Chapter M (2)

grieve _at_, _for_

independent _of_

insist _upon_

made _of_, _for_, _from_, _with_

marry _to_

martyr _for_ a cause, _to_ a disease.

need _of_

notice _of_

observance _of_

prejudiced _against_

prejudicial _to_

profit _by_

provide _for_

reconcile _to_

recreant _to_, _from_

reduce _to_ a state; _under_ subjection

regard _to_ or _for_

replete _with_

resemblance _to_

resolve _on_

respect _for_

smile _at_, _upon_

swerve _from_

taste _of_ what is actually enjoyed; _for_ what we have the capacity
of enjoying.

think _of_ or _on_

thirst _for_, _after_

true _of_ (predicable)

true _to_ (faithful)

wait _on_ (serve), _at_ (a place), _for_ (await)

worthy _of_

~present~ is to be distinguished from ~introduce~. Introduction takes place among equals, but a presentation takes place by act of grace. Then the favored person is brought into the presence of some superior or other persons, be it lady or celebrity, who is graciously pleased to grant the privilege, which however does not permit the subsequent familiarity of an introduction. A man may be _presented_ at court or to a reigning beauty, but he is merely _introduced_ to the man who may afterwards become a college chum.

~pretend~ is so commonly used in a bad sense that it becomes improper to use it (even in the sense of claim) for _profess_; for a profession is made only of what one is happy or proud to profess. Therefore say, “I _profess_ (not I _pretend_ to) skill in surgery.”

~pretty~ as an adverb may properly be used to signify moderately, tolerably, fairly, somewhat (extensively), but the expression lacks elegance and definitiveness, as is shown by the following sentence: “He is a _pretty_ sick man, but is _pretty_ sure to recover, being at all times _pretty_ fortunate.”

~prevail~: In the sense of “triumph,” this word is usually followed by the prepositions _over_ or _against_; as, “We have _prevailed over_ our enemies”; “None can _prevail against_ us.” In the sense of “to have effectual influence,” follow it with _on_, _upon_ or _with_; as, “He _prevailed on_ me to go.” In the sense “to have general vogue, currency or acceptance,” it should be followed by _through_ or _throughout_; as, “Mohammedanism _prevails throughout_ Northern Africa.”

~preventive~ is preferable to _preventative_, which is a corruption of the former, has been described as a “barbarism,” and is said to stamp any one using it as lacking in common education.

~previous~: In higher literature, the adverbial use of _previous_ with _to_, in the sense of “prior to” is not favored. The adverb _previously_ or the expression _prior to_ is preferred.

~prey~. Compare PRAY.

~principle~, ~principal~: Exercise care in the use of these homophones. _Principle_ is a source or cause from which a thing proceeds: _principal_, first or highest in rank. Note the difference in spelling.

~profess~. Compare PRETEND.

~promise~ should never be used for “assure.” A _promise_ always implies futurity. Do not say “He was alarmed, I _promise_ you;” say, rather, “I _assure_ you.”

~pronouns in the objective~: Often the coupling of one pronoun with another leads a careless speaker into error, where had one pronoun only been used, no doubt or difficulty would have been experienced. “If he calls for (you and) _I_, we will go.” If the words in parenthesis be omitted no one would think of saying “for _I_,” but would naturally use the correct pronoun _me_. This method of elision will generally elucidate the correct usage. “To talk like that before (you and) _I_ was atrocious.” Say _me_, as you certainly would if you omitted the words in parenthesis.

~prophecy~, ~prophesy~: Discriminate carefully between these words. A _prophecy_ is a prediction, the foretelling of an event; to _prophesy_ is to predict, or foretell an event. Note the difference in spelling.

~proposal~, as distinguished from ~proposition~, refers to the difference in treatment of the matter at issue. The one invites a plain “yes” or “no,” whereas the other suggests consideration or debate. A _proposal_ of marriage usually anticipates an immediate reply, whereas a _proposition_ for partnership involves reflection and discussion of terms.

~propose~, ~purpose~: Words often used incorrectly. To _propose_ is to offer; to _purpose_ is to intend. One _proposes_ to a young lady if one’s _purpose_ is to marry her. Compare CONTEMPLATE.

~proven~: An irregular form of the past participle of _prove_ used correctly only in courts of law. The word should be restricted to the Scotch verdict of “not _proven_,” which signifies of a charge that it has neither been proved nor disproved. The modern pernicious tendency among reporters is to use _proven_ instead of _proved_.

