Transcriber's Note
Bold text is indicated by ~swung dashes~, and italic text by
_underscores_.
_STANDARD DESK-BOOK SERIES_
A Desk-Book of
Errors in English
Including Notes on Colloquialisms and Slang
to be Avoided in Conversation
By FRANK H. VIZETELLY, Litt.D., LL.D.
_Managing Editor of “Funk & Wagnalls New Standard Dictionary
of the English Language”; Author of “Essentials of
English Speech and Literature,” Etc._
_A REVISED EDITION_
[Illustration]
FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY
NEW YORK and LONDON
Copyright, 1906 and 1920, by
FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY
[_Printed in the United States of America_]
Copyright Under the Articles of the Copyright Convention
of the Pan-American Republics and the United States,
August 11, 1910
Published January 1, 1920
All Rights Reserved
PREFACE
The fact that this little book has passed through many editions,
and now enters on a new one in revised form, is ample answer to its
writer’s prayer when, with the aid of his Publishers, he launched it on
an uncertain voyage over the seas of time--
“Go, little book, God send thee good passage,
And specially let this be thy prayer:
Unto them all that thee will read or hear,
Where thou art wrong, after their help to call,
Thee to correct in any part or all.”
(_Chaucer._)
It is with sincere gratitude to the Publishers that the author
acknowledges the results achieved to have been due wholly to their
kindly interest and indefatigable efforts. He ventures to hope
that this new edition, and such subsequent editions as time may
require, will be found to measure fully up to the expectations of the
discriminating Public on which it depends for support.
F. H. V.
NEW YORK, _January, 1920_.
INTRODUCTORY
In these days when the vernacular of the street invades the home; when
illiterate communications corrupt good grammar; and when the efforts of
the teachers in the public schools are rendered ineffective by parents
careless of their diction, constant attempts are being made to point
out the way to that “Well of English undefiled” so dear to the heart
of the purist. But, notwithstanding these efforts to correct careless
diction, the abuse and misuse of words continue. The one besetting
sin of the English-speaking people is a tendency to use colloquial
inelegancies, slang, and vulgarisms, and against these, as against the
illiteracies of the street, it is our duty to guard, nowadays more so
than at any other time, since what is learnt in the schoolroom is soon
forgotten or displaced by association with illiterate playfellows, or
by occasionally hearing words misused at home.
Of the purely syntactical side of the English language, no less a
master of its intricacies and niceties than Thomas Jefferson has
said “I am not a friend to a scrupulous purism of style; I readily
sacrifice the niceties of syntax to euphony and strength. It is by
boldly neglecting the rigorisms of grammar that Tacitus has made
himself the strongest writer in the world. The hyperesthetics call him
barbarous; but I should be sorry to exchange his barbarisms for their
wiredrawn purisms. Some of his sentences are as strong as language can
make them. Had he scrupulously filled up the whole of their syntax,
they would have been merely common. To explain my meaning by an English
example, I will quote the motto of one, I believe, of the regicides,
of Charles I., ‘Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.’ Correct its
syntax ‘Rebellion against tyrants is obedience to God.’ It has lost all
the strength and beauty of the antithesis.” And Jefferson continued:
“Where strictness of grammar does not weaken expression, it should be
attended to. But where, by small grammatical negligences, the energy
of an idea is condensed, or a word stands for a sentence, I hold
grammatical rigor in contempt.”
The English language is the most flexible language in the world.
Indeed, it is so flexible that some of its idioms are positively
startling. Could any phrase be more so than “I don’t think it will
rain”?--Simple enough as an idiom but positively absurd when analyzed.
We say “_I don’t think_ it will rain” when we mean “I do think it will
not rain.” Again, we say “All over the world” when we should say “Over
all the world,” and “the reason why” instead of “the reason that.”
Usage has made our language what it is; grammatical rules strive to
limit it to what it ought to be. In many instances usage has supplanted
grammatical rules. Hundreds of words have been used by masters of
English in ways that violate these rules. These uses are to be found
to-day recorded by the dictionaries because lexicographers recognize
it is their duty to present the language as they find it used by the
people. It is to the people, not to the purists, that one must look
for the enriching of our mother tongue. To them it is as impossible to
confine the English language within the bonds of grammatical rules as
it is to stem the tide of the sea. For them all matters that relate
to English speech can be decided only by the law of good usage. This,
and this alone is their Court of Last Resort. Withal, the observance
of certain conventional rules does no harm if it helps him who speaks
carelessly to produce a refined style of diction and writing, or if it
teaches him who does not know, what to say and how to say it.
The secret of strength in speech and writing lies in the art of using
the right word in the right place; therefore, careful speakers and
writers should aim to command not only a large vocabulary but a wide
and correct knowledge of the meanings of words. These can be most
readily acquired by noting the meaning of every new word across which
one may come in reading, and by constantly consulting a dictionary,
preferably one which compares or contrasts words in such a manner
as to bring out clearly the finer and nicer distinctions in their
meanings--such distinctions as are necessary to the student to put him
into possession of the essential differences of the words compared.
Learn the meaning of words and your tongue will never slip. As Southey
has said, “the greatest wisdom of speech is to know when, and what, and
where to speak; the time, matter, and manner.”
The best asset in life is knowledge. Knowledge well-grounded may
be secured by the systematic study of words. The desirability of
exercising great care not only in the selection of words, but in
marshaling them in their correct order must be apparent to any
one familiar with some of the errors committed by writers who,
notwithstanding the blunders they have made, have acquired reputation
as authors of good English. Dr. Samuel Johnson, in his “Lives of the
Poets,” is responsible for the following statement: “Shakespeare has
not only shown human nature as it is, _but as it would be found in
situations to which it cannot be exposed_”--a statement the absurdity
of which can not fail to impress the reader.
