“that can be put into practise or rendered applicable for use; as,
_practical_ knowledge”; whereas the latter is perhaps best expressed by
the synonym “feasible.” _Practical_ has a general application, being
governed by actual use and experience; as, _practical_ statesmanship or
wisdom: _practicable_, on the contrary, is particular, and signifies
the suitability of the particular thing named to the desired end. Thus
one may know a _practical_ man but not a _practicable_ one.
~pray~, ~prey~: Exercise care in using these homophones. Etymologically
they are distinct. _Pray_ is from Old French _praier_, to ask; while
_prey_ is from Old French _preier_, booty, probably from the Latin
_prœhendo_, to seize. Note the difference in spelling.
~precedent~, ~president~: Although almost homophones these terms
have widely different meanings. A _precedent_ is something that has
occurred before in time and is considered as an established rule or an
authorized example; a _president_ is the head of a nation, society, or
the like.
~predicate~, ~predict~: Though these words are both derived from the
same Latin source, the one must not be used for the other. To _predict_
is to foretell, whereas to _predicate_ is to proclaim as inherent. In
United States usage _predicate_, with _on_ or _upon_, is sometimes
treated as synonymous with _establish_; as, “On what do you _predicate_
the assertion?”
~prefer~: The act or thing preferred should never be followed by
_than_. _Prefer_ is properly followed by the preposition _to_, or
occasionally by _above_ or _before_. Thus do not say “I _prefer_ to
talk than to dance,” but “I _prefer_ talking _to_ dancing.”
~preferable~: If the preference is stated in terms, as “This is
_preferable_ to that,” the word is followed by the preposition
_to_--never by _than_. The preference may, however, be implied; as,
“This is _preferable_.”
~prejudice~: Sometimes erroneously used for “prepossess” or
“predispose.” A _prepossession_ is always favorable, a _prejudice_
always unfavorable, unless the contrary is expressly stated.
_Predispose_ means “to dispose or incline beforehand.” Therefore, we
should not say that a person is _prejudiced_ in any one’s favor but
that he is _prepossessed_ or _predisposed_.
~preposition~: “The part of speech or particle that denotes the
relation of an object to an action or thing; so called because it is
usually placed before its object.” The correct use of these little
words is often puzzling to persons of education. For the purpose of
their guidance the following partial list is given. A comprehensive
work on the subject of their correct use is “English Synonyms, Antonyms
and Prepositions,” by Dr. James C. Fernald.
accord _with_ (neuter)
accord _to_ (active)
accused _of_ crime
acquit persons _of_
adapted _to_ or _between_
adapted _to_ a thing _for_ a purpose
affinity _to_ or _between_
agreeable _to_
agree _with_ persons, _to_ things, _among_ ourselves
amuse _with_, _at_, _in_
angry _with_ (a person) _at_ (a thing)
anxious _for_, _about_, sometimes _on_
attend _to_ (listen)
attend _upon_ (wait)
averse _from_, when describing an act or state.
averse _to_, when describing feeling
bestow _upon_
boast _of_
call _on_
change _for_
compliance _with_
confer _on_ (give), _with_ (converse)
confide _in_, when intransitive
confide it _to_, when transitive
conform _to_
conformable _to_
consonant _to_, sometimes _with_
convenient _to_ or _for_
conversant _with_ persons; _in_ or _of_ affairs; _about_ subjects
correspond _with_ (by letter), _to_ (similar things)
dependent _on_, _upon_
derogate _from_
derogatory _to_ a person or thing
die _of_ or _by_
differ _from_ or _with_
difference _with_ a person
difference _between_ things
difficulty _in_
diminution _of_
disappointed _of_ a purpose; and _in_ a matter if it fails to meet
our expectations.
disapprove _of_
discouragement _to_
dissent _from_
distinguished _for_, _from_, sometimes _by_
eager _in_
entertain _by_ (a person), _with_ (a thing)
exception is taken _to_ statements; sometimes _against_
expert _at_ or _in_
fall _under_
free _from_
frightened _at_
glad _of_ something gained, and _of_ or _at_ what befalls another
grieve _at_, _for_
independent _of_
insist _upon_
made _of_, _for_, _from_, _with_
marry _to_
martyr _for_ a cause, _to_ a disease.
need _of_
notice _of_
observance _of_
prejudiced _against_
prejudicial _to_
profit _by_
provide _for_
reconcile _to_
recreant _to_, _from_
reduce _to_ a state; _under_ subjection
regard _to_ or _for_
replete _with_
resemblance _to_
resolve _on_
respect _for_
smile _at_, _upon_
swerve _from_
taste _of_ what is actually enjoyed; _for_ what we have the capacity
of enjoying.
think _of_ or _on_
thirst _for_, _after_
true _of_ (predicable)
true _to_ (faithful)
wait _on_ (serve), _at_ (a place), _for_ (await)
worthy _of_
~present~ is to be distinguished from ~introduce~. Introduction takes
place among equals, but a presentation takes place by act of grace.
