Writing wrong...

[lynnmosher]

I get a daily writing tips email. Here's the link...

http://www.dailywritingtips.com/

In a previous email, the author explained eggcorns. Here are some examples...

a tough road to hoe (a tough row to hoe)
antidotal evidence (anecdotal evidence)
bonified (bona fide)
flaw in the ointment (fly in the ointment)
hone in (home in)
internally grateful (eternally grateful)
mute point (moot point)
throws of passion (throes of passion)

In today's email, the author talked about others, such as malapropisms. If you mean to say one thing, but use a similar sounding word that means something completely different, then that’s what you’ve done. Example: A rolling stone gathers no moths. (moss)

Also mondegreens. Example...The song The Bonny Earl of Murray, the line ‘(hae laid) him on the green’ was misconstrued as ‘Lady Mondegreen’.

And spoonerisms...which result from transposing the initial sounds of words. Such as...

It is now kisstomary to cuss the bride. (customary to kiss the bride)
You have tasted two worms (wasted two terms)
Our Lord is a shoving leopard (loving shepherd)

You can also find a lot more on this site...

http://www.fun-with-words.com/index.html

I thought that, as we read and write, we sometimes come across writers that have inadvertenly written strange or funny sentences, or we do it ourselves, especially when it comes to misplaced phrases. Have you come across any lately in reading or in your own writing that are strange or make you laugh?

[Timber Wolf]

Strange that you should ask. Actually I have an idea jotted down somewhere about somebody hearing the wrong thing ("links" instead of "lynx"(c) ), and trying to figure out what to do w/ the idea. As far as reading / writing these haven't seen them in print - only heard them in speech.

[VLSmith]

I have something that might into this category: I have the bad habit of saying, "Are you being have?" (The "have" rhyming with shave or slave) instead of the proper "Are you behaving?" I'm excellent with grammar and the written word but that one trips me up almost every time. But I'm not alone on this one. I thought I was the only one with this quirk, but I have heard countless others do the same thing.

[righter1]

That reminds me of something I spotted in a book yesterday, and thought for a while that I was right and the book was wrong, but now I'm not so sure... :confused:

In the book, there was a sentence that said 'My parents walked passed me'.

In my opinion, it should be 'My parents walked past me', but now I'm not sure... Any ideas?

[Tarin]

In the book, there was a sentence that said 'My parents walked passed me'.

In my opinion, it should be 'My parents walked past me', but now I'm not sure... Any ideas?

Trust your instincts. ;)

[righter1]

I sat and thought about it, and the version in the book has 2 verbs right next to each other. Ergo, my version is correct. The other can't be right.

[VLSmith]

Yep, "walked past" would be correct.

[VLSmith]

I have heard that the English language is the hardest to learn. I don't know about that but here's a puzzler for you...(try saying it out loud fast.)

If more than one mouse is mice,
Then why isn't more than one house - hice?

If more than one goose is geese,
Then why isn't more than one moose - meese?

When my daughter was younger I would ask her this all the time just to annoy her.

[Timber Wolf]

That reminds me of something I spotted in a book yesterday, and thought for a while that I was right and the book was wrong, but now I'm not so sure... :confused:

In the book, there was a sentence that said 'My parents walked passed me'.

In my opinion, it should be 'My parents walked past me', but now I'm not sure... Any ideas?

Ahhhh, but maybe they meant "My parent's walk passed me." :D


I have heard that the English language is the hardest to learn. I don't know about that but here's a puzzler for you...(try saying it out loud fast.)

If more than one mouse is mice,
Then why isn't more than one house - hice?

If more than one goose is geese,
Then why isn't more than one moose - meese?

When my daughter was younger I would ask her this all the time just to annoy her.



That's ..., that's..., that's just mean.

What's the etemology of the two words? Maybe that would give us a clue as to "why?"

[Timber Wolf]

Accidental dup post
please delete

[lynnmosher]

You guys are right...I looked it up...past is correct.

