9 tricky verbs that will make you illiterate

1. Bend over

Right: bend over.

This mistake is easy to understand: in the words "bend" or "bend" there is no letter b at all. But nevertheless, the imperfect form of the verb looks like this: bend over. The option to bend down can also be found in dictionaries, but with the mark "obl". This means that the verb is used only in some regions of Russia as colloquial. That is, you cannot use it in literary speech.

2. Shoe your shoes

Right: put on shoes, put on shoes.

Remember the confusion between the words dress and wear? Here the story is similar. By analogy with the common and erroneous “put on a hat” (jeans, jacket), we just want to put on shoes. But you can only put on someone else's shoes. In a literal sense, when we put shoes on someone who cannot cope on their own, for example, a child. Or in a portable one - when we buy shoes or boots for someone. “He put on and shod the child in the first grade” means that he has acquired everything he needs.

3. Meow

Right: mew.

It is quite possible that the word "meows" would be desirable to use by analogy with quite literary and "legal" "whines" and "cries". And this verb is even in dictionaries, only it is considered an element of dialect speech. Therefore, if you do not want to be considered illiterate, it is better to return to a more literary version - meow.

4. Scold

Right: I will scold.

Better, of course, to do without swearing. People of all ages are usually more likely to hear what is said in a calm, respectful tone. Therefore, Lifehacker is not going to scold anyone for the wrong use of words. We just remind you that the verb "scold" is not in any dictionary, except for Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary. This means that the lexeme can be considered obsolete and it is better not to use it. If, of course, you want to give the impression of a literate person.

5. Nibbling

Right: stings.

Nip is a word from distant kindergarten times. This is exactly how kids talk about an abrasion smeared with green stuff. But it’s too late for adults to use this word: the form, although it exists, is colloquial. Whoever decides to pinch - frost on the cheeks or a goose on the heel - the right option would be to pinch.

6. Nalazit

Right: fits.

If jeans sat down after washing or do not fasten after a two-week all inclusive program, you just want to exclaim with annoyance: "Well, they won't do it!" The frustration about this is easily understandable, but it is not a reason to forget about literacy. Not only is nalazy - a colloquial form, but also the meaning of the word is not always associated with clothing. This verb means "climbing, to get something unpleasant", in other words, "to finish badly, to make trouble for yourself."

7. Vacuuming

Right: I will vacuum, I will vacuum

Everything is terribly difficult with this verb: philologists themselves cannot decide how to write correctly. In some dictionaries it is argued that it is better to say "vacuum cleaner", in others it is recommended, in principle, to avoid the first person singular form. Therefore, in order not to make a mistake, we advise you to say "I will vacuum." Adding a word is easier than guessing if you've made a mistake.

8. I'll run away

Right: I can convince

The word provocateur of many philosophical discussions. How correct is it: I will convince, I will run away, or, perhaps, I will convince? But alas, all of these options are wrong. The word "convince", like his unfortunate brother "to win", is not used at all in the first person singular. I have to use synonyms: I will win, prove my case, and so on.

9. Brush

Right: clean up

What if you don't want to peel the potatoes yourself? To entrust this enjoyable activity to someone else. But how to choose the correct form of the verb for this - clean or clean? Philologists themselves are not completely sure of the answer: some believe that both options are equal, others call the form "clean" colloquial or colloquial. Therefore, in order to be sure not to be mistaken, it is better to say "clean". Or get by with the elegant "Would you be so kind to peel the potatoes?"