OF NOUNS
HOW TO FORM THE POSSESSIVE CASE.[10]--As a rule, the possessive of
nouns in the SINGULAR number is formed by adding an apostrophe and "s"
('s): as, "The _boy's_ coat." Often the pronunciation of the added "s"
makes a new syllable; and if this additional syllable makes an unpleasant
sound, the possessive is indicated by the apostrophe alone ('): as, "For
_goodness'_ sake." The putting in or the leaving out of the "s" in such
cases is chiefly a matter of taste. If the "s" is sounded, it is always
written; and whenever there is doubt, it is well to follow the regular
rule: as, "_Horace's_ odes," "_Charles's_ ball," "_Dickens's_ David
Copperfield."
In the PLURAL number, when the nominative plural ends in "s," the
possessive case is formed by adding an apostrophe alone ('). If the
nominative plural does not end in "s," an apostrophe and an "s" ('s) are
both added, as in the singular: as, "_Men's_ and _boys'_ shoes."
The possessive case of COMPOUND nouns and expressions used as compound
nouns is formed by adding the proper sign of the possessive to the end of
the compound: as, "That is my _sister-in-law's_ pony," "This is the
_Prince of Wales's_ palace."
[10] "Foundations," pp. 41-43.
EXERCISE VII.[11]
1. _Write the possessive case, singular and plural, of:_ Actor, king,
fairy, calf, child, goose, lady, monkey, mouse, ox, woman, deer, eagle,
princess, elephant, man, witness, prince, fox, farmer, countess, mouth,
horse, day, year, lion, wolf, thief, Englishman.
2. _Write the possessive case of:_ James, Dickens, his sister Mary,
Miss Austen, the Prince of Wales, Frederick the Great, Harper and
Brothers, father-in-law, Charles, Jones, William the Conqueror,
Henry the Eighth, man-of-war, Douglas, Eggleston and Company.
USE and MISUSE of the POSSESSIVE CASE.[12]--It is
sometimes a question whether to use the possessive form or the
preposition _of_. "As a general rule, the possessive case should
be confined to cases of possession."[13]
[11] TO THE TEACHER.--To have its full value this should be given as a
dictation exercise.
[12] "Foundations," pp. 43-44.
[13] Ibid., p. 44.
EXERCISE VIII.
_Express relation between the words in the following pairs by putting one
of them in the possessive case or by using the preposition "of," as may
seem best:--_
Charles the Second, reign; witness, testimony; horse, hoof; the President,
public reception; Partridge, restaurant; aide-de-camp, horse; General
Armistead, death; Henry the Eighth, wives; Napoleon, Berlin decree;
teacher, advice; eagle, talons; enemy, repulse;[14] book, cover; princess,
evening gowns; France, army; Napoleon, defeat; Napoleon, camp-chest; Major
André, capture; Demosthenes, orations; gunpowder, invention; mountain,
top; summer, end; Washington, sword; Franklin, staff; torrent, force;
America, metropolis; city, streets; strike, beginning; church, spire; we
(our, us), midst; year, events; Guiteau, trial; sea, bottom; Essex, death;
Adams, administration; six months, wages; world, government.
[14] There is, properly, no "objective possessive" in English
corresponding to the "objective genitive" in other languages. It seems
best to say "The siege of Paris," rather than "Paris's siege."
EXERCISE IX.
_Distinguish between the following:--_
1. The President's reception. The reception of the President.
2. Mother's love. Love of mother.
3. A sister's care. Care of a sister.
4. A brother's picture. The picture of a brother.
5. Clive's reception in London. The reception of Clive in London.
6. Charles and Harry's toys. Charles's and Harry's toys.
7. Let me tell you a story of Doctor Brown (Brown's).
EXERCISE X.
_Correct the following, giving the reason for each correction:--_
1. A dog and a cat's head are differently shaped.
2. Whose Greek grammar do you prefer--Goodwin or Hadley?
3. It is neither the captain nor the manager's duty.
4. I consulted Webster, Stormonth, and Worcester's dictionary.
5. I like Hawthorne better than Irving's style.
6. John, Henry and William's nose resembled one another.
7. The novel is one of Scott.
8. I have no time to listen to either John or Joseph's talk.
SINGULAR and PLURAL.[15]--In modern English most nouns form the
plural by adding "s" to the singular. The following variations from this
rule are important:--
1. When the added sound of "s" makes an additional syllable, "es" is used:
as, box, boxes; church, churches.
2. NOUNS ENDING IN "O." If the final "o" is preceded by a vowel, the
plural is formed regularly, i.e., by adding "s": as, cameo, cameos. If
the final "o" is preceded by a consonant, the tendency of modern usage
is to form the plural by adding "es": as, hero, heroes; potato,
potatoes. The following common words, however, seem still to form the
plural by adding "s" alone:--
canto lasso proviso torso
duodecimo memento quarto tyro
halo octavo solo
junto piano stiletto
3. NOUNS ENDING IN "Y." If the "y" is preceded by a vowel, the plural
is regular: as, valley, valleys.
If the "y" is preceded by a consonant, "y" is changed to "i" and "es" is
added to form the plural: as, lady, ladies; city, cities.
4. PROPER NOUNS are changed as little as possible: as, Henry, Henrys;
Mary, Marys; Cicero, Ciceros; Nero, Neros.
5. Most COMPOUND NOUNS form the plural by adding the proper sign of the
plural to the fundamental part of the word, i.e., to the part which
is described by the rest of the phrase: as, ox-cart, ox-carts;
court-martial, courts-martial; aide-de-camp, aides-de-camp.
Note the difference between the _plural_ and the _possessive_ of compound
nouns,--forms which are often confounded. See page 16.
6. Letters, figures, and other symbols are made plural by adding an
apostrophe and "s" ('s): as, "There are more _e's_ than _a's_
in this word"; "Dot your _i's_ and cross your _t's_."
7. Some nouns have two plurals, which differ in meaning:--
_Singular. Plural_.
brother brothers (by birth), brethren (of a society).
die dies (for coining or stamping), dice (for play).
fish fishes (separate fish), fish (collective).
index indexes (in books), indices (in algebra).
penny pennies (separate coins), pence (sum of money).
shot shots (discharges), shot (balls).
staff staves (poles), staffs (bodies of assistants).