[lynnmosher]

Here are a few fun ones...

Michaelangelo painted the Sixteenth Chapel.

Good punctuation means not to be late.

Isn't that an expensive pendulum round that man's neck?

He's a wolf in cheap clothing.

I love the church bulletins with boo-boo's. You've probably read these before...

Don't let worry kill you -- let the church help.

Thursday night - Potluck supper. Prayer and medication to follow.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.

[VLSmith]

That's ..., that's..., that's just mean.

What's the etemology of the two words? Maybe that would give us a clue as to "why?"

It's not mean. She got a kick out of it...sometimes. :rolleyes:

I have no idea about the etemology of the words. It's just an interesting fact that some words are plural one way (lice, mice) while others are a different way (houses, spouses.)

[AnnieJ]

I often have problems with editors who want to change "If she thinks that then she's got another think coming." - They want to change it to "She's got another THING coming."

And I mean more than one editor on more than one book - It doesn't even make sense to have another thing coming in that context.

maybe it's a regional thing, ya think?

annie jones- The Barefoot Believers - out ow

[lynnmosher]

Sheesh, Annie! That seems really strange! Glad you're still around, Annie. Missed ya!

[Merry]

I'm still laughing about 'throws of passion.' Man, love hurts.

[lynnmosher]

LOL! I love that one, too, Merry Merry!

How 'bout these...

We cannot let terrorists and rogue nations hold this nation hostile or hold our allies hostile." George W. Bush

The police are not here to create disorder, they're here to preserve disorder." Richard Daley, former Chicago mayor

Republicans understand the importance of bondage between a mother and child." Dan Quayle, Vice President

[Lookin^Up]

It figures that a bunch of writers would love to get into a thread about spoonerisms, malapropisms, etc., but no one has mentioned pig latin. Maybe its because that's usually spoken on purpose, whereas spoonerisms are "tips of the slung".

If more than one mouse is mice,
Then why isn't more than one house - hice?

If more than one goose is geese,
Then why isn't more than one moose - meese?
I have another one for you. If T-R-U-L-Y spells "truly," why doesn't J-U-L-Y spell "Julie"?

What's the etemology of the two words? Maybe that would give us a clue as to "why?"
Ahem ... that would be "etymology" ... with a "why" (Y).

I often have problems with editors who want to change "If she thinks that then she's got another think coming." - They want to change it to "She's got another THING coming."

And I mean more than one editor on more than one book - It doesn't even make sense to have another thing coming in that context.
I'm with you, Annie. "Thing" doesn't make sense, and I'm surprised that experienced editors would make such a blunder.

Others I've heard--whether unintentional or dense, I'm not the one to say--but people write "shoo-in" when it's supposed to be "shoe-in," or "complected" when there is no such word in the dictionary--it's "complexioned." I have a whole book with gems of that nature, as well as grammar errors, titled Woe is I.

I'm especially fond of spoonerisms, and sometimes I say them on purpose to get a laugh. Some of my favorites among those listed in the link:

lead of spite = speed of light
my zips are lipped = my lips are zipped
it crawls through the fax = it falls through the cracks
go and shake a tower = go and take a shower

Not to mention the ones Spooner himself committed:

fighting a liar = lighting a fire
nosey little cook = cosy little nook
our queer old Dean = our dear old Queen
we'll have the hags flung out = we'll have the flags hung out

Nothing quite beats the genius of the Master! Absotively, posilutely. LOL

[Timber Wolf]

What's "orinetated?"
Oriented, and Orientation I've heard of. Orientated? What's that? My old pastor always used that. (and others). I looked it up, but couldn't find it.

[Tommie Lyn]

Ahem ... that would be "etymology" ... with a "why" (Y).
Actually "wh" plus "y" should not be pronounced "y," nor should "wh" plus "ere" be pronounced "wear" (as I see so many kids today spelling "where"), nor should "wh" plus "at" be pronounced "watt," nor should "wh" plus "o" be pronounced "ooo," nor should "wh" plus "ile" be pronounced "wile." This mispronunciation (or, should I say non-pronunciation) of the "wh" sound is a relatively new development.