In the King James Version of the Bible, quoted by some authorities as
a standard of pure English, one may find the following, which occurs
in Isaiah xxxvii. 36: “Then the angel of the Lord went forth and
smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five
thousand; _and when they arose_ early in the morning, behold _they were
all dead corpses_.” It can hardly be supposed that the translators
meant to imply that the corpses arose early in the morning and found
themselves dead. In the second act of “Julius Cæsar,” Shakespeare puts
into the mouth of _Ligarius_ the following: “I will strive with things
impossible; yea, get the better of them.” For power of perseverance
_Ligarius_ is to be commended. Hallam, author of the “Literature of
Europe,” declared that “No one as yet had exhibited the structure of
the human kidneys, Vesilius having only examined them in dogs”--a
declaration which implies that the dog must have bolted them whole. The
London _Times_ has occasionally perpetrated absurdities which equal,
if they do not surpass, these. In an obituary announcing the death of
Baron Dowse it said, “A great Irishman has passed away. God grant that
many as great, and who shall as wisely love their country, may follow
him.” Here the intended wish is not that many great Irishmen may die
but that there may be many to follow him who shall love their country
as well as he did. An equally absurd example taken from an issue of
the _Freeman’s Journal_ of the year 1890, announces “The health of
Mr. Parnell has lately taken a very serious turn, and _fears of his
recovery_ are entertained by his friends,” which, one may add, was
rather unfriendly on their part. Isaac Disraeli in his “Curiosities
of Literature” himself was guilty of an absurdity when he wrote, “It
is curious to observe the various substitutes for paper _before its
invention_.”
Errors of a different sort found their way even into our earlier
dictionaries. Cockeram defined a lynx as “a spotted beast which hath
the most perfect sight in so much as it is said that it can see through
a wall.” The salamander he described as “a small venomous beast with
foure feet and a short taile; it lives in the fire, and at length by
its extreme cold puts out the fire.” Both of these definitions show
the rudimentary stage of the knowledge of our forefathers in matters
zoological.
Of slang no less eminent a writer of English than Richard Grant White
has said, “Slang is a vocabulary of genuine words or unmeaning jargon,
used always with an arbitrary and conventional signification,” and
because “it is mostly coarse, low, and foolish,” certain slang terms
and phrases have been included in the following pages, together with
a few undesirable colloquialisms. These are included because the
indiscriminate use of slang leads to slovenliness in speech. Not
all slang is slovenly, incorrect, or vicious; much of it is virile,
expressive, and picturesque. It is against the spread of that part
of slang which is slovenly, incorrect, foolish, or vicious, that one
should guard.
The purpose of these pages is not to dictate a precise course to be
followed, nor to lay down rules that will prevent any speaker or writer
from exercising his privilege as an individual of speaking or writing
freely and independently the thoughts that are uppermost in his mind.
It is, rather, to point out common errors which he may unconsciously
commit, and to help him to avoid them and the vulgarisms of the street
which have crept into the language, as well as those absurd blunders
that have been recorded as the unconscious acts of persons qualified
in other respects to rank as masters of English. To this end, and to
this end only, the following vocabulary of errors in English has been
compiled.
Thanks are due to the Funk & Wagnalls Company for permission to cite
freely from the “Standard Dictionary of the English Language” in the
following pages.
Mend your speech a little,
Lest it may mar your fortunes.
--SHAKESPEARE, _King Lear_, Act i, Sc. 1.
A DESK-BOOK OF
ERRORS IN ENGLISH
A
~a~, ~an~: Before an aspirated “h,” as in “Hibernianism,” the article
“a” should be used. “A” is used when the next word begins with a
consonant sound; “an” when it begins with a vowel or silent “h.” Though
never so feebly aspirated, “h” has something of a consonant sound, and
the article in this case ought to conform to the general principle, as
in “_a_ historic introduction has generally _a_ happy effect to arouse
attention.” To be correct one should say: _an_ island, _a_ Highlander;
_an_ oysterman, _a_ hoister; _a_ hotel, _an_ onion; _a_ herb, _an_
heir; _a_ house, _an_ owl. Some persons do not aspirate the “h” in
“herb”; when the “h” is not aspirated, the word takes the article “an,”
not “a.”
~abandon~, ~forsake~, ~desert~: To _abandon_ is to give up entirely, as
home and friends, and implies previous association with responsibility
for or control; to _forsake_ is to leave or withdraw from a person
or place, and suggests previous association with inclination or
attachment. _Abandon_ and _forsake_ may be used in a favorable or
unfavorable sense. _Desert_ is to leave permanently and especially
without regard for the person or thing deserted; it is used only in an
unfavorable sense and usually implies a breach of duty.
Some writers assert that _desert_ is used only “of causes or persons
but not of things.” This is erroneous. There is ample evidence of its
correct application to things; as the soldier _deserts_ his colors; the
sailor _deserts_ his ship.
~abbreviate~, ~abridge~: Discriminate carefully between these words. To
_abbreviate_ is to shorten a word so that a part stands for the whole;
to _abridge_ is to condense or epitomize, as a report, in such manner
that the spirit of the original is retained though it is expressed in
fewer words.
~ability~, ~capacity~: These words are not exactly synonymous in
meaning when used in the singular. _Ability_ is bodily or mental power;
_capacity_ is receptive or containing power. _Ability_ when used in the
plural embraces both meanings.