[15] "Foundations," pp. 45-47.
EXERCISE XI.[16]
_Write the plural of_: Lash, cage, race, buffalo, echo, canto, volcano,
portfolio, ally, money, solo, memento, mosquito, bamboo, ditch, chimney,
man, Norman,[17] Mussulman, city, negro, baby, calf, man-of-war, attorney,
goose-quill, canon, quail, mystery, turkey, wife, body, snipe,
knight-errant,[17] donkey, spoonful, aide-de-camp, Ottoman,
commander-in-chief, major-general, pony, reply, talisman, court-martial,
father-in-law, court-yard, man-trap, Brahman, journey, Henry, stepson,
deer, mouthful, Miss Clark,[18] Mr. Jones, Dr. Brown, Dutchman, German,
forget-me-not, poet-laureate, minister-plenipotentiary, hero, fish, trout,
Mary, George, bill-of-fare.
[16] To THE TEACHER.--To have its full value this should be given as a
dictation exercise.
[17] Consult a dictionary for this and similar nouns.
[18] Proper names preceded by a title are made plural by changing either
the name or the title, and using "the" before the expression. We may say
"the Miss Smiths" or "the Misses Smith," "the Doctors Young" or "the
Doctor Youngs."
EXERCISE XII.
_Distinguish between_:--
1. Two dice (dies) were found in the prisoner's pockets.
2. He was always kind to his brothers (brethren).
3. How many shot (shots) did you count?
4. He carried two pailfuls (pails full) of water up the hill.
5. I have two handfuls (hands full) of gold-dust.
6. He gave the beggar six pennies (pence).
7. There are serious errors in the indexes (indices) in this new Algebra.
8. Ten shot (shots) were fired from the gun in fifteen minutes.
EXERCISE XIII.
_Which of the following forms should be used? Consult Hill's
"Foundations," pp. 45-47:_--
1. The members of the committee were greatly alarmed at this (these) news.
2. Tidings was (were) brought to them of the massacre on Snake River.
3. The endowment of the college was greatly increased by this (these)
means.
4. The widow's means was (were) at first large, but it was (they were) soon
exhausted by the prodigality of her son.
5. The assets of the company are (is) $167,000.
6. The dregs in the cup was (were) found to be very bitter.
7. The eaves of the new house are (is) thirty-two feet above the ground.
8. Athletics are (is) run into the ground in many schools.
9. Politics is (are) like a stone tied around the neck of literature.
10. The nuptials of Gratiano and Nerissa were (was) celebrated at the same
time as those (that) of Bassanio and Portia.
11. Ethics are (is) becoming more and more prominent in the discussions of
political economists.
12. Have you seen my pincers? I have mislaid it (them).
13. The proceeds was (were) given to the hospital.
14. His riches took to themselves (itself) wings.
15. This (these) scissors is (are) not sharp.
16. Please pour this (these) suds on the rose plants in the oval flowerbed.
17. His tactics was (were) much criticised by old generals.
18. The United States has (have) informed Spain that it (they) will not
permit Spanish interference in the affairs of Central America.
NOUNS of FOREIGN ORIGIN.[19]--The following is a list of nouns
of foreign origin in common use which have peculiar number forms:--
_Singular. Plural_.
alumnus (masculine) alumni
alumna (feminine) alumnæ
analysis analyses
bacterium bacteria
beau beaux
cherub cherubim (or cherubs)
crisis crises
curriculum curricula
datum data
genus (meaning "class") genera
genius {geniuses (persons of great ability)
{genii (spirits)
hypothesis hypotheses
oasis oases
parenthesis parentheses
phenomenon phenomena
seraph seraphim (or seraphs)
stratum strata
tableau tableaux
thesis theses
[19] "Foundations," pp. 47-48.
EXERCISE XIV.[20]
1. _Write the plural of_: Alumna, analysis, beau, cherub, crisis,
curriculum, genus, genius, hypothesis, nebula, oasis, parenthesis,
phenomenon, synopsis, seraph, stratum, tableau.
2. _Write the singular of_: Alumni, curricula, data, bacteria,
cherubim, oases, phenomena, seraphim, strata, theses.
GENDER.--The following nouns of different genders are sometimes
confounded or otherwise misused:--
_Masculine_. _Feminine_.
abbot abbess
actor actress
bachelor spinster, maid
buck doe (fallow deer)
bullock heifer
czar czarina
drake duck
duke duchess
earl countess
Francis Frances
gander goose
hero heroine
lion lioness
marquis, marquess marchioness
monk nun
ram ewe
stag, hart hind (red deer)
sultan sultana
tiger tigress
wizard witch
[20] TO THE TEACHER.--To have any value this must be given as a
dictation exercise.
EXERCISE XV.[21]
1. _Write the feminine word corresponding to:_ Abbot, actor, bachelor,
buck, bullock, czar, duke, drake, earl, Francis, hero, lion, marquis,
monk, ram, stag, sultan, hart, tiger.
2. _Write the masculine word corresponding to:_ Spinster, duck, doe,
Frances, goose, heifer, ewe, hind, witch.
[21] TO THE TEACHER.--This should be used as a dictation exercise.
EXERCISE XVI.
_Correct the following sentences:_--
1. The marquess was the executor of her husband's estate.
2. He married a beautiful actor.
3. The tiger broke from its cage.
4. The duck was pluming his feathers after his swim, and the goose had
wandered from his companions across the meadows.
5. The baby girl in "The Princess" may be called the real hero of the tale.
ABBREVIATIONS.--For the following exercise consult Hill's Foundations
of Rhetoric, pp. 49-50.
EXERCISE XVII.
_Which of these words are in good use?_--
Pianist, harpist, poloist, violinist, phiz, ad, co-ed, curios, exam, cab,
chum, gent, hack, gym, pants, mob, phone, proxy, photo, prelim, van, prof,
varsity.
