Oct. 27, 2026

For All Intensive Purposes and Other Things We Think We Are Saying

For All Intensive Purposes and Other Things We Think We Are Saying
For All Intensive Purposes and Other Things We Think We Are Saying
The Edit: Writing Your Book Without Losing Your Voice
For All Intensive Purposes and Other Things We Think We Are Saying
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Apple Podcasts podcast player icon Apple Podcasts Apple Podcasts
Season 2

Have you ever said something your entire life, only to discover you've been saying it wrong? Maybe you've been taking things "for granite," nipping problems "in the butt," or wondering what happened to Chester's drawers!

In Episode 23 of The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing, we're having a little fun with the English language, commonly misused phrases, and those song lyrics we've been confidently singing wrong for years.

It all started when I came across the phrase "for all intensive purposes" while editing a client's article. Sure, I could have simply corrected it to "for all intents and purposes." But as an editor, I wanted to know something first.

Was it a mistake, or was there a story behind those words?

Because sometimes the words we get wrong are the very words that make a story worth telling.

In this episode, we're talking about:

  • Commonly misused phrases and what they actually mean.

  • Why our brains sometimes hear words differently than they're spoken.

  • Hilarious misheard song lyrics (and why we keep singing them anyway).

  • The difference between correcting a mistake and preserving someone's voice.

  • Why good editing involves asking questions, not just making corrections.

  • How to recognize when an unusual expression belongs in your writing.

We'll laugh a little, learn a little, and maybe discover that we've been saying a few things wrong ourselves.

But underneath all the fun is something I believe strongly: Good editing shouldn't erase the personality, memories, or voice behind the words.

FREE WRITING RESOURCE

Want to discover more expressions you might be getting wrong?

Visit https://theeditwithhollytotten.com for my free guide, Wait, That's Not Right! 25 Commonly Misused Phrases Every Writer Should Know.

And I'd love to hear from you! What's an expression you've been saying wrong for years? Or a song lyric you discovered you'd been singing incorrectly?

Send your favorites to theeditwithhollytotten@gmail.com.

Thanks for listening, and remember: Your story matters. Your voice matters. And sometimes the best thing an editor can do is ask one more question.

Your story without your voice is only words.

The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing

Writing, editing, publishing, and the stories behind the words.