~about~. Compare ALMOST.
~above~: Inelegantly used as a noun by ellipsis of some noun as “He
wrote the _above_,” for “the _above phrase_.” A more objectionable use
is as an adjective; as, “I submit the _above_ facts” for “I submit the
_above_-mentioned facts.” The use of the word “foregoing” or the more
legal expression “before-mentioned” would better meet the case. Lamb,
always inclined to be humorous, ridicules the expression by referring
to “the _above_ boys and the below boys.”
~above~ should not be used for “more than.”
~acceptance~, ~acceptation~: Terms sometimes used interchangeably but
incorrectly so. “Acceptance” is the state of being accepted; as the
_acceptance_ of a position or office; _acceptation_ is the favorable
admission of or acquiescence in a matter, or assent to a belief.
~accept of~: A visitor does not _accept of_ the hospitality of his
host, but _accepts_ his hospitality. In this phrase “of” is redundant.
~accident~, ~injury~: These words are used sometimes incorrectly. An
“accident” is that which happens without known or assignable cause
or without deliberate intention; an “injury” is a hurt that causes
physical or mental pain resulting, as from an accident. An accident
may be injurious, and injuries painful; but accidents should never be
spoken of as painful.
~accord~ should not be used for _give_. To _accord_ is “to render or
concede as due and proper, as honor or veneration;” to _give_ is “to
bestow as appropriate; as to _give_ thanks, praise, or welcome.”
~accord~, ~award~: The first of these words implies a spontaneous
bestowal prompted by the dictates of the heart (Latin _cor_, _cord_-,
heart); the concession or grant due to inherent merit that cannot
be denied. _Award_ is colder and more unimpassioned and formal, and
implies a grant only after careful observation and judgment. You
_accord_ honor where honor is individually due, but _award_ a medal to
a victor out of many (actual or possible) contestants.
~accord~, ~grant~: Privileges may be either _accorded_ or _granted_.
To _accord_ is to concede as due and proper; grant; bestow; allow; to
_grant_ is to bestow or confer; give, as a concession; allow. Some
writers erroneously restrict the meaning of _accord_ to “agree with;
suit.”
~acknowledgment~: Do not spell this word _acknowledgement_; preferably
it is _acknowledgment_--omit “e” after the “g.”
~acme~. Compare CLIMAX.
~acoustic~ (_a._), ~acoustics~ (_n._): When the adjective is used the
verb must agree in number with the noun which the adjective qualifies;
as, “the _acoustic_ properties of this theater _are_ good.” But the
noun though plural in form is singular in construction and always takes
a verb in the singular as, “acoustics _is_ a branch of physics.”
~acquaintance~. Compare FRIEND.
~acquiesce~: Never use the preposition “with” after this word. You
acquiesce _in_ an arrangement.
~act~, ~action~: Do not use one word for the other. A man does a good
_act_ rather than a good _action_. An _act_ is accomplished by an
exercise of power, whereas an _action_ is the fact of exerting such
power and refers to the _modus operandi_. A party to a conveyance
signifies his exercise of power by the formula “This is my _act_ and
deed,” but the course pursued, the procedure--the fact of sale and
purchase--may be referred to as a _wise action_.
~adherence~, ~adhesion~, ~attachment~: These terms are no longer
synonymous, although originally so. _Adherence_ is used of things
mental or spiritual, as principles, while _adhesion_ is applied
to material things. The figurative meaning of _adhere_ appears in
_adherence_, which is somewhat synonymous with _attachment_ and applies
to mental conditions or principles. _Adhesion_ is generally reserved
for physical attachment; as, “an _adhesion_ effected by glue,” although
Dowden in his “Studies in Literature” (p. 230,) has written “Browning’s
courageous _adhesion_ to truth never deserts him.” Far better is
Johnson’s “Shakespeare’s _adherence_ to general nature has exposed
him to the censure of critics, who form their judgments upon narrower
principles.”
~adjective~ and ~adverb~: In selecting the correct word to use, bear in
mind that where a phrase denoting manner can be substituted an adverb
is required; where some tense of the verb _to be_ can be used the
adjective is necessary; as, “The surgeon felt the limb _carefully_ and
found that one of the bones was _broken_.”
~admission~. Compare ADMITTANCE.
~admit~, ~admit of~: Very different in meaning. “This gate _admits_
(affords entrance) to the grounds, but the size of the vehicle will not
_admit of_ (allow or permit) its passing through.” Where Emerson says
“Every action _admits of_ being outdone,” the simple _admit_ could not
be substituted.
~admittance~, ~admission~: These words are not merely synonymous.
_Admittance_ refers to place, _admission_ refers also to position,
privilege, favor, friendship, etc. An intruder may gain _admittance_
to the hall of a society who would not be allowed _admission_ to its
membership.
~adore~: Often misused as an emphatic for “like.” One may _adore_ that
which one reveres or venerates or has profound regard or affection
for, but not that which is pleasant to the palate. A child may _like_
cherries and _adore_ its mother, but it does not _adore_ cherries
though it _likes_ its mother.
~advantage~, ~benefit~: Exercise care in using these words. _Advantage_
is that which gives one a vantage-ground, either for coping with
competitors or with difficulties, needs, or demands; as, “to have the
_advantage_ of a good education.” It is frequently used of what one
has beyond another or secures at the expense of another; as, “to have
the _advantage_ of another in an argument,” or “to take _advantage_ of
another in a bargain.” _Benefit_ is anything that does one good.
~adverbs and the infinitive “to.”~ See SPLIT INFINITIVE.
