#turnerstaaltips

The most horrendous Flemish abuses of the English language. All posts overheard from actual conversations.

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Determine

Determine is pronounced “dee-ter-min”, not “dee-ter-mine”.

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Welcome

Don’t say “welcome at”, rather say “welcome to”.

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Variable

Variable is pronounced “véh-ree-a-bull” (the first syllable is stressed). It is not pronounced as “vah-rye-a-bull”.

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Character

Character is pronounced with a K as in “coconut”, not as in “chase”.

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Analysis

When you analyse a problem, the result is an analysis. Not an ana-lie-sys.

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Sick

If you’re sick, you’re throwing up. Say ‘ill’ instead!

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Oef

Don't say "oef". "Phew" is better.

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Negotiate

The second syllable is stressed, not the first.

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Let me speak out!

"Let me finish!" sounds a lot better.

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Honest

Don't say 'to be honestly'. Say 'to be honest'.

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Zero

Zero is pronounced zere-oh. Not zare-oh.

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Packets

Networks deal in packets. Not in packages.

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Quick vs Fast

Quick relates to time; fast relates to speed. My car can drive really fast and it can do a quick run to the supermarket. It's capable of moving at high speed (it's fast) and hence it can do trips in a short time (it's quick).

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Gnome

The G in "gnome" is silent.

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Dinner

A diner ate dinner, not diner.  // @stillmation

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Adverbs come before verbs

Don't say "he repairs often my bike" but say "he often repairs my bike".

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Busy

Do not say "bussy". Say "bizzie".