MISUSED NOUNS.[22]--Many errors in English consist in using words in
senses which are not authorized. Sometimes the use of a word in a wrong
sense makes the speaker's meaning obscure. Sometimes it makes him seem
ridiculous, as when a person of the writer's acquaintance told a friend to
clean an oil-painting by washing it in "torpid" water. In every case the
misuse of a word leaves an unpleasant impression on the mind of a
cultivated person, and, like all bad English, should be avoided as we
avoid bad manners. In the following definitions and exercises a few
nouns[23] are selected for study. The distinctions given are not always
observed by reputable authors, but they indicate the _tendency_ of the
best modern usage.
I. A RESEMBLANCE IN SENSE MISLEADS.[24]
HOUSE, HOME.--A _house_ is a building. _Home_ means one's habitual
abode, "the abiding place of the affections." It may or may not be in a
house, and it may include the surroundings of a house.
PERSON, PARTY.--A _person_ is an individual, a _party_ is a company
of persons, or, in legal usage, a person who is concerned in a contention
or agreement.
SERIES, SUCCESSION.--A _series_ is a succession of similar things
mutually related according to some law. _Succession_ is properly used of
several things following one after the other; it denotes order of
occurrence only, and does not imply any connection.
STATEMENT, ASSERTION.--A _statement_ is a formal setting forth of
fact or opinion; an _assertion_ is simply an affirmation of fact or
opinion.
VERDICT, TESTIMONY.--A _verdict_ is a decision made by a number of
men acting as a single body. _Testimony_ is an expression of individual
knowledge or belief.
THE WHOLE, ALL.--_The whole_ is properly used of something which is
considered as one thing. When a number of persons or things are spoken of,
the proper word is _all._
[22] TO THE TEACHER.--It may not be desirable to drill pupils on all the
words whose meanings are discriminated here and in chapters V. and VI. In
that case it will be easy to select for study those words which the pupils
are most likely to misuse. The words discriminated in this book are for
the most part those which are mentioned in the "Foundations of Rhetoric,"
and they have been arranged in the same order. A few other words often
misused by my pupils have been added.
[23] For misused _verbs_ and _adjectives_ see pages 92 and 119.
[24] "Foundations," pp. 50-53.
EXERCISE XVIII.
_Tell the difference in meaning between the following:--_
1. Mr. Roscoe has no house (home).
2. The hotel clerk says he expects three more parties (persons) on the six
o'clock train.
3. There are three persons (parties) concerned in this contract.
4. A succession (series) of delays.
5. This morning's papers publish an assertion (a statement) by Mr.
Pullman, which throws new light on the strike.
EXERCISE XIX.
_Insert the proper word in each blank, and give the reason for your
choice.--_
HOUSE, HOME.
1. Whenever a tramp comes to our ----, the dog is untied.
2. His new ---- will be finished in November.
3. Mr. S. owns a beautiful ---- and has a happy ----.
4. One can build a very good ---- for $6000.
5. ----s are built to live in, not to look on.
PARTY, PERSON.
6. There is another ---- coming on the evening train, but he will leave
to-morrow.
7. A cross-looking ---- alighted from the stage-coach and entered the inn.
8. The cause of both ----s shall come before the court.
9. Is the ---- that wants a carriage at dinner or in his room?
10. He is attached to the king's ----.
11. Who was that fat old ---- who kept us all laughing?
SERIES, SUCCESSION.
12. The ---- of Presidents is a long one.
13. This stamp belongs to the ---- of 1864.
14. A ---- of calamitous events followed this mistake in policy.
15. A ---- of accidents prevented the sailing of the yacht.
STATEMENT, ASSERTION.
16. The last ---- of the bank has been examined.
17. ---- unsupported by fact is worthless.
18. The Declaration of Independence contained a clear ---- of grievances.
19. The orator's ---- was shown to be false.
VERDICT, TESTIMONY.
20. The ---- of history is that Christianity has improved the condition of
women.
21. Let us await the ---- of the public.
22. The early Christian martyrs sealed their ---- with their blood.
23. The ---- of those who saw the murder was contradictory.
THE WHOLE, ALL.
24. ---- (of) the dishes came tumbling to the floor.
25. Tell ---- (the) truth.
26. Then you and I and ---- of us fell down.
27. Washington was respected by ---- (the) people.
28. We sold ---- (of) our apples at sixty cents a bushel.
29. He has already packed ---- of his books.
30. ---- (the) adornments took an appropriate and sylvan character.
31. He readily confided to her ---- (the) papers concerning the intrigue.
32. In the afternoon ---- of them got into a boat and rowed across the
lake.
II. A RESEMBLANCE IN SOUND MISLEADS.[25]
ACCEPTANCE, ACCEPTATION.--_Acceptance_ is the "act of accepting";
also "favorable reception": as, "The acceptance of a gift," "She sang with
marked acceptance." _Acceptation_ now means "the sense in which an
expression is generally understood or accepted."
ACCESS, ACCESSION.--_Access_ has several meanings authorized by good
use: (1) outburst; (2) admission; (3) way of entrance. _Accession_ means
(1) the coming into possession of a right; or (2) an addition.
ACTS, ACTIONS.--"_Acts_, in the sense of 'things done,' is preferable
to _actions_, since _actions_ also means 'processes of doing.'"[26]
ADVANCE, ADVANCEMENT.--_Advance_ is used in speaking of something as
moving forward; _advancement_, as being moved forward.
ALLUSION, ILLUSION, DELUSION.--An _allusion_ is an indirect
reference to something not definitely mentioned. Roughly speaking, an
_illusion_ is an error of vision; _delusion_, of judgment. "In
literary and popular use an _illusion_ is an unreal appearance presented
in any way to the bodily or the mental vision; it is often pleasing,
harmless, or even useful.... A _delusion_ is a mental error or deception,
and may have regard to things actually existing, as well as to
_illusions_. _Delusions_ are ordinarily repulsive and discreditable,
and may even be mischievous."[27]
AVOCATION, VOCATION.--"_Vocation_ means 'calling' or 'profession';
_avocation_, 'something aside from one's regular calling, a by-work.'"[28]
COMPLETION, COMPLETENESS.--_Completion_ is "the act of completing";
_completeness_ is "the state of being complete."