~a few~. Condemned as employing the singular article before an
adjective plural in sense. Usage sanctions _a hundred_ and _a_ great
_many_, these expressions being viewed as collective. _A few_ is
correct idiomatic English, with a sense distinctively different from
that of the adjective used alone; as, “_A few_ men can be trusted” (_i.
e._, a small but appreciable number). “_Few_ men can be trusted” (_i.
e._, scarcely any) is practically equivalent to the negative statement
“_Most_ men are _not_ to be trusted.”
~affect~. Compare EFFECT.
~against~: Never shorten this preposition into _again_. Such a usage
is either dialectical or obsolete; and save in such usage there is no
preposition _again_, or as sometimes spoken by persons careless with
their speech _agen_.
~aggravate~, ~exasperate~, ~irritate~, ~provoke~: A fever or a
misfortune may be _aggravated_, but not a person. The person is,
perhaps, _exasperated_ or _provoked_. To _aggravate_, from the
Latin _aggravo_ “to make heavy,” is to intensify, and applies only
to conditions of fact; _provoke_, which calls forth anger, and
_exasperate_, which heightens (or roughens) anger already provoked,
allude to mental states. A patient may be so _irritated_ that his
condition is _aggravated_. Here to _aggravate_ is to make worse; to
_irritate_ is to annoy, provoke.
~ago~. Compare SINCE.
~agreeable~: Do not spell this word _agreable_. Its component parts are
_agree_ plus _able_; always double the “e” before the “a.” _Agreeable_
is often erroneously used for _agreeably_ in correspondence. In this
sense it is a commercial colloquialism, meaning “being in accordance
or conformity,” as with some previous action. “_Agreeable_ to your
request I have forwarded the goods.” Correctly, this should be rendered
“_Agreeably_ with your request, etc.,” meaning “so as to be agreeable.”
~agreeably~. Compare AGREEABLE.
~aid~. Compare HELP.
~ain’t~: Avoid as inelegant. In such a phrase as “he ain’t,” it is
both vulgar and ungrammatical; “he isn’t” is the preferred form. “The
contraction _ain’t_ for isn’t is a vulgarism which ought not to need
criticism. Yet ‘_’tain’t_ so’ said an educated preacher once in my
hearing. The safe rule respecting contractions is never to use them in
public speech. This is the instinct of a perfect taste.” AUSTIN PHELPS,
_English Style_, lecture ii. p. 25.
~alienate~, ~antagonize~: _Alienate_ which means “estrange,” should
never be used for _antagonize_, meaning “contend against” or “bring
into opposition.” Thus, you _alienate_ your friend because you
_antagonize_ his views.
~all~. See under ANY, WHOLE, and compare UNIVERSALLY.
~allege~: Do not spell this word _alledge_. It has no connection
whatever with _ledge_, a shelf. _Allege_ is derived from the Latin
_adlegio_, clear, and came to England with the Normans in the Norman
French form _aligier_, Old French, _esligier_, from the Latin, _ex_,
out, and _litigo_, to carry strife. It means, to assert.
~alleviate~, ~relieve~: Distinguished from relieve, as _alleviate_, by
lightening (Latin _ad_, to, + _levis_, light), mitigates or makes less
burdensome, and _relieve_, by removing (Latin _re_, again, + _levis_,
lifting up), supplies what is wanting.
_Alleviation_ affects internal sensations, affording comparative ease,
whereas _relief_ operates upon external conditions, removing pain. You
_alleviate_ suffering and _relieve_ distress or poverty.
~all of them~: This phrase furnishes an excellent example of the
common carelessness of speech. _Of_ signifies _from_ or _from out_;
and whereas one can subtract a certain quantity _from_ an entire
number, one can hardly refer to that number as still existing, in any
shape whatever, if one subtracts the whole; for _from out_ implies a
remainder. You may say “ship _some_, or any definite number, say _ten
of them_,” or “ship _them all_,” but not “ship all of them.”
~all over the world~: A common but undesirable locution for “all the
world over” or “over all the world.”
~allow~, ~permit~: Discriminate carefully between these words. _Allow_
implies no attempt at hindrance; _permit_ suggests authorization to do.
One _allows_ that to which one interposes no objection or takes no step
to prevent; one _permits_ that to which one gives express consent or
authorization. In some parts of the United States _allow_ is used in
the sense of “think, think likely, intend”; as, “he _allowed_ he would
go”; “he _allowed_ to pay it.” It is used also in the sense of _say_.
Both uses are wholly inadmissible.
~all right~: In best usage this term is always written as two words.
Formerly _alright_ was in vogue, but it is now obsolete.
~allude~: This word is frequently used as synonymous with _mention_,
but this is a careless and improper treatment of the term.
“Allude is in danger of losing its peculiar signification, which is
delicate and serviceable.... (It) means to indicate jocosely, to
hint at playfully.... Allusion is the by-play of language.”--R. G.
WHITE _Words and Their Uses_, ch. 5, p. 90. (S. H. & Co. ’70)
Allude is from the Latin _alludo_, treat lightly, from _ad_, at, and
_ludo_, play, and should be used only with the sense of “to refer
incidentally, indirectly, or by suggestion.” When you toast a hero by
name, you certainly do not allude to him, although in so doing you make
a pretty allusion to the heroic act with which his name is identified.
In toasting Dewey, you do not allude to him but to his deeds off Manila.
~allusion~: Distinguish between this word and _illusion_. The former
is derived from the Latin _ad_, at, + _ludo_, play (treat lightly),
and means an incidental suggestion or passing reference, a species of
innuendo; the latter is derived from _in_, on, + _ludo_ play (play
tricks on), and means an unreal image presented to the senses.
