Have you ever heard someone say something that sounded just a bit…off? The entire sentence was perfect, but then one word confused you into Bolivian? Whoops, we mean oblivion! These types of mistakes are called malapropisms and are as interesting as they are amusing!
Malapropisms occur when someone uses an incorrect word instead of another similar-sounding one, resulting in a nonsensical, often humorous sentence. An example of malapropism is when someone says, “dance a flamingo” instead of “dance a flamenco.”
Below, we’ll explain what malapropisms are and how the term originated. We will also provide helpful (and funny) examples to help you get a more in-depth understanding of these quizzical mishaps.
Pros and cons means “advantages and disadvantages.” This phrase is used when carefully considering the good and bad points of something.
For example, regarding solar energy, the pros are that it produces less pollution and doesn’t contribute to a rise in CO2 in the atmosphere. However, the cons are that it has a high initial cost and is less reliable.
Pros and cons in a sentence exampleAfter weighing the pros and cons, the community voted to postpone the solar panel project.
Published on
June 11, 2025
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
Revised on
July 29, 2025
When you see someone first thing in the morning, you’ll often greet them with the expression good morning. In certain situations, you can switch things up and use a synonym for good morning.
Birthdays can bring a lot of pressure, especially if you want to make someone feel loved on their special day. If you’re wishing someone a happy birthday, the last thing you should do is send them a plain and boring message. Instead, you should use a more fun, friendly, and creative synonym for happy birthday. Not sure what to say? Take your pick from our eleven alternatives below!
Is “Happy Birthday” Capitalized?Happy birthday is only capitalized as a greeting or title in a message. You do not need to apply the initial capitals to happy birthday in the middle of a sentence. However, as usual, the “h” in happy should be capitalized when used at the start of a sentence.
Happy Birthday, Gaby!
I hope you have a happy birthday, Gaby.
Happy birthday to you!
LanguageTool’s Grammar Checker can help ensure you’re using the correct capitalization for phrases like Happy Birthday.
Published on
June 11, 2025
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
Revised on
July 29, 2025
“Going forward” is a popular business phrase that is commonly used to refer to future actions or strategies. It is frequently used to imply a change or progression from the current state.
Example: Going forward in an emailDear Jessica,
Thanks for coming into the office—the presentation was a success. Going forward, our company will be exclusively using your project management tool.
When it comes to English, there’s probably no topic more controversial than the use of the word literally. While one side fervently claims that there’s only one meaning, the other believes that words can evolve and have multiple definitions.
But who’s right? That’s what we’re here to uncover as we explore what one major linguistic authority has to say about the word literally.
Published on
June 11, 2025
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
Revised on
July 29, 2025
Thank you in advanceis a phrase many people use in their business emails, typically after they’ve made a request. A variant of this phrase is thanks in advance, but both are used in similar contexts.
Example: Thank you in advanceDear Lauren,
I will be out of the office all of next week because I will be going out of town to celebrate my daughter’s fifteenth birthday. Do you mind if I add you as the contact to reach in case of emergencies while I’m gone?
Published on
June 11, 2025
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
Revised on
July 29, 2025
Hardworking (also spelled hard-working) is an adjective that describes someone or something as “constantly putting engaged and strenuous effort into a job or task.”
The word “hardworking” is commonly used in resumes to convey that an individual is ambitious and resolute, making them an ideal candidate to hire.
Example: Using hardworking in a resumeA hardworking problem solver who thrives in project management, negotiations, and customer service with a keen attention to detail and commitment to excellence