OBSERVATION, OBSERVANCE.--_Observation_ contains the idea of "looking at";
_observance_, of "keeping," "celebrating." "We speak of the _observation_
of a fact, of a star; of the _observance_ of a festival, of a rule."[29]
PROPOSAL, PROPOSITION.--"A _proposal_ is something proposed to be
done, which may be accepted or rejected. A _proposition_ is something
proposed for discussion, with a view to determining the truth
or wisdom of it."[30]
RELATIONSHIP, RELATION.--_Relationship_ properly means "the state of
being related by kindred or alliance": as, "A relationship existed
between the two families." _Relation_ is a word of much broader
meaning. It does not necessarily imply kinship.
SOLICITUDE, SOLICITATION.--_Solicitude_ is "anxiety"; _solicitation_ is
"the act of soliciting or earnestly asking."
STIMULATION, STIMULUS, STIMULANT.--_Stimulation_ is "the act of stimulating
or inciting to action"; _stimulus_, originally "a goad," now denotes
that which stimulates, the means by which one is incited to
action; _stimulant_ has a medical sense, being used of that which
stimulates the body or any of its organs. We speak of ambition as
a _stimulus_, of alcohol as a _stimulant_.
[25] "Foundations," pp. 53-56.
[26] A.S. Hill: Principles of Rhetoric, revised edition, p. 18.
[27] The Century Dictionary.
[28] A.S. Hill: Principles of Rhetoric, revised edition, p. 39.
[29] A.S. Hill: Principles of Rhetoric, revised edition, p. 39.
[30] The Century Dictionary.
EXERCISE XX.
_Tell the difference in meaning between_--
1. The acceptance (acceptation) of this word is doubtful.
2. The acts (actions) of Napoleon were carefully observed.
3. The colonel's advance (advancement) was not long delayed.
4. Literature has been Dr. Holmes's avocation (vocation).
5. The list of African dialects is approaching completeness (completion).
6. The completion (completeness) of this new dictionary of the Latin
language will make scholars glad.
7. The professor advised me, when I went to Rome, to be especially careful
in my observation (observance) of the religious ceremonies of Passion
Week.
8. This proposal (proposition) made both Republican and Democratic
senators indignant.
9. His mother's solicitude (solicitation) induced Washington when he was a
boy to give up his intention of going to sea.
10. Shall I give your son a stimulus (stimulant)?
EXERCISE XXI.
_Insert the proper word in each blank, and give the reason for your
choice_:--
ACCEPTANCE, ACCEPTATION.
1. The word "livery" is used in its original ----.
2. This is a true saying and worthy of ----.
3. The ---- of a trust brings grave responsibility.
4. He sent to the President a formal ---- of the position.
5. The assertion finds ---- in every rank of society.
6. In its common ---- "philosophy" signifies "the search after wisdom."
7. The probability of this theory justifies its full ----.
ACCESS, ACCESSION.
8. We are denied ---- to the king.
9. An ---- of fever occurred at nightfall.
10. The emperor at his ---- takes an oath to maintain the constitution.
11. ---- to the outer court was through a massive door.
12. The only ---- which the Roman Empire received was the province of
Britain.
13. A sudden ---- of violent, burning fever had laid Peter's mother-in-law
prostrate.
14. Victoria married after her ---- to the throne.
15. This allusion led to a fresh ---- of feeling.
ACT, ACTION.
16. I cannot do so cruel an ----.
17. Another mode of ---- was proposed by Henry Clay.
18. The fifth book of the New Testament records the ----s of the Apostles.
19. To attempt resistance would be the ---- of a madman.
20. The monkey imitates the ----s of its master.
ADVANCE, ADVANCEMENT.
21. The ---- of the expedition was impeded by bad roads.
22. ---- in the army is slow.
23. The Don and his companions, in their eager ----, had got entangled in
deep glens.
24. My old position offered no hope of ----.
25. His hopes of ---- in England failing, Swift returned to Ireland.
ALLUSION, ILLUSION, DELUSION.
26. There were two ----s in his sermon to the riots.
27. The cleverest, acutest men are often under an (a) ---- about women.
28. Longfellow's "Footsteps of Angels" contains ----s to the death
of his wife.
29. Our judgment of people is liable to be warped by ----s of the
imagination.
30. Those other words of ---- and folly, Liberty first and Union afterward.
AVOCATION, VOCATION.
31. Surgeons in the army are allowed by the enemy to pursue their ----
unmolested.
32. The young lawyer, surrounded by his law-books, took up his ---- with
enthusiasm.
33. Let your base-ball be a pastime, not a trade; let it be your ----, not
your ----.
34. Heaven is a pious man's ----, and therefore he counts earthly
employments ----s.
35. It seems that after his return, his disciples left him and returned to
their ordinary ----s.
COMPLETION, COMPLETENESS.
36. The ---- of the railroad was celebrated by a general illumination in
the village.
37. The comfort of passengers is secured by the ---- of the equipment of
the steamers of this line.
38. We hope for the ---- of our new building by September.
39. We were surprised at the ---- of the collection of minerals.
OBSERVATION, OBSERVANCE.
40. The ---- of a few simple rules of health would have prolonged his life.
41. The North American Indian has great powers of ----.
42. He insisted on the prompt ---- of the regulations.
43. The Pharisees were strict in their ---- of religious festivals.
44. He is arranging for a careful ---- of the eclipse.
PROPOSAL, PROPOSITION.
45. I submit two ----s for consideration by the assembly.
46. The ---- that each of us relinquish something was accepted.
47. Sealed ----s for building the cottage were handed in by three
contractors.
48. He made a ---- of marriage to her.
49. I dissent from that ----.
50. A nation dedicated to the ---- that all men are created equal.
SOLICITUDE, SOLICITATION.
51. He made frequent ---- for money and clothes.
52. My mother watched over my infancy with tender ----.
53. Coriolanus yielded at the ---- of his mother.
STIMULUS, STIMULANT, STIMULATION.
54. He worked hard under the ---- of a desire to get rich.
55. The providential ---- of conscience is always present.
56. The doctor came and administered a gentle ---- to the patient.
III. ADDITIONAL NOUNS SOMETIMES MISUSED.[31]
ABILITY, CAPACITY.--_Ability_ is the power of doing; _capacity_, the
power of containing, of understanding, of acquiring.