~almost~: “An adjective in early English, the use of which has
recently been revived, but it has not received the sanction of general
usage.”--STANDARD DICTIONARY.
An “_almost_ Christian” is, however, a most expressive term, and
would oftentimes more nearly express the truth than the absolute and
unqualified “Christian.” Compare MOST.
~almost~, ~about~: These words are now commonly used as interchangeable
synonyms. Formerly, such use was condemned. One may say of a task that
it is “_almost_ completed” or that it is “_about_ completed” meaning
that it is nearly accomplished or approaches closely to a completed
state.
~already~: Although this word consists of two elements “all” and
“ready,” it is not correctly spelled with two “l’s” but _already_.
~also~, ~likewise~: According to some writers _also_ merely denotes
addition, and _likewise_ denotes connection with some person or thing
that has previously been referred to. _Likewise_, which means “in
like manner,” of necessity refers to states and conditions which are
susceptible of manner, and should not be used indiscriminately for
_also_, which properly connects facts and qualities. There is, for
example, a considerable difference between the expressions “He spoke
_also_” and “He spoke _likewise_.” In the second case, the matter of
speech may be considered to have been to the same effect as the speech
first alluded to. Lexicographers do not recognize this difference.
In practise, the choice between these words is largely to secure
euphony and avoid repetition. _Also_ and _likewise_ affirm that what is
added is like that to which it is added.--STANDARD DICTIONARY, p. 59.
~alternative~: “This word means a choice--one choice--between two
things. Yet popular usage has so corrupted it, that it is now commonly
applied to the things themselves, and not to the choice between them,
as ‘You may take either _alternative_,’ ‘I was forced to choose between
two _alternatives_.’ And, indeed, some people go so far as to say
‘several _alternatives_ were presented him.’”--E. S. GOULD, _Good
English, Misused Words_, p. 45.
~always~, ~all ways~: Discriminate carefully between these terms.
_Always_ means “during all time”; _all ways_ means “in every way.”
~amateur~, ~novice~: These terms are not synonymous. The distinction
between them is that an _amateur_ may be the equal in skill of a
professional, but a _novice_ is a beginner, and as such does not equal
the professional in skill.
~ambidextrous~: Do not spell this word “_ambidexterous_.” It is derived
from the Latin _dextra_, the right hand, and _ous_. Although the form
_ambidexterous_ was common in England in the nineteenth century, it is
not now in use.
~ambition~ should not be used to signify mild energy as it imports
persistent and inordinate or steadfast desire. “The heat leaves me
without _ambition_ for work” illustrates an altogether wrong use of the
word.
~amid~, ~among~: Discriminate carefully between these words. _Amid_
denotes position when one object is surrounded by others from which it
differs in nature or characteristics; _among_ denotes an intermingling
of objects of the same nature. A man may be _amid_ enemies but not
_among_ them; he may be _among_ friends but not _amid_ them.
~among~, ~between~: _Among_ may apply to any number; _between_ applies
to two only.
~among one another~: A pleonasm. Say, rather, “_among themselves_.”
~among the rest~: Say “_among them_ was he,” or “_with the rest_ was
he”--not _among the rest_. As “the rest” specifically excludes himself,
it is impossible for him to figure in the midst of them.
~amount~, ~number~: _Amount_ is used of substances in mass; _number_
refers to the individuals of which such mass is constituted.
~an~: Modern practice does not permit of the use of _an_ before words
beginning with an aspirated “h” as, “hair,” “hall,” “harangue,”
“hero,” “history,” “historical,” “historian,” “house,” “hypothesis,”
“heraldic,” etc. However, it may be correctly used before words in
which the initial “h” is not aspirated. Compare A, AN.
~ancient~, ~antiquated~: Anything _antiquated_ is _ancient_ but not all
things that are _ancient_ are _antiquated_; thus _ancient_ refers to
things that existed in olden times; _antiquated_ to things obsolete or
that have fallen behind the times.
~and~, (~the relative preceded by~): Where “and” is used to connect two
clauses the clauses must be of similar construction. Therefore, do not
say, “I met Florence on Wednesday, _and which_ was very pleasing to
me,” which is not only grammatically incorrect, but is faulty in that
it introduces an altogether useless word. Omit the “and.”
~and~, ~to~: These terms are not interchangeable. One does not “try
_and_ do a task,” but “one tries _to_ do it.”
~anger~. Compare TEMPER.
~angry~. Compare MAD.
~angry at~, ~with~: A man may be angry _at_ or _about_ a hurt, never
_with_ it; he is angry _at_ rather than _with_ a dog. We may be angry
_with_ a person.
~annoyed at~, ~by~, ~with~: Note the correct use of the prepositions.
“He will be annoyed _at_ or _by_ complaints” (if they are made); “He
will be annoyed _with_ complaints” (because they will surely be made).
~another from~: Misused for _another than_; as, “judges of quite
_another_ stamp _from_ his Majesty’s judges of Assize,” for “of quite
_another_ stamp _than_,” etc.
~another such~: These words should be used always in this order. Avoid
“_such another_ mistake,” as incorrect; “_another such_ mistake” is
better.
~answer~, ~reply~: Discriminate carefully between these words. The
Standard Dictionary, quoting Crabb says, “an _answer_ is made to a
question; a _reply_ is made to an assertion;” but, it continues, “this
statement is too limited, as an _answer_ is made to a charge as well as
to a question.... A _reply_ is an unfolding, and implies both thought
and intelligence. _Reply_ implies the formal dissection of a statement
previously made; _answer_, a ready return of words to a question or
charge that is made.”