~providing~, ~provided~: The first of these words, which is not a conjunction, is sometimes improperly used for _provided_, which is. Say, “You may go, _provided_ (_not_ providing) the weather be fine.”

~provoke~. Compare AGGRAVATE.

~pull~ used to designate “influence” is a vulgarism of the street and the political arena that should be discountenanced. “Influence” is a better word.

~pupil~. Compare SCHOLAR.

~push, the whole~: A vulgar phrase used to designate all the persons that form a party: an Anglicism. In English slang “push” is used for “crowd” probably from the proverbial restlessness and crushing in which English crowds usually indulge.

~put~: For _run_ or _ran_; as, “You ought to have seen him _put_”; “Then he _put_ (sometimes, _put out_) for home”: an archaic usage now appearing as a colloquial Americanism. _Stay put_ in the sense of “remain where (or as) placed” is also an Americanism, never used (unless playfully) by correct speakers.

Q

~quantity~ is properly applied to that which is measurable, as is “number” to that which may be counted. “A _quantity_ of people”; “a _quantity_ of birds,” are both incorrect; substitute the word _number_ in both cases.

~quarter of~: As applied to time this is incorrect. Such an ambiguity can be avoided by substituting _to_ for _of_. For example, a quarter of seven is one and three-fourths not a quarter _to_ the hour of seven; yet the phrase “quarter of” is often misapplied to time by persons of average education.

~quit~ is sometimes used incorrectly for ~cease~. You may _quit_ business, but do not ask your companion to “_quit_ fooling.”

~quite~: In general _quite_ means “to the fullest extent, totally, perfectly”; colloquially, it means “very, considerably.” It is from the French _quitte_, meaning “discharged,” being the equivalent of the English “quits,” a word used in games to designate when the players are even with one another. Therefore such a phrase as “quite a number” is unjustifiable. “Number” is indefinite in its significance just as are also “few,” “little,” and “some.” As Richard Grant White says, “A cup or a theater may be _quite_ full; and there may be _quite_ a pint in a cup or _quite_ a thousand people in the theater; and neither may be _quite_ full.” Yet Thomas Hughes, author of “Tom Brown’s Schooldays,” wrote in a letter concerning an intercollegiate boat-race “_quite_ a number of young Americans.” The local colloquialism “quite some” is wholly indefensible.

~quite so~: An undesirable locution, common in England and to some extent in America, and used to signify assent, which should be avoided. “He jabbers like an idiot.” “_Quite so, quite so._”

~quite the lady~: A vulgarism for “very ladylike.”

R

~rabbit~, ~rarebit~: The correct form of this term is _rabbit_. A _Welsh rabbit_ is toasted or melted cheese well-seasoned and served on toast. This term, probably of slang origin, is analogous to _Munster plums_ designating Irish potatoes, and _Glasgow magistrate_, designating a salt herring.

~rag~. Compare CHEW THE RAG.

~raise~: As a verb this is often misapplied to the bringing up of human beings. One _rears_ cattle, _raises_ chickens, but _brings up_ children. _Rear_, meaning “to nurture and train,” may also be used of children.

You may _raise_ a fund for rent because the rent has been _raised_; but in speaking of this it were better to say “has been _increased_.” The colloquial use of _raise_ for an increase in salary should also be avoided.

~raise~, ~raze~: Discriminate carefully between these homophones. To _raise_ is to cause to rise, elevate; but to _raze_ is to level with the ground, as a building.

~rare~: In the United States _rare_ applied to meat is used to designate meat that is not well done; in England, the term is used to designate meat that is not fresh.

~rarely or ever~: Often incorrectly used for “rarely _if_ ever”: the word _seldom_ is preferable.

~rather~: Superfluous with adjectives ending in _-ish_, when this implies _rather_; as, “_rather_ warmish,” “_rather_ coldish.” Charles Lamb jestingly made the error apparent in closing a letter with “yours ratherish unwell.” But with adjectives where _-ish_ expresses quality only, not degree, _rather_ is admissible, and may make a neat distinction; as, “_rather_ foolish.”

~rattle~: In the sense of “to throw suddenly into confusion” this word is a colloquialism which has much currency. _Disconcert_ is a preferable term though not nearly so expressive.

~read~. Compare PERUSE.

