A bit of knowledge can be a powerful thing~ particularly if you're a writer.
I keep noticing myriad people using the word, “myriad” incorrectly when they write and speak. When using it in sentences, they insert it like the word, “plethora” to designate a distinction that suggests ‘many.’
You can state, “There was a plethora of brightly colored flowers at the downtown mart today,” and your usage of the word would be correct… but “a myriad of bright colored flowers,” is not.
Proper use of the word ‘myriad’ can be thought of and utilized correctly, if you consider it a stand-alone descriptive adjective, like “various.”
Example: Myriad brightly-colored flowers adorned the downtown mart today” OR, “the county fair offered myriad activities for children and adults, alike.” This term should not be preceded by “a” nor followed by “of.”
It’s also notable, that even heads of state misuse and obliterate the term, “nuclear.” Apparently, they missed their phonics lesson in grammar school, and insist on saying NOO-CU-LER, which is shamefully incorrect!
If we are in fact, moving toward NUCLEAR (NOO-CLEE-ER) war, doesn’t it seem reasonable we’d at least have those within arms-reach of the bright red bomb-releasing button, who can fucking PRONOUNCE it correctly?? I feel sometimes, like I live in a world surrounded by severely illiterate people, regardless of their station in life. I derive no ego satisfaction or glee from this, incidentally~ it’s just another blatant reminder that I was likely born at the wrong time in history.
My father was a diamond in the rough, who routinely slaughtered the King’s English. He was a he don’t/she don’t kinda guy. When I’m around people today who sound like my dad however, it doesn’t bother or trouble me in the least. My mother on the other hand, was very well-read, articulate and spoke our native tongue perfectly. By the grace of God, I took after her~ at least in this arena. In most others, I’m clearly my father’s daughter.
I’ve always thought my school days as an English Major were a complete waste of time and energy. Every now and then, it seems I mighta been wrong about that. :~)