Then the favored person is brought into the presence of some superior
or other persons, be it lady or celebrity, who is graciously pleased
to grant the privilege, which however does not permit the subsequent
familiarity of an introduction. A man may be _presented_ at court or
to a reigning beauty, but he is merely _introduced_ to the man who may
afterwards become a college chum.
~pretend~ is so commonly used in a bad sense that it becomes improper
to use it (even in the sense of claim) for _profess_; for a profession
is made only of what one is happy or proud to profess. Therefore say,
“I _profess_ (not I _pretend_ to) skill in surgery.”
~pretty~ as an adverb may properly be used to signify moderately,
tolerably, fairly, somewhat (extensively), but the expression lacks
elegance and definitiveness, as is shown by the following sentence: “He
is a _pretty_ sick man, but is _pretty_ sure to recover, being at all
times _pretty_ fortunate.”
~prevail~: In the sense of “triumph,” this word is usually followed by
the prepositions _over_ or _against_; as, “We have _prevailed over_ our
enemies”; “None can _prevail against_ us.” In the sense of “to have
effectual influence,” follow it with _on_, _upon_ or _with_; as, “He
_prevailed on_ me to go.” In the sense “to have general vogue, currency
or acceptance,” it should be followed by _through_ or _throughout_; as,
“Mohammedanism _prevails throughout_ Northern Africa.”
~preventive~ is preferable to _preventative_, which is a corruption of
the former, has been described as a “barbarism,” and is said to stamp
any one using it as lacking in common education.
~previous~: In higher literature, the adverbial use of _previous_
with _to_, in the sense of “prior to” is not favored. The adverb
_previously_ or the expression _prior to_ is preferred.
~prey~. Compare PRAY.
~principle~, ~principal~: Exercise care in the use of these homophones.
_Principle_ is a source or cause from which a thing proceeds:
_principal_, first or highest in rank. Note the difference in spelling.
~profess~. Compare PRETEND.
~promise~ should never be used for “assure.” A _promise_ always implies
futurity. Do not say “He was alarmed, I _promise_ you;” say, rather,
“I _assure_ you.”
~pronouns in the objective~: Often the coupling of one pronoun with
another leads a careless speaker into error, where had one pronoun only
been used, no doubt or difficulty would have been experienced. “If he
calls for (you and) _I_, we will go.” If the words in parenthesis be
omitted no one would think of saying “for _I_,” but would naturally
use the correct pronoun _me_. This method of elision will generally
elucidate the correct usage. “To talk like that before (you and) _I_
was atrocious.” Say _me_, as you certainly would if you omitted the
words in parenthesis.
~prophecy~, ~prophesy~: Discriminate carefully between these words. A
_prophecy_ is a prediction, the foretelling of an event; to _prophesy_
is to predict, or foretell an event. Note the difference in spelling.
~proposal~, as distinguished from ~proposition~, refers to the
difference in treatment of the matter at issue. The one invites a plain
“yes” or “no,” whereas the other suggests consideration or debate. A
_proposal_ of marriage usually anticipates an immediate reply, whereas
a _proposition_ for partnership involves reflection and discussion of
terms.
~propose~, ~purpose~: Words often used incorrectly. To _propose_ is to
offer; to _purpose_ is to intend. One _proposes_ to a young lady if
one’s _purpose_ is to marry her. Compare CONTEMPLATE.
~proven~: An irregular form of the past participle of _prove_ used
correctly only in courts of law. The word should be restricted to the
Scotch verdict of “not _proven_,” which signifies of a charge that it
has neither been proved nor disproved. The modern pernicious tendency
among reporters is to use _proven_ instead of _proved_.
~providing~, ~provided~: The first of these words, which is not a
conjunction, is sometimes improperly used for _provided_, which is.
Say, “You may go, _provided_ (_not_ providing) the weather be fine.”
~provoke~. Compare AGGRAVATE.
~pull~ used to designate “influence” is a vulgarism of the street and
the political arena that should be discountenanced. “Influence” is a
better word.
~pupil~. Compare SCHOLAR.
~push, the whole~: A vulgar phrase used to designate all the persons
that form a party: an Anglicism. In English slang “push” is used for
“crowd” probably from the proverbial restlessness and crushing in which
English crowds usually indulge.
