Commonly misused/misspelled words and phrases (Part 26)

Here are some more words that are frequently misused, and how to use them correctly:

Jive vs. jibe

Wrong: Their stories don’t jive.
Right: Their stories don’t jibe.

In this context, jibe means to agree or to be in accord. Jive has numerous meanings, including deceptive, teasing, pretentious, or irrelevant talk. So even when jive-talking, your stories should jibe.

Intense vs. intents

Wrong: For all intense and purposes….
Right: For all intents and purposes….

Intense (an adjective) has a number of meanings, including extreme, vehement, and to a high degree. Intents (noun) are plans, intentions or states of mind. The phrase “for all intents and purposes” specifically means virtually or practically.

More words next time.

Mark.