~antagonize~, ~veto~, ~oppose~, ~forbid~: _Antagonize_ is distinguished
from _veto_ or _oppose_. In the sense of “neutralize” or “deprive of
active power” you may _antagonize_ a disease, while you _oppose_ or
_veto_ a bill. To _forbid_ is to prohibit with authority; to _veto_ is
to forbid authoritatively, with or without the right to do so. Compare
ALIENATE.
~ante-~, ~anti-~: Discriminate carefully between these prefixes.
_Ante-_ means “before;” _anti-_ means “opposite to.” _Ante_diluvian
means “before the flood”; _Anti_christ means “opposed to Christ.”
~anticipate~, ~expect~, ~hope~: As anticipate implies “expectation with
confidence and pleasure,” never use it where mere expectation is meant,
which applies to that which we have good reason to believe will happen.
“I _hope_ for a visit from my friend, though I have no word from him;
I _expect_ it, when he writes that he is coming; and as the time draws
near I _anticipate_ it,” for I look forward to it with confidence and
pleasure.
~antiquated~. Compare ANCIENT.
~any~, ~all~, ~at all~: Avoid using _any_ adverbially in place of the
adjective. Don’t say “Did you sleep _any_?” when you mean “Did you have
_any_ sleep?” or “Did you sleep _at all_?”
Since _any_ individualizes or separates, signifying one or some out
of a certain quantity or number, and thus differentiating from the
whole or entire quantity or number, the word should not be used
interchangeably with _all_. “He is the finest fellow of _all_” (not of
_any_ = of _any one fellow_) “I have known.”
~any~, ~either~: _Any_ is used of more than two; _either_ of two only.
Do not say “the United States or _either_ of them,” say, rather, “_any_
of them.”
~anyhow~, ~anyway~: “Forcible colloquial expressions often used to
indicate that something is to be done, admitted, believed, or the
like, be the circumstances, results or conditions what they may; as
‘_Anyhow_, I have lost it;’ ‘_anyway_, I am going.’ In place of these,
such expressions as ‘In any event,’ ‘At any rate,’ ‘Be that as it may’
are ordinarily preferred.”--STANDARD DICTIONARY.
~any place~, ~some place~: “He won’t go _any place_;” “I want to go
_some place_.” Say, rather, “He won’t go _anywhere_;” “I want to go
_somewhere_.” These are solecisms, unfortunately common, which should
be avoided. “Place” may be used as an indirect object only when
preceded by a preposition.
~anyway~, ~anywhere~: Frequently misspelled _anyways_, _anywheres_.
These words should never be written with a final _s_.
~apostasy~: In modern usage the last syllable is spelled with an _s_.
The alternative spelling, _apostacy_, though occasionally used, is not
preferred.
~apparent~, ~evident~, ~manifest~: Do not confound _apparent_ with
_evident_, because what is _apparent_ may or may not be _evident_.
That is _apparent_ which appears to be, as _apparent_ sincerity; but
appearances may be false. Things are not always what they seem. “That
is _evident_ of which the mind is made sure by some inference that
supplements the fact of perception. That is _manifest_ which we can lay
the hand upon: _manifest_ is thus stronger than _evident_, as touch is
more absolute than sight.” See HEIR.
~appear~, ~seem~: Discriminate carefully between these words. _Appear_
refers to that which manifests itself to the senses; _seem_ applies
to that which is manifest to the mind on reflection. _Seem_ gives or
creates the impression of being. A man may _seem_ honest but cannot
_appear_ so.
~appreciate~: This verb has the intransitive sense of “to increase in
value,” despite the fact that some critics (though without justifiable
cause) object to its use in such a phrase as “real estate _appreciates_
as the city grows.”
~apprehend~, ~comprehend~: These terms are neither synonymous nor
interchangeable. To _apprehend_ is to perceive; to _comprehend_ is to
understand.
~approach~: Sometimes incorrectly used for _address_, _petition_, etc.
One is _approached_ by indirect or covert intimation, suggestion, or
question, which he may encourage if he will, or may put aside without
formal refusal. _Approach_ is often used in a bad sense, implying the
use of bribery or intrigue. Do not say “the teachers have _approached_
the Educational Department for longer intermissions,” when you mean
“the teachers have _petitioned_,” etc.
~apt~, ~likely~: Words sometimes misapplied. _Apt_ implies natural
fitness or tendency; _likely_ applies to a contingent event considered
as very probable.
~aren’t~: For _are not_ when the subject follows; as, “Aren’t you?”
“Aren’t they?” The best conversational usage contracts the verb when
the subject precedes: “we’re not,” “you’re not,” etc. Similarly we say
“I’m not,” “I’ll not.”
~argue~. Compare AUGUR.
~arraign~ ~at~, ~before~, ~for~, ~on~, ~after~: “The criminal was
arraigned _at_ the court” is incorrect; a criminal is arraigned _at_
the bar; _before_ the court; _for_ a crime; _on_ an indictment; _after_
the discovery of his crime.
~articles~: Two or more words connected by _and_ referring to different
things should each be preceded by the article; but when they denote
the same thing, the article is commonly used with the first only.
“_The_ black-and-white horse” would denote one horse marked with the
two colors black and white. “_The_ black _and the_ white horse” would
denote two horses, one black and the other white.
