"begs the question", like using "literally" to mean "figuratively", is so widespread that is is difficult to call it an incorrect use of language. However, both

"begs the question", like using "literally" to mean "figuratively", is so widespread that is is difficult to call it an incorrect use of language. However, both constitute what I consider a dismal use of language. (But for different reasons.) "literally"'s conversion to meaning its opposite represents a loss of meaning in the language; expressiveness dulling into useless ambiguity. "begs the question" isn't a term that expresses the underlying idea effectively, it merely indicates a failing attempt to sound educated. In either case, I prefer to educate people on how to use language less dismally. This does make me a pedant. I prefer this discussion of the meaning of the term: https://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=2290 https://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=2290