solecism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "solecism" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to a grammatical mistake or a breach of good manners in language. An example: "His use of 'irregardless' is a common solecism." Alternative expressions include "grammatical error" and "language mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many people are prone to the "frequency illusion": that a usage that irritates them is a recent solecism.

The Economist

As a woman carrying a bit of extra weight, she explains, she understands the need not to wear anything too revealing: "All that vajiggle-jaggle is not beautimous" she says, the wilder patches of her Southern drawl subtitled so that we miss not a single delicious solecism.

Independent

They may point out the odd mistake, or even a grammatical solecism, but, if they miss one, who is to blame?

Independent

On the other hand, there's a kick and a lilt to the scenes in which Travers, ears pricked for solecism, listens to the Sherman brothers (B. J. Novak and Jason Schwartzman) as they canter through their songs.

The New Yorker

(Note to grammarians, re the "lie-lay" solecism: Give up, already! You've lost!) The dead guy is laying there all shot up, one eye hanging from the socket like some goofy Halloween mask, plasma already separating out of the pool of blood beside him, flies buzzing around.

The New Yorker

That she did not, the living queens concluded, was the sort of solecism one had to expect from an imaginary being.

The New Yorker

This last solecism occurs during Schultz's epilogic rush through the final decades of his subjects' lives.

The New Yorker

On the other hand, common sources of solecism receive less attention than they might.

The New Yorker

So were the adulation and the afterlife, though Armstrong's post-flight public performance was what the NASA solecism calls "nominal"; Kraft had reason to be pleased.

The New Yorker

The word "homosexual," for instance, is a solecism, a hybrid of Greek (homos, "alike") and Latin (sexualis, "sexual").

The New Yorker

She could find a solecism in a Stop sign.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "solecism" when you want to specifically highlight a deviation from accepted standards of grammar or social behavior. It adds a touch of formality and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "solecism" for minor typos or slips of the tongue. Reserve it for instances where there's a clear violation of grammatical rules or a significant breach of etiquette.

Linguistic Context

The word "solecism" functions primarily as a noun. It refers to a breach of grammatical rules or accepted norms of behavior. Ludwig AI examples show its usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in identifying errors in language and conduct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solecism" is a noun that signifies a grammatical error or a breach of social etiquette. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in formal writing, academic discussions, and journalistic contexts. While "solecism" is frequently used, especially in News & Media, it's important to use it accurately, avoiding its application to minor mistakes and instead reserving it for significant deviations from established norms. Related terms include "grammatical error" and "faux pas", but the choice depends on the specific type of error you want to emphasize. Pay attention to authoritative sources, such as The New York Times and The Guardian, for examples of proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grammatical error

Focuses specifically on errors in grammar, a narrower scope than "solecism" which can also apply to etiquette.

faux pas

Refers to a social blunder or breach of etiquette, shifting the context from language to social behavior.

lapse in etiquette

Specifically refers to a failure to adhere to proper social conventions or manners.

gaffe

Similar to "faux pas", it refers to a tactless or awkward act or remark in a social situation.

impropriety

Denotes something that is inappropriate or unsuitable, broadening the scope beyond just linguistic or social errors.

indecorum

Lack of propriety or good taste; behavior that violates accepted standards of good conduct.

barbarism

In a linguistic context, refers to a nonstandard word or expression, sometimes considered crude or unrefined.

breach of protocol

Indicates a failure to follow established rules or procedures, often in formal or official settings.

vulgarism

A word or expression considered crude, coarse, or unrefined in language.

blunder

Indicates a mistake or error, often a clumsy or foolish one, applicable in various situations beyond language or social norms.

FAQs

How to use "solecism" in a sentence?

You can use "solecism" to describe a grammatical error or a breach of social etiquette. For example, "His repeated use of 'literally' to mean 'figuratively' is a common "solecism"".

What can I say instead of "solecism"?

You can use alternatives like "grammatical error", "faux pas", or "impropriety" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "solecism" or "solipsism"?

"Solecism" refers to a grammatical mistake or breach of etiquette, while "solipsism" is the philosophical idea that only one's own mind is sure to exist. They have completely different meanings.

What's the difference between "solecism" and "malapropism"?

A ""solecism"" is a general term for a grammatical error or social blunder. A "malapropism" is the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with humorous effect.