~put~: For _run_ or _ran_; as, “You ought to have seen him _put_”;
“Then he _put_ (sometimes, _put out_) for home”: an archaic usage
now appearing as a colloquial Americanism. _Stay put_ in the sense
of “remain where (or as) placed” is also an Americanism, never used
(unless playfully) by correct speakers.
Q
~quantity~ is properly applied to that which is measurable, as is
“number” to that which may be counted. “A _quantity_ of people”; “a
_quantity_ of birds,” are both incorrect; substitute the word _number_
in both cases.
~quarter of~: As applied to time this is incorrect. Such an ambiguity
can be avoided by substituting _to_ for _of_. For example, a quarter of
seven is one and three-fourths not a quarter _to_ the hour of seven;
yet the phrase “quarter of” is often misapplied to time by persons of
average education.
~quit~ is sometimes used incorrectly for ~cease~. You may _quit_
business, but do not ask your companion to “_quit_ fooling.”
~quite~: In general _quite_ means “to the fullest extent, totally,
perfectly”; colloquially, it means “very, considerably.” It is from
the French _quitte_, meaning “discharged,” being the equivalent of the
English “quits,” a word used in games to designate when the players are
even with one another. Therefore such a phrase as “quite a number” is
unjustifiable. “Number” is indefinite in its significance just as are
also “few,” “little,” and “some.” As Richard Grant White says, “A cup
or a theater may be _quite_ full; and there may be _quite_ a pint in a
cup or _quite_ a thousand people in the theater; and neither may be
_quite_ full.” Yet Thomas Hughes, author of “Tom Brown’s Schooldays,”
wrote in a letter concerning an intercollegiate boat-race “_quite_ a
number of young Americans.” The local colloquialism “quite some” is
wholly indefensible.
~quite so~: An undesirable locution, common in England and to some
extent in America, and used to signify assent, which should be avoided.
“He jabbers like an idiot.” “_Quite so, quite so._”
~quite the lady~: A vulgarism for “very ladylike.”
R
~rabbit~, ~rarebit~: The correct form of this term is _rabbit_. A
_Welsh rabbit_ is toasted or melted cheese well-seasoned and served
on toast. This term, probably of slang origin, is analogous to
_Munster plums_ designating Irish potatoes, and _Glasgow magistrate_,
designating a salt herring.
~rag~. Compare CHEW THE RAG.
~raise~: As a verb this is often misapplied to the bringing up of
human beings. One _rears_ cattle, _raises_ chickens, but _brings up_
children. _Rear_, meaning “to nurture and train,” may also be used of
children.
You may _raise_ a fund for rent because the rent has been _raised_;
but in speaking of this it were better to say “has been _increased_.”
The colloquial use of _raise_ for an increase in salary should also be
avoided.
~raise~, ~raze~: Discriminate carefully between these homophones. To
_raise_ is to cause to rise, elevate; but to _raze_ is to level with
the ground, as a building.
~rare~: In the United States _rare_ applied to meat is used to
designate meat that is not well done; in England, the term is used to
designate meat that is not fresh.
~rarely or ever~: Often incorrectly used for “rarely _if_ ever”: the
word _seldom_ is preferable.
~rather~: Superfluous with adjectives ending in _-ish_, when this
implies _rather_; as, “_rather_ warmish,” “_rather_ coldish.” Charles
Lamb jestingly made the error apparent in closing a letter with
“yours ratherish unwell.” But with adjectives where _-ish_ expresses
quality only, not degree, _rather_ is admissible, and may make a neat
distinction; as, “_rather_ foolish.”
~rattle~: In the sense of “to throw suddenly into confusion” this
word is a colloquialism which has much currency. _Disconcert_ is a
preferable term though not nearly so expressive.
~read~. Compare PERUSE.
~real~ used for ~very~ is an undesirable colloquialism. Avoid such
locutions as “_real_ glad”; “_real_ smart”; “_real_ pleased.” _Very_ is
the correct word to use.
~realized~ should not be used for “obtained.”
~receipt~. Compare RECIPE.
~recipe~ refers to the thing--the _combined ingredients_--directed
to be taken, and _receipt_ refers to what is taken, _i. e._, the
identical thing prescribed. The two words have thus come to acquire the
same meaning, though, strictly, the doctor gives the _recipe_ (thing to
be taken) or formula, and the patient acknowledges the _receipt_ (of
the thing given).
~reciprocal~. Compare MUTUAL.
