Usage Rules 3

Has got, have got

“Got” is considered non-standard because it is semantically redundant.  However, it is regionally common.

• I’ve got two cats. (non standard)
• I have two cats.

Imply/infer

Imply:  to suggest something indirectly

Infer:  to make an assumption or draw a conclusion.

Correct:

• I implied I wanted a present for my birthday.
• From my earlier conversation, my husband inferred that I wanted a gold fish.

Incorrect:

• I inferred to my class that there would be a test on Tuesday.

Irregardless

Considered non-standard in written English.  Use regardless.

Most likely this word was created when “irrespective” and “regardless” merged in people’s brains.

Kind of, Sort of

Avoid using these words to mean somewhat.  

The movie was kind of boring.  (non-standard)

The movie was kind a boring. (even more non-standard)

The movie was somewhat boring.

Like, As

Like:  a preposition; should be followed by a single word or phrase.

As:  a conjunction; should be followed by a complete sentence.

You don’t appreciated frogs like I appreciate frogs.  (non-standard)

You don’t appreciated frogs as I appreciate frogs.

Myself

A reflexive or intensive pronoun.  I drive myself.  I cut myself.  Shouldn’t be a substitute for “me” or “I”.

Give the completed form to Brett or myself when you’re done.  (non-standard)