Why, where, what, who, and while.....

or "complected" when there is no such word in the dictionary--
"Complected" is in the dictionary -- here are several dictionary links to "complected" --

Merriam-Webster:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complected

The Free Dictionary:

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/complected

The American Heritage Dictionary:

http://www.bartleby.com/61/86/C0528600.html

Dictionary.com:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/complected

[Ransom v. Unman]

I often have problems with editors who want to change "If she thinks that then she's got another think coming." - They want to change it to "She's got another THING coming."

And I mean more than one editor on more than one book - It doesn't even make sense to have another thing coming in that context.

maybe it's a regional thing, ya think?

Yeah, that's a regional thing. I've never heard "another think" coming. "Think" is a verb, not a noun. That's bad grammar. Period.

To properly say what I think you're trying to say, it would be "Another thought/idea coming".

[Cymrugirl]

She's got another thing coming is a cliche in and of itself isn't it? Without the first "if she thinks that..."

I too have never heard anyone say "she's got another think coming"


Um...this thread is fun. :D

Oriented, and Orientation I've heard of. Orientated? What's that? My old pastor always used that. (and others). I looked it up, but couldn't find it.

I hear that in my part of the country a lot. Along with mischiev-ee-ous and flustrated.

[Tommie Lyn]

I too have never heard anyone say "she's got another think coming"


I've heard that saying all my life. I don't know that it's regional, though, because I've heard Bill Cosby use it in relating incidents from his past in one of his comedy routines, and he's not from the region I'm from. It makes the idea being expressed stand out and be noticed -- much better than a mundane and forgettable "she'd better think twice," for instance.

It belongs with a plethora of other sayings which are rich and colorful and pointed and memorable. After all, using "think" as a noun gets your attention. Right? Some of those sayings satisfy me on several levels, and I hope I'll find opportunities to use some of them in my writing.

[Ransom v. Unman]

It might be pointed and memorable... but for all the wrong reasons.

Like the "JAPAN - YOUR WRONG" protest sign after a Japanese minister commented about the inferior intellect of Americans. :rolleyes:

[Tommie Lyn]

It might be pointed and memorable... but for all the wrong reasons.

Like the "JAPAN - YOUR WRONG" protest sign after a Japanese minister commented about the inferior intellect of Americans. :rolleyes:

Actually, it is pointed and memorable -- for the right reasons, unlike the example you gave, which was grammatically incorrect because of a lack of education on the part of the sign maker.

The sayings I like are made for effect -- they are ironic. Or impossible. But very vivid in their meaning. Which is a totally different thing than a blunder like the "your wrong."

Like the saying, "as fine as frog hair."

Or, "Yep, I'm gonna take care of that little chore, on the second Tuesday of next week."

[DR-Writer]

What's "orinetated?"
Oriented, and Orientation I've heard of. Orientated? What's that? My old pastor always used that. (and others). I looked it up, but couldn't find it.

This one drives me nuts, too, like the similar "commentated" when someone wants to say "commented." It's a needless complication of a simple morphism--even when it's correct (as is sometimes the case, unfortunately).

Yeah, that's a regional thing. I've never heard "another think" coming. "Think" is a verb, not a noun. That's bad grammar. Period.

To properly say what I think you're trying to say, it would be "Another thought/idea coming".

Actually, this is a case of intentionally using poor grammar either for the sake of emphasis or for comedic effect. (Is there a technical term for this. . . ?) You'll see this from time to time, although the only example that leaps immediately to mind is one I used recently in an e-mail I send to family and friends concerning a medical close call. The initial symptom, I said, "wasn't too bad." The symptoms that followed, however, were "very too bad." Obviously this sort of doubling up is horrible English, but I did it that way on purpose. I enjoy little twists like that in both my reading and writing. It offers something unique to the reader, a little different than the usual approach.

