Choice of Words
Our American writers evince much variety in their graces of diction,
but in the accurate choice of words James Russell Lowell and William
Cullen Bryant stand out conspicuous above the rest. So careful and
persistent was the latter, that during the time that he was editor of
_The Evening Post,_ of New York City, he required the various writers
upon that paper to avoid the use of a long list of words and
expressions which he had prepared for them, and which were commonly
employed by other papers. This list was not only used, but enlarged by
his successors.
Strive to cultivate the habit of observing words; trace their delicate
shades of meaning as employed by the most polished writers; note their
suggestiveness; mark the accuracy with which they are chosen. In this
way your mind will be kept on the alert to discover the beauties as
well as the blemishes of all the thought pictures that are presented,
and your vocabulary will be greatly enlarged and enriched.
BRYANT’S LIST OF OBJECTIONABLE EXPRESSIONS
_Above,_ and _over,_ use more than. _Artiste,_ use artist. _Aspirant._
_Authoress_ _Beat,_ use defeat. _Bagging,_ use capturing. _Balance,_
use remainder. _Banquet,_ use dinner or supper. _Bogus._
_Casket,_ use coffin. _Claimed,_ use asserted.
_Collided._ _Commence,_ use begin. _Compete._
_Cortege,_ use procession. _Cotemporary,_ use contemporary.
_Couple,_ use two. _Darkey,_ use negro. _Day before yesterday,_ use
the day before yesterday. _Débût._
_Decease,_ as a verb. _Democracy,_ applied to a political party.
_Develop,_ use expose. _Devouring element,_ use fire. _Donate._
_Employe._ _Enacted,_ use acted.
_Endorse,_ use approve. _En route._ _Esq._
_Graduate,_ use is graduated. _Gents,_ use gentlemen.
_Hon._ _House,_ use House of Representatives.
_Humbug._ _Inaugurate,_ use begin. _In our midst._ _Item,_ use
particle, extract, or paragraph. _Is being done,_ and all similar
passive forms. _Jeopardize._
_Jubilant,_ use rejoicing.
_Juvenile,_ use boy. _Lady,_ use wife. _Last,_ use latest. _Lengthy,_
use long. _Leniency,_ use lenity.
_Loafer._ _Loan,_ or _loaned,_ use lend or lent.
_Located._ _Majority,_ use most. _Mrs. President._ _Mrs. Governor._
_Mrs. General._
_Mutual,_ use common. _Official,_ use officer.
_Ovation._ _On yesterday._ _Over his signature._
_Pants,_ use pantaloons. _Parties,_ use persons.
_Partially,_ use partly. _Past two weeks,_ use last two weeks.
_Poetess._ _Portion,_ use part. _Posted,_ use informed. _Progress,_
use advance. _Quite,_ when prefixed to good, large, etc. _Raid,_ use
attack. _Realized,_ use obtained. _Reliable,_ use trustworthy.
_Rendition,_ use performance. _Repudiate,_ use reject or disown.
_Retire,_ as an active verb.v _Rev.,_ use the Rev. _Role,_ use part.
_Roughs._ _Rowdies._ _Secesh._
_Sensation,_ use noteworthy event. _Standpoint,_ use point of view.
_Start,_ in the sense of setting out. _State,_ use say. _Taboo._
_Talent,_ use talents or ability.
_Talented._ _Tapis._ _The deceased._ _War,_ use dispute or
disagreement.
STILTS
Avoid bombastic language. Work for plain expressions rather than for
the unusual. Use the simplest words that the subject will bear.
The following clipping, giving an account of the commencement exercises
of a noted female college, strikingly illustrates what to avoid:
“Like some beacon-light upon a rock-bound coast against which the
surges of the ocean unceasingly roll, and casting its beams far across
the waters warning the mariner from the danger near, the college, like
a Gibraltar, stands upon the high plains of learning, shedding its rays
of knowledge, from the murmurings of the Atlantic to the whirlwinds of
the Pacific, guiding womankind from the dark valley of ignorance, and
wooing her with wisdom’s lore, leads creation’s fairest, purest, best
into flowery dells where she can pluck the richest food of knowledge,
and crowns her brow with a coronet of gems whose brilliancy can never
grow dim: for they glisten with the purest thought, that seems as a
spark struck from the mind of Deity. There is no need for the daughters
of this community to seek colleges of distant climes whereat to be
educated, for right here in their own city, God’s paradise on earth, is
situated a noble college, the bright diadem of that paradise, that has
done more for the higher education of woman than any institution in our
land.”
PURITY
An author’s diction is pure when he uses such words only as belong to
the idiom of the language. The only standard of purity is the practice
of the best writers and speakers. A violation of purity is called a
barbarism.
Unlike the Latin, Greek, or Hebrew, the English is a living language,
and, like all living organisms, manifests its life by taking in new
material and casting off old waste continually. Science, art, and
philosophy give rise to new ideas which, in turn, demand new words for
their expression. Of these, some gain a permanent foothold, while
others float awhile upon the currents of conversation and newspaper
literature and then disappear.
Good usage is the only real authority in the choice of reputable words;
and to determine, in every case, what good usage dictates, is not an
easy matter. Authors, like words, must be tested by time before their
forms of expression may become a law for others. Pope, in his _Essay on
Criticism,_ laid down a rule which, for point and brevity, has never
been excelled:
“In words, as fashions, the same rule will hold;
Alike fantastic, if too new or old;
Be not the first by whom the new are tried,
Nor yet the last to lay the old aside.”
BARBARISMS
Campbell, in his _Philosophy of Rhetoric,_ says that a word to be
legitimate must have these three signs of authority:
1. It must be _reputable,_ or that of educated people, as opposed to
that of the ignorant or vulgar.
2. It must be _national,_ as opposed to what is either local or
technical.
3. It must be _present,_ as opposed to what is obsolete.
Any word that does not have these three qualities may, in general, be
styled a barbarism.
ANGLICIZED WORDS
Many foreign words, in process of time, become so thoroughly
domesticated that their translation, or the use of an awkward
equivalent, would be a greater mark of pedantry than the use of the
foreign words. The proper use of such terms as _fiat, palladium, cabal,
quorum, omnibus, antique, artiste, coquette, ennui, physique, régime,
tableau, amateur,_ cannot be censured on the ground of their foreign
character.
OBSOLETE WORDS
Some writers affect an antiquated style by the introduction of such
words as _peradventure, perchance,_
_anon, behest, quoth, erewhile._ The use of such words gives a strange
sound to the sentence, and generally indicates that the writer is not
thoroughly in earnest. The expression is lowered in tone and is made to
sound fantastic.
NEW WORDS
A word should not be condemned because it is new. If it is really
needed it will be welcomed, and soon find a permanent place.
Shakespeare, Addison, and Johnson introduced many new words, to which
their names afterward gave a sanction. Carlyle, Coleridge, Tennyson,
and Browning have introduced or given currency to new words, and made
strange ones familiar.
New words are objectionable when they are employed without proper
authority. The chief sources of supply of the objectionable kind are
the current slang of the street and the sensational newspaper. They are
often the result of a desire to say things in such a manner as to
reflect smartness upon the speaker, or to present things in a humorous
or picturesque way. That they are frequently very effective cannot be
gainsaid. Sometimes they are coined in the heat of political or social
discussion, and, for a time, express what everybody is talking about;
but it is impossible to tell whether they will live beyond
the occasion that produced them. So long as their usage is doubtful it
is safer not to employ them.
SLANG
Slang is somewhat like chicken-pox or measles, very catching, and just
as inevitable in its run; and very few of us escape it. It is severest,
too, where the sanitary conditions are most favorable to its
development. Where there is least thought and culture to counteract its
influence slang words crowd out those of a more serious character,
until, in time, the young and inexperienced speaker or writer is unable
to distinguish between the counterfeit and the genuine.
While most persons condemn slang, there are very few who are entirely
free from its use. It varies greatly in its degrees of coarseness or
refinement, and adapts itself to all classes and conditions. Many know
no other language, and we are unwillingly compelled to admit that while
their speech is often ungrammatical and unrhetorical, it is generally
clear, concise, and forcible.
Strive to acquire a vocabulary so large and to cultivate a taste so
fine that when a slang expression rises to your mind you can use it if
you think it best fits the occasion, or substitute something better in
its place. Purity of diction is a garden of slow growth even under the
most favorable conditions, and the
unrestrained indulgence in slang is like scattering seeds of the vilest
plants among the choicest flowers.
SOCIETY SLANG
“This is an _elegant_ day,” “that is an _elegant_ view,” “Mary is
_awfully nice,” “_Jennie is _dreadfully sweet,”_ “Gertrude is
_delicious,”_ and “Tom is _perfectly splendid.”_ The use of such
extravagant phrases tends to weaken the significance of the words when
legitimately employed.
COMMERCIAL SLANG
Commercial terms are employed in the common language of everyday life
to such an extent as to constitute a form of commercial slang. The
following will serve for illustration; “The _balance_ of the journey”
for remainder, “he was _well posted.”_ for well informed, “I
_calculate_ he will come to-morrow” for believe or think, “I _reckon_
he is your friend” for I suppose.
COMMON SLANG
To materialize, to burglarize, to enthuse, to suicide, to wire, to jump
upon, to sit upon, to take in, are a few of the many examples of slang
that should be avoided.
PROVINCIALISMS
A word that is used only in a limited part of the country is called a
provincialism. It must be known and recognized for what it is worth,
but not obtruded where it does not belong.
Whatever may be said of the faults of speech of the American people, it
is doubtful if any other nation, whether it covers a large territory or
is limited in area, speaks the language native to the country with the
uniformity that we do. Yet, there are peculiarities that mark the
expression of most of our people, even among the best informed. The
words _calculate, reckon,_ and _guess_ are not the only words that
betray the locality of the speaker. Any person who has been five
hundred miles from home cannot fail to have observed words that were
used differently from the way in which he had been accustomed to use
them, and he probably heard terms of expression that seemed strange to
him. In like manner, his own expressions sounded strange to those who
heard him. That which distinguished his speech from theirs and theirs
from his would, in large part, be covered by the word “provincialism.”
Not only do we have local and sectional peculiarities of speech, but we
may be said to have national mannerisms. Mr. Alexander Melville Bell,
the
eminent elocutionist, relates that some years ago when residing in
Edinburgh, a stranger called to make some inquiries in regard to
professional matters.
“I have called on you, sir, for the purpose of,” etc.
“When did you cross the Atlantic?” I asked.
The stranger looked up with surprise amounting almost to consternation.
“How do you know that I have crossed the Atlantic?”
“Your manner of using the little word ‘sir’ is not heard in England or
Scotland.”
This gentleman, Mr. Bell says, was one of the most eminent teachers of
elocution in America, and his speech was perfectly free from ordinary
local coloring, in all but the one little element which had escaped
observation.
WHICH?
Much diversity of usage exists and some difference of opinion prevails
concerning the proper expression to use when you are addressed, and
fail to understand just what has been said. Such interrogative
rejoinders as _“What?” “How?” “Which?” “Hey?”_ are plainly
objectionable. _“Sir?” _and _“Madam!”_ once common, are no longer
tolerated in society. The English expression _“Beg pardon”_ has found
favor, but it is not wholly acceptable. _“Excuse me”_
is suggested by a writer on the subject. It has no more syllables than
_“Beg pardon,”_ and is nearly equivalent in signification, but it is
also subject to the objection that it is often used to imply a
difference of opinion, as when a person makes a statement to which you
take exception, you begin your reply with the expression, _“Excuse
me.”_
Whatever is adopted will doubtless be a convenient contraction, like
_“Beg pardon,”_ which is a short way of saying, “I beg your pardon for
failing to understand what you said;” or “_Excuse me,”_ which is a
condensation of “Excuse me for not fully grasping your meaning.”
WORDS IMPROPERLY USED
Commodious—Convenient
A word of caution in the use of the smaller dictionaries is necessary.
The most elaborate definition often fails to give an adequate idea of
the signification of a term unless it is accompanied with one or more
quotations illustrating its use. The small dictionaries give only the
briefest definitions, without illustration, and therefore should be
interpreted with caution.
Some years ago a young man of moderate attainments was very desirous of
enlarging his vocabulary
and of using words beyond the ordinary vernacular of his neighborhood.
To this end, he made a small vest-pocket lexicon his constant
companion.
Having consulted it in the course of a conversation with a friend, he
remarked, as he was about to return it to his pocket, “What a
commodious book this is.” His friend suggested that he again consult
the “commodious” volume. With a look of the utmost confidence he turned
to the word, and exclaimed: “There! I knew I was right. _Commodious_
means _convenient,_ and that is just what this little book is.”
It was useless to explain that smallness sometimes renders a thing
inconvenient, and this young man, doubtless, still felicitates himself
upon his intimate acquaintance with that _commodious_ pocket
dictionary.