~real~ used for ~very~ is an undesirable colloquialism. Avoid such locutions as “_real_ glad”; “_real_ smart”; “_real_ pleased.” _Very_ is the correct word to use.

~realized~ should not be used for “obtained.”

~receipt~. Compare RECIPE.

~recipe~ refers to the thing--the _combined ingredients_--directed to be taken, and _receipt_ refers to what is taken, _i. e._, the identical thing prescribed. The two words have thus come to acquire the same meaning, though, strictly, the doctor gives the _recipe_ (thing to be taken) or formula, and the patient acknowledges the _receipt_ (of the thing given).

~reciprocal~. Compare MUTUAL.

~recollect~ is not the same as remember. You only _recollect_ after making the effort to do so; you _remember_ because you have never forgotten, therefore without effort. You _remember_ the rent is due, but _recollect_ the date of your friend’s birth.

~recommend~: As a noun used instead of _recommendation_, this word is a colloquialism the use of which should be discouraged.

~recourse~, ~resource~: Two words often confounded. _Recourse_ means a resort to, as for help or protection; the adoption of a means to an end. A _resource_ is that which one resorts to, as in case of need; the source of aid or support; an expedient. In the plural, _resources_ are one’s means, funds, or property of any kind, as distinguished from one’s _liabilities_.

~reduce~, ~lessen~: To _reduce_ is to bring to a specified form or inferior condition; to _lessen_ is to diminish. Do not say “to _reduce_ cases in which the death penalty may be inflicted”; say, rather, “to _lessen_ the number of cases, etc.”

~regardless~ is an adjective meaning “exercising no regard; heedless,” and should never be used as in the common vulgarism “got up _regardless_” which is incomplete, and which to be correct should be rendered “got up _regardless of expense_.”

~relation~, ~relative~, ~kinsman~: The distinction between these words is not commonly known. A _relation_ or _relative_ is one to whom another may be related by ties of blood or by law. Thus, a brother is a _relation_ or _relative_ by ties of blood; and a brother-in-law is a _relation_ or _relative_ by law. A _kinsman_, as the formation of the word shows, is a “man’s kin”; that is, one of his own blood, as a brother or cousin.

~relic~, ~relict~; These words, though once interchangeable are no longer so; _relict_ in the sense of _relic_ now being obsolete. A _relic_ is a fragment that remains after the loss or decay of the rest. A _relict_ is either a widow or a widower. In this sense the term, common in law, is archaic or humorous in general use.

~relieve~. Compare ALLEVIATE.

~remainder~. Compare BALANCE.

~remains~ should not be used for “corpse” or “body.”

~remit~: In commercial usage this word implies the discharge of an account by payment sent; and it should not generally be used as a synonym for _send_. To _remit_ is “to send or place back.” Thus, to forgive, release, withdraw a demand for--any of which actions may replace the recipient of the favor in his former position--is properly spoken of as _remit_. It is in this sense only that _remit_ is permissible for discharge of an obligation, though by payment, as this procedure places the parties in the same state as that in which they were before the obligation was incurred.

~rendering~. Compare RENDITION.

~rendition~: Although this word has the meaning of “artistic interpretation or reproduction, as of the spirit of a composer,” the word _rendering_ is preferably employed in referring to a delineation or interpretation in art and the drama. Describe an artistic version or a literary translation as a _rendering_, and an amount rendered or produced, as a yield of cocoons, as a _rendition_. The former specially signifies the act, the latter the thing produced by the act, though there is of course a blending point of the two which is none other than the whole.

~replace~: The use of this word with the sense of “succeed” has been subjected to criticism, usage decrees that to _replace_ is to “take or fill the place of; supersede in any manner.” To _succeed_ is to “come next in order especially in a manner prescribed by law.”

~reply~. Compare ANSWER.

~reputation~. Compare CHARACTER.

~requirement~, ~requisite~, ~requisition~: Whereas a _requisite_ is that which can not be dispensed with, a _requirement_ is rather that which is insisted on, if desired conditions are to be fulfilled. Fresh air is a _requisite_ of life; the apology you ask is a hard _requirement_. My _requirements_ are few; my _requisites_ but clothing, food and air. When a _requirement_ partakes of the nature of a legal or authoritative or even popular demand, it then becomes a _requisition_; as, a _requisition_ for accounts; to be in _requisition_.

~resemble~. Compare FAVOR.