Regardless of how it looks or reads, though, "another think coming" is the proper rendering. I'm afraid you'll have to trace it back to the original coiner and take it up with him.

Nice to be back. . . . :)

- Scott

[Ransom v. Unman]

But the problem is, some people don't see it as an ironic example of poor grammar to emphasise a point - they think it's perfectly acceptable and standard English! (Or, at least, that's what I've observed when I've heard people use the phrase, and what I was getting from Annie's post...)

[Timber Wolf]

Yeah, that's a regional thing. I've never heard "another think" coming. "Think" is a verb, not a noun. That's bad grammar. Period.

....



She's got another thing coming is a cliche in and of itself isn't it? Without the first "if she thinks that..."

I too have never heard anyone say "she's got another think coming"


Um...this thread is fun. :D


I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks "another think" is incorrect.




....



Actually, this is a case of intentionally using poor grammar either for the sake of emphasis or for comedic effect. (Is there a technical term for this. . . ?) You'll see this from time to time, although the only example that leaps immediately to mind is one I used recently in an e-mail I send to family and friends concerning a medical close call. The initial symptom, I said, "wasn't too bad." The symptoms that followed, however, were "very too bad." Obviously this sort of doubling up is horrible English, but I did it that way on purpose. I enjoy little twists like that in both my reading and writing. It offers something unique to the reader, a little different than the usual approach.

....



I used to use this improper English on purpose around my sis-in-law, would drive her crazy. (Maybe that's why it was so much fun. :D)
Course one has to be careful of getting into the habit of doing so, because one may unintentionaly do so when you don't mean to.

[lynnmosher]

I found this...

"You have another think coming"
: : : : : : : "If you think that, you have another think coming" means "You are mistaken and will soon have to alter your opinion". This is now sometimes heard with "thing" in place of "think", but "think" is the older version. Eric Partridge, in A Dictionary of Catch Phrases, gives the phrase as "you have another guess coming", "US: since the 1920s, if not a decade or two earlier". Clearly "think" is closer to "guess" than "thing" is. The OED [Oxford English Dictionary] gives a citation with "think" from 1937, and no evidence for "thing". Merriam-Webster Editorial Department writes: "When an informal poll was conducted here at Merriam-Webster, about 60% of our editors favored 'thing' over 'think,' a result that runs counter to our written evidence."
: : : : : : : From The alt.usage.english FAQ File

[Ransom v. Unman]

Again, it's because "You've got another thing coming" works grammatically... "Thing" here is a noun and operates as a part of the predicate nominative, i.e. "there is a thing coming, and you've got it."

You can't do that with "think".

Anyway, it's a cliché, and if it's being used as an example of regional dialect, then "another think coming" is perfectly acceptable. Otherwise, it shouldn't be in the narrative in the first place, unless it's a children's book or something.

[Tommie Lyn]

But the problem is, some people don't see it as an ironic example of poor grammar to emphasise a point - they think it's perfectly acceptable and standard English! (Or, at least, that's what I've observed when I've heard people use the phrase, and what I was getting from Annie's post...)
And I think such sayings are perfectly acceptable. And "standard?" What is standard today was not standard in the past. The language has been in a constant state of flux, as many languages are, unless they are dead. And if it was acceptable for English to morph into its current form, it will be acceptable for it to morph away from that form.

The purpose of a language is communication. Some guidelines are set, mostly for the benefit of those who, like us, use language in a more formal way. But the guidelines aren't set in stone. If they were set in stone, we would not be speaking English as most Americans do today....we'd be using the older (and, by modern standards, incorrect) forms. You'd be talking like the mountain people of the Appalachians, who, actually, speak an older (and more correct?) Shakespearean form of English. And there wouldn't be controversy among the formal users of English over the changes which occur over time.

