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The sound reason: why "mute point" is a common misstep
Lloyd Cooper 01/10/2024, 20:04
What kind of error is it?
It is a malapropism, which is the use of an incorrect word in place of a word with a similar sound.
Why do people make this mistake?
People often mishear the phrase "moot point" and mistakenly use "mute point" because "mute" and "moot" sound similar to some listeners, leading to a confusion between the two words.
What is correct?
"Moot point" is the correct phrase. It refers to a matter open to debate, dispute, or uncertainty, or more commonly in the U.S., a point that is irrelevant or not worth discussing.
Examples of correct usage
- The details of the contract became a moot point after the deal was canceled.
- Whether we take the highway or the backroad is a moot point since we have plenty of time to get there.
- Arguing about who was right is a moot point now that the decision has been made.
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