12 Most Hilarious Examples of Writing by Ear

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Homophone mistakes can be dangerous to professional credibility and really funny, too. I’m not referring to the all-too-common boo-boos like it’s/its, you’re/your or there/their.

The phrase “pouring over the content” appeared in a blog by a noted and oft-quoted writer of marketing books and a popular blog. When the boo-boo was pointed out, the writer retorted that “scholars and style junkies” care about the distinction. That’s roughly the equivalent of my accountant’s telling me that balancing the books is for “economists and math junkies.”

1. Without further adieu

This one got the ball rolling for collecting comical sound-alikes.

2. Let us wet your appetite

…with a few favorite homophonic gaffes.

3. Poor writing reeks havoc

…on clear communication and distracts from the main point.

4. It’s a tell-tail sign

…that writers aren’t necessarily readers; big mistake.

5. They should hand over the reigns

Or at least step back from the keyboard.

6. This doesn’t phase some people

…who feel that proper writing style, grammar and spelling are optional.

7. It’s a waist of time

To them, but good for giggles and groans for us.

8. They will fair well

…in business — and certainly in the blogosphere — as long as we accept poor writing.

9. In a physical year

We’ll see this used instead of “fiscal” year… yipes!

10. It doesn’t bare a resemblance

…to conveying that the books are balanced on a schedule other than January through December.

11. These examples are taylor-made

…for confusion, and comedy.

Now, for the mother of all funny homophones…drum roll, please…

12. It’s a crap chute

…what you’ll get these days for business writing.

It’s sort of like that game of “Telephone,” where participants whisper words to each other and, by the end of the game, the words have completely changed. The difference here is that the misunderstandings are loud online; clarity in writing isn’t a game.

Which funny sound-alikes have you seen?

Featured image courtesy of svennevenn via Creative Commons.

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Kim Phillips

http://www.getlucid.net/blog/

Kim Phillips is the founder of Lucid Marketing and author of the Lucid at Random blog.  With over 30 years of experience in corporate advertising for a major financial institution, sales and marketing, Kim provides clients with marketing communication strategies, branding, content management and creative services.  She is a teacher and speaker, and she finds time for musings and the occasional rant on her personal blog.