So. I love sayings which add color and richness and sparkle to a piece -- and even if they don't meet with the approval of everyone, I'll use them as I have opportunity. And if they accelerate certain changes in the language.....I have no problem with that. I'd rather add a little bling to my writing. ;)

[Ransom v. Unman]

Just make sure you know how to speak "standard" English as well, and we'll be fine...

[lynnmosher]

Speaking of standard English, here are what have now become known as Bushisms...

“It will take time to restore chaos and order.”
“We need an energy bill that encourages consumption.”
“Natural gas is hemispheric... because it is a product that we can find in our neighborhoods.”

[AnnieJ]

Interesting.

Basically, I'll keep writing 'think' and stetting any editor's attempt to put thing (really, grammar or not that doesn't make sense - Another THING is coming? what THING? That only makes sense if your story concerns the Addams Family and your sharing the news that their pet hand is expecting a visit from a relative - "Hey Lurch, set out the lady fingers, we've got another Thing coming!")

Writing wrong in fiction (most specifically dialog but also in some narrative - it depends on the style/voice/pov) is only wrong when it fails to achieve the goal of communicating story/character/motive/setting/whatever you are using it to convey. Or if you do it because you don't know any better and are too lazy to do the work to get it right.

annie jones - The Barefoot Believers - Out now

[Tommie Lyn]

Basically, I'll keep writing 'think' and stetting any editor's attempt to put thing (really, grammar or not that doesn't make sense - Another THING is coming? what THING? That only makes sense if your story concerns the Addams Family and your sharing the news that their pet hand is expecting a visit from a relative - "Hey Lurch, set out the lady fingers, we've got another Thing coming!")

Too funny!

[JCdudette]

Someone mentioned "flustrated" which alot of people here say and it frustrates me.

"Irregardless" should be just plain "regardless."

Nauseated vs. nauseous.

"In a sense" is becoming mainstream and is found in writing everywhere, but it should be "in essence."

Several years ago I read an autobiography that was self-published by the author. The book detailed the tumultuous life of a woman who, before coming to Christ, was involved with drugs and rough living and she eventually, literally set herself on fire. Her story was captivating. However, there were so many errors in the text that it could never be picked up by a publisher without major editing. The one error that I remember most is "key load" for "kilo," the drug weight.

Irony: the librarian (not liberryan) who called me today could not read my name correctly and addressed me as "Lydia." I repeated my correct name "Lynda" three times for her before the "aha" struck and she said, "Oohh!"

Remember, "a mind is a terrible thing to waste."

Fun thread.

[Knight of Christ]

ok heres a few for ya.

Found on a church sign:

Visitors love fest

in a church bulliten:

All church bean dinner, choir pratice to fallow. come stay for the music

[adetokunbo]

Lynn,
Thanks for this tip!!!
It's an eye opener to words,spelling, new words etc...
God bless you.
!thumbsup!

adetokunbo...
"In Him I live,move and have my being because He is my Strenght"

[lynnmosher]

I posted but the cyber goblins must have eaten it!

Annie...I love your post! Too funny!

JCD...great examples!

KOC...gotta love those church signs and bulletins. Some of the best comedy around.

adetokunbo...you're welcome!

Will be back with more! Thanks everyone!

Oh...Ransom...I will do my best to write and speak in a manner to which my English teachers would be proud!

[Lookin^Up]

Few things are more frustrating than someone dissecting a joke or a common silly phrase as though they were teaching grammar class. I know the "wh" in "why" doesn't exactly sound like Y; it was just a joke. And the "another think" thing is just a silly turn of phrase that people have grown fond of using. Stop analyzing it!

As for "complected," it was not in the dictionary when I was in college and much of the time afterwards. I've heard it said it's not educated people who change the language, but uneducated ones; the fact that it's in the dictionary now (and they never notified me!) is one more example of substandard English going mainstream.

