Is it bad to correct people when they use a word at the wrong time, or make one up?

Question

Make one up eg - My friend said rung instead of called.

I find it hard not to correct people on their words. I dont find it offensive if someone corrects me i would rather they did. I always try my hardest to put words in the right context.

Do you get annoyed when people correct you? Do you correct other people?

If you have that urge to correct people how do you over come it? My bf has shocking world knowledge. I haven't corrected him yet, but its so hard not 2.

I dont do it to feel superior! or to make them feel bad. I think its because I love words, I just assume other people will want to be corrected - I want to be corrected.

Sometimes even before saying a word, i will ask the other person if im not sure, in what tense to use the word.

Answer 1

Unless you are someones parent or teacher, keep it to yourself and inwardly you can pat yourself on the back for being so smart. Otherwise, it is embarrassing to the other person and rude on your part to feel the need to point out another's lacking.--Even if you do think you are doing it for his/her own good.

Answer 2

It isn't necessarily BAD. Nor is it necessary. "Rung" would be acceptable to me, it's rather like "lift" instead of "elevator." I have gotten many a strange look when I pronounce the "h" in herb, only because the person who believes I'm a stupid nerd, has never heard anything but "urb" & that person doesn't know the use of h is also correct. I also use "h" in humour, with the same response. My spell checks constantly tries to correct me, as I use "u" in humour. My friend's daughter made up the word "grossning" & I use it constantly;
people find it amusing, & are starting to use it. Perhaps it will one day be in the dictionary like "ain't." If I were in a debate with someone I knew well, I might suggest they use a different word to better clarify themselves. Otherwise, I feel no need to "correct" other people. Sometimes it's a colloquialism, or it's a different culture. I was corrected for saying "spin-ish" instead of spin-ich. This is the way I've always pronounced it, & I take no offense, but I'll continue. Like "donkey" & "monkey." Monkey is mung-kee, but donkey is BOTH dong-kee & dung-kee. Hey, I say dung-kee, you say dong--kee! Does it really matter? I suspect you'd feel better if you did NOT feel the need to correct people. Just one question: Do you feel that people are offended when you correct them? That would be your best answer.

Edit: Right on, Toopregn..also herb & humour..the spelling "centre" & much more. If someone feels compelled to correct, it's wise to be sure that correction is appropriate!

Answer 3

It is a mark of disrespct to correct someone (usually). As for the use of rung, it is common in England to use that as the past tense for "made a phone call". Most of the time, people mispeak because they are talking too fast for their brains to keep up, I rarely correct people other than children and even then I do it respectfully. To overcome the urge, just repeat the phrase SILENTLY in your head and then refocus your attention on the message the speaker is trying to communicate.

Answer 4

Most of the time, it is unnecessary and slightly condescending. If you can basically understand the message that is coming across, don't bother correcting the person.

I tend to correct people too much; perhaps I shouldn't

Answer 5

Correct people wherever and whenever you can. The last thing we need is the word "axe" officially replacing "ask". I correct people ALL the time. Most of it is incredibly minute (nowhere NEAR as drastic as "called" instead of "rung"), but it's important.

Answer 6

I'm not so arrogant as to correct someone. If they use a word improperly I just use it properly when talking to them and forget about it.
Did you notice how many times you said I? Now, do your homework and correct your statement.