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Monday

50 Mistreated Words and Desecrated Phrases: Each One’s Worst Than the Next



Where do we start with this desecrated phrase?

First, grammatically, it’s a mess.

Each one may be worse than the next, but not worst. It doesn’t even matter what sort of entity “one” is used to describe.

What’s more, the meaning is shot.

The intent of this oft-used phrase is usually aimed at describing deterioration, not  improvement.

Think about it.

If each one is actually worse than the next, then things must be better than they were before.

But that’s not what people usually have in mind when the say it.

Each one’s worse than the last.

That’s more like it – at least, from a language statement. Still, it’d be nice to see things take an upturn and make the too-often desecrated phrasing moot.

Life can always improve, and it often does, even if language seems to grow ever sloppier.

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1 comment:

  1. I've actually had arguments with people over this very phrase. People who insisted they were well educated. They often claim that it's a matter of "lingual drift". The introduction of the definition "radical or awes-inspiring" in regards to the word "cool" is lingual drift. This phrase is just... sacrilege.

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