[Timber Wolf]

I was reading a book on writing, and the author was saying how all writers should get a good dictionary. Then he went on to say: get such and such dictionary, 2nd edition, not the current edition because the current edition is more along the lines of telling us how words are used, rather than how words are supposed to be used. I can't rememebr all the specific examples the author gave, but I do remember the author referring to a scene in a "Nero Wolf" novel where Nero was ripping the current edition of the dictionary to shreds and burning the pages. When asked why he was doing so, Nero responded somehting about do you interchange "presently" with "currently?" His companion replied "no," and Nero responded with "this dictionary says you may in fact do so."

So dictionaries have gone from being definitions of words to being something else according tho that author.

[Cymrugirl]

Basically, I'll keep writing 'think' and stetting any editor's attempt to put thing (really, grammar or not that doesn't make sense - Another THING is coming? what THING? That only makes sense if your story concerns the Addams Family and your sharing the news that their pet hand is expecting a visit from a relative - "Hey Lurch, set out the lady fingers, we've got another Thing coming!")

LOL. When I've heard it, I've always actually imagined something like this - as the "thing coming" being a surprise. In other words, "if she thinks that, she's got another thing (being the opposite of that thing she thought) coming." :)

The "another think" coming doesn't strike me as grammatically incorrect, as much as (because of what I grew up hearing) a typo. I would probably assume it was a typo - though not now. ;) But "having a think" is something I hear as a....colloquial (?) expression.

It makes me think of Winnie-the-Pooh.

Writing wrong in fiction (most specifically dialog but also in some narrative - it depends on the style/voice/pov) is only wrong when it fails to achieve the goal of communicating story/character/motive/setting/whatever you are using it to convey. Or if you do it because you don't know any better and are too lazy to do the work to get it right.

This is a good point. A colloquialism in a narrative is better accepted if the speaker is someone like Harper Lee's Scout or Twain's Huck Finn than, say, a third person all knowing-narrator with a traditional voice.

I imagine colloquialisms are one of the larger barriers in a book that's trying to reach an audience across a variety of regions and countries for this very reason. I know they create different versions of English novels to alleviate some of this, but on occasion, I know I have no idea what some author's are saying just because they're using regional terminology. No biggie. I either google it or skip it and move on.

[Tarin]

I was reading a book on writing, and the author was saying how all writers should get a good dictionary. Then he went on to say: get such and such dictionary, 2nd edition, not the current edition because the current edition is more along the lines of telling us how words are used, rather than how words are supposed to be used. I can't rememebr all the specific examples the author gave, but I do remember the author referring to a scene in a "Nero Wolf" novel where Nero was ripping the current edition of the dictionary to shreds and burning the pages. When asked why he was doing so, Nero responded somehting about do you interchange "presently" with "currently?" His companion replied "no," and Nero responded with "this dictionary says you may in fact do so."

So dictionaries have gone from being definitions of words to being something else according tho that author.

Dictionaries keep track of the evolution of language. Just because some formerly incorrect expressions have gained acceptance and even propriety isn't the poor dictionary's fault.:cool:

[Tommie Lyn]

Dictionaries keep track of the evolution of language. Just because some formerly incorrect expressions have gained acceptance and even propriety isn't the poor dictionary's fault.:cool:

New words are added continuously to the English language -- and English words are added to other languages. Sometimes, it takes a while to adjust and accept the new words -- many of us like to stick to the old ways.

One thing that I find particularly ironic is that Noah Webster, who was the "progenitor," if you will, of Americanized spelling and who published an Americanized dictionary, thought that definitions of words should come from general usage, not that "proper" usage be enforced on general usage. That is opposite the stance many of us take today. Rather than conforming the dictionary to popular speech, as was Webster's opinion, we want general usage to conform to the dictionary.

Funny.

[Cymrugirl]

It's probably good for everybody that a little of both mindsets still war with each other, or else we'd all sound like P.diddy or use "like" every other word!

Language is weird - but that's why I like it. :D

[Lookin^Up]

Like, um, Cymrugirl, I mean like, what do you, like, mean?

[Timber Wolf]

You forgot the "Tee hee hee."

