wrong word
Incorrect term used
Wrong word is a usage error where a writer or speaker selects a term that doesn't fit the intended meaning—often a near-homophone or similar-looking word: The new policy will effect everyone when affect was meant, or He's a real escape goat.
The phrase appears in editing markup and grammar instruction to flag these substitutions.
- misspeakExpress oneself incorrectly
- slip of the tongueUnintended verbal error
- verbal slipUnintended spoken error
- typoPrinting mistake
- slipMinor error or misstep
blunder · gaffe · foot in mouth · mistake · error · fumble · stumble · malapropism · oops · awkward · correction · backspace · delete · embarrassing · tongue-tied · brain freeze · bungle · flub
- document errorstypos, typo, misspellings, misspelling, spelling errors
- language errorsspelling error, spelling mistake, typo, misspelling, syntax error
- Mishearingsmondegreen, mondegreens, eggcorn, eggcorns, malapropism
- text errorstypo, misspelling, misprint, spelling mistake, missing letter
- phone mistakestypo, mistype, autocorrect fail, fat finger
- recitation mistakesstumble, stammer, stutter, flub, blank