Certain sets of words in the English language tend to confuse writers. I have found the following to be among them:
JIBE / JIVE
These two words not only look similar but, even more relevant, sound similar as well. It can be difficult to distinguish the B from the V sound when hearing one of these words, which probably accounts for the confusion (never mind that the B and V are placed right next to each other on the keyboard, which may mean that the “misuses” appearing in print are
simply typos).
While jibe can mean shift suddenly from one side to the other (jibe the boat), it can also mean agree, and this is the verb upon which hangs the confusion. The verb jive, on the other hand, means kid, or tease.
INCORRECT: These news reports don’t jive. There are too many conflicting “facts.”
CORRECT: These news reports don’t jibe. There are too many conflicting “facts.”
INCORRECT: Are you serious? Don’t jibe me.
CORRECT: Are you serious? Don’t jive me.
© 2017 Ann Henry, all rights reserved.