[righter1]

Since this is kind of the same topic...


Does anyone else sometimes feel like Henry Higgins in 'My Fair Lady'? :p

[lynnmosher]

You bet! Not that I have such a great knowledge of the English language, which I don't, but I think I'm somewhat acquainted with grammar usage. So it irks me when I see or hear the abuse that comes from others. It really bugs me when I see mistakes made by well-known authors and the editors have not caught them. Granted, editors are extremely busy, but when boo-boo's are very obvious, I begin to wonder!

[Cymrugirl]

I mean, like the rain in spain stays totally on the <facial expression conveying an adjective> plain.

Knowwhatamean?

[Boomer]

"If she thinks that, she's got another thing coming." is the correct and usual usage of the phrase.

If you mean to use a phrase incorrectly, tell your editors.

If you thought "another think coming" was the correct usage... I'd be frustrated as your editor.

[AnnieJ]

"If she thinks that, she's got another thing coming." is the correct and usual usage of the phrase.

If you mean to use a phrase incorrectly, tell your editors.

If you thought "another think coming" was the correct usage... I'd be frustrated as your editor.

I never said my editors are frustrated (actually I am regarded by waaaaay too many editors as an 'easy' author in that I am a light edit and very cooperative - given I've been published for over 10 years (5 Publishers, 8 imprints, 4 names, currently editing my 33rd and 34th books and writing #35) that's actually a pretty good reference).

Though you do sound a bit peevish. Relax. It's okay.
Another think coming is correct in as much as it is a correct usage of the colloquialism -demonstrated here by both reference material and personal report.

It may come as a shock to your system but often in fiction, perfect grammar is trumped by realism, voice, style, characterization and a whole host of other reasons (stand back as I steer this baby back to the title of the thread!) to write wrong ;)

annie jones - The Barefoot Believers - out now

Sorry if that was snarky - believe me y'all, I was much snarkier but backed it down a notch - but really its just tacky to say a writer is a frustration to his/her editor.

[Tommie Lyn]

"If she thinks that, she's got another thing coming." is the correct and usual usage of the phrase.
No, it isn't.

According to Washington State University's website:

Here’s a case in which eagerness to avoid error leads to error. The original expression is the last part of a deliberately ungrammatical joke: “If that’s what you think, you’ve got another think coming.”

http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/thing.html

And from another grammar website:

A popular expression that I keep seeing misused, even by those who write for a living, is the one that goes, "If you think this, that, or the other, then you've got another think coming."

The common misuse of this expression goes thus: "If you think this, that, or the other, then you've got another thing coming."

http://grammartips.homestead.com/anotherthink.html

[Knight of Christ]

To tell you the truth, i mean logicly the word think in the phrase realy just dosent sound right to my ears.

[lynnmosher]

I think to better understand it, it should be written this way...

If that is what you think, then you have another "think" coming!

[Knight of Christ]

Well to each there own, just dose not sound right in my ears.

[Tommie Lyn]

Well to each there own, just dose not sound right in my ears.

When you hear the wrong thing for a while, the right thing doesn't sound right.

[AnnieJ]

People talk funny.

If you live in certain parts of the country you may hear a waitress or store clerk say "What can I do ya for?" - meaning - can I help you.

There are a gazillion expressions that aren't perfect structure but they add flavor to life and to writing, they do the job that words should in fiction - reveal characters/setting or sometimes even move plot.

Ain't no big thing. (grammatically a faux pas but it gets across the mood and message - Do not be alarmed. This is not a matter worthy of distress." )

annie

[Tarin]

In regard to the purpose of dictionaries, I read last night that the Webster's Dictionary, in particular, focuses on language more as it is than as it should be. Might be something to keep in mind the next time your dictionary shopping.

[Ransom v. Unman]

Note, these are also the brilliant men and women who thought "w00t" deserved a "Word of the Year" accolade. >_<

Give me the Oxford English Dictionary, please!