ADHERENCE, ADHESION.--_Adherence_ is used of moral relations,
_adhesion_, of physical connection. We speak of the _adhesion_ of glue to
wood, of a man's _adherence_ to the principles of his party.
AMOUNT, QUANTITY, NUMBER.--_Amount_ means "sum total," and is used of
numbers or quantities; _quantity_ is used of things which are measured;
_number_, of things which are counted.
ARGUMENT, PLEA.--"_Plea_ (in the legal sense) is properly used of the
pleadings or the arraignment before a trial, not of the _argument_ at a
trial. A _plea_ is always addressed to the court; an _argument_ may be
addressed either to the court or to the jury. A similar remark applies to
the verbs _plead_ and _argue_."[32]
BALANCE, REST, REMAINDER.--_Balance_, meaning "the difference between
two sides of an account," is a commercial term, and cannot properly be
used for _rest_ or _remainder. Rest_ is used of persons or things, and of
large as well as of small parts. _Remainder_ is used only of things, and
denotes a comparatively small part.
CENTRE, MIDDLE.--The _centre_ is a point, or a definite place; the
_middle_ is a line, or a space, and is less definite than _centre_.
CHARACTER, REPUTATION.--_Character_ is what a man is; _reputation_ is
the prevailing opinion of his character.
COMPLEMENT, COMPLIMENT.--A _complement_ is a "full quantity or
number" or "that which is needed to complete"; a _compliment_ is "an
expression of praise."
CONSCIENCE, CONSCIOUSNESS.--_Conscience_ is that within us which
distinguishes right from wrong. _Consciousness_ is the state of being
aware of one's existence, thoughts, and surroundings.
COUNCIL, COUNSEL.--A _council_ is "a body of persons convened for
consultation." _Counsel_ denotes "advice," or "a person, as a lawyer,
engaged to give advice."
CUSTOM, HABIT.--_Custom_ denotes the frequent repetition of the same
act, and may be used of a number of persons taken together. _Habit_ is the
effect of custom in a person. _Custom_ is voluntary; _habit_ is
involuntary, often uncontrollable, sometimes unconscious.
DECEPTION, DECEIT.--_Deception_ is "the act of deceiving"; _deceit_
is "deceitfulness," a trait of character; or a "trick," an "artifice."
EGOISTS, EGOISM, EGOTISM.--"The disciples of Descartes were
_egoists_, the _ego_ being the basis of their philosophy." _Egoism_ is the
name of their system. _Egoism_ is sometimes used also in the sense of
undue admiration of self, the outward expression of which is _egotism_.
But "_egotism_, in the sense of 'self-worship,' is preferable to _egoism_,
since _egoism_ also designates a system of philosophy."[33]
EMIGRATION, IMMIGRATION.--_Emigration_ is the moving out from a
country; _immigration_, the moving into it. Foreigners who come to live in
America are _emigrants_ from their fatherland, _immigrants_ to America.
ENORMITY, ENORMOUSNESS.--"_Enormity_ is used of deeds of unusual
horror; _enormousness_, of things of unusual size. We speak of the
_enormity_ of Cæsar Borgia's crimes, of the _enormousness_ of the
Rothschilds' wealth."[34]
ESTEEM, ESTIMATE, ESTIMATION.--_Esteem_ as a noun seems to be going
out of use; the word now commonly used in the sense of "opinion" or
"regard" is _estimation_. An _estimate_ is "an approximate judgment, based
on considerations of probability, of the number, amount, magnitude, or
position of anything."
FALSITY, FALSENESS.--"_Falsity_, in the sense of 'non-conformity to
truth,' without any suggestion of blame, is preferable to _falseness_,
since _falseness_ usually implies blame."[35]
IDENTITY, IDENTIFICATION.--_Identity_ is "the state of being the
same." _Identification_ denotes "the act of determining what a given
thing, or who a given person, is."
IMPORT, IMPORTANCE.--_Import_, in the sense of "meaning," must be
distinguished from _importance_, "the quality of being important."
INVENTION, DISCOVERY.--We _invent_ something new, contrived or
produced for the first time. We _discover_ what existed before, but
remained unknown.
LIMIT, LIMITATION.--_Limit_, in the sense of "bound," is preferable
to _limitation_, since _limitation_ also means "the act of limiting," or a
"restriction."
LOT, NUMBER.--_Lot_ denotes "a distinct part or parcel": as, "The
auctioneer sold the goods in ten _lots_." The word does not mean "a great
number"; therefore it is improperly used in the sentences: "He has _lots_
of money," and "I know a _lot_ of people in New York."
MAJORITY, PLURALITY.--A _majority_ is more than half the whole
number; a _plurality_ is the excess of votes given for one candidate over
those given for another, and is not necessarily a _majority_ when there
are more than two candidates.
NEGLIGENCE, NEGLECT.--"_Negligence_ is used of a habit or trait;
_neglect_, of an act or succession of acts."[36]
NOVICE, NOVITIATE.--_Novice_ properly means one who is new in any
business or calling; _novitiate_, the state or time of being a _novice_.
ORGANISM, ORGANIZATION.--An _organism_ is a "living body composed of
a number of essential parts." _Organization_ denotes "the act of
organizing," or "an organized body of persons," as a literary society.
PART, PORTION.--"_Part_ is the general word for that which is less
than the whole: as, the whole is equal to the sum of all its _parts_....
_Portion_ is often used in a stilted way where _part_ would be simpler and
better; _portion_ has always some suggestion of allotment or assignment:
as, this is my _portion_; a _portion_ of Scripture. 'Father, give me the
_portion_ of goods that falleth to me.'"[37]
PLENTY, ABUNDANCE.--_Plenty_ is enough; _abundance_, more than enough.
PRODUCE, PRODUCT, PRODUCTION.--_Produce_ is always collective, and is
used only of raw products: as, the _produce_ of the soil, of the flock.
_Product_ denotes the result of some operation, usually physical labor.
_Production_, meaning "the act of producing," is also applied to a
work of literature or art, as a book, a statue, or a painting. "_Product_,
in the sense of 'thing produced,' is preferable to _production_, since
_production_ is also used in an abstract sense."[38]
PROMINENCE, PREDOMINANCE.--_Prominence_ means "a standing out
from something, so as to be conspicuous." _Predominance_ denotes
"ascendency," "a superiority in strength or influence," "an over-ruling."
