Remember our January 2022 segment on misplaced modifiers? And our December 2022 Grammar Police segment, which we devoted entirely to them? They keep coming. As this is our 87th segment, we’d guess that by now, you can figure out the goof in each of these entries, as well as how to fix it. Write us if you’re stumped.
(You might wonder if the “Horribly Wrong” creates mis-phrases from scratch to fit a segment’s theme. No. Every one of these actually appeared. Completed our mission never is!)
“Trump congratulates McCarthy after winning speakership.”
Senate to take up funding bill after passing the House.”
“A Brightline train struck and killed a pedestrian while walking along the tracks…”
“Man dies after two cars hit him crossing road.” (Submitted by Milt Baker)
“While driving to urgent care for his chest pains, his girlfriend called him.”
“An SUV was found by responders in flames.” (Submitted by Dr. Baruch Kahana).
"Officials say the radar blip re-emerged overnight on Saturday. And after floating over Lake Huron near Michigan, President Biden made the call to bring that one down, too."
“New concerns arose after the Supreme Court gave states the right to ban abortion in June.” (Submitted by Bob Yankowitz)
The Biden administration is scrambling to avert a diplomatic crisis over Israeli settlement activity this week at the United Nations…”
“Man accused of stealing two luxury cars, soft drinks from outdoor fridge.” (Submitted by Kevin Maragh)
“Some prominent Virginia Republicans who support tighter abortion restrictions have ruled out adding penalties for patients, including Attorney General Jason S. Miyares …” (Submitted by Bob Yankowitz.)
“Cowboys for Trump” co-founder Couy Griffin was found not guilty Wednesday of a misdemeanor charge of failing to register a political committee at a trial in southern New Mexico.”
“US Navy shoots down drone heading toward USS Thomas Hudner in self-defense.’ (Submitted by Art Fyvolent.)
“…confirmed his son died of an accidental overdose on social media.” (Submitted by Art Fyvolent.)
“……joined officials to celebrate the completion of Brightline’s rail construction to Orlando at a roundtable.”
“Former teacher allegedly tipped off to teen sex arrest by deputy in custody.”
Landscaper fatally runs over homeless woman sleeping in California park with lawnmower.”
“David Pecker testifies about sources for tabloid exclusives during Trump trial.”
“Soccer ref suspended after kneeing player complaining about call in the groin.”
Watch this on video: https://youtu.be/yCczRB1M-_8?si=mf6Gk4r5HkONRLdE
Next time: Ben Franklin and his hat.
Readers: "Something Went Horribly Wrong" features samples of bad writing we see nearly every day. You can participate! Be our duly deputized “grammar police.” Your motto: “To protect and correct.” Send in your photos of store signs, street signs, menus, TV news graphics, newspaper headlines, tweets, and so on. It doesn’t have to be a grammatical error. It can be just what we call “cowardly writing.” Include your name and home town so we can credit you properly. You're free to add a comment, although we reserve the right to edit or omit. Now get out there! Send to Eliot@eliotkleinberg.com
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NOTE: Eliot and Lou Ann are available for speaking engagements, and can travel. Reach us through the comments section. Just think of all of your employees getting back to work on a Monday, their heads filled with all the ways we’ve shown them to be better communicators!