Lately, for some reason, I have been hearing these phrases all the time and at this point, I am having trouble restraining myself from correcting everyone, even if it is a stranger on the subway. Instead, this is a more passive solution for correction. In honor of finals, this might also come in handy on your English exams (most likely not). But in general, these phrases used correctly will keep you from looking like an idiot or someone you never passed the second grade!
1. All intents and purposes NOT all intensive purposes
if you are discussing a specific and focused point in a powerful way then, then "all intensive purposes" may be the correct statement, but if you are discussing something from all angles and perspectives, which is the more common use in daily language, then you want to use "all intents and purposes."
2. I couldn't care less NOT I could care less
In most instances when people are frustrated and faking like they don't care about what people say or do when they actually do, they say "well I could care less what they think!" but I'm afraid they are just stating that they actually do care what they think. What you really want to say is "I couldn't care less what they think," because that means that their opinion means nothing to you!
3. One and the same NOT one in the same
When you are comparing objects then you need to use "one AND the same," because "and" is used for comparison, in case you did not graduate the third grade. However, "one IN the same" refers more to a location, but "the same" is not a very specific location for "one" to go, so unless there is a town named "the same" I wouldn't use that phrasing.
4. By accident NOT on accident
If you were to do something ON accident I would be very impressed, because you would have to be doing something actually on top of an accident, which is rather difficult to do. However, if you do something BY accident, then I would say you are only human and everyone makes mistakes that they did not intend to do.
5. Self-deprecating NOT self-depreciating
Self-depreciating is if something is actually lowering the value of itself, which is quite a rare occurrence. But, self-deprecating is just pointing out flaws. It can make people feel bad about themselves and should not a healthy thing to do, but people are not actually losing human value because of this. SO now if you are being self-deprecating (which you shouldn't), you won't have the flaw of using "self-depreciating" to focus on!
6. Tongue in cheek NOT tongue and cheek
"Tongue and cheek" is merely stating two objects on the body. Yes, you have a tongue and a cheek but most of the time that is not what is trying to be said. Tongue in cheek insinuates exaggeration and sarcasm that you can't speak or are having trouble speaking with your tongue IN your cheek.
7. Nip it in the bud NOT nip it in the butt
The phrase "nip it in the bud" comes from pulling a weed or flower, that if you want to stop the plant from growing you have to nip the bud of the plant. That stops the progress in its tracks. Nip it in the butt means you are just nipping someone's butt and has no context at all, so if you want to avoid embarrassing moments I would start saying "nip it in bud" instead.
8. Nerve-wracking NOT nerve-wrecking
If you are trying to say that something is making you nervous or a situation is making you nerves stand on edge, you want to say nerve-wracking. Your nerves are racking up so high and cannot go any further making you a nervous wreck. This can be confusing because people think that you can interchange wreck and wrack, but you are not breaking or wrecking your nerves, your nerves are simply not stable, like a tall rack.