There may be many _prominent_ traits in a person's character;
there can be only one _predominant_ trait.
RECEIPT, RECIPE.--"_Receipt_, in the sense of 'formula for a pudding,
etc.,' is preferable to _recipe_, since _recipe_ is commonly restricted to
medical prescriptions."[38]
RELATIVE, RELATION.--"_Relative_, in the sense of 'member of a family,' is
preferable to _relation_, since _relation_ is also used in an abstract
sense."[38]
REQUIREMENT, REQUISITE, REQUISITION.--A _requirement_ is something
required by a person or persons. A _requisite_ is something required
by the nature of the case. A _requisition_ is an authoritative demand
or official request for a supply of something.
RESORT, RECOURSE, RESOURCE.--_Resort_ denotes "the act of going to
some person or thing"; or "that which is resorted to or habitually
visited." _Recourse_ means "resort for help or protection." _Resource_
denotes "something which is a source of help or support."
SECRETING, SECRETION.--_Secreting_ is the act of hiding; _secretion_, a
physiological process or fluid.
SEWAGE, SEWERAGE.--_Sewage_ means the contents, _sewerage_, the
system, of sewers.
SITUATION, SITE.--"_Situation_ embraces all the local aspects and
relationships[39] in which a thing is placed. The _site_ is confined to the
ground on which it is erected or reposes."[40]
SPECIALITY, SPECIALTY.--"_Speciality_, in the sense of 'distinctive
quality,' is preferable to _specialty_, since _specialty_ is also used in
the sense of 'distinctive thing.'"[41]
UNION, UNITY.--_Union_ is "the joining of two or more things into
one." _Unity_ means "oneness," "harmony."
VISITANT, VISITOR.--_Visitant_ was formerly used to denote a supernatural
being; _visitor_, a human one. _Visitant_ seems now to be going
out of use, _visitor_ being used in both senses.
[31] "Foundations," p. 56. If it seem undesirable to drill pupils on all
the words which are here discriminated, the teacher may select those words
which they are most likely to misuse. See note 2, p. 22.
[32] A.S. Hill: Principles of Rhetoric, revised edition, p. 40.
[33] A.S. Hill: Principles of Rhetoric, revised edition, p. 19.
[34] Ibid., p. 38.
[35] A.S. Hill: Principles of Rhetoric, revised edition, p. 19.
[36] Ibid., p. 39.
[37] The Century Dictionary.
[38] A.S. Hill: Principles of Rhetoric, revised edition, p. 19.
[39] Is "relationships" the proper word here?
[40] Smith's Synonyms Discriminated.
[41] A.S. Hill: Principles of Rhetoric, revised edition, p. 19.
EXERCISE XXII.
_Tell the difference in meaning between_--
1. He is a person of great ability (capacity).
2. A good character (reputation) is a precious possession.
3. The man seemed to be without conscience (consciousness).
4. The counsel (council) was not wise.
5. It is John's custom (habit) to speak slowly.
6. Her deceit (deception) amazed me.
7. This man is an egoist (egotist).
8. The government does not encourage immigration (emigration).
9. In Mr. E.'s estimate (estimation) the cost of lumber and paint is low.
10. It was only yesterday that I heard of the identification (identity)
of the men who robbed Mr. Jones and Mr. Smith.
11. Mr. Gladstone's remark at the banquet was an utterance of great
import (importance).
12. This is a remarkable discovery (invention).
13. Calhoun was nominated by a majority (plurality).
14. His death was caused by his own neglect (negligence).
15. The privileges of a novice (novitiate) are not many.
16. What a queer organism (organization)!
17. The expedition has plenty (an abundance) of provisions.
18. He proposes to lay a tax on all English produce (products,
productions).
19. He quickly attained prominence (predominance) in the committee.
20. Please copy this receipt (recipe).
21. My relatives (relations) here are charming.
22. Wanted, a boy to do light work in a first-class store. Ability to read
and write is a requirement (requisite).
23. The sewage (sewerage) of inland cities presents problems of
great difficulty.
24. The site (situation) of the temple is not known.
25. Unity (union) of religious denominations is hoped for by many.
EXERCISE XXIII.
_Insert the proper word in each blank, and give the reason for your
choice_:--
ABILITY, CAPACITY.
1. The ---- of the room is not great.
2. They gave, each according to his ----.
3. What is ---- but the power of doing a thing?
4. Let me drink of Thee according to my ----. (From a prayer.)
5. Some students do not have ---- to master Greek; but what most need is
---- to work persistently.
6. My father does not think Judge X. has much--as a lawyer.
ADHERENCE, ADHESION.
7. The ---- of the parts which were cemented together is still perfect.
8. He showed an obstinate ---- to false rules of conduct.
9. Marks on the blackboard depend on the ---- of chalk to the slate.
10. Professor A.'s ---- to the doctrines of Adam Smith is seen in his last
book.
AMOUNT, NUMBER, QUANTITY.
11. Our monthly expenditures vary in ----.
12. You could see any ---- of cabs standing in front of the theatre.
13. A great ---- of books and papers covered the table.
14. Gulliver asked the king of Lilliput for a large ---- of iron bars
and a considerable ---- of rope.
15. What ---- of paper is needed for one issue of _Harper's Weekly_?
16. Such a (an) ---- of sheep as we saw to-day!
17. There is a large ---- of silver bullion in the Treasury waiting to be
coined.
ARGUMENT, PLEA.
18. Every whisper in the court-room was hushed as Mr. N. rose before the
jury and began his--in behalf of the prisoner.
19. The ---- of Smith, when arraigned before the court, was that he had
acted in self-defence.
20. The only ---- available with an east wind is to put on your overcoat.
BALANCE, REMAINDER, REST.
21. The ---- of the hour is spent in the study of some poem.
22. I have a ---- at my banker's.
23. The ---- of the boys went home.
24. For the ---- of the week we stayed at home.
25. The account shows a ---- of $12.46.
26. Give John and Horace four of the six apples; you may have the ----.
27. Give the ---- of our dinner to Tommy, our cat.
CENTRE, MIDDLE.