~as ... as~, ~so ... as~. The STANDARD DICTIONARY says: A shade of
difference in their meanings, as strictly used in comparisons, is often
neglected. _So ... as_ suggests that, in the comparison of the persons
or things mentioned, there is present in the mind of the speaker a
consciousness of a considerable degree of the quality considered; _as
... as_ does not carry this impression. In “John is not _as_ tall _as_
James” there is no implication that the speaker regards either John or
James as tall; there is merely a comparison of their heights. So, too,
in “John is not _as_ old _as_ James” there is merely a comparison of
ages. But if one says, “John is not _so_ tall _as_ James,” though the
_so_ is not emphasized, there is understood usually to be a reference
more or less distinct to something uncommon in the height of James as
compared with the stature of other men or of other boys of his age;
the speaker regards James as being _tall_. “John is not _so_ old _as_
James” suggests that, in some relation or other, James is thought of as
being _old_; as in “James is taller than John.” “Yes, but my boy is not
_so old as_ yours.”
In affirmative sentences _so_ ... _as_ can not properly be used except
in certain restricted constructions, and where the quality referred
to is to be emphasized. It occurs oftenest in sentences that, though
affirmative in form, carry a negative suggestion; as, “_So_ good a cook
_as_ Polly is hard to find,” that is, “It is not easy to find _so_ good
a cook _as_ Polly.”
Few knights of the shire [in the 17th century] had libraries _so_
good _as_ may now perpetually be found in a servants’ hall.
MACAULAY, _History_, ch. 3.
That is, “not many knights of the shire,” etc. In a simple affirmative
comparison like “Jane is _as_ good a cook _as_ Polly,” _so_ ... _as_ is
not used.
In interrogative sentences, as in negative sentences, a consciousness
more or less distinct of a considerable degree of the quality referred
to is conveyed by _so_ ... _as_, but not by _as_ ... _as_. “Is John
_as_ old _as_ James?” and “Is your uncle _so_ old _as_ my father?”
convey different impressions as to what the speaker means by _old_. In
the question where _as_ ... _as_ is used there is no implication of
considerable age in _old_.
~as far as~, ~so far as~: Discriminate carefully between these terms.
_As far as_ expresses distance; _so far as_ expresses limitation, as of
one’s knowledge. Therefore, “_so far as_ I know” is preferable to “_as
far as_ I know.”
~as if~. Compare LIKE.
~as~, ~so~: Discriminate between these words; _as_ is used in comparing
persons or things of approximate caliber or size; _so_ when the
comparison is unequal.
~as~, ~that~: Discriminate carefully between these words. _As_ is often
improperly used for _that_. Do not say “not _as_ I know of”; “I do not
know _as_ I shall go.” Say, rather, “Not _that_ I know of”; “I do not
know _that_ I shall go.”
~ascent~ must be distinguished from ~assent~, its homonym. The former
is derived from Latin _ad_, to, + _scando_, climb, and means the act
of climbing; the latter is from Latin _ad_, to, + _sentio_, feel, and
means expression of concurrence in a proposition, acquiescence.
~aside~: An Americanism for _apart_. Not “auxiliary words _aside_,” but
“auxiliary words _apart_.”
~asparagus~. Compare SPARROW GRASS.
~assent~. Compare ASCENT.
~assume~, ~perform~, ~discharge~: We _assume_ responsibilities to
_perform_ a task and thus _discharge_ our duty. Duties are not
performed.
~astonish~, ~surprise~: Terms which some writers claim are not
synonymous or interchangeable, but usage has made them so. To
_astonish_ is “to affect with wonder and _surprise_”; to _surprise_ is
“to strike with _astonishment_ by some unexpected act or event.”
Obviously, when one says, “I am surprised,” he uses an expression
exactly equivalent to “I am struck with astonishment,” which is the
equivalent of “I am astonished.”
~at~: Commonly but erroneously used for _to_, as an intensive in such
phrases as “Where have you been _at_?” “Where are you going _at_?”
Used also occasionally to denote place: as, “Where does he live _at_?”
Wherever used in such connections the word is redundant.
~at all~: These words, supposed to have an intensive effect, are
frequently unnecessarily introduced. “It doesn’t rain _at all_,” would
be just as expressive if written “It doesn’t rain.”
~at auction~: In England this expression is known as an Americanism.
There, goods are put up _to_ auction and are sold _by_ it--that is
_by_ offering them to the highest bidder. “_At_ private sale” also is
peculiar to America.
~at best~: An erroneous form for “at _the_ best.”
~at~, ~in~: Always _in_ a country; either _at_ or _in_ a city, town,
or village; _at_, if the place is regarded as a point; _in_, if it is
inclusive; as, “We arrived _at_ Paris;” “He lives _in_ London.”
~at length~: The assumption that _at length_ means the same as ~at
last~, and is therefore superfluous, is an error. Both _at length_ and
_at last_ presuppose long waiting; but _at last_ views what comes after
the waiting as a finality; _at length_ views it as intermediate with
reference to action or state that continues, or to results that are
yet to follow; as, “I have invited him often, and _at length_ he is
coming”; “I have invited him often, and _at last_ he has come.”
_At length_ is used also of space; as, “He wrote me _at length_” (that
is, fully or in detail). _At last_ is used of time; as, “He came back
_at last_.”
~at that~: A vulgarism of speech, sometimes defended on the ground that
the phrase is elliptical, the omitted word or phrase being computation,
showing, or feature of the case. Avoid the usage, however.
~at you~: As a substitute for _with you_ this is an unpardonable
vulgarism, as in the sentence “I am angry _at_ (for _with_) you.”
~audience~, ~spectator~: An _audience_ is a number of persons assembled
to listen to a play, lecture, debate, etc.; a _spectator_ is an
eye-witness as of a pageant, panorama, etc.
