different from”)
Source: Unsplash While “different to” is common in British English, in more formal contexts “different from” is often preferred. Being aware of both forms shows linguistic versatility.
15. “Can I get” (when ordering in a restaurant)
Source: Unsplash This Americanism has become common in the UK, but traditionally, “May I have” or “I’d like” are considered more polite and educated-sounding when ordering.
16. “Basicly” (instead of “basically”)
Source: Unsplash This misspelling and mispronunciation can make you appear careless with language. Dropping the “al” sound is common in casual speech but should be avoided in more formal contexts.
17. “I’m not being funny, but…”
Source: Unsplash This phrase often precedes a statement that is, in fact, meant to be critical or controversial. It can make you seem insincere or unable to directly express your intentions.
18. “Aks” (instead of “ask”)
Source: Unsplash While this pronunciation has historical roots and is common in some dialects, in standard British English it’s considered incorrect and can make you appear less educated.
19. “Them ones” (instead of “those”)
Source: Unsplash This phrase is common in casual speech but is considered non-standard. Using “those” instead shows a better grasp of demonstrative pronouns.
20. “Yous” (as a plural form of “you”)
Source: Unsplash While common in some British dialects, this non-standard pluralisation of “you” is generally considered uneducated in more formal contexts.
21. “At the end of the day…”
Source: Unsplash This phrase has become a cliché, and overusing it can make your speech seem unoriginal or lacking in vocabulary. While not incorrect, relying heavily on such stock phrases can make you appear less articulate or educated than you might be.