28. There is a crack running down the ---- of the wall.
29. A table stood in the ---- of the room.
30. A path runs through the ---- of the park.
31. In the ---- of the garden was a fountain.
32. He parts his hair in the ----.
33. The arrow struck the ---- of the target.
CHARACTER, REPUTATION.
34. This man has an excellent ---- for honesty.
35. Every one admires the ---- of Washington.
36. Mr. Arnold won great ---- as a critic.
37. Oh, I have lost my ----.
38. The outlaws of Yorkshire were men of loose ----.
39. A distinguished general may lose his ---- through a single blunder.
40. ---- is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit,
and lost without deserving.
COMPLEMENT, COMPLIMENT.
41. Present my ----s to your father.
42. The ship has its ---- of stores.
43. The ---- of an angle is the difference between the angle and a right
angle.
44. "True friendship loathes such oily ----."
45. In the sentence, "He is ill," "ill" is the ---- of the verb "is."
46. "This barren verbiage, current among men, Light coin, the tinsel clink
of ----."
CONSCIENCE, CONSCIOUSNESS.
47. The ---- of the purity of his motives consoled him for his
unpopularity.
48. My ---- hath a thousand several tongues.
49. I felt a shock, I saw the car topple over, and then I lost ----.
COUNCIL, COUNSEL.
50. "No man will take ----, but every man will take money; therefore money
is better than ----."--_Swift._
51. The members of the cabinet form a sort of secret ---- of the President.
52. Webster was one of the ---- in the trial of the Knapps for the murder
of Captain White.
CUSTOM, HABIT.
53. De Quincey acquired the ---- of using opium from first using it to
relieve neuralgic pains.
54. Dancing round a May-pole is a ---- many hundreds of years old.
55. As his ---- was, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath.
56. Man is a bundle of ----s.
57. Those national ----s are best which lead to good ----s among the
people.
58. A loose life brings a man into ----s of dissipation.
59. It was the ---- of Scotch Highlanders to go bareheaded.
60. It is a good ---- to rise early, because this will soon become a ----.
DECEPTION, DECEIT.
61. He was guilty of a long course of ----.
62. Her character would be charming if it were not for her ----.
63. He won my confidence by base ----.
64. Deceivers seldom profit by their ----.
65. ---- Is of the very nature and essence of sin.
EGOTIST, EGOIST.
66. He is an ----, for he is always talking about himself.
67. ----s are the pest of society; they are always obtruding their ailments
on others.
EMIGRATION, IMMIGRATION.
68. The increase in Chinese ---- is a matter for serious consideration by
the United States Senate.
69. The Chinese government encourages ---- to America.
70. ---- is one cause of the rapid growth of our population.
71. The ---- of the French nobility at the time of the French Revolution
was a political blunder.
ENORMITY, ENORMOUSNESS.
72. The ---- of the cost of the civil war startles the student of history.
73. Burke drew such a vivid picture of the ---- of the Nabob of Arcot's
crimes that ladies in the audience fainted.
74. Visitors do not at first realize the ---- of St. Peter's, at Rome.
ESTEEM, ESTIMATE, ESTIMATION.
75. In what ---- is he held by his townsmen?
76. In my ---- she is the best of women.
77. We can form an ---- of the amount of water in the air.
FALSENESS, FALSITY.
78. We have already seen the ---- of that hypothesis.
79. Arnold was despised for his ----.
80. Piety is opposed to hypocrisy and ----.
81. The prince is in danger of betrayal through the ---- of his servant.
82. The ---- of this reasoning is evident.
IDENTITY, IDENTIFICATION.
83. The bodies were so disfigured that their ---- was difficult.
84. In no form of government is there absolute ---- of interest between
the people and their rulers.
IMPORT, IMPORTANCE.
85. He heard the tolling of the bell and trembled at its ----.
86. The oath of the President contains three words, all of equal ----;
namely, that he will "preserve, protect, and defend" the Constitution.
87. He was engaged in business of the highest ----.
88. You misunderstood the ---- of my remarks.
INVENTION, DISCOVERY.
89. Newton's ---- of the law of gravitation.
90. The ---- of the telescope was made by Galileo.
91. The ---- of the properties of the magnetic needle is said to have been
made by the Chinese; also, the ---- of gunpowder.
92. The ---- of the circulation of blood was made by Harvey.
93. The steam-engine is one of the greatest ----s of this age.
94. The ---- of the telephone is claimed by several persons.
LIMIT, LIMITATION.
95. All kinds of knowledge have their ----s.
96. Titus Quintius was appointed to the command of the army without any
----s.
97. Athens insisted upon ---- of the right to vote.
98. The prisoners were free to roam within certain ----s, but their
employments were subject to ----.
MAJORITY, PLURALITY.
99. If A has 21 votes, B 18, and C 10, A is elected by a ----, not a ----.
100. Smith had 37 of the 52 votes, a good ----.
101. Jones had 20 votes, Smith 14, and Brown 11; Jones therefore was
elected by a safe ----.
NEGLIGENCE, NEGLECT.
102. "Without blame
Or our ---- we lost her as we came."--_Comus._
103. Through ---- to do what ought to be done we soon acquire habits of
----.
104. Rescue my poor remains from vile ----.
105. The gate has fallen from its hinges, the wooden steps are rotted, and
the house shows similar signs of ----.
106. ---- is a grave fault.
NOVICE, NOVITIATE.
107. For most men a ---- of silence is profitable before they enter on the
business of life.
108. I am young, a ---- in the trade.
109. It was in this abbey that I served my ----.
110. When I was a ---- in this place, there was here a pious monk.
ORGANISM, ORGANIZATION.
111. Germs of microscopic ----s exist abundantly on the surface of all
fruits.
112. Lieutenant Peary has completed the ---- of his arctic expedition.
113. The Jacobin club was a political ----.
114. What a complex ---- the human body is!
PART, PORTION.
115. A ---- of my work is done.
116. The younger ---- of the community.
117. The priests had a ---- of land assigned them by Pharaoh.
118. The whole is equal to the sum of all its ----s.
119. Each received his ---- of the estate.
120. The lower ----s of his body were cold.
121. "This," said he, "is a ---- of the true cross."
PLENTY, ABUNDANCE.