[wardog25]

Usually sayings or words that are used incorrectly don't bother me. There have been a few exceptions, though.

I find it annoying when people say "I could care less", even though that is the more common way to say it now. It loses all meaning when you say it that way. The only way it makes sense is "I could NOT care less."

[Knight of Christ]

Usually sayings or words that are used incorrectly don't bother me. There have been a few exceptions, though.

I find it annoying when people say "I could care less", even though that is the more common way to say it now. It loses all meaning when you say it that way. The only way it makes sense is "I could NOT care less."

That I can agree on there although I do tend to say could insted of coulden't more often than not

[Lookin^Up]

I had a friend who objected to the Midwestern habit of pronouncing es- words (escape, especially) as ex- words (excape, expecially), but that's just the dialect of the area. He also took issue with putting an R in words like wash (worsh). By the same token, I really don't think the phrase "you have another think coming" is worthy of the critical analyses it has been given; I go with Annie and Wardog in saying it's best to let some expressions pass, technically wrong though they may be.

[Knight of Christ]

Well like i had read on here be for, time dose tend to change how any one language in spoken and even written.

If any of us where to come back after a 1000 years with no knowldge of the curent times we would more than likley just barly be able to understand anything that is said to us, becouse the curent spoken language is so far removed from what we our selves where taught growing up.

We would probly have to go back to high school english class just to learn enough to be able to comunite with others.

[Boomer]

I never said my editors are frustrated (actually I am regarded by waaaaay too many editors as an 'easy' author in that I am a light edit and very cooperative - given I've been published for over 10 years (5 Publishers, 8 imprints, 4 names, currently editing my 33rd and 34th books and writing #35) that's actually a pretty good reference).

Though you do sound a bit peevish. Relax. It's okay.
Another think coming is correct in as much as it is a correct usage of the colloquialism -demonstrated here by both reference material and personal report.

It may come as a shock to your system but often in fiction, perfect grammar is trumped by realism, voice, style, characterization and a whole host of other reasons (stand back as I steer this baby back to the title of the thread!) to write wrong ;)

annie jones - The Barefoot Believers - out now

Sorry if that was snarky - believe me y'all, I was much snarkier but backed it down a notch - but really its just tacky to say a writer is a frustration to his/her editor.

Sorry, voice inflection does not carry over the internet as well as I'd like.

Did not mean to come off as rude.

[Boomer]

Note, these are also the brilliant men and women who thought "w00t" deserved a "Word of the Year" accolade. >_<

Give me the Oxford English Dictionary, please!

Gonna go with that for my answer on what Washington Post thinks.

[lynnmosher]

Okay, come on, you guys! Let's let this one die! I was hoping for things for fun, like spoonerisms, misplaced participles, or whatever that are weird or funny, the author not realizing what he/she has written or said. I'll be back with something.

[AnnieJ]

Sorry, voice inflection does not carry over the internet as well as I'd like.

Did not mean to come off as rude.

Yeah, I didn't mean to be a snark, I just do not want it on bbs that I'm a problem to my editors, esp over standing up for terms I think are the right ones for the work ;)

annie

[lynnmosher]

Okay. Here are some dangling participles just for fun...

Milking the cows at the crack of dawn, the barn became a quiet refuge from the chaos of my life.

Dressed in a new dark blue suit, my first day on the job started with a visit to the ladies' room to throw up.

Grabbing the keys and heading out the door in a rush, my car wouldn't start.

How 'bout from church bulletins...

1. Next Sunday a special collection will be taken to defray the cost of the new carpet. All those wishing to do something on the new carpet will come forward and do so.

2. The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They can be seen in the church basement Saturday.

3. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.

4. At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

5. The Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

6. Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.

7. The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday morning.

8. Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 p.m. Please use the back door.

9. The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, "Break Forth Into Joy."

10. The Lutheran Men's group will meet at 6 PM. Steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread and dessert will be served for a nominal feel.

Have any you'd like to share?