To wrench is to twist, to rend is to tear. Upsetting events can be stomach- or gut-wrenching (agonizing) or heart-rending (heartbreaking, making you feel terribly sad), but many people confuse the two and come up with “heart-wrenching.” “Gut-rending” is also occasionally seen.

Back to list of errors

 

Common Errors front cover

BUY THE BOOK!