Ability, Capacity
A fond mother was told by the principal of a boarding-school that her
daughter would not be graduated, as she lacked capacity. “Get her a
capacity. Her father don’t stand on the matter of expense. Get her
anything she wants. He’ll foot the bill.” But for once the indulgent
mother was obliged to learn that there are some things money will not
purchase. The father had the financial _ability,_ but the daughter
lacked the necessary intellectual _capacity._
But we may have literary as well as financial ability. _Ability
_implies the power of doing; _capacity_ the faculty of receiving.
About, Almost
“This work is _about_ done.” Use “_almost_ done.”
Acceptance, Acceptation
These words cannot be used interchangeably. “He wrote signifying his
_acceptance_ of the office.” “According to the common _acceptation_ of
this term, he is a knave.”
Access, Accession
“He gained _access_ to the fort.” “The only _accession,_ which the
Roman empire received was the province of Britain.”
Accident, Injury
Accident is sometimes used incorrectly for _injury._ as “His _accident_
was very painful.”
Mutual, Common
Some men seek to be great by copying great men’s faults. Dickens may
say “Our Mutual Friend,” but Dickens’s strong point was not grammar. If
you have a friend in common with Smith, in speaking of him to Smith,
say our _common _friend. The word _mutual_ should always convey a sense
of reciprocity, as “Happy in our mutual help and mutual love.”
Myself
This word is generally used for emphasis, as “I _myself_ will do it,”
“I wrote it _myself.”_ It should not be used for the unemphatic
pronouns _I_ and _me,_ as in “James and _myself_ are going to town,”
“He gave the books to James and _myself.”_ It is properly used with a
reflexive verb without emphasis, as “I will defend _myself.”_
Negligence, Neglect
_Negligence_ is the habit, _neglect_ the act, of leaving things undone.
The adjectives _negligent_ and _neglectful_ should, in like manner, be
discriminated.
Never, Not
The word _never_ is sometimes colloquially used for _not, _as “I
_never_ remember to have seen Lincoln.” Say “I _do not _remember,” etc.
_Never_ should not be used in reference to events that can take place
but once, as “Warren _never_ died at Lexington.”
Love, Like
We may _love_ our parents, our children, our country, the truth; and we
may _like_ roast turkey and cranberry sauce. “I _love _cherries,” “I
_adore_ strawberries,” are school-girl expressions that should be
avoided. Love is an emotion of the heart, and not of the palate.
Cheap, Low-priced
These words are often used synonymously. A picture purchased for ten
thousand dollars may be cheap; another, for which ten dollars was paid,
although low-priced, may be dear.
Mad, Angry
The frequent use of _mad_ in the sense of angry should be avoided. A
person who is insane is _mad._ A dog that has hydrophobia is _mad._
Figuratively we say _mad,_ with rage, _mad_ with terror, _mad_ with
pain; but to be vexed, or angry, or out of patience, does not justify
the use of so strong a term as _mad._
Most, Almost, Very
Sometimes incorrectly used for _almost,_ as “He writes to me _most_
every week.”
It is often loosely used in the sense of _very,_ as “This is a _most
_interesting book.” Aim to use _most_ only as the superlative of
_much_, or _many._ Do not use the indefinite article before it, as
“This is _a most_ beautiful picture.” We may say “This is _the most
_beautiful picture,” for here comparison is implied.
Portion, Part
“Give me the _portion_ of goods that falleth to me.” “We traveled a
_part_ of the distance on foot.” _Portion_ is applied to that which is
set aside for a special
purpose, often as the share or allotment of an individual, as the
wife’s _portion,_ the _portion_ of the oldest son, etc. _Part_ is a
more general term.
Postal
Bryant would not have said, “I will send you a _postal_ by to-morrow’s
mail.” _Postal card_ or _post card_ would be better.
Practical, Practicable
These words are sometimes confounded. _Practicable_ means “that may be
done or accomplished,” and implies that the means or resources are
available; as, a _practicable_ road, a _practicable_ aim. _Practical_
means “capable of being turned to use or account;” as, “The _practical_
man begins by doing; the theorist often ends by thinking.”
Predicate
This word is sometimes incorrectly used in the sense of _form _or
_base;_ as, “He _predicated_ his statement on the information he had
just received.” Neither should it be used in the sense of _predict;
_as, “The sky is overcast, and I _predicate_ a storm tomorrow.”
Prefer—than
“I _prefer_ to walk _than_ to ride.” Say “I prefer walking to riding;”
or, “I would rather walk than
ride.” “To skate is _preferable than_ to coast.” Say “Skating is
preferable to coasting.”
Amount, Number
_Amount_ applies to what is thought of in the mass or bulk, as money,
wheat, coal. _Number_ is used when we think of the individuals
composing the mass, as men, books, horses, vessels.
Answer, Reply
An _answer_ implies a question. We may _reply_ to a remark or
assertion. A _reply_ is more formal than an _answer._
Antagonize, Alienate, Oppose
The word _antagonize_ should not be used in the sense of _alienate;_
as, “Your proposition will _antagonize_ many supporters of the
measure.” “The Senate _opposed_ the bill which passed the House” is
better than “_antagonized_ the bill.”
Anticipate, Expect
“The arrival of the President was hourly _anticipated”_ is pompous. Use
_expected._
Any, At all
“He was so far from the speaker’s platform that he could not hear
_any.”_ Better “that he could not hear,” or “hear at all,” or “hear
what was said.”
Apparent, Evident
These words are often used interchangeably. That which is _apparent_
may be what it appears to be, or it may be very different; that which
is _evident _admits of no doubt. The same is true of _apparently_ and
_evidently._
Prejudice
“He is not the best person for the position, but his many kindnesses to
me _prejudice_ me in his favor.” We may be prejudiced against a person
or thing, but cannot be prejudiced in favor. Use _predispose._
Presume
This word is often employed when _think, believe,_ or _daresay _would
be better.
Pretend, Profess
“I do not _pretend_ to be an orator.” _Pretend_ means _to feign, to
sham;_ as, “He _pretends_ to be asleep,” and should not be used when
_claim_ or _profess_ would better suit the purpose.
Preventative
The correct form of the word is _preventive,_ not _preventative._
Previous, Previously
The adjective _previous_ is often incorrectly used for the adverb
_previously;_ as, “Previous to his imprisonment he made a confession of
his crime.”
Promise, Assure
“I _promise_ you we had a good time yesterday.” _Promise_ relates to
the future, hence “I _assure_ you,” etc., would be better.
Propose, Purpose
To _propose_ is to set before the mind for consideration; to _purpose_
is to intend. “I _propose_ sending my son to college” should be “I
_purpose,”_ etc. “I _propose_ that you go to college, my son.” “Thank
you, father, I accept the proposal.”
Sparrowgrass, Asparagus
The word _sparrowgrass,_ which is a corruption of the word _asparagus,_
illustrates how readily the uneducated mind associates an unusual term
with another that is familiar, and as the mental impression is received
through the ear, and lacks that definiteness which the printed form
would give, the new idea, when repeated, often assumes a picturesque,
if not a ludicrous, form. Many of Mrs. Partington’s quaint sayings
furnish further illustration.
The following incident, from a Western paper, shows the successive
stages in the farmer’s mental operations from the familiar terms _skin,
hide, oxhide, _up to the unfamiliar chemical term _oxide,_ through
which he was obliged to pass before he succeeded in making known his
wants:
The man was in a brown study when he went into the drug store.
“What can we do for you?” inquired the clerk.
“I want black—something of something,” he said; “have you got any?”
“Probably we have,” replied the clerk, “but you’ll have to be more
definite than that to get it.”
The farmer thought for a moment.
“Got any black sheepskin of something?” he asked.
“No; we don’t keep sheepskins. We have chamois-skins, though.”
“That ain’t it, I know,” said the customer. “Got any other kind of
skins?”
“No.”
“Skins—skins—skins!” slowly repeated the man, struggling with his
slippery memory. “Calfskin seems to be something like it. Got any black
calfskins of anything?”
“No, not one,” and the clerk laughed.
The customer grew red in the face.
“Confound it!” he said, “if it ain’t a skin, what in thunder is it?”
“Possibly it’s a hide?” suggested the clerk.
“That’s it! That’s it!” exclaimed the man.
“Have you got any black hides of something or anything?”
The clerk shook his head sadly as the man tramped up and down the
store.
“Got any black cowhide of anything?” he asked, after a moment’s
thought.
The clerk’s face showed a gleam of intelligence, and then broke into a
smile.
“Possibly it’s black oxide of manganese you want?” he said, quietly.
“Of course, that’s it!” he exclaimed, as he threw his arms around the
clerk’s neck. “I knowed blamed well there was a skin or hide or
something somewhere about the thing,” and he calmed down quietly and
waited for what he wanted.
Accord, Give
“They _accorded_ him due praise.” “They _gave_ him the desired
information.”
Act, Action
“The best portion of a good man’s life is his little, nameless,
unremembered _acts_ of kindness and of love.” “Suit the _action_ to the
word.” _Action_ suggests the operation; _act_, the accomplished result.
Adherence, Adhesion
These words were once interchangeable, but are now distinct. _Adhesion
_relates to physical bodies; _adherence_ to mental states.
Adopt, Take
“What course will you _take?”_ is better than “What course will you
_adopt?”_
Affect, Effect
These words are sometimes confounded. “The climate _affected _their
health.” “They sailed away without _effecting_ their purpose.”
Aggravate, Exasperate
To _aggravate_ means to intensify, to make worse; to _exasperate _means
to provoke, to irritate. “To _aggravate_ the horrors of the scene.”
“His remarks _exasperated_ me.” “His conduct _aggravates_ me” should be
“His conduct _annoys_ (or _displeases,_ or _irritates, _or
_exasperates)_ me.”
Alleviate, Relieve
These words differ chiefly in degree. The latter is the stronger word.
Proposal, Proposition
A _proposition_ implies consideration or discussion; a _proposal
_contemplates acceptance or rejection. “Your _proposition_ to build our
new warehouse has received favorable consideration, and we are ready to
receive your _proposals.”_
Providing, Provided
“You may go to skate, _providing_ you first finish your task.”
Incorrect. You should say _provided._
Proved, Proven
_Proven_ is sometimes incorrectly used for _proved._ “The evidence was
complete and his guilt was fully _proved.” Not proven_ is a legal term
used in England to denote that the guilt of the accused is not made
out, though not disproved.
Quantity, Number
_Quantity_ refers to the _how much; number_ to the _how many. _“He
purchased a large _quantity_ of _wheat, corn, apples, lime, _and
_sand,_ and a _number_ of _houses, stores_, _chairs, _and _books.”_ It
is, therefore, incorrect to say, “There was a large _quantity_ of
bicycles in the yard,” “He sold a large _quantity_ of books at
auction.”
Quite a few
In some parts of the country this expression is in common use in the
sense of _many, a large number,_ etc. “How many people were at church
to-day?” _“Quite a few,”_ meaning a considerable number.
Commence, Begin
Some persons always _commence,_ but never _begin._ The tendency toward
pomp and parade in speech prompts many persons to avoid the use of our
strong, rugged Anglo-Saxon words, and to substitute their high-sounding
Latin equivalents, until, in time, the preferable native forms come to
be regarded as
commonplace and objectionable. American usage is more faulty than
English in this regard. Use _begin_ and _beginning_ more, and _commence
_and, _commencement_ less.
Complete, Finished
There is a distinction in the use of these words that is not always
observed. _Complete_ signifies _nothing lacking,_ every element and
part being supplied. That which is _finished_ has had all done to it
that was intended. A vessel may be _finished_ and yet be _incomplete._
Conclusion, End
The more pretentious word _conclusion_ is often used where the simple
Anglo-Saxon word _end_ would be preferable.
Conscious, Aware
“He was _aware_ of the enemy’s designs.” “_Conscious_ of his fate, he
boldly approached the furious beast.” _Conscious_ relates to what is
within our own mind; _aware_ to what is without.
Continual, Continuous
_Continuous_ implies _uninterrupted, unbroken. Continual _relates to
acts that are frequently repeated. “The _continuous_ ride is often
finished in five hours, but owing to _continual_ delays we were eight
hours on the way.”
Convict, Convince
The Irishman who brandished his club and, exclaimed that he was open to
conviction, but he would like to see the man that could convince him,
used a form of argument that was most convincing, but failed in his
discrimination of language. _Convict_ refers to the outer condition,
and generally applies to something wrong; _convince,_ which may be used
of either right or wrong, refers to the judgment.
Custom, Habit
_Habit_ is a tendency which leads us to do easily; _custom_ grows out
of the habitual doing or frequent repetition of the same act. _Custom
_refers to the usages of society, or of the individual; _habit_ refers
more frequently to the individual acts. “Ill _habits_ gather by unseen
degrees.”
“Man yields to custom as he bows to fate, In all things ruled— mind,
body, and estate.”
Want, Need
These words are often used interchangeably, but should be
discriminated. _Need_ implies the lack; _want_ also implies the lack,
but couples with it the wish to supply the lack. “Some men _need_ help,
but will not ask for it; others _want_ help (that is, they need help,
or think they do, and ask for it) and get it, too.”