122. If you do not waste your money, you will have ---- for your expenses.
123. They did cast in of their ----; but she of her want.
124. The expedition has ---- of provisions, but none to spare.
125. Last year there was ---- of corn; it was estimated that we had enough
to feed the whole nation for two years.
PRODUCE, PRODUCT, PRODUCTION.
126. The manufacturers brought their ----s to market.
127. The farmers bring their ---- to town or haul it to the nearest
railway station.
128. The apple is especially an American ----.
129. Lowell's "Commemoration Ode" is a noble ----.
130. Great Britain exports chiefly manufactured ----.
131. The component elements of ---- are labor and capital.
PROMINENCE, PREDOMINANCE.
132. The Indian race is marked by a ---- of the cheek-bones.
133. The English settlers were _prominent (predominant)_ in the New World.
134. "Childe Harold" brought Byron into ---- as a poet.
135. As a man Byron had many _prominent (predominant)_ faults; it is not
easy to say which one was _prominent (predominant)._
RECIPE, RECEIPT.
136. Please send me your ---- for making chocolate ice-cream.
137. Paracelsus furnished a ---- for making a fairy, but had the delicacy
to refrain from using it.
138. He gave me a ---- for a liniment, which he said was excellent for
sprains.
RELATIVE, RELATION.
139. He has no ---- in this part of the country.
140. I am the nearest ---- he has in the world.
REQUIREMENT, REQUISITION, REQUISITE.
141. One of the ----s in a great commander is coolness.
142. The ----s for admission to college vary.
143. One of the ----s in a United States minister to France is that he be
wealthy, for the salary paid is insufficient to defray the expenses
of the minister's social obligations.
144. That locomotive engineers be not color-blind is a just ----.
145. The wars of Napoleon were marked by the enormous ----s which were
made on invaded countries.
RESORT, RESOURCE, RECOURSE.
146. The woods were her favorite--.
147. The United States has unlimited--s.
148. Asheville has long been a--of wealthy society people.
149. When women engage in any art or trade, it is usually as a last ----.
150. General Lee had--to stratagem.
SECRETION, SECRETING.
151. Jailers are watchful to prevent the ---- of poison in letters sent to
condemned prisoners.
153. Saliva is a ----.
SEWAGE, SEWERAGE.
153. The water of rivers that have received ---- is not good to drink.
154. The vast and intricate ---- of Paris is described by Victor Hugo
in "Les Miserables."
SITUATION, SITE.
155. The ---- of Samaria is far more beautiful than the ---- of Jerusalem,
though not so grand and wild.
156. Dr. Schliemann made excavations to discover the ---- of Troy.
157. Our school buildings have a fine ----.
158. Has the ---- of Professor Richard's house been fixed?
159. One of Nebuchadnezzar's temples is thought to have stood on the ----
of the Tower of Babel.
SPECIALTY, SPECIALITY.
160. It is the ---- of vice that it is selfishly indifferent to the
injurious consequences of actions.
161. Diseases of the throat are Dr. Hall's ----.
162. Fountain-pens a ----.
163. "Toughness" is the ---- of Salisbury iron; therefore Salisbury iron is
much in demand for car-wheels.
UNION, UNITY.
164. How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together
in ----.
165. The ---- of soul and body is ended by death.
166. In the temper of Lord Bacon there was a singular ---- of audacity and
sobriety.
167. This composition lacks ----; the writer treats of several distinct
subjects.
EXERCISE XXIV.
_Tell why the italicized words in the following sentences are misused,
and substitute for them better expressions:_--
1. The West End Railway Company is the _factor_[42] which can remedy all
this.
2. Addison's "Cato" was _a success._
3. Decoration Day is a fitting _observance_ of those who gave their
lives for their country.
4. At the end of each day the _teams_[43] are so broken up that they have
to go into the repair-shop, where the carpenter and blacksmith are able
to fix any part of them.
5. The _majority_ of the news is unfavorable.
6. Search-lights would be an indispensable _factor_ in a night attack.
7. Bishop Hatto lived in a country where all the _productions_ were
spoiled by the weather.
8. The _whole_ of the stupid boys in Germany struggle to pass this test.
9. The police are looking for the guilty _parties_.
10. A _lot_ of men from the country came to town to see the circus.
11. In the shed is a _mixture_[44] of oars, seats, sails, rudders, booms,
and gaffs.
12. They had to take the _balance_ of his arm off.
13. Addison's essays were a great _factor_ in improving the morals
of his age.
14. General Manager Payson Tucker at once sent detectives to the scene, and
every effort will be made to secure the guilty _parties_.
15. For a few days Coxey's army was _a success_ as a show.
16. If it were not for him and a few others of his _ilk_ the matter
would have been settled long ago.
[42] "Foundations," p. 51.
[43] Ibid., p. 52.
[44] Consult a good dictionary.
EXERCISE XXV.[45]
_Illustrate by original sentences the correct use of these words:_--
Home, party, series, statement, verdict, acceptation, actions, advance,
advancement, avocation, completion, allusion, illusion, observation,
observance, proposal, proposition, solicitude, solicitation, stimulus,
stimulant, capacity, adherence, adhesion, amount, quantity, number,
centre, middle, character, complement, compliment, conscience,
consciousness, council, counsel, custom, habit, deception, deceit, egoist,
emigration, immigration, enormity, enormousness, esteem, estimate,
falsity, falseness, import, invention, discovery, limitation, majority,
plurality, negligence, neglect, novitiate, organization, organism,
produce, product, production, prominence, predominance, recipe,
requirement, requisition, requisite, resort, resource, secretion, sewage,
sewerage, situation, site, speciality, specialty, union, unity.
[45] TO THE TEACHER.--It is easy to underestimate the difficulty which
this exercise presents to pupils. In assigning the lesson care must be
taken not to call for more of this kind of work than can be done well.
Constructing a sentence to illustrate the correct use of a word is a
valuable exercise, but it is a difficult one; and persons who know the
correct use of a word may be put to their wit's end to illustrate that
use. It will be well to assign this exercise little by little, while the
class works through the definitions and exercises on pages 23-41; or else
to select from the list the words on which the class needs most drill.
With some pupils it may be wise to omit the exercise entirely.