~aught~, ~ought~: The former means anything whatever, any (even the
smallest) part; the latter, as a noun, is a corruption of _naught_, a
cipher. _Naught_ is of course _not aught_, that is, not anything, thus
nothing, and hence the figure 0, a cipher. Careful speakers do not
replace this word by _ought_.
~augur~: With the sense of _betoken_ or _portend_, this word must not
be confounded with _argue_. The racecourse may _augur_, but certainly
does not _argue_ poverty.
~authentic~, ~authoritative~, ~genuine~: Often misused as synonymous
terms. That which accords with the facts and comes from the source
alleged is _authentic_; that which has the character represented
and is true to its own claims is _genuine_; that which possesses or
emanates from proper authority and is entitled to acceptance as such is
_authoritative_.
Trench in “On the Study of Words” (p. 189), says: “A _genuine_ work
is one written by the author whose name it bears; an _authentic_ work
is one which relates truthfully the matters of which it treats.”
And an _authoritative_ work is one which contains the results of
the observations and conclusions of an author of special ability in
subjects of which he is an acknowledged master.
~auxiliary~: In this word the letter “_l_” is never doubled.
~avails~: An Americanism for _profits_ or _proceeds_.
~averse from~, ~averse to~: Originally _averse from_ was commonly used
to designate the turning from a subject, as from repugnance. Present
usage prefers _averse to_, denoting aversion in the sense of hostility
toward the subject.
~avocation~, ~vocation~: Discriminate carefully between these words.
An _avocation_ is that which takes one from his regular calling. It is
a minor or irregular occupation. The term is used loosely, sometimes
by good writers, for _vocation_, which signifies the main calling or
business of life. An _avocation_ is a diversion.
~award~. Compare ACCORD.
~aware~. Compare CONSCIOUS.
~awful~, ~awfully~: _Awful_ should not be used of things which are
merely disagreeable or annoying, nor in the sense of excessive,
exceedingly bad, great, or the like. It is sometimes incorrectly
used to designate surprise or distress, as, an _awful_ mouth, that
is, a mouth of surprising size. Do not say “He created an _awful_
scene,” when you mean that the scene he created was _distressing_.
Things cannot be “_awfully_ nice” nor persons “_awfully_ jolly,”
notwithstanding the sanction of colloquial usage. Phelps relates the
following: “Two travelers at Rome once criticized Michael Angelo’s
statue of Moses. ‘Is it not _awful_?’ said one. ‘Yes,’ answered the
other, ‘it is _sublime_.’ ‘No, no!’ rejoined the other, ‘I meant
_awfully_ ugly!’” That is _awful_ only which inspires awe.
~aye~, ~ay~: Meaning always, ever, and pronounced ê (e, as in eight),
is to be distinguished from _aye_, meaning yes, and pronounced ai (ai,
as in aisle).
B
~back on~, ~go~. Compare GO.
~back~ or ~back up~, with the signification of _uphold_ or _support_
has the countenance of high authority, but is still, except in the
sporting sense, regarded as savoring of slang.
~back down~: A colloquialism for _withdraw_ as from an argument, a
position or contest.
~back out~: A colloquialism for to _withdraw_ from or refuse to carry
out an agreement.
~back talk~: A vulgarism for any impertinent reply; as, “Don’t give me
any _back talk_.” Persons of refinement say, “Don’t be impertinent,”
or, “stop your impertinence.”
~bad~: This word is the antithesis of _good_ and embraces various
degrees of wickedness or evil as well as those of unsatisfactoriness.
_Bad_ is a term often misapplied. One may say “a _bad_ boy,” “a _bad_
egg,” but not a “_bad_ accident”; say rather, “a _serious_ accident.”
In referring to things which are necessarily _bad_, or the reverse of
good, select some less pleonastic adjective. An _acute_, a _severe_ or
_gnawing_ pain would be preferable expressions to a _bad_ pain.
~bad egg~: An undesirable expression used colloquially to designate a
worthless person: not used in polite society.
~bad grammar~: This phrase has been condemned as false syntax by some
persons unfamiliar with the different meanings of the word _bad_. The
phrase is not only good English but is cited by the STANDARD DICTIONARY
as a correct example under the word _bad_ to illustrate the meaning
“containing errors or faults; incorrect; as _bad grammar_.”
~badly~: This word should never be used for _greatly_ or for
_exceedingly_, _very much_, etc. Do not say “Your father will miss you
_badly_”; say rather, “... will miss you greatly.” Instead of “I wanted
that _badly_” say “I wanted that _very much_” or “I was in _great_
need of that.” “The carpet needs to be beaten _badly_” is a ludicrous
blunder for “The carpet _badly_ (or very much) needs to be beaten”--the
construction connecting _badly_ with _beating_ rather than with _needs_
which it qualifies.
~balance~, ~remainder~: These terms are not synonymous. A bookkeeper
obtains a _balance_ as by addition or subtraction. A mathematician
deducts a smaller sum from a greater and obtains a _remainder_. Do
not say “The _balance_ of the evening was devoted to music,” but “the
_rest_ of the evening....”
~ball up (to)~, is slang for “confuse,” “embarrass” either of which is
to be preferred.
~baluster~: Compare BANISTER.
~band, beat the~. Compare BEAT.
~banister~ is a corrupt form of _baluster_ which is one of the
individual pillars which unite to form a _balustrade_.
~banquet~: This word designating a sumptuous feast in honor of some
person or event should not be used as the synonym of “dinner” or
“supper,” which both designate less formal functions.
~bare~ in the sense of uncover must be differentiated from its homonym
_bear_, to suffer or endure.