At one time or another we’ve all suffered the embarrassment of having our remarks corrected by a family member, friend, colleague, or stranger. 100 Words Almost Everyone Mixes Up or Mangles presents fifty pairs of words that people have trouble getting right and keeping straight — words that tend to get corrected when we’re least expecting it.

These words include near-synonyms, which are words with subtle but important distinctions in meaning, like baleful and baneful, and effectual and efficacious. Other pairings bring together notorious sound-alikes, like faze (bother) and phase (stage), pour (put in fluid) and pore (read closely), and waive (forgo) and wave (say hello). 100 Words Almost Everyone Mixes Up or Mangles also addresses some classic spelling blunders and “nonwords” that are often overlooked but should be treated with suspicion, such as beyond the pail, free reign, injust, and run the gambit.

Each word is followed by its definition and pronunciation, and most have etymologies explaining the word’s origin. The mix-ups themselves are described in engaging notes that provide clear solutions to help readers avoid making needless, uncomfortable gaffes in the future.

100 Words Almost Everyone Mixes Up or Mangles gives readers the opportunity to improve their conversation and their command of words and phrases that are often heard but rarely well expressed.


Here is a complete list of the words in 100 Words Almost Everyone Mixes Up or Mangles: