ArcaMax

The beginning of summer offers a columnist the opportunity to address subjects he might avoid the rest of the year because of his focus on domestic and foreign issues.

Inattention to proper English seems to be a subject that few are bothering to address. I have been making a list of misused words that in the past might have labeled a person uneducated. The following are just a few of what could be hundreds, even thousands, added almost daily to a gallery of misspoken words.

People who appear on TV are frequently guilty of mangled English. “As you can see” is one phrase that is especially annoying. Someone should tell them we CAN see because it’s called television.

“Obviously” is repeatedly used by some of the most experienced news anchors. If it is obvious, why are you telling me?

The use of nouns and pronouns in the same sentence is annoying. Example: “The (name of team) they,” or “(name of quarterback), he.” Pronouns are supposed to replace nouns, not add to them. Former quarterback Troy Aikman, who is now an NFL sports commentator, does this to the point of major irritation.

Why do they say “mayoral” and “gubernatorial” and not mayor or governor? No one says, “who are you voting for in the gubernatorial or mayoral election?” Only TV people say that. A “goober” is a chocolate-covered peanut or a label kids used to call phlegm when it is coughed up. I cannot find the meaning of “natorial.”

Why does David Muir on ABC’s “World News Tonight” say “tonight” in virtually every sentence? Has that word been poll tested for some reason? Doesn’t he realize it isn’t night at 6:30 pm ET in other time zones?

“Like” and “You know” are used as sentence fillers. Like what? If I know, why are you telling me?

“Here” and “there” are other unnecessary sentence place holders.

“At the end of the day” is a meaningless statement. Would that be standard or daylight time?

How about “All eyes are on”? Really?

“Gearing up” is a substitute for preparing, or getting ready. Do people have gears?

“The American people” is used by all politicians, as if we are united in beliefs. If we were, we wouldn't have two parties and independents.

“If you will.” What if I won’t?

Why do so many, especially young restaurant servers, respond when you thank them by saying “no problem” instead of “you’re welcome”?

Airports have their own language. “Pre-boarding” is a favorite. You can get on before others, or board early, but you can’t pre-board. It’s an impossibility, like pre-existing, unless you believe in reincarnation.

About that airplane seat – it must be returned to its “full, upright and locked position.” Isn’t that redundant? I like this one: Passengers who choose to wear face masks must lower those masks before putting on oxygen masks. What’s next, instructions on how to use the toilet?

Airlines lie … a lot. Those countdown clocks at the gate almost always expire before you are allowed on, assuming the plane is at the gate. When it’s not, the screen goes from “time to board” to “boarding soon” to blank.

“Bombshell” used to refer to an especially attractive woman. Now it is used to describe almost everything, except an explosive device. Cliché.

“Change the world” is often used to label an individual who apparently is thought to have powers no one else possesses. If someone could change the world (and define what that means) would it not have been changed by now, presumably for the better?

“(Someone) has “come under fire.” Call the fire department.

The teaching of what was once called “proper English” apparently has been replaced by woke subjects and a refusal to correct its misuse. It’s becoming obvious to anyone with ears to hear and eyes to see, you know.

========

Readers may email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com. Look for Cal Thomas’ latest book “A Watchman in the Night: What I've Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America" (HumanixBooks).

©2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.