Way, Away
“He is _way_ down in Florida,” is incorrect. “He is _away _down in
Florida” is better grammar. “He is in Florida” is still better. _Down_
indicates the direction, and _away_ magnifies the distance. As most
persons know the direction, and as modern railway travel shortens long
distances, the abbreviated sentence is sufficiently full.
Ways, Way
“He is a long _ways_ from home” is a very common, but faulty
expression. Say “Uncle Charles is now a long _way_ on his journey.”
“The boat is a good _way_ off the shore.”
Whole, All
“The _whole_ of the scholars went to the fair to-day.” _“All_ of the
school went to the fair to-day.” The sentences will be improved by
transposing _whole_ and _all. “All_ of the scholars went to the fair
to-day,” not half of them. “The _whole_ school went to the fair
to-day,” not a part of it. _All_ refers to the individual scholars;
_whole_ to the school as a unit.
Without, Unless
“He cannot miss the way _without_ he forgets my instructions.” “I will
not dig the potatoes _without_ Tom comes to help.” Use _unless _instead
of _without._
Worse, More
“He dislikes arithmetic _worse_ than grammar.” Use _more_ instead of
_worse._
Rarely, Rare
“It is _rarely_ that you hear of a prodigal youth growing into an
economical man.” _Rarely_ should be _rare_ to form the adjective
attribute of the verb.
Real, Really
_Real_ is often incorrectly used as an adverb, especially by
schoolgirls; as, “I think he is _real_ mean.” The grammar will be
improved by substituting _really_ for _real,_ but the expression, as a
whole, being applied to all kinds and degrees of offenses, has become
meaningless.
_Real_ is often carelessly used in the sense of _very;_ as _real
_pretty, _real_ bright, _real_ kind.
Recipe, Receipt
A _recipe_ is a formula for making some mixture or preparation of
materials; a _receipt_ is an acknowledgment of that which has been
received.
Region, Neighborhood
_Region_ is a broader and more comprehensive term, and should not be
applied to the narrow limits of a _neighborhood._
Remit, Send
The word _remit_ is often used when _send_ would be better. _Remit_
means to send back, to forgive, to relax. In its commercial sense it
means to transmit or send money in payment of a demand; as, “He
_remitted _the amount by mail.”
Residence, House
This pretentious word is often used when _house_ or _home_ would be in
better taste.
Deface, Disfigure
“The walls of many public buildings are _defaced_ by persons who desire
that their names shall remain when they are gone.” “They _disfigure_
their faces that they may appear unto men to fast.” _Disfigure_ applies
more generally to persons; _deface,_ to things.
Demean, Degrade
The word _demean_ is often incorrectly used in the sense of _degrade,
lower._ It should be used in the sense of _behave, conduct, deport,_
and not in the sense of _degrade._
Depot, Station
For many years the word _depôt_ was largely employed in the sense of a
railway station. Its primary meaning is a _warehouse_ or _storehouse_
or _military station._ As applied to a stopping place for railroad
trains the
English word _station_ is greatly to be preferred to the French word
_depôt,_ and is rapidly coming into general use in this country.
Description, Kind
“Flowers of every _description_ were found in his garden.” In the above
sense the word _kind_ or _variety_ would be more appropriate.
Bring, Fetch, Carry
_Bring_ implies motion from the object toward the person who issues the
command or makes the request. _Fetch_ implies two motions, first,
toward the object; second, toward the person who wishes it. The
gardener, who is in the garden, calls to his servant, who is at the
barn, “John, _bring_ me the rake. You will find it in the barn.” And if
John is with him in the garden, he would say, “John, _fetch_ me the
rake from the barn.”
The use of _fetch_ is more common among English writers than with us.
In fact, many speakers and writers in America rarely use the word.
_Carry_ is a more general term, and means _to convey,_ without thought
of the direction.
Character, Reputation
These words are often confounded. “Character,” says Abbott, “is what a
person is; reputation is what he is supposed to be. Character is in
himself,
reputation is in the minds of others. Character is injured by
temptations and by wrong-doing; reputation by slanders and libels.
Character endures throughout defamation in every form, but perishes
where there is a voluntary transgression; reputation may last through
numerous transgressions, but be destroyed by a single, and even an
unfounded, accusation or aspersion.”
Farther, Further
Although these words are often used interchangeably even by good
writers, yet a finer taste and a keener power of discrimination is
shown in the use of _farther_ when referring to literal distance, and
of _further _in reference to quantity or degree; as, “Each day’s
journey removes them _farther_ from home,” “He concluded his speech by
remarking that he had nothing _further_ to say.” _Farther_ is the
comparative of _far; further_ is the comparative of _forth._
Fault, Defect
Speakers and writers often fail to discriminate in the use of these
words. A _defect_ implies a deficiency, a lack, a falling short, while
a _fault_ signifies that there is something wrong.
“Men still had faults, and men will have them still,
He that hath none, and lives as angels do
Must be an angel.”
“It is in general more profitable to reckon up our defects than to
boast of our attainments.”
Few, Little
These words and their comparatives, _fewer, less,_ are often
confounded. _Few_ relates to number, or to what may be counted; _little
_refers to quantity, or to what may be measured. A man may have _few
_books and _little_ money; he may have _fewer_ friends and _less
_influence than his neighbor. But do not say “The man has _less
_friends than his neighbor.”
Each other, One another
While some excellent authorities use these expressions interchangeably,
most grammarians and authors employ _each other_ in referring to two
persons or things, and _one another_ when more than two are considered;
as, “Both contestants speak kindly of _each other.” _“Gentlemen are
always polite to _one another.”_
Those who prefer to have wide latitude in speech will be glad to know
that Murray, in one of the rules in his grammar, says, “Two negatives
in English destroy _one another.”_
Shakespeare says, “It is a good divine that follows his own
instructions. I can easier teach twenty what were good to be done, than
be one of
the twenty to follow mine own teaching.” This is as true of expression
as of morals.
Either, Neither
“Palms and beautiful flowers lined the hall on _either_ side,” is a
common but faulty form of expression. _Either_ refers to one of two
things. In the foregoing sentence the thought is that _both_ sides of
the hall were lined, hence the word _both_ should have been used. If,
however, each side of the hall is thought of separately, then _each,_
would be the proper word to employ.
_“Either_ of the two books will please you.” _“Any_ of the three books
will prove satisfactory.” _“Any one_ of the five men would make a good
candidate.” _“Neither_ of the two men will serve.” _“None_ of the ten
men were present.” “_Not one_ of all the houses was left standing.”
These sentences represent the best usage with regard to _either,
neither,_ and also of _any, none, any one, not one._
These kind
Adjectives implying number must agree with the nouns which they
qualify. _This_ and _that_ qualify nouns in the singular; _these _and
_those_ belong to nouns in the plural.
_“These kind_ of potatoes grow well in this soil.” Use _this. “This
_twenty _years_ have I known him.”
Use _these._ “The beam was _two foot_ above my head,” Use _feet. _“For
_this,_ among other reasons, I abandoned the profession.” Say “For
_this_ reason, among others, I abandoned the profession.” “He rides the
bicycle daily, and by _this means_ he preserves his health.” “The
partners were all honest, courteous, and industrious, and by _these
means _acquired wealth.” The word _means_ being either singular or
plural, the two preceding sentences are both correct.
Some means or another
“By _some means or another_ he always gets the better part of the
bargain.” This sentence may be corrected by saying _“one means or
another,”_ or _“some means or other.”_
Than
After _other, otherwise, else,_ or an adjective in the comparative
degree, _than_ should be used, and not _but_ or _except._
“No other way _but_ this was open to him.” Use _than._
“History and philosophy cannot otherwise affect the mind _but_ for its
enlargement and benefit.” Use _than._
“Flowers are often nothing else _but_ cultivated weeds.” Use _than._
“He no sooner entered the bridge _but_ he met an infuriated bull coming
toward him.” Use _than._
“He offered no other objection _except_ the one already mentioned.” Use
_than._
“He read five other books on ‘Crime and Its Causes’ _in addition to
_those you named.” Use _than._
With equal propriety we may say, “He offered no objection except the
one already mentioned,” or “He read five books on ‘Crime and Its
Causes’ in addition to those you named.” It is the use of the word
_other,_ or _otherwise,_ or _else,_ that makes necessary the
correlative term _than._
Besides
After _else_ and _other_ the preposition _besides_ is sometimes
employed.
“Other boys _besides_ these are mischievous.”
“Other arts _besides_ music are elevating and inspiring.”
“We must have recourse to something else _besides_ punishment.”
It will be observed that the use of _besides_ in this section differs
from the use of _than_ in the preceding discussion. _“Other... than”
_is exclusive of those mentioned; whereas, “_other... besides”
_includes those mentioned.
Other
“Iron is more useful than all the metals.” The faultiness of this
sentence becomes apparent when
we remember that iron itself is a metal and is included in the word
_metals, _which forms one side of the comparison. In short, “Iron is
more useful than iron together with all the other metals.” This
statement is absurd. The sentence should, therefore, read, “Iron is
more useful than all the _other _metals.”
“The Washington monument is higher than any monument in America.” Since
it is in America, and as it cannot be higher than itself, the sentence
is made correct by adding the word _other;_ as, “The Washington
monument is higher than any _other_ monument in America.”
“This book, which I have just finished, is superior to any work on the
subject that I have yet seen.” Say “to any _other_ work.”
“Of all other creatures, man is the most highly endowed.” Say “of all
creatures,” etc.
“No general was ever so beloved by his soldiers.” Say “No _other
_general,” etc.
“Nothing delights him so much as a storm at sea.” “Nothing _else
_delights him,” etc.
One’s, His
Whether we should say “One ought to know _one’s_ own mind,” or “One
ought to know _his_ own mind,” is a question that the critics have
earnestly discussed, but have never settled, except as each settles it
for
himself. The masculine pronoun is often used with an antecedent whose
gender is not known. There can, therefore, be no objection to the use
of _his_ on the question of gender. As a matter of euphony, _his_ is
preferable to _one’s._ Both have the sanction of good usage.
None
Although literally signifying _no one,_ the word _none_ may be used
with a plural verb, having the force of a collective noun.
_“None_ but the brave deserves the fair.”— _Dryden._
_“None_ knew thee but to love thee,
_None_ named thee but to praise.”—_Halleck._
“I look for ghosts; but _none_ will force
Their way to me.”—_Wordsworth._
“Of all the girls that e’er were seen,
There’s _none_ so fine as Nelly.”—_Swift._
All, Whole
The word _all_ is often incorrectly used for _the whole._
“The river rose and spread over all the valley.” This should be “over
the _whole_ valley.”
“The day being stormy, the members of Class A were _all_ the children
at school to-day.” Correct by saying “were the only children at school
to-day.”
Perpetually, Continually
_Perpetually_ is not synonymous with _continually. Perpetually _means
never-ceasing. That which is done _continually_ may be subject to
interruptions.
Persuade, Advise
“Almost thou _persuadest_ me to be a Christian.” Paul had _advised
_many persons to become Christians, some of whom, like Agrippa, were
_almost persuaded._
Wharf, Dock
These words are sometimes confounded. The _wharf_ is the pier, or
landing, upon which the vessel unloads her cargo. The _dock_ is the
artificial waterway, or basin, formed by the wharves. “The vessel came
into the _dock_ and was made fast to the _wharf.”_
Contemptible, Contemptuous
_Contemptible_ is sometimes incorrectly used for _contemptuous._ A
story is told of Richard Parson, an English scholar and critic. A
gentleman being in dispute with him, angrily exclaimed, “My opinion of
you is most _contemptible,_ sir,” upon which Parson quickly retorted,
“I never knew an opinion of yours that was not _contemptible.”_
Healthy, Wholesome
These terms are not synonymous. Toadstools may be _healthy,_ but they
would not be regarded as
_wholesome._ Plants and animals are _healthy_ when the conditions of
their growth are favorable. They are _wholesome_ when, as food, they
promote the health of those persons who eat them.
In a fix
Many persons instead of saying “He is in trouble,” or “He is in an
awkward position,” or “He is perplexed,” or _embarrassed,_ employ the
vulgarism, “He is _in a fix.”_ Although Shakespeare may say, “This was
the _most unkindest_ cut of all,” and De Quincey may write, “Poor Aroar
cannot live and cannot die—so that he is in an _almighty fix,”_ we
lesser mortals are forbidden such expressions.
Fly, Flee
In a general sense _fly_ is applied to winged creatures and _flee_ to
persons. “What exile from himself can _flee?”_ “When the swallows
homeward _fly.”_ The past tense forms are sometimes confused, as, “The
inhabitants _flew_ to the fort for safety,” “The wild geese have all
_fled_ to the South.” The principal parts of the verbs are:
Present. Past. Perf. part.
fly, flew, flown.
flee, fled, fled.
The verbs _flew_ and _fled_ in the foregoing sentences should be
transposed. _Fly_ implies motion either
from or toward. _Flee_ implies motion from. _Fly_ may be used, in a
figurative sense, of persons, to indicate great speed as of wings. “I
_flew _to his rescue.” “He _flew_ to my rescue.” “Resist the devil and
he will _flee_ from you.”
The word _flown_ is sometimes used erroneously as the past tense or
perfect participle of the verb _flow._ The parts of this verb are
_flow, flowed, flowed. “_The river has _overflowed_ (not _overflown)_
its banks.”
Get, Got
Because a horse is willing is no reason why he should be ridden to
death. The verb _get_ and its past-tense form _got_ admit of many
meanings, as the following, from an old English publication, fully
proves: “I _got_ on horseback within ten minutes after I _got_ your
letter. When I _got _to Canterbury I _got_ a chaise for town; but I
_got_ wet through before I _got_ to Canterbury, and I have _got_ such a
cold as I shall not be able to _get_ rid of in a hurry. I _got_ to the
Treasury about noon, but, first of all, I _got_ shaved and dressed. I
soon _got _into the secret of _getting_ a memorial before the Board,
but I could not _get_ an answer then. However, I _got_ intelligence
from the messenger that I should most likely _get_ an answer the next
morning. As soon as I _got_ back to my inn I _got_ my supper and _got_
to bed. It was not long before I _got_ to sleep.
When I _got_ up in the morning I _got_ myself dressed, and then _got_
my breakfast, that I might _get_ out in time to _get_ an answer to my
memorial. As soon as I _got_ it I _got_ into the chaise and _got_ to
Canterbury by three, and about teatime I _got_ home. I have _got_
nothing more to say.”
Those who are disposed to overwork the words _get_ and _got_ will find
it interesting and profitable to read the foregoing exercise,
substituting other words for those in italics.
With _have_ the word _got_ is generally superfluous; as, “I have _got_
a cold,” “I have _got_ to go to Boston this evening,” “Have you _got_
Hires’s root-beer on draught?” For “I _did not get_ to meet your
cousin,” say “I _had no opportunity,”_ or “I _was prevented,” _etc.
Another very faulty use of _got_ is heard in such expressions as “He
_got_ killed,” “They _got_ beaten,” “She _got_ cured,” etc. _Was_ or
_were_ would be more appropriate.
Since _to get_ means _to obtain, to procure, to gain,_ the use of the
word is justified in such expressions as “I have _got_ a larger farm
than you have, because I have worked harder for it.” “I have _got_ a
better knowledge of the Pacific coast than he has, because I traveled
extensively through that region.” And yet, when we have been
overworked, the physician usually prescribes a period of absolute rest;
so, in
view of the multifarious uses to which _get_ has been applied, would it
not be well to permit it to retire for a time, in order that it may the
more quickly be rejuvenated.
Guess, Reckon, Calculate, Allow
“I _guess_ he is not going to vote to-day.” “I _reckon_ we are going to
have fair weather now.” “I _calculate_ this ground would grow good
potatoes.” “I _allow_ she’s the prettiest girl that ever visited these
parts.” The foregoing sentences may be improved by recasting them. “I
think he is not going to (or will not) vote to-day.” “I believe we
shall now have fair weather.” “I suppose this ground would yield fine
potatoes.” “I regard her as the handsomest lady that has ever visited
this place (or _neighborhood,_ or _locality)._
Gums, Overshoes
“Tom is outside, cleaning his _gums_ on the mat.” While a mat will do
very well for _overshoes,_ a tooth-brush and sozodont would be better
for the _gums._
Funny
“Isn’t it _funny_ that Smith, who resided in Chicago, should have died
the same day that his father died in Boston?” “Isn’t it _funny _that
the murderer who escaped hanging on a mere technicality of the law
should have been killed the next day in a railroad accident?” “How
_funny _that these maples should grow so tall on this mountain top!”
“It is _funny_ to think that James, who now pays his addresses to me,
should once have been in love with my youngest sister.” The foregoing
illustrations are not more incongruous than those we daily hear. _Odd,
strange, peculiar, unusual, _represent some of the ideas intended to be
conveyed by that much-abused word.
Good deal, Great deal
This idiom is defended by some authorities as being in perfectly good
use, and by others it is denounced as being incorrect. Both _good deal
_and _greet deal_ are somewhat colloquial, and should be used sparingly
in writing.
Had better, Would better
Like _a good deal_ and some other idioms, this expression is denounced
by some writers and defended by others. Grammatical construction
supports more strongly the forms _would better, would rather,_ etc. “I
had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the
tents of wickedness.” “I would rather read than drive to-day.” “I would
rather not go.” Omit _rather_ and the superiority of _would_ over _had_
becomes apparent.
If, Whether
“I do not know _if_ he sold his farm or exchanged it for city
property.” Use _whether._
Illy, Ill
Do not use _illy_ for _ill._ The former is becoming obsolete, and the
latter, as an adverb, is taking its place. Say “An ill-ventilated
room,” not “an illy-ventilated room.”
Implicit
This word means _tacitly understood, resting on the word or authority
of another._ It should not be used in the sense of _unbounded,
unlimited._
Individual
This word should not be used broadly in the sense of _a_ _person,_ but
should always convey some thought of _a_ _single _thing or person, as
opposed to many.
Journal
As this word is from the French, _jour,_ day, it should not be applied
to a monthly or quarterly magazine.
Know as
“I do not _know as_ I can see you to-day.” Say _know that._
Last, Latest
“Did you receive my _last_ letter?”
“I hope not. I enjoy your letters very much, and I trust you may live
to write many more.”
Cunning
This word is much used by young ladies in speaking of what is small, or
dainty, or pleasing, as “A _cunning_ little bonnet,” _“A cunning
_little watch,” etc. While the word properly embodies the idea of skill
or dexterity on the part of the workman, and while the appreciation of
such skill, in speaking of the artist or artisan, might be expressed by
_cunning,_ it is better not to use the word in referring to the product
of the workmanship.
Curious
_Curious_ means _inquisitive, rare._ In the sense of _strange _or
_remarkable,_ its use should be guarded.
Cute
This word is often used colloquially in the sense of _clever, sharp,
shrewd, ingenious, cunning._ It is doubtless an abbreviation of
_acute._ It is not found in good literary usage.
Favor, Resemble
The use of the word _favor_ in the sense of _resemble_ is a
provincialism that should be avoided. “The
son _favors_ the father” is correct if the meaning be that the son
shows favor or kindness to the father; but if reference to their
similarity of appearance is intended, the verb _resemble_ should be
employed.
Balance, Remainder
This word, like numerous others, has been borrowed from the commercial
world, and has had such a wide use that its faultiness is not noticed
even by many who regard themselves as careful speakers and writers. “I
cut down part of the timber this year, and expect to cut the _balance_
next spring.” “My cousin will remain with us the _balance_ of this
week.” “James ate half of the melon to-day, and will eat the _balance_
to-morrow.” In these and all similar cases the word _remainder_ should
be used. _Balance_ is a term that applies to accounts, and signifies
the amount necessary to be added to one side of the account in order to
make it equal the other.
Behave
“Now, my children, you must _behave_ while I am gone.” The mother
intended to ask her children to _behave well,_ but as _behave_ is a
neutral word, and may be followed by _well_ or _ill,_ her form of
expression permits the children to supply whichever adverb suits them
the better. _Behave_ requires a qualifying word to make the meaning
clear.
Bound
“He was _determined_ to study medicine,” not “He was _bound,” _etc.
_Bound_ implies that he was under a bond or obligation to another,
rather than impelled by the action of his own mind.
Better, Best
While some good writers violate the rule, yet the best authorities
restrict the use of the comparative degree to two objects.
“Mary is the _better_ scholar of the two.”
“Although both are young, Susan is the _younger.”_
“Of two evils, choose the _lesser,”_ not the _least._
Former, First
_Former_ and _latter_ being adjectives of the comparative degree,
should be used in speaking of two objects. When more than two objects
are named, use _first_ and _last._
“My sons, John and Luther, are both at college. The _first _expects to
study law, and the _last_ to study medicine.” Use _former _and
_latter._
“New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago are the most populous cities in
the United States. The _former_ has long been at the front; the _latter
_has only recently entered the race.” Use _first_ and _last _instead of
_former_ and _latter._
These, Those
When objects near and remote are referred to, _this_ and its plural
_these_ are applied to the objects near at hand, _that_ and its plural
_those_ to objects at a distance.
When reference is made to contrasted antecedent terms, _this_ and
_these_ are applied to the latter; _that_ and _those_ to the former, as
“Farewell my friends! farewell my foes!
My peace with _these,_ my love with _those!”_
_—Burns._
Fictitious Writer
Do not say a _fictitious writer_ when you mean a _writer of fiction._
Firstly
_First_ is an adverb as well as an adjective. We should, therefore, say
first, secondly, thirdly, and not _firstly, secondly, _etc.
First-rate
An article may be rated in quality as first, or second, or third. If it
rates _first,_ it may be called a _first-rate_ article. The word is
properly used as an adjective, but should not be employed as an adverb,
as in the sentence, “He sings first-rate.”
Fix, Mend, Repair
_Fix_ means _to make fast,_ but its incorrect use in the sense of
_mend, repair, arrange,_ is so common that the
word when properly used sounds strange, if not strained. “To _fix up_
the room,” “to _fix up_ the accounts,” “to _fix up_ matters with my
creditors,” “to _fix_ the rascals who betrayed me,” are examples
illustrating the looseness with which the word is used.
Round, Square
When a thing is _round_ or _square_ it cannot be _rounder _or
_squarer._ These adjectives do not admit of comparative and superlative
forms. But we may say _more nearly round_ or _less nearly square._
States, Says
“He _states_ he is going fishing to-morrow.” _States_ is too formal a
word, and should be used only of some important assertion. “He _says_
he is going,” etc.
Stop, Stay
To _stop_ is to cease moving. “At what hotel do you _stop” _should be
“At what hotel do you _stay.”_ “When you come to the city _stay_ with
me,” not _stop_ with me.
Subtile, Subtle
_Subtile_ means thin, fine, rare, delicate; _subtle_ means sly, artful,
cunning, elusive. “More _subtile_ web Arachne cannot spin.” “He had to
contend with a _subtle_ foe.”
Summons
He was _summonsed_ to appear before the judge” should be “He was
_summoned_ to appear,” etc.
Tasty
Often used in colloquial speech when _tasteful_ would be better.
_Tastily_ for _tastefully_ is still worse.
Team
Properly this word relates only to the horses, and does not include the
carriage.
Those kind, These sort
“It is unpleasant to have to associate with _those kind_ of people.”
“_These sort_ of sheep are the most profitable.” _Kind_ and _sort_ are
nouns of the singular number; _these_ and _those_ are plural, and,
according to the laws of grammar, the adjective and noun must agree in
number. The corrected sentences will read: “It is unpleasant to have to
associate with _this kind_ of people.” _“This sort_ of sheep is the
most profitable.” The fault arises by associating in the mind the
adjectives _these_ and _those_ with the nouns _sheep_ and _people,_
which nouns are more prominent in the mind than the nouns _kind_ and
_sort._ If the ear is not satisfied, the sentences may readily be
recast; as, “It is unpleasant to have to associate with people of _that
kind.”_ “Sheep of _this sort_ are the most profitable.”
Transpire, Happen
This word, from _trans,_ across, through, and _spirare,_ to breathe,
means, physiologically, to pass off in the form of vapor or insensible
perspiration, or, botanically, to evaporate from living cells. Its
general meaning is to become known, to escape from secrecy.
It is frequently employed in the sense of to occur, to come to pass,
but this use is condemned by the best critics in England and America.
“The proceedings of the secret session of the council soon
_transpired.”_ This sentence illustrates the true meaning of the word.
Make, Manufacture
These words may, in some cases, be used interchangeably, but _make_ has
much the wider range of meanings. The following story, related by Eli
Perkins, will illustrate this fact:
I was talking one day with Mr. Depew, President of the New York Central
Railroad, about demand and supply. I said the price of any commodity is
always controlled by the demand and supply.
“Not always, Eli,” said Depew; “demand and supply don’t always govern
prices. Business tact sometimes governs them.”
“When,” I asked, “did an instance ever occur when the price did not
depend on demand and supply?”
“Well,” said Mr. Depew, “the other day I stepped up to a German
butcher, and, out of curiosity, asked:
“‘What’s the price of sausages?’
“‘Dwenty cends a bound,’ he said.
“‘You asked twenty-five this morning,’ I replied.
“‘Yah; dot vas ven I had some. Now I ain’t got none, I sell him for
dwenty cents. Dot makes a repudation for selling cheab, und I don’t
lose noddings.’
“You see,” said Mr. Depew, laughing, “I didn’t want any sausage and the
man didn’t have any; no demand and no supply, and still the price of
sausage went down five cents.”
“Well, there are strange things in this world,” I said. “Now, take the
words _manufacture_ and _make._ I always thought that both words meant
the same thing.”
“Why, they do, Eli,” said Mr. Depew.
“Not always,” I said.
“Now, when could they have a different meaning?”
“Why, this morning I came down from Albany on a Central car
_manufactured _to carry fifty passengers, but it was _made_ to carry
seventy-two people.”
“Yes, I dare say; but we’ll now talk about the Behring Sea question.”
Truth, Veracity
“The _veracity_ of his statement is doubted.” The sentence should be,
“The truth of his statement is doubted,” or “In making that statement
his _veracity_ is doubted.” _Veracity_ is applied to the person; _truth
_to the thing.
Try the experiment
“They are _trying the experiment_ of running railroad trains by
electricity.” This should be, “They are _making the experiment,”_ etc.
The word _experiment_ contains the idea of _trial,_ hence, _to try the
experiment_ is to _try the trial._
Little piece
“I will go with you _a_ _little piece.” A short distance_ or _a_ _part
of the way_ would be more appropriate.
Every confidence
“I have _every confidence_ in his ability to succeed.” _Confidence _is
a unit; _every_ implies several units considered separately. “I have
_the greatest_ confidence in his ability to succeed” is correct.
Ugly
This word properly applies to the appearance of a person or thing,
hence such expressions as “He has an _ugly_ temper,” “This is an _ugly
_customer,” “That was an _ugly_ rumor,” etc., although common in
colloquial discourse, should be avoided in dignified address.
Unbeknown
This is a provincialism that should be avoided. Use _unknown._
Underhanded
Often incorrectly used for _underhand;_ as “That was a contemptible and
_underhanded_ trick.”
Calligraphy
This word means not writing, simply, but beautiful writing; hence, to
say, “His _calligraphy_ is wretched” is equivalent to saying, “His
excellent writing is poor,” which is a contradiction of terms.
Can but, Cannot but
These expressions are sometimes confounded. “If I perish, I _can but
perish,”_ means “I can _only_ perish,” or “I can do _no more than
_perish.” “I _cannot but_ speak of the things I have heard” means that
I am under a moral necessity to speak of these things. The past tense
forms _could but_ and _could not but_ should be, in like manner,
discriminated.
Casualty, Casuality
The latter word is sometimes used in place of the former. The first is
legitimate; the second is without authority. The words _specialty_ and
_speciality_ have a termination similar to the above. They may
generally be used interchangeably and are both legitimate.
Complected.
“The lady is light _complected,_ has blue eyes, and auburn hair.”
_Complected_ is a provincialism without sanction. “The lady is of light
complexion, has blue eyes,” etc.
Disremember
This word is obsolete. Use _forget,_ or “I do not remember.”
Lie, Lay
The verbs _lie_ and _lay_ are often confounded, even by intelligent
persons. _Lie_ does not take an object. We cannot _lie_ a thing. It is
therefore intransitive.
_Lay,_ which means to place in position, requires an object. We _lay _a
book on a table, or bricks on the wall. It is therefore transitive.
The principal parts of the first verb are _lie, lay, lain;_ and of the
second, _lay, laid, laid._ The word _lay_ is found in both, and this
is, in part, accountable for the confusion. The most frequent errors
result from using _laid,_ the past tense form of the transitive verb,
when the word _lay,_ the past tense form of the intransitive verb,
should be used. The ear naturally expects the usual past tense ending
of the _d_ or _t _sound, and as that is absent in the past tense of
_lie,_ the past tense form of the other verb is substituted. For the
same reason the participle form _laid_ is often incorrectly used for
_lain._
“He told me to _lie_ down, and I _lay_ down,” not _laid down. “_I told
him to _lay_ the book down, and he _laid_ it down.” “The ship _lay_ at
anchor.” “They _lay_ by during the storm.” “The book is _lying_ on the
shelf.” “He _lay_ on the ground and took cold.” “They _lay_ in ambush.”
_“Lie_ low or he will discover you.” “The goods are still _lying_ on
his hands.” “Time _lay_ heavily on their hands.” “We must _lie_ over at
the next station.” “A motion was made that the resolution _lie_ on the
table.” “Now I _lie_ down to sleep.” “Now I _lay_ me down to sleep.”
The foregoing sentences illustrate the correct usage of these confusing
verbs.
As, That
“Did your cousin go to town yesterday?” “Not _as_ I know.” Better, “Not
_that_ I know.” Better still, “I do not know.” “I do not know _as_ I
shall go.” Use _that_ for _as_.
Bad toothache
As it is a rare thing to have a good toothache, we scarcely need the
adjective _bad_ to distinguish between the two kinds of toothache. Say
_severe._
Beautifully, Beautiful
After verbs of seeing, feeling, tasting, and smelling, the adverb is
often incorrectly used for the adjective.
“The colonel looked _handsomely_ in his military dress,” “I feel
_splendidly_ to-day,” “This peach tastes _badly,” “_The rose smells
_sweetly,”_ are incorrect. Use _handsome_ for _handsomely, very well_
or _in good spirits_ for _splendidly, tastes bad_ or _has a
disagreeable taste_ for _badly,_ and _sweet_ for _sweetly._
Beg, Beg leave
“I _beg_ to announce the sale of a collection of rare and costly rugs.”
“I _beg_ to acknowledge your kindness in sending me this handsome
present.” In each case say “I _beg leave to,”_ etc.
Due, Owing
His success was _due_ to his honesty and energy.” That is _due _which
should be paid as a debt; that is _owing_ which is referred to as a
cause or source.
“The bill is now _due_ and payable at the gas office.” “His success was
_owing_ to his honesty and energy.”
Each, Every
“I see him at his office _each_ day of the week.” In this sentence the
word _every_ would be better. _Each_ refers to single days
particularized. Here reference is made to what occurs on all days
without exception.
Both words refer to nouns in the singular, hence such expressions as
the following are incorrect:
“Every soldier and sailor stood at _their_ post.” “The prisoners were
discharged and went each _their_ several ways.” Correct by saying, “The
prisoners were discharged and went each _his_ several way,” “Every
soldier and sailor stood at _his_ post.”
Each, Both
_“Both_ parties maintained their original positions.” As the parties
are thought of separately, the sentence should be: “Each party
maintained its original position.” “Both parties strove to place their
best candidates upon the ticket” is correct, because the parties are
thought of collectively.
Both, Both of
_Both_ is used alone before nouns and _both of_ before pronouns.
_“Both_ men have studied the currency question.” _“Both of _them are
well informed in matters relating to the currency.”
Ever, Never
“Let him be _ever_ so rich,” says Emerson. “You spend _ever _so much
money in entertaining your equals and betters,” says Thackeray. “Though
he run _ever_ so fast, he cannot win the race.” Writers and grammarians
differ, some preferring _ever_, others _never._
Every once in a while
This is a cumbersome, awkward expression that should be avoided.
_Occasionally, frequently, at intervals,_ are among the expressions
that may be used in its place.
Exceptionable, Exceptional
“He enjoyed _exceptionable_ opportunities for acquiring the Greek
language.” Say _exceptional opportunities._
Female, Woman
The word _female_ is often employed when _woman_ would be better.
_Female_ applies to all of the feminine gender, including the brute
creation.
Poet, Poetess
The tendency to increase the number of nouns with the feminine ending
_ess_ should be checked. Avoid _poetess, authoress, doctress,_ and
other newly-invented words of this kind.
Fewer, Less
_Fewer_ refers to number, _less_ to quantity. “He had _less_ friends
than I, and yet he was elected.” Say “He had _fewer _friends.” “There
were no _less_ than fifty cows in the field.” Use _fewer._
Right smart
In some portions of the South the expression _right smart_ is employed
in colloquial discourse to convey
the idea of a large quantity or in large measure; as, “We have _right
smart _of peaches this summer,” meaning “We have a large crop of
peaches;” “He knows _right smart_ of Latin” for “He knows considerable
Latin” or “He is well versed in Latin.”
Little bit
“Will you have some of this pudding?”
“If you please. Give me _a little bit.”_
“Did you injure yourself when you fell?”
“No; but I soiled my clothing _a little bit.”_
_A small portion_ or _piece,_ in the first sentence, and _slightly,_ in
the second, would serve as good equivalents for _a_ _little bit._
Sight
“There was a _sight_ of people at the fair to-day.” In the sense of _a
large number,_ this word, like the word _lot,_ should be avoided.
Crowd
A dozen persons may constitute a _crowd_ if they push and jostle one
another by reason of insufficient space. A thousand men will not form a
crowd if all have ample room to sit or stand or move about.
Chuck-full
This word is not authorized. _Chock-full_ and _choke-full_ may be used,
but are not elegant.
Contemplate, Propose
_Contemplate_ is often incorrectly used for _propose;_ as, “I
_contemplate_ going to the country.”
Dispense, Dispense with
These expressions are not synonymous. _To dispense_ is _to give; to
dispense with_ is _to do without._ The pharmacist _dispenses
_medicines; we should be pleased if we could _dispense with_ them.
Dry, Thirsty
_Dry_ is often incorrectly used in the sense of _thirsty; _as, “I am
_dry;_ let me have a glass of water.” To say, “I am _dry; _my
waterproof and umbrella kept out the rain,” is correct.
Dutch, German
Do not call a _German_ a Dutchman. A Dutchman comes from Holland, a
German from Germany.
Evacuate, Vacate
_Evacuate_ means _to make empty,_ and should not be used in the sense
of _to go_ _away, to vacate._
Different than, Different to
“The school is conducted in a very _different_ manner _than_ it used to
be.” “This basket of roses is _different to_ yours.” The above and
similar expressions are decided vulgarisms, and should be avoided.
“The school is conducted in a very different manner _from_ what it used
to be.” “This basket of roses is different _from_ yours.”
Drive, Ride
Some confusion exists in the use of the words _drive_ and _ride._ In
England the distinction is made of applying _ride_ to going on
horseback and _drive_ to going in a carriage, whether you ride or
drive. That usage is not closely followed in this country. He who
guides the horse _drives;_ the rest of the company _ride._ The noun and
participial forms are more excusable than the verb. “Jones asked me to
_drive _with him this afternoon.” But as Jones expects to do the
driving himself, the speaker should have said, “Jones asked me to _take
a ride,”_ or _“go driving,”_ or _“take a drive,”_ etc.
Couple, Several
The word _couple_ is often incorrectly used in the sense of _several;_
as, a _couple_ of horses, mules, birds, trees, houses, etc. The use of
the word _couple_ is not only limited to two, but to two that may be
coupled or yoked together. A man and wife are spoken of as a _couple._
We speak of a _span_ of horses, a _yoke_ of oxen, a _brace_ of ducks, a
_pair_ of gloves.
Directly, Immediately, As soon as
A faulty English use of the above words has found some favor in the
United States. _“Directly_ the whistle blew the workmen left the shop.”
Say _“As soon as_ the whistle blew,” etc. _“Immediately_ he closed his
speech his opponent rose to reply.” Say “_When”_ or _“As soon as _he
closed his speech,” etc.
_Directly_ denotes without any delay; _immediately_ implies without any
interposition of other occupation.
Agreeably disappointed
When our hopes are blasted, our plans balked, our expectations
defeated, our intentions thwarted, we are _disappointed._ We prefer the
agreeable to the disagreeable, and plan and labor to secure it. When
our plans fail we are disappointed, but not _agreeably disappointed._
If the new conditions, which are not of our seeking, prove agreeable,
it is only after the sense of disappointment has vanished.
Allude to, Refer to, Mention
The word _allude_ is often incorrectly used. Allusion is the by-play of
language. It means to hint at by remote suggestions, to speak of
figuratively or sportively.
Whatever is directly mentioned, or spoken of, or described, cannot be
said to be _alluded to._ The terms
differ in degree, the first being the weakest. An _allusion_ is an
indirect reference.
Among the rest
“Mary sat on the beach _among the rest.”_ Say _“with the rest.”_
Peruse
This is one of those high-sounding terms too often employed when _read
_would be much better.
Emigrants, Immigrants
These words are sometimes confounded. “Did you see the _emigrants_ on
the ‘Indiana,’ which arrived this morning?” “Did the _immigrants_ go
directly to Italy?” Exchange the italicized words in the two sentences
and they will be correctly used.
Somewheres
The terminal _s_ should be omitted in such words as _anywheres,
somewheres, nowheres, anyways, hereabouts, thereabouts, whereabouts._
In such cases as “Whereabouts did you find him?” and “We knew his
whereabouts,” the _s_ is properly retained.
Apart, Aside
“May I see you _apart_ from the others?” It should be, “May I see you
_privately”_ or “_aside”?_
Fire, Throw
We _fire_ a gun, but _throw_ a stone. To _fire a stone, fire him out of
the house, fire him out of our employ,_ may
be graphic ways of presenting the thought, but good writers never use
them and good speakers should avoid them.
The First, Single
“I have not found _the first_ objection to his candidacy.” Say _“a
single objection,”_ or _“no objection.”_
First two
Such has been the strong desire to continue to use forms of expression
that we have long used that not a little time and effort have been
expended in the endeavor to make the wrong appear right. It is an
accepted fact, however, that a large majority of the best speakers and
writers now say _the first two, the last five,_ etc., rather than _the
two first, the five last._
Future, Subsequent
The word _future_ is sometimes used instead of _subsequent; _as, “Until
he was eighteen years old his conduct was marked by cruelty and malice,
but his _future_ life was characterized by kindness and generosity.”
_Future_ looks forward from the present, and not from some point of
time in the past.
Gent’s pants
“_Gent’s pants_ scoured and pressed.” Business signs and business
advertisements are responsible for many vulgarisms. Never say _gent’s_
nor _pants._ Even _pantaloons_ is not so good a word as _trousers._
Sit, Set
Few words afford a more fertile field for grammatical blundering than
the verbs _sit_ and _set._ The important fact to remember in the use of
the words is that _sit,_ in modern usage, is an intransitive verb, and
does not take an object, while _set,_ which means _to place in
position, _is transitive, and requires an object to complete its
meaning. You cannot _sit_ a thing, but you do _set_ or place a thing.
The verb _sit_ undergoes a slight change with the change of tense or
time. “I _sit_ at the window today.” “I _sat_ at the window yesterday.”
“I have _sat_ at the window daily for many years.” _“Sitting _at the
window, I saw the storm arise.” “Having _sat_ at his table, I can
testify to his hospitality.”
The transitive verb _set_ undergoes no tense changes. “See me _set_
this vase on the table.” “He _set_ his seal to the paper yesterday.”
“Jones will not _set_ the world on fire with his writings.” “Having
_set _my affairs in order, I returned home.” “I _sit_ down.” “I _sat
_down.” “I _set_ him down.”
There are many intransitive uses of the verb _set;_ as, “The sun
_sets,”_ “The tide _sets_ toward the south,” “The fruit has _set,” “_He
_set_ out for Boston.”
There is a difference of opinion as to whether we should say “The coat
_sets _well” or “The coat _sits_ well,” with the greater weight in
favor of _sits._ “The
hen _sits_ on her eggs.” “She is a _sitting_ hen.” When the verb is
used reflexively use _set_ and not _sat;_ as, “I _set_ me down beside
her,” not “I _sat_ me down beside her.”
Anyhow
This word can scarcely be regarded as elegant, and should not be used
except in colloquial style.
Awful
Few words among the many that go to make up the vocabulary of American
slang have been in longer use and have a wider range than the word
_awful._ From the loftiest and most awe-inspiring themes to the
commonest trifle, this much-abused word has been employed. A correct
speaker or writer almost fears to use the word lest he should suggest
the idea of slang, and thus detract from the subject to which the word
might most fitly be applied.
Even the grammatical form of the word is often violated in such
expressions as “Isn’t he _awful_ nice?” “That hat of hers is _awful_
pretty.” To say _awfully nice_ and _awfully pretty_ would improve the
grammar, but the gross vulgarism remains.
The word, when properly used, means “inspiring with awe or dread” often
accompanied with reverence, as when Milton says:
“The trumpet spake not to the armed throng;
And kings sat still with awful eye,
As if they surely knew their sovran Lord was by.”
Back up
In the sense of _support,_ this, and the shorter expression _back_, are
doubtless borrowed from the commercial world. While they may be
tolerated in conversation, they must be regarded as slang.
Bulk
This word is often incorrectly used for _most_ or _the greater part;
_as, “The _bulk_ of the people opposed the measure.” _Bulk_ refers to
size, not to numbers.
Burglarize
This word is often used by the more sensational reporters in their
reports of crime. It should be avoided.
But what, But that
“I don’t know _but what_ I shall have to punish him.” The sentence
should read, “I don’t know _but that_ I shall have to punish him.” It
is equivalent to, “I think that I shall have to punish him.” The
omission of _but_ will convey the opposite meaning. “I don’t know that
I shall have to punish him” is equivalent to “I think that I shall not
have to punish him.”
Calculate
A provincialism often used in the sense of _think, deem, suppose,
believe; _as, “I calculate the train will be here in ten minutes.”
Calculated, Liable
This word is often incorrectly used in the sense of _likely, liable,
apt;_ as, “His utterances are _calculated_ to injure his cause.” In the
proper use of the word there is present the idea of purpose or intent.
Leave, Quit
_Leave_ is often incorrectly used for _quit;_ as, “That eminent actor
expects soon to _leave_ the stage.” It would be a misfortune if he
should take the stage with him. Say _“quit_ the stage.”
“Henry has _quit_ smoking.” Here _left off_ or _stopped_ would be
better.
“The President gave me _lief_ to speak with him.” Say “gave me
_leave.”_
_Let it alone_ and _let me be_ are preferable to _leave it alone _and
_leave me be._
A 1
“I have just read an A 1 article on the currency, question in the last
issue of the _North American Review!”_ This is an expression from the
vocabulary of business converted into the slang of the street.
Luck
_Luck,_ like _behavior,_ may be either good or bad. “The carpenter has
met with luck; he fell and broke his leg.” “The manager has met with
luck; his salary has been doubled.” The adjective _lucky_ and the
adverb _luckily_ are used only in a favorable sense.
Make way with
This expression is often incorrectly used for _make away with;_ as,
“The Judge gave the boot-blacks a Christmas dinner, and the begrimed
urchins quickly _made way_ with the turkey and cranberry sauce.” Say
_“made away with,” _etc.
To _make way_ is _to make room, to provide a way, to dispatch._
In our midst
“The doctor settled _in our midst.”_ Say “_among us,”_ or “_in our
neighborhood.”_
Indorse, Endorse
From the Latin _dorsum,_ the back, these words have come to mean the
writing of one’s name across the back of a check or draft or other
commercial paper to signify its transfer to another or to secure its
payment. To _indorse_ a man’s arguments or opinions is an incorrect use
of the word.
While both forms of spelling the word are in good usage, _indorse_
seems to be coming into more general favor.
In, Into
_In_ is often incorrectly used for _into;_ as, “He hurried up the
street and rushed _in_ the store.” We walk _in_ a room when the walking
is wholly within the apartment; we walk _into_ a room when we enter it
from some other room or from the outside.
Just going to
“I was _just going to_ write you a letter.” Say “I was _just about to_
write you a letter.”
Kind of
“James swallowed the dose, and now feels _kind of_ sick.” Use
_slightly_ or _somewhat,_ or some other modifier, instead of _kind of._
Knowing
Do not use _knowing_ for _skilful_ or _intelligent._ “He is a _knowing_
artist.” “See him prick up his ears; he is a _knowing _cur.”
Clever, Smart
In England the word _clever_ is applied to one who is bright,
intelligent, ready, apt; in the United States it is often misapplied to
one who is good-natured, kind, or accommodating.
“Do you believe in corporal punishment for stupid school-children?”
“Yes; a spanking always makes them _smart.”_
To express cleverness, brightness, intelligence, aptness, the
adjectives _clever, bright, intelligent, apt,_ are better than the word
_smart._
Posted, Informed
“He is well _posted_ on all matters relating to cattle-breeding.” Say
_informed._
Perspire, Sweat
While all mankind belongs to the animal kingdom, and no person can feel
offended at being called an animal, yet society observes certain
distinctions in speaking of men and of beasts. _To sweat_ and _to feed
_are expressions that apply to the latter; _to perspire_ and _to eat
_to the former.
Empty
The Mississippi river _flows,_ or _discharges its water_ into the Gulf
of Mexico, but it can not _empty_ so long as any water remains in the
river.
Enjoyed poor health
“Gold that buys health can never be ill spent, Nor hours laid out in
harmless merriment.”
The negative form of expression, “I have not _enjoyed_ good health,” is
not only correct, but is, at the same time, a polite way of modestly
stating a fact. To say “I have _enjoyed_ poor health for the past year”
is to express a kind of enjoyment not generally appreciated. It is like
being _agreeably disappointed._
Aberration of intellect
“He is afflicted with a slight aberration of intellect.” Simplicity
would suggest, “He is slightly insane.”
Above, Foregoing
“Let me call your attention to the _above_ passage.” The highest
authority does not sanction the use of _above_ as an adjective. Say
“the _foregoing_ passage.”
Allowed, Said
“He _allowed_ this was the best speech he had heard.” This is a
provincialism that should be avoided. Use _said,_ or _declared,_ or
_admitted,_ according to the meaning.
Alternation
This word is sometimes used in the sense of an unbroken series. It
properly signifies a reciprocal succession, as “The alternation of
summer and winter produces an ever-changing scene.”
Alternative
Etymologically and by general use, this word refers to a choice between
two; as, “If this demand is refused the _alternative_ is war.” But
Gladstone is quoted as saying, “My decided preference is for the fourth
and last of these _alternatives.”_
Anniversary
From _annus,_ a year, means recurring every year. _Centennial_ means
once in a hundred years. What then does _centennial anniversary_ mean?
Use _centenary._
Learn, Teach
“I taught him grammar,” not “I learned him grammar.” “He taught us
history.”
Lease, Let, Rent, Hire
We may _lease_ to or from. “I _leased_ the farm to my neighbor.” “I
_leased_ this house from Brown.” We _let_ to another; as, “I _let _my
house to my cousin.” We may _rent_ to or from another. We may _hire_
from another,” as, “I hired a servant;” “he hired a boat.” With _out_
and reflexively we may hire to another; as,” I hired out my horses;”
“he hired himself to the miller.”
Like, As
Avoid the use of _like_ in the sense of _as_. “He thinks just _as _(not
_like)_ his father does.” That Anthony Trollope, Hugh Conway and other
writers are chargeable with this offence does not justify the use of
_like_ for _as_, but rather proves the need of constant vigilance in
order to avoid such errors.
Lit, Lighted, Alighted
“He _lighted_ the candle.” “The crow _alighted_ on the top of the
tree.” Avoid the use of _lit_ in such cases, and also that slang form,
as, “I _lit on_ a beautiful passage in Browning,” in the sense of _met
with._
Lend, Loan
“Will you _lend_ me your book,” is better than “Will you _loan_ me your
book.”
Near, Nearly
“James is not _near_ so good a scholar as his brother is.” Use
_nearly._
Nasty, Nice
_Nasty_ is a strong adjective, and should be used only in reference to
what is offensively filthy, foul, or defiled. Such expressions as a
_nasty _day, a _nasty_ rain, mark a loose and careless use of the word.
The word _nice_ once meant _foolish, ignorant, weak, effeminate._ It
has now come to mean _exact, fine, finished, exciting admiration on
account of skill or exactness;_ as _nice_ proportions, _nice_
workmanship, a _nice_ distinction in philosophy. It is loosely and
colloquially used in application to what is pleasing, agreeable,
delightful, good.
A bright young lady was once asked, “Don’t you think _nice_ is a _nasty
_word?” She replied, “And do you think _nasty_ is _a nice_ word.” The
subject was abruptly changed.
Nicely
“How do you feel this morning?” _“Nicely,_ thank you.” The foregoing
use of the word is as incorrect as it is common. Use _very well_
instead.
No good, No use
“How does that new machine work?” “It’s _no good.” “_Shall I try
again?” “No; it’s _no_ _use.”_ The answers should have been, _“It is of
no good, it is of no use.”_
O, Oh
While good usage is far from uniform, many excellent authors employ _O_
only in cases of direct address and _oh_ when strong and sudden emotion
is to be expressed. _O_ is always written with a capital letter, and
should be followed by the name of the person or thing addressed, and
the exclamation or interrogation point placed at the end of the
sentence; as, “O Death, where is thy sting? O Grave, where is thy
victory?” “O the cold and cruel winter!”
_Oh_ in the body of a sentence may begin with a small letter, and is
immediately followed by the exclamation point; as, “Oh! how terrible
was his fate!” “The sad intelligence was gently given, but oh! the
shock was almost unbearable.”
Observe, Say
“He _observed_ that the orphan pines while the oppressor feeds.” To
_observe_ is to notice carefully, to attend closely to what one sees.
In the above sentence _said_ or _remarked_ should be used instead of
_observed._
Of any, Of all
“This is the largest tree _of any_ I have seen.” The meaning clearly
is, that of all the trees I have seen this is the largest. Hence, _of
any_ should be changed to _of all._
Older, Elder
_Elder_ and _eldest_ are terms applied chiefly to persons, generally in
speaking of members of the same family, while _older_ and _oldest _are
applied to persons of different families, and also to things.
“His _elder_ brother died yesterday.” “His _eldest_ sister has gone to
Italy on her wedding trip.” “Our _oldest_ neighbor was born in 1825.”
“This oak is _older_ than that pine.” The foregoing sentences
illustrate the best usage as applied to the comparatives _older_ and
_elder_ and the superlatives _oldest_ and _eldest._
When the direct comparison is made the word _older_ is used, followed
by the conjunction _than;_ as, “My father is _older than_ my mother.”
But when the comparison is assumed the word _elder_ should be employed;
as, “My father is the _elder_ of my parents.”
Only
Perhaps no other word in the language is so often misplaced as the word
_only._ The only general rule is to place it as near as possible to the
word which it modifies. “He _only_ lent me a dollar” means that he did
not make me a present of the dollar, but expects me to return it. “He
lent me _only_ a dollar” means that the sum lent was neither greater
nor less than one dollar. The former expression is often used when the
latter should be.
_“Only_ the man walked to the post-office to-day.” The woman did not
walk with him.
“The man _only_ walked to the post-office to-day.” He did not ride or
drive.
“The man walked _only_ to the post-office to-day.” He did not go so far
as the store.
“The man walked to the post-once _only_ to-day.” Yesterday he rode and
the day before he drove. Today is the only day that he walked.
George Eliot, in _Middlemarch,_ says: “I _only_ know two gentlemen who
sing at all well,” and in another place, “I have _only_ seen her once
before.” The word _only_ should be placed before two in the first
sentence, and before _once_ in the second.
Onto
There is a growing tendency to write the words _on_ and _to_ as one
word. “Although nearly drowned he yet had strength enough to climb
_onto _the rock.” The use of _upon_ or _on_ is generally better. When
neither of these can be used write _on_ and _to_ as separate words.
Outstart
This word is sometimes used when _outset_ should be employed.
Over and Above
“He earned twenty dollars _over and above_ his expenses.” Use _more
than_ or _above._
Party, Person
“Is she the _party_ of whom you spoke?” “No; she is the _person.”_
One man may be a party to a contract or agreement. Several men may form
a party. When no contract is implied, one man or woman must be spoken
of as a _person,_ not as a _party._
Patron, Customer
Unless there is a sense of obligation or condescension, use the term
_customer_ and not _patron._ In like manner, use _custom _instead of
_patronage._
Per
_Per_ is a Latin preposition and should be used only with Latin nouns.
We should say _per annum,_ but not _per year; per diem,_ and not _per
day; per capita,_ and not _per head._ “He received a thousand dollars
_a_ _year_ is shorter and better than “he received a thousand dollars
_per year.”_
Perchance, Peradventure
These are poetic and archaic forms that should be avoided in ordinary
prose.
Performers
“The entertainment consisted of reading, recitations, and singing, and
the _performers_ acquitted themselves well.” Readers, reciters, and
singers are not
_performers._ The term is applied to the stage, and to those who play
on musical instruments. Even in the latter application, “he _plays_
well on the piano,” is better than “he _performs_ well on the piano.”
Period, Point
Do not use _period_ for _a point_ of time. _Period _implies extended
time.
Nothing like
“James is _nothing like_ so successful as his brother” illustrates a
colloquialism that should be avoided. Use _not nearly so,_ etc.
Notorious, Noted
“He was elected to Congress, then Governor, and we now think of sending
him to the United States Senate. He is becoming quite _notorious.” _The
word _notorious_ implies some bad or doubtful quality or
characteristic, and must not be used in the sense of _noted_ or
_famous._
Nowhere near so
“He trapped _nowhere near_ so many rabbits as his cousin.” This
vulgarism should be avoided. Use _not nearly._
Plead
The past tense of _read_ is _read,_ but the past tense of _plead_ is
_pleaded,_ not _plead. “_The prisoner _pleaded _for mercy.”
Plenty, Plentiful
“Money is _plenty_ this summer.” _Plenty_ is a noun and should not be
used as an adjective. Therefore “money is _plentiful_ this summer.”
Shakespeare says, “If reasons were as _plenty_ as blackberries,” etc.,
but words have settled into more definite grooves since Shakespeare’s
time. “This house is _plenty_ large enough.” Neither is _plenty_ an
adverb. Say, “This house is quite large enough,” or, simply, _large
enough._
About, around
“She was pleased with the conversation _about_ her.” Use “_around_
her.”
“She was pained by the conversation _about_ her.” Use “_concerning
_her.”
Overlook, Oversee
This word means to look down upon from a place that is over or above;
as, “From the top of the Washington monument you can readily _overlook_
the city.” But it also means to look over and beyond an object in order
to see a second object, thus missing the view of the first object;
hence, to refrain from bestowing notice upon, to neglect. The
confounding of these two ideas begets ambiguity, as “Brown’s business
was _to overlook_ the workmen in the shop.” His business was _to
oversee_ or _superintend_ them, and not to _neglect_ or _overlook_
them.
Revolting
To _revolt_ is to _rebel,_ to _renounce allegiance,_ but the
participial form _revolting_ also means _repugnant, loathsome._ In the
sentence, “A band of _revolting_ Huns has just passed down the street,”
we should be in doubt whether the speaker referred to their acts
against the government or to their appearance. The use of the word
_rebellious_ in the former sense, and of _disagreeable_ or
_disgusting,_ or the stronger adjectives given above, for the latter
meaning, would make the sentence clear.
Unexampled
Such adjectives as _unexampled, unparalleled, unprecedented,_ do not
admit of comparison, hence such expressions as _the most unexampled
_bravery, _the most unparalleled heroism,_ etc., should be avoided.
Utter
This verb should be distinguished from _express_ or _say. Utter
_carries with it the idea of articulate expression, except in the sense
of _uttering_ false coins or forged notes.
As an adjective it is defined by _complete, perfect, absolute,_ etc.,
but it can be applied only to what is unpleasant or unfavorable. “I
enjoyed _utter_ happiness” would be an absurd expression, but “I was
doomed to _utter_ misery” illustrates a proper use of the word.
Valuable, Valued
These words are not synonymous; _valuable_ means precious, costly,
having value; _valued_ refers to our estimation of the worth. “He is
one of our most _valued_ contributors,” not _valuable,_ unless you are
thinking of the value of his contributions and the smallness of the
compensation.
Very pleased
A few participles used as adjectives may be directly modified by _too_
or _very;_ as, “I was _very tired,” “_He was _too fatigued_ to go
farther.”
We sometimes hear the expression, “I was _very pleased,”_ but the
critics insist upon “I was _very much_ pleased,” or “greatly pleased,”
or “very greatly pleased.”
Vicinity
Often too high-sounding a word for the thought; _neighborhood_ is less
pretentious.
The old man
The use of such words as _dad, daddy, mam, mammy, the old man, the old
woman,_ when applied to parents, not only indicates a lack of
refinement, but shows positive disrespect. The words _pap, pappy,
governor, _etc., are also objectionable. After the first lispings of
childhood the words _papa_ and _mamma_, properly accented, should be
insisted upon by parents, and at
the age of twelve or fifteen the words _father_ and _mother_ should be
substituted and ever after used, as showing a proper respect on the
part of children.
Great big
“He gave me a _great big_ apple.” This is a colloquialism that should
be avoided. Use _large._
Argue, Augur
“The hollow whistling of the wind among the trees _argues_ an
approaching storm.” Use _augurs._
Barbaric, Barbarous
_Barbaric_ refers to a people; _barbarous_ to their low state of life
and their habits of cruelty.
Cut in half
A colloquialism in very frequent use. “I will _cut_ this melon _in
half_ and share it with you.” Say, _cut in two,_ or _cut in halves,_ or
_cut in two parts._
Hearty meal
“He ate a hearty meal before starting on his journey.” _Hearty_ applies
to the eater rather than to the meal. “He ate heartily,” etc.
Some better
“John has been _right sick,_ but is now _some_ better.” _Somewhat,
rather,_ or _slightly_ may take the place of _some._ The sentence may
be otherwise improved. “John has been _quite ill,_ but is now
_somewhat_ better.”
Through, Finished
Unless you have fallen through a trap door and finished your career, do
not say, “I am through,” when you mean “I have finished.” The
school-boy says, “I _am through with,_ that lesson,” when he should
say, “I _have finished_ that lesson.” The farmer asks the man in his
employ, _“Are _you _through with_ that field?” when he should have
asked, _“Have _you _finished_ ploughing that field?” You ask your
friend, _“Are _you _through, with Trilby?”_ when you should ask,
_“Have_ you _finished_ reading _Trilby.”_
Winterish
Do not say _summerish_ and _winterish,_ but _summery,_ or _summerlike,_
and _wintry._
Wish
The word _hope_ should be employed instead of _wish_ in such cases as,
“I _wish_ you may succeed in your undertaking.”
Right
This little word has many meanings and is put to many uses. In the
following senses it should be avoided:
“Stand _right_ here.” In most instances the briefer expression, “Stand
here,” is sufficient. If it is necessary to locate the place more
definitely or to emphasize the position, “Stand just here,” or “Stand
on this very spot,” may be better.
“The train came to a standstill _right_ here.” Better, “The train
stopped _just_ here.”
“Do it _right away.”_ This is a colloquialism that should be avoided.
_Immediately, instantly, at once, without delay,_ are expressions that
may safely be substituted for _right away._
“I heard of your misfortune, and came to you _right away.”_ “John, post
this letter for me _right off.” Directly_ or _immediately,_ in the
place of _right away_ and _right off,_ is better English.
“James is _right_ sick, and the doctor comes to see him _right _often.”
The use of _right_ as an intensive with adjectives and adverbs is very
common in many quarters. _Quite ill_ or _very ill_ is better than
_right sick,_ and _often_ or _frequently_ is better than _right often._
“We have a _right_ good crop of wheat this year.” Use _very _instead of
_right._
“You have as good a _right_ to be punished as I have.” The person
addressed would gladly relinquish his _right._ “You _merit _punishment
as well as I,” or “You _deserve_ to be punished,” etc.
Shall, Will, Should, Would
Few persons can claim to be entirely free from slips of speech in the
use of these auxiliaries. Simply to express a future action or event,
_shall _is used with the first person and _will_ with the second and
third; as,
I shall read, We shall read,
You will read, You will read,
He will read, They will read.
But when I desire to show determination on my part to do a certain
thing, or when I exercise my authority over another, or express
promise, command, or threat, _will_ is used in the first person and
_shall_ in the second and third; as,
I will read, We will read,
You shall read, You shall read,
He shall read, They shall read.
_Shall_ primarily implies obligation; _will_ implies intention or
purpose. _Will_ and _would_ should be used whenever the subject names
the one whose will controls the action; _shall_ and _should_ must be
employed whenever the one named by the subject is under the control of
another.
The difference between _should_ and _would_ is, in general, about the
same as that between _shall_ and _will._
The foregoing suggestions cover the ordinary uses of these auxiliaries,
but there are some special cases deserving attention.
_Will,_ in the first person, expresses assent or promise, as well as
determination; as,
“I will read this poem for you since you have requested it.”
“I will meet you to-morrow at the time appointed.”
_Will,_ in the second person, may express a command; as,
“You will take the places assigned you.”
“You will report immediately at my office.”
_Will_ is sometimes employed to express a general fact, without
conveying the idea of futurity; as, “Accidents will happen.”
“Differences will arise.”
_Will_ is sometimes incorrectly used instead of _shall;_ as, _“Will_ I
go?” for _“Shall_ I go?” This fault is common in Scotland, and prevails
to some extent in this country.
_Will_ is also used where _may_ would be more appropriate; as, “Be that
as it _will.”_
Shall you? Will you?
The distinction between _shall_ and _will_ in the interrogative forms
of the second person are not very clearly defined. Many writers and
speakers use them interchangeably. The answer should have the same
auxiliary as the question.
“Shall you go to town to-morrow?” “I _shall.”_
“Will you attend to this matter promptly?” “I _will.”_
Should, Would, Ought
_Should_ is often used in the sense of _ought;_ as, “Mary should remain
at home to-day and wait upon her sick mother.”
_Should_ and _would_ are employed to express a conditional assertion;
as, “I _should_ go to college, if I could secure the necessary means.”
“He _would_ have gone fishing, if his father had been willing.”
_Would_ is often used to express a custom, a determination, or a wish;
as, “He _would_ sit all day and moan.” _“Would_ to God we had died in
the land of Egypt.” “He _would_ go, and his parents could not prevent
him.”
Talented
Certain authors and critics, including Coleridge, have objected
strongly to the use of _talented._ One writer argues that since there
is no such verb as _to talent,_ the formation of such a participle as
_talented_ cannot be defended, and he further declares that no good
writer is known to use it, Webster _(The International Dictionary)_
states that, as a formative, _talented_ is just as analogical and
legitimate as _gifted, bigoted, moneyed, lauded, lilied, honeyed,_ and
numerous other adjectives having a participial form, but derived
directly from nouns and not from verbs.
We must therefore conclude that the use of _talented_ as an adjective
is entirely legitimate.
Climb down
The critics generally oppose the use of the expression _climb down.
_When the verb is employed
without its adverbial modifier, the upward direction is always
understood. In figurative language, as “Black vapors climb aloft, and
cloud the day,” “The general climbed the heights of fame,” the upward
direction is also understood.
But in a specific sense _climb_ is defined “to mount laboriously,
especially by the use of hands and feet.” Here the manner seems to be
as important as the direction. When the same manner must be employed in
descending, as a tree, a mast, or a steep, rocky cliff, the general
term _descend_ fails to convey the meaning, and to use _slip, slide,
drop, tumble, fall,_ would be incorrect. We are then left to choose
between the short and clear, but objectionable, expression _climb down_
and some long and cumbersome equivalent.
Mighty
Never use _mighty_ in the sense of _very,_ or _exceedingly._ It is not
only inappropriate but inelegant.
Of, From
“She had consumption and died _from_ the disease.” Say, “died _of _the
disease.”