~recollect~ is not the same as remember. You only _recollect_ after
making the effort to do so; you _remember_ because you have never
forgotten, therefore without effort. You _remember_ the rent is due,
but _recollect_ the date of your friend’s birth.
~recommend~: As a noun used instead of _recommendation_, this word is
a colloquialism the use of which should be discouraged.
~recourse~, ~resource~: Two words often confounded. _Recourse_ means
a resort to, as for help or protection; the adoption of a means to an
end. A _resource_ is that which one resorts to, as in case of need;
the source of aid or support; an expedient. In the plural, _resources_
are one’s means, funds, or property of any kind, as distinguished from
one’s _liabilities_.
~reduce~, ~lessen~: To _reduce_ is to bring to a specified form or
inferior condition; to _lessen_ is to diminish. Do not say “to _reduce_
cases in which the death penalty may be inflicted”; say, rather, “to
_lessen_ the number of cases, etc.”
~regardless~ is an adjective meaning “exercising no regard; heedless,”
and should never be used as in the common vulgarism “got up
_regardless_” which is incomplete, and which to be correct should be
rendered “got up _regardless of expense_.”
~relation~, ~relative~, ~kinsman~: The distinction between these words
is not commonly known. A _relation_ or _relative_ is one to whom
another may be related by ties of blood or by law. Thus, a brother is
a _relation_ or _relative_ by ties of blood; and a brother-in-law is
a _relation_ or _relative_ by law. A _kinsman_, as the formation of
the word shows, is a “man’s kin”; that is, one of his own blood, as a
brother or cousin.
~relic~, ~relict~; These words, though once interchangeable are no
longer so; _relict_ in the sense of _relic_ now being obsolete. A
_relic_ is a fragment that remains after the loss or decay of the rest.
A _relict_ is either a widow or a widower. In this sense the term,
common in law, is archaic or humorous in general use.
~relieve~. Compare ALLEVIATE.
~remainder~. Compare BALANCE.
~remains~ should not be used for “corpse” or “body.”
~remit~: In commercial usage this word implies the discharge of an
account by payment sent; and it should not generally be used as a
synonym for _send_. To _remit_ is “to send or place back.” Thus, to
forgive, release, withdraw a demand for--any of which actions may
replace the recipient of the favor in his former position--is properly
spoken of as _remit_. It is in this sense only that _remit_ is
permissible for discharge of an obligation, though by payment, as this
procedure places the parties in the same state as that in which they
were before the obligation was incurred.
~rendering~. Compare RENDITION.
~rendition~: Although this word has the meaning of “artistic
interpretation or reproduction, as of the spirit of a composer,” the
word _rendering_ is preferably employed in referring to a delineation
or interpretation in art and the drama. Describe an artistic version
or a literary translation as a _rendering_, and an amount rendered or
produced, as a yield of cocoons, as a _rendition_. The former specially
signifies the act, the latter the thing produced by the act, though
there is of course a blending point of the two which is none other than
the whole.
~replace~: The use of this word with the sense of “succeed” has been
subjected to criticism, usage decrees that to _replace_ is to “take or
fill the place of; supersede in any manner.” To _succeed_ is to “come
next in order especially in a manner prescribed by law.”
~reply~. Compare ANSWER.
~reputation~. Compare CHARACTER.
~requirement~, ~requisite~, ~requisition~: Whereas a _requisite_ is
that which can not be dispensed with, a _requirement_ is rather that
which is insisted on, if desired conditions are to be fulfilled.
Fresh air is a _requisite_ of life; the apology you ask is a hard
_requirement_. My _requirements_ are few; my _requisites_ but
clothing, food and air. When a _requirement_ partakes of the nature
of a legal or authoritative or even popular demand, it then becomes a
_requisition_; as, a _requisition_ for accounts; to be in _requisition_.
~resemble~. Compare FAVOR.
~reside~, ~residence~: Somewhat stately words, not to be
indiscriminately used for _live_, _house_ or _home_. In the legal
sense, as affecting, for instance, the right to vote, a man’s
_residence_ may be in a cheap lodging-house; but commonly the word
would be understood to designate a building of some pretensions. “Where
does he _live_?” is ordinarily better than “Where does he _reside_?”
and to call a plain little cottage “my _residence_” is a bit of petty
affectation.
~resource~. Compare RECOURSE.
~respectfully~ is often confounded by the thoughtless with
~respectively~. While the former means “in a respectful manner”
the latter signifies “singly, in the order designated, or as
singly considered.” _Respectively_ must also be distinguished from
_severally_, the meaning of which is “separately, or each for himself
or itself.” For example, “The three men _severally_ undertook to do
the share of work allotted to them _respectively_, that is, A, B, C,
each promised for himself to do work in the following proportions--A,
one-sixth, B, one-third, and C, one-half of the whole.”