~reside~, ~residence~: Somewhat stately words, not to be indiscriminately used for _live_, _house_ or _home_. In the legal sense, as affecting, for instance, the right to vote, a man’s _residence_ may be in a cheap lodging-house; but commonly the word would be understood to designate a building of some pretensions. “Where does he _live_?” is ordinarily better than “Where does he _reside_?” and to call a plain little cottage “my _residence_” is a bit of petty affectation.

~resource~. Compare RECOURSE.

~respectfully~ is often confounded by the thoughtless with ~respectively~. While the former means “in a respectful manner” the latter signifies “singly, in the order designated, or as singly considered.” _Respectively_ must also be distinguished from _severally_, the meaning of which is “separately, or each for himself or itself.” For example, “The three men _severally_ undertook to do the share of work allotted to them _respectively_, that is, A, B, C, each promised for himself to do work in the following proportions--A, one-sixth, B, one-third, and C, one-half of the whole.”

~restive~: Objection has been made to the use of this word in the sense of ~restless~, as commonly applied to a horse, on the ground that it formerly meant “stubborn, balky, refusing to go.” On this subject Fitzedward Hall (“False Philology,” p. 97) says: “The ordinary sense of the word has always been ‘unruly,’ ‘intractable,’ ‘refractory.’ Proofs are subjoined from Lord Brooks, Dr. Featly, Fuller, Milton, Jeremy Collins, Samuel Richardson, Burke, Coleridge, Mr. De Quincey and Landor. As concerns a horse, however, if he resists an attempt to keep him quiet, he shows himself _restive_.”

~reticule~, ~ridicule~: Two words widely different in meaning but liable to confusion when spoken hurriedly. A _reticule_ is a bag-like receptacle used by ladies for carrying such articles as embroidery, needlework, etc.; _ridicule_ is speech or behavior intended to convey contempt and excite laughter; wit, as of the pen or pencil, that provokes contemptuous laughter.

~reverend~, ~reverent~: These words are sometimes confounded. The one is objective and descriptive of the feeling with which a person is regarded; the other is subjective and descriptive of the feeling within a person. In explanation of the difference. Dean Alford offers the following instance: “Dean Swift might be Very _Reverend_ by common courtesy, but he was certainly not very _reverent_ in his conduct or in his writings.”

~Reverend~, abbreviated ~Rev.~ as a title, should, like _Honorable_ be preceded by the definite article, the phrase being adjectival; as, “The _Reverend_ Thomas Jones”; or, if the first name is not used, “The _Reverend_ Mr. Jones”; but “_Rev._ Jones,” used widely in the United States, is harsh if not rude. The title or distinction of a husband is not correctly applied to the wife. Never say The Rev. Mrs Smith or Mrs. General Brown, etc.

~reverse~ should not be confounded with _converse_. _Reverse_ is the opposite or antithesis of something; minus is the _reverse_ of plus. The “_converse_” is “the opposite reciprocal proposition,” reached by transposition of the terms of the proposition, the subject becoming predicate and the predicate subject. The _converse_ of the proposition, “If two sides of a triangle be equal, the angles opposite to those sides are equal,” is, “If two angles of a triangle be equal, the sides opposite to those angles are equal.”

~revolts~: The use of this word as a transitive verb, although supported by high authority, is not favored. “This _revolts_ me” is far better expressed by “This is _revolting to_ me.”

~ride~, ~drive~: One _rides_ in a saddle or _drives_ in a carriage; a distinction drawn by English people but condemned as “mere pedantry without a pretense of philological authority” by Gould (“Good English,” p. 84). Compare DRIVE.

~rigged out~. Compare TOGGED OUT.

~right~: In the adverbial sense of _in a great degree_, is archaic or colloquial, except in some titles, as _Right_ Reverend. Say of a thing that it is _utterly_ (not _right_) nonsensical. Again, the use of this adverb in the sense of _precisely_ and _without delay_ is not approved by many purists, who suggest that some more suitable term be chosen. “Stand _right_ there,” for “Stand precisely where you are” or “stand just at that spot” is not approved; so is it also with “Do this _right_ away” for “do this instantly.”

~right~ as a noun should not be used for “just cause to expect” or the verb “deserve.” Thus, instead of “You have a _right_ to suffer” say “You deserve (or have just cause to expect) to suffer.”

~right away~, ~right off~: Common and undesirable colloquialisms for “at once,” “instantly.”

