Words That Don't Exist (So Don't Use Them)

Are there any common words you've been using that actually don't exist? Find out on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

What is Grammar Minute?

Saving the English language 60 seconds at a time.

Welcome to the Grammar Minute, where we’re saving the English language sixty seconds at a time! I’m Lauren Smyth, and here are some words you may have been using that actually don’t exist or … just shouldn’t be used.

Runner-ups should be runners-up.

Alot is never one word, unless you’re talking about “allotting” a piece of property. A – Lot is two words.

Participator is just … ah. No. It should be “participant.”

Mischievous should be mischievous with three syllables instead of four.

Thusly might be a favorite of college students writing papers, but it’s not a word. Just say “thus.”

English is an ever-evolving language, and things change over time. Just pick up a copy of Chaucer if you aren’t sure how much they’ve changed. When in doubt about whether a commonly used word is acceptable, consult a dictionary. This can also help you judge whether the word is formal enough to be used in print.

That’s your Grammar Minute! Visit thegrammarminute.com for more tiups and tricks.