~restive~: Objection has been made to the use of this word in the sense
of ~restless~, as commonly applied to a horse, on the ground that
it formerly meant “stubborn, balky, refusing to go.” On this subject
Fitzedward Hall (“False Philology,” p. 97) says: “The ordinary sense
of the word has always been ‘unruly,’ ‘intractable,’ ‘refractory.’
Proofs are subjoined from Lord Brooks, Dr. Featly, Fuller, Milton,
Jeremy Collins, Samuel Richardson, Burke, Coleridge, Mr. De Quincey and
Landor. As concerns a horse, however, if he resists an attempt to keep
him quiet, he shows himself _restive_.”
~reticule~, ~ridicule~: Two words widely different in meaning but
liable to confusion when spoken hurriedly. A _reticule_ is a bag-like
receptacle used by ladies for carrying such articles as embroidery,
needlework, etc.; _ridicule_ is speech or behavior intended to convey
contempt and excite laughter; wit, as of the pen or pencil, that
provokes contemptuous laughter.
~reverend~, ~reverent~: These words are sometimes confounded. The
one is objective and descriptive of the feeling with which a person
is regarded; the other is subjective and descriptive of the feeling
within a person. In explanation of the difference. Dean Alford offers
the following instance: “Dean Swift might be Very _Reverend_ by common
courtesy, but he was certainly not very _reverent_ in his conduct or in
his writings.”
~Reverend~, abbreviated ~Rev.~ as a title, should, like _Honorable_ be
preceded by the definite article, the phrase being adjectival; as,
“The _Reverend_ Thomas Jones”; or, if the first name is not used, “The
_Reverend_ Mr. Jones”; but “_Rev._ Jones,” used widely in the United
States, is harsh if not rude. The title or distinction of a husband is
not correctly applied to the wife. Never say The Rev. Mrs Smith or Mrs.
General Brown, etc.
~reverse~ should not be confounded with _converse_. _Reverse_ is the
opposite or antithesis of something; minus is the _reverse_ of plus.
The “_converse_” is “the opposite reciprocal proposition,” reached by
transposition of the terms of the proposition, the subject becoming
predicate and the predicate subject. The _converse_ of the proposition,
“If two sides of a triangle be equal, the angles opposite to those
sides are equal,” is, “If two angles of a triangle be equal, the sides
opposite to those angles are equal.”
~revolts~: The use of this word as a transitive verb, although
supported by high authority, is not favored. “This _revolts_ me” is far
better expressed by “This is _revolting to_ me.”
~ride~, ~drive~: One _rides_ in a saddle or _drives_ in a carriage; a
distinction drawn by English people but condemned as “mere pedantry
without a pretense of philological authority” by Gould (“Good English,”
p. 84). Compare DRIVE.
~rigged out~. Compare TOGGED OUT.
~right~: In the adverbial sense of _in a great degree_, is archaic or
colloquial, except in some titles, as _Right_ Reverend. Say of a thing
that it is _utterly_ (not _right_) nonsensical. Again, the use of this
adverb in the sense of _precisely_ and _without delay_ is not approved
by many purists, who suggest that some more suitable term be chosen.
“Stand _right_ there,” for “Stand precisely where you are” or “stand
just at that spot” is not approved; so is it also with “Do this _right_
away” for “do this instantly.”
~right~ as a noun should not be used for “just cause to expect” or the
verb “deserve.” Thus, instead of “You have a _right_ to suffer” say
“You deserve (or have just cause to expect) to suffer.”
~right away~, ~right off~: Common and undesirable colloquialisms for
“at once,” “instantly.”
~right back, to be~: An unwarranted colloquialism for “to be here (or
there) again in a moment.”
~right man in the right place, the~: It is claimed by some persons
that it is impossible for the right man to be in the wrong place, or
the wrong man in the right place--the result being in either case that
right, or the thing desired, would not prevail. But the reverse, the
exact thing not desired or the wrong, may be that which ensues--Why?
Possibly because the man who was the very man to bring the transaction
to a successful issue was wrongly placed, or because the thing desired,
which could easily have been achieved with a certain man or type of man
to do it was attempted by a less efficient man--good perhaps for some
things but not for that particular work. The poor fellows who rode so
gallantly to death at Balaklava were the right fellows for the work
in hand, but at that fatal moment were forced into a wrong place. The
phrase expresses a felt meaning and is good, as is acknowledged when,
in terms of pride and satisfaction, we refer to “the man behind the
gun.”