~right back, to be~: An unwarranted colloquialism for “to be here (or there) again in a moment.”

~right man in the right place, the~: It is claimed by some persons that it is impossible for the right man to be in the wrong place, or the wrong man in the right place--the result being in either case that right, or the thing desired, would not prevail. But the reverse, the exact thing not desired or the wrong, may be that which ensues--Why? Possibly because the man who was the very man to bring the transaction to a successful issue was wrongly placed, or because the thing desired, which could easily have been achieved with a certain man or type of man to do it was attempted by a less efficient man--good perhaps for some things but not for that particular work. The poor fellows who rode so gallantly to death at Balaklava were the right fellows for the work in hand, but at that fatal moment were forced into a wrong place. The phrase expresses a felt meaning and is good, as is acknowledged when, in terms of pride and satisfaction, we refer to “the man behind the gun.”

~rights and privileges~: To be used with discrimination. A _privilege_ is “something peculiar to one or some as distinguished from others; a prerogative”; so that the term is to be employed relatively. “The _rights and privileges_ of the people,” as often used absolutely in political platforms, demagogical speeches, and radical newspapers, is incorrect, since the people in this sense can have no _privileges_, _i. e._, “things peculiar to individuals.” Milton’s use is correct when he says “We do not mean to destroy all the people’s _rights and privileges_,” since he is speaking of the people relatively, as distinguished from the magistrates and the king.--STANDARD DICTIONARY.

~rise~: Some lexicographers claim a distinction in the pronunciation of the word _rise_ as a noun and _rise_ as a verb, making the noun rhyme with “rice” and the verb rhyme with “prize,” but common usage sanctions only one pronunciation, that rhyming with “prize.”

~roast~: A slang term used occasionally by journalists and members of the theatrical profession as an equivalent for “banter” or “ridicule,” as in a press notice.

~rooster~: A word often incorrectly restricted in its meaning. This is due in a measure to usage as recorded by lexicographers. If a _roost_ is a perch upon which fowls rest at night, then a _rooster_ is _any_ fowl which perches on a roost, be it cock or hen. But the domestic fowl is not the only bird that roosts, therefore any bird that does so, be it what it may, is as much a _rooster_ as the male or female domestic fowl.

~rope in, to~: A colloquialism for “to cause to participate in” or in a bad sense “to swindle.” In the latter sense it is used especially when the intention is to induce a person to invest in a scheme that is known beforehand to be of questionable worth.

~rubber~ should not be used as a synonym for “crane”; nor _rubber-necking_ for “craning the neck.” These terms are slang which have been derived from _rubber-neck_, a playful expression said to be current among the children of Nova Scotia and used by them on April 1st instead of the more common “April fool.”

~rubber-neck~: Slang for one who cranes his neck so as to see things that are none of his concern.

~rubbers~: As a rule an article of clothing should not be referred to in terms of the material of which it consists. Overshoes, for instance, should be so styled, and not called either _rubbers_ or _gums_.

~rugged~, ~hardy~: Rugged in the sense of robust, as in health, is an undesirable Americanism for it means primarily “superficially rough, broken irregularly; as _rugged_ cliffs.” _Hardy_ means inured as to toil, exposure, or want.

S

~’s~: “The sign or suffix of the possessive or genitive case singular and of the same case plural when the noun ends in _n_; as, men’s lives; children’s books; shortened since the 17th century from Middle English _-es_. The apostrophe now replaces the _e_. Some words ending in a sibilant omit the _s_ of the possessive to avoid the disagreeable repetition of a hissing sound. The rules formulated for this work are as follow: (1) Singular monosyllabic nouns ending in a sibilant sound (_s_, _x_, _ce_, _se_, or dental _ge_) add the apostrophe and _s_, except when the following word begins with a sibilant sound; as, _James’s_ reign; _Jones’s_ hat; a _fox’_ skin. (2) Singular dissyllabic nouns ending in a sibilant sound add the apostrophe and _s_, unless the sibilant is followed by another sibilant or the last syllable is unaccented; as, _Porus’_ defeat; _Moses’_ face; _Jesus’_ disciples; _Laplace’s_ theory; _Hortense’s_ fate. (3) Singular polysyllabic nouns ending in a sibilant sound add the apostrophe and _s_ only when a principal or secondary accent falls on the last syllable; as, _Boniface’s_ mistake; _Quackenbos’s_ Rhetoric; _Orosius’s_ History.”--STANDARD DICTIONARY.

