Malapropism Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.7.4

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Many times, we say the wrong things or use words out context. Malapropism is when a word is used or placed in a sentence incorrectly. Usually due to the fact that it in some way resembled sound of the correct term. This will result a nonsense sentence that serves for an instance of comedy. Authors and speakers use these instances intentionally, at times, to add an extra element to their work. This literary device is rooted a specific play from the late 1700s. This work showed that there is an audience for comedies that are flooded with errors. These worksheets will help students become more familiar with the use of this literary device and how they may be able to use this technique in their own writing.

Malapropism Worksheets To Print:

Intentional or Unintentional - You will evaluate a series of sentences and underline the presence of this device.

Put It To Work - Rewrite each sentence, replacing the underlined word by using this technique.

Introduction - This helps students meet the entire concept and ponder the limits of it.

True or False - Evaluate each of the statements to understand your level of knowledge on this concept.

Is It There? - Read each of the sentence and determine if this technique has been used and is attendance.

In Politics - Can you spot the malapropism in each quotation below? Write the incorrect word on the line. Then write the word that it should have been.

Create Compositions - Use each word pair as inspiration to write a sentence.

Finishing Thoughts - What terms would you put in these sentences to help them make sense.

Comedy - Discuss this origin and function of malapropism in comedy.

Humor - Write a brief dialogue that includes an intentional malapropism for comedic effect.

Making Comics - Draw a comic. Fill in the dialogue bubbles with an exchange between characters.

For Effect - Shakespeare frequently used this literary device intentionally in his plays. Why don't we explore some of his work?

Shakespearean - You can use these write along as we are reading any play that is out there.

Much Ado About Nothing - You can use this to track through every single scene.

Put It To Use - Think of a word that sounds like each word that is listed on this worksheet. Use your similar word to write a sentence.

What is Malapropism in Literature?


People say or write the wrong things sometimes. Whether that's on purpose or by mistake, this practice is described in literature by the word "malapropism." It is mainly used to refer to the incorrect use of a term in place of another that sounds similar.


This technique is usually unintended. However, a writer may choose to do so intentionally to create a humorous or comic effect on the readers. In other words, malapropism is used in literature to turn serious statements or situations into funny ones.


The word malapropism originates from the French phrase "mal à propo," which translates to "inappropriate." It is also known as "phonological word substitution" or "acyrologia."


Why Is It Important?


Malapropism is an effective literary tool. It has its origins in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's comedic musical The Rivals and its leading character "Mrs. Malaprop." It was first performed in 1775 at the Covent Garden Theater. Mrs. Malaprop's consistent malapropisms throughout the production add lots of comic fun to the play.


Below are some lines from The Rivals.


- I thought she had persisted (desisted) from corresponding with him.


- He's as headstrong as an allegory (alligator) on the banks of the Nile.


So, writers (and actors) can use malapropism to create laugh-out-loud comedy and engaging satire. At the same time, it can make someone a laughing stock. Such errors are common in everyday conversations between individuals not fluent in English. That being said, people who speak English as a first language but don't know much about its nuances may also unintentionally commit malapropism in their written and verbal communication.


Following are some more examples of malapropism in literature.


Much Ado About Nothing (Comedic Play by William Shakespeare)


The phrase below was uttered by "Officer Dogberry," one of the characters in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. As can be seen from these lines, Dogberry has a hard time saying what he actually means. This adds an element of surprise along with some comic relief to the play.


- One word, sir. Our watch, sir, have indeed comprehended (apprehended) two auspicious (suspicious) persons, and we should have them this morning examined before your worship.


A Midsummer Night's Dream (Play by William Shakespeare)


Continuing with the work of the world's greatest playwright and one of the finest writers in the history of English literature, the following line is from A Midsummer Night's Dream.


- ... and he himself must speak through, saying thus, or to the same defect (effect).


Bottom, one of the play's characters and a source of constant comedic effect, uttered these words. He is particularly known for the scene where his face is transformed into that of a donkey.


Related Terms


Mondegreen - "Mondegreen" is an error committed by listening and interpreting something incorrectly. Because of the error in hearing, the listener may get an inaccurate understanding of the statement. Song lyrics are a common source of mondegreens.


Spoonerism - Just like malapropism, spoonerism also results from confusion, with the result being comedic fun. It refers to the mixing up of words. Below are some examples.


- We apologize, ociffer. (We apologize, officer!)


- Let's go goys and birlls. (Let's go, boys and girls!)


Final Words


As can be seen from this piece, malapropism can be an important literary tool when used the right way. It can result in lots of comedic moments for a reader.