On, Over, Upon
“Mary called _upon_ her friend.” Say, “called _on_ her friend.” “The
Senator prevailed _over_ his friends to support his bill.” Say,
“prevailed _upon_ his
friends.” “The candidate prevailed _over_ his enemies.”
Partake
This word means _to take a part of, to share with_ another. It is often
incorrectly used for _ate,_ as “He _partook_ sparingly of the food.”
Powerful sight
This is a Westernism to be avoided. It is used indiscriminately for a
_large number,_ a _great quantity,_ a _vast amount,_ etc.
Apprehend, Comprehend
To _apprehend_ is to take into the mind; to _comprehend_ is to
understand fully what is already there. We may _apprehend_ many truths
which we do not _comprehend._
Introduce, Present
_Present_ implies more formality than _introduce._ We introduce one
friend to another. An envoy is _presented_ to the King. Foreign
ministers are _presented_ to the President of the United States.
Same as
“This is the _same_ story _as_ I read last week.” Use _same that._
Section
“We raise finer horses in our _section.”_ This is an Americanism that
should be avoided. Neighborhood, vicinity, region, part of the country
or State, may be substituted for _section._
Seldom or ever
This incorrect expression is sometimes used instead of _seldom or never
_or _seldom if ever._ “I have _seldom if ever_ heard so eloquent an
oration.” “I have _seldom or never_ seen the man.”
Sewage, Sewerage
These words have distinct meanings. _Sewage_ refers to the contents of
the sewer; _sewerage_ to the system of sewers.
Sociable, Social
“He is one of the most _sociable_ men I have met. He is fond of
society, and is very ready in conversation.” _Sociable_ means
companionable; _social_ applies to the relations of men in society; as
_social _duties, _social_ pleasures, _social_ interests.
Specialty, Speciality
These words are interchangeable, but the former is the better word.
Requirement, Requisition, Requisite
While these words have something in common, each has a meaning peculiar
to itself. _Requirement_
means that which is required as an essential condition, or as something
necessary; _requisition,_ that which is required as of right, a demand
or application made as by authority; _requisite,_ that which is
required by the nature of things, or by circumstances, that which
cannot be dispensed with. “She understood the nature of the child and
of its _requirements.”_ “The officer made a _requisition_ for more
troops.” “This is as much a _requisite_ as food and clothing.”
Sick, Ill
There is a growing tendency to discriminate between _sickness _and
_illness,_ limiting the words _sick_ and _sickness_ to some slight
disturbance of the physical system, as nausea, and applying the words
_ill_ and _illness_ to protracted disease and disordered health.
Scholar, Pupil
Although these words are often used synonymously and with good
authority, it would be better to limit the former to learned persons
and to apply the latter to persons under instruction.
Commenced to write
“I _commenced to write_ at a very early age.” After the verb _commence_
the best writers use the verbal
noun instead of the infinitive with _to;_ as, “I _commenced writing _at
a very early age.”
Beside, Besides
These words were formerly used interchangeably, but the best writers of
to-day make a distinction. _Beside_ means by _the side of. Besides
_means _in addition to. Besides_ is sometimes incorrectly used for
_except;_ as, “No trees will grow here _besides_ the pine.”
Bountiful, Plentiful
_Bountiful_ applies to the giver; _plentiful_ to the things furnished.
“The _bountiful_ Giver of all good furnishes a _plentiful _supply of
all things needful for our comfort and happiness.” Do not say a
_bountiful_ repast, a _bountiful_ harvest.
Attacked, Burst, Drowned
The incorrect past tense forms _attackted, bursted, drownded,_ are
sometimes heard; as, “The cashier was _attackted_ by three of the
ruffians,” “The cannon _bursted_ and killed the gunners,” “The
fishermen were _drownded_ off the bar.” Use _attacked, burst, drowned._
All
This little word is used in a great many ways, some of which are quite
colloquial, and in some cases provincial. When the grocer’s clerk has
taken your order he is prompted to say, “Is that _all?”_ Or if
he should say, “Is there anything else that you wish?” you are likely
to reply, “No; that is _all.”_ Whether used in the question or in the
reply, the word _all_ should be avoided, or else the expression should
be expanded so as to make a clear sentence.
A friend calls to see you, and, finding you alone when he expected to
meet others with you, he says, “Good morning; I see you are _all_
alone.” _All_ is not a good equivalent for _quite_ or _entirely,_
either of which words would be better than _all._ In truth, the
sentence is as clear and as strong and more concise without the use of
a modifier. “I see you are _alone.”_
Inaugurate
_To inaugurate_ means _to induct_ into office or _to set in motion_
with formality and serious ceremony. Pompous writers too often employ
the word in referring to commonplace events. A new business is
_established._ A new hall or library is _opened._ A new pastor is
_installed._ A new order of procedure is _adopted._ In general, the
word _begin_ or _commence_ would be more appropriate than _inaugurate._
Came across, Met with
“I _came across_ the passage quite unexpectedly.” Better, “I _chanced
upon,”_ or “_happened upon,,”_ or “_met with_ the passage quite
unexpectedly.”
Expect
Few words are more frequently incorrectly used than _expect. “_I
_expect_ you went to town yesterday,” “I _expect_ you will hear from me
to-morrow,” “I _expect_ the train has arrived,” represent some of the
uses to which this word is often put. _Expect_ refers wholly to the
future, and should not refer to present or past events; as, “I _expect
_you to write me from Liverpool.” “John _expects_ to see his father
to-morrow.” Among the expressions that can most readily and
appropriately be substituted for _expect_ are _suspect, suppose, think,
believe, presume, daresay._
Over with
“After the supper was _over with_ the guests departed.” Omit _with._
Overflown
“The lowlands along the river are _overflown.”_ Use _overflowed. _The
perfect participle of _overflow_ is _overflowed,_ not _overflown._
Good piece
“I have come a _good piece_ to see you.” Say “I have come a _long
distance_ to see you.”
Stand a chance
“He does not stand any chance of an election.” Say, “It is not probable
that he will be elected.”
No more than I could help
“As I was not in sympathy with the cause, I gave _no more than I could
help.”_ So accustomed are we to hearing this awkward, blundering
expression that we readily understand the meaning it is intended to
convey, and should be sorely puzzled to interpret the correct form. Let
us analyze it. I gave five dollars. That much I could not help
(giving). I gave no more. Hence, “I gave no more than I could not
help.” This last form appears to be correct. By changing the
phraseology the sentence can be greatly improved. “I gave no more than
I felt compelled to give.” “I made my contribution as small as
possible.” “My gift was limited to the measure of my sense of
obligation.”
Above, More than, Preceding
“It is _above_ a week since I heard from my brother.” We may say
_“above_ the earth,” _“above_ the housetops,” but in the preceding
sentence it is better to say, “It is _more than_ a week since I heard
from my brother.”
“In the _above_ paragraph he quotes from Horace.” Say, “In the
_preceding_ or _foregoing_ paragraph,” etc. The awkwardness of the use
of the word _above_ becomes very apparent when the line in which it
occurs is found at the top of a page, and the passage
to which reference is made appears at the bottom of the previous page.
Climax
The Greek word _climax_ means literally _a_ _ladder, _and implies
_ascent, upward movement._ The best authors use it only in this sense,
and not to denote the highest point.
Factor
This word, from the Latin _factor,_ a doer, an agent, signifies
_working, doing, effecting._ Its frequent use in the sense of _source
_or _part_ should be avoided.
“All are but _factors_ of one stupendous whole,
Whose body Nature is, and God the soul.”
Pope employs the better word _parts._
Hung, Hanged
Pictures, signs, bells, and other inanimate objects are _hung; _men are
_hanged._ While some writers ignore this distinction, the best
authorities observe it.
Healthy, Healthful
A lady wrote to a paper asking, “Are plants in a sleeping-room
_unhealthy?”_ The answer came, “Not necessarily; we have seen some very
_healthy_ plants growing in sleeping-rooms.”
Persons are _healthy_ or _unhealthy._ A plant or tree is
_healthy_ or _unhealthy_ according as it possesses vigor. Food,
surroundings and conditions are _healthful_ or _unhealthful _according
as they promote or destroy health.
Idea, Opinion
“Many persons think that the interior of the earth is a mass of fire;
what is your _idea?”_ Say, “What is your _opinion?”_
Alone, Only
“An _only_ child” is one that has neither brother nor sister. “A child
_alone”_ is one that is left to itself. “Virtue _alone_ makes us happy”
means that virtue unaccompanied by any other advantages is sufficient
to make us happy. “Virtue _only_ makes us happy” means that nothing
else can do it.
Grow, Raise, Rear
“We _grow_ wheat, corn, oats, and potatoes on our farm.” “We _raise_
wheat,” etc., would be better. With the same propriety we might use
_sleep_ for _lodge,_ and _eat_ for _feed,_ or supply with food; as, “We
can _eat_ and _sleep_ fifty persons at one time.”
The word _raise_ is often incorrectly used in the sense of _rear; _as,
“She _raised_ a family of nine children.” It is sometimes employed in
the sense of _increase,_ as, “The landlord _raised_ my_ _rent.”
_Increased_ would be better.
Has went
“He goes to school,” “He went to school yesterday,” “He has gone to the
West.” Avoid such ungrammatical forms as “He _has_ _went,” “_I _have_
saw.”
Badly, Greatly
_Badly_ is often incorrectly used for _greatly_ or _very much,_ as, “I
need it _badly,”_ “He was _badly_ hurt.”
“That fence wants painting _badly,_ I think I’ll do it myself,” said
the economical husband.
“Yes,” said his wife, “you had better do it yourself if you think it
wants to be done _badly.”_
At you
“If you don’t stop teasing me I will do something _at_ you,” meaning “I
will punish you.” That form of expression is very common in some
localities, and it is even more inelegant than common. The use of the
preposition _to_ instead of _at_ would be a slight improvement, but the
sentence should be entirely recast.
Haply, Happily
In the reading of the Scriptures the word _happily_ is sometimes used
where the archaic word _haply_ should be employed. In like manner the
word _thoroughly_ is substituted for the old form _throughly._ Both
words should be pronounced as they are spelled.
Thanks
To say “I thank you” requires but little more effort than to say
_“Thanks,”_ and it will be received as a more sincere token of
thankfulness.
Got to
This inelegant expression is often employed where _must_ would serve
the purpose better. “This work _has got to be_ done.” Say, “Must be
done.”
Hangs on
“The cold weather _hangs on.”_ Better, “The cold weather continues.”
Under the Weather
“Are you well?” “No; I have been quite _under the weather.” _Substitute
_sick_ or _ill,_ for the colloquial expression _under the weather._
Again, Against
_Again_ is often erroneously used for _against;_ as, “He leaned _again_
the tree for support.” Say, “He leaned _against_ the tree for support.”
Could, Can, Will
_Could_ is often incorrectly employed where _can_ or _will_ would be
more appropriate.
_“Could_ you lend me a dollar this morning?” If the thought of the
inquirer is, “Are you willing to lend,” etc., he should have used _will
_instead of _could;_
but if his thought was, “Are you able to lend,” or “Do you have a
dollar to spare this morning,” he should have used _can._
Bravery, Courage
_Bravery_ is inborn; _courage_ is the result of reason and
determination. The _brave_ are often reckless; the _courageous_ are
always cautious.
Hate
Avoid the use of _hate_ for _dislike,_ and all other intensive words
when the thought is more correctly expressed by a milder word.
Pretty, Very
_Pretty_ is often incorrectly used in the sense of _very _or
_moderately,_ as “He was _pretty_ badly hurt,” “He is a _pretty_ good
scholar,” “She is _pretty_ wealthy,” “Thomas is _pretty_ ugly.” So
common is this provincialism in some localities that the incongruity of
such an expression as the last would pass undiscovered.
Lot, Number
The use of _lot_ for _number_ or _many_ is a colloquialism that should
be avoided. “He collected a _lot (large number) _of books on the
subject.” “A _lot_ of policemen were gathered there” “I ate _lots of_
oranges while I was in Florida.”
Lead a dance
“He _led_ his companion _a fine dance.”_ This expression, as generally
used, is ironical, and implies that the leader conducts those who are
led through experiences unfamiliar to them and usually to their
disadvantage. To lead astray, to deceive, to corrupt the morals of, may
be substituted for the foregoing inelegant expression.
Try and
“Have you been to the country this summer?” “No; but I will _try and go
_next week.”. The second speaker intends to convey the idea that it is
his purpose to go if nothing occurs to prevent, but his going is still
a matter of uncertainty. His statement, however, when properly
interpreted means that he not only will try, but that he positively
will go.
“Try _and_ finish that work to-day.” Here the purpose is not to command
that the work shall be finished, but that the trial shall be made. As
the sentence stands two distinct commands are given, first, that the
trial shall be made, and, second, that the work must be completed. The
sentence should read, “Try to finish that work to-day.”
Use _to_ instead of _and_ in such expressions as “Try _and _make it
convenient to come,” “Try _and_ do your work properly,” “Try _and_
think of your lessons,” “Try _and_ go _and_ see our sick neighbor.”