Readers have expressed irritation with several commonly used phrases and expressions, highlighting a range of linguistic pet peeves in recent correspondence.

One reader took issue with the phrase "real people," which is frequently used without clear definition. In reference to a recent piece describing politicians Andy Burnham and Louise Haigh as "both real people," the correspondent questioned the implication that those who do not share their views or behavior might be considered less genuine.

Another correspondent shared frustrations voiced by a retired BBC and ITV regional news presenter regarding certain pronunciation habits on local BBC news programs. The presenter reportedly becomes frustrated when announcers say "thee" instead of "the" and use a prolonged "a" sound rather than a simple "a," a distinction the reader also found annoying.

Other expressions cited for their grammatical awkwardness included "The reason being is that..." and the phrase "comprises of," which is often encountered in property advertisements. These constructions were criticized for lacking clarity or proper usage.

A further linguistic quibble involved the greeting "How are we today?" which a reader found confusing, questioning how the person asking can know their own state well enough to inquire about another’s.

Finally, one correspondent highlighted the confusion caused when responding to the question "What was your name?" with a present-tense answer, noting the frequent blank reaction to the reply, "My name was Alan Belk, and it still is."

These letters underscore the diverse ways language use can prompt reactions ranging from mild confusion to strong irritation.