~same~: This word should not be used, as it is in commercial correspondence--in substitution for _it_. If “the same” is correctly used, a noun is implied; as “it is _the same_ (referring to an illness) as he suffered from.” However, do not say, “Tell me what you wish, and the _same_ (meaning _it_) will be attended to.” _Same_ is also often used where _similar_ is the proper word. A gale blowing to-day with a velocity of 60 miles an hour is _similar_ to, but is not the _same_ as, one that blew with a velocity of 60 miles one year ago, although it has the _same_ amount of velocity.

~sameness~, ~similarity~: Discriminate carefully between these words. _Sameness_ is the state of being identically the same; absolute resemblance; _similarity_ is likeness or partial resemblance. See SAME.

~sappy~: An undesirable colloquialism for “weakly sentimental; silly.”

~sass~: Vulgar term for “impertinence”; “sauciness.”

~satire~, ~satyr~: Note the difference in the spelling of these words. A _satire_ is a dramatic farce or medley; a _satyr_ is a woodland deity.

~saw~, ~seen~: In popular use, in some regions, often carelessly and inexcusably interchanged. _Saw_ is the imperfect tense of _see_ and to be used as such only; _seen_ is its past participle, and the form to be used, with the proper auxiliaries, in the tenses formed with the aid of the past participle. Not “I _seen_ him,” but “I _saw_ him”; not “I have (or had) never _saw_ it,” but “I have (or had) never _seen_ it.”

~say~. Compare UTTER.

~says I~: A vulgarism sometimes heard from even the educated: entirely indefensible.

~scan~. Compare PERUSE.

~scarcely~, ~hardly~: These words are not strictly synonymous. _Scarcely_ is applied to quantity, _hardly_ to degree; as, “_Scarcely_ an hour has passed since we parted”; “He is _hardly_ well enough to rise.”

~scared of~ should not be used for “fearful of.” It should be used only when positive alarm, absolute fright is felt.

~scholar~: Alliteration is probably responsible for “Sunday-school _scholar_” for although the word originally signified one who attends school for instruction, it has now come to imply one who is distinguished for the pursuit and possession of knowledge; and, as such, it is a high-sounding title for a _pupil_, who may be a mere beginner, and is supposedly under the close personal supervision of a tutor.

~school~: A term which, apart from its use designating an educational institution, formerly also described “a large multitude or company” but is now restricted in its application to marine animals only; as, “a _school_ of whales.”

~scrap~: A vulgarism for “fight” or “quarrel.”

~screw loose, to have a~: A slang phrase used sometimes as a substitute for “to be irrational or mentally weak.”

~sealing~. Compare CEILING.

~search me~: A colloquialism used usually as a noncommital reply to an interrogatory and best rendered by a decisive answer as, “I don’t know.”

~seasonable~, ~timely~: These terms are not synonymous. That which is _seasonable_ is in harmony or keeping with the season or occasion; that which is _timely_ is in good time. A thing may be timely in appearance that is not seasonable.

~see~, ~witness~: These words are not synonymous. _See_ is used of things, _witness_ of events. Thus, we may _see_ soldiers, but _witness_ a review; _see_ a man, but _witness_ an assault.

~seem~. Compare APPEAR.

~seldom or ever~: A very common error for “seldom _if_ ever.” One may say “I _seldom if ever_ speak so,” meaning to imply doubt; thus, “I _seldom_ speak so _if_ indeed I _ever_ do.” An alternative form is “I _seldom or never_ speak so,” which is more emphatic and implies personal opinion, as “I speak so very _seldom or_ (according to my belief) probably _never_.”

~semi-occasionally~: A meaningless expression for “once in a while” which is decidedly preferable.

~sensation~ should not be used for “noteworthy event.”

~sensual~, ~sensuous~: These are not synonymous terms. A _sensual_ man is one who is given to the inordinate indulgence of his animal appetites; a _sensuous_ one is one who has a warm appreciation for the beautiful and is keenly alive to sense-affecting influences.

~separate~: One of a class of words which are persistently misspelled. Note that it contains only two “e’s”, one in its first syllable and one in its last; and that “a” forms its second syllable.

~serial~. Compare CEREAL.

~session~. Compare CESSION.

~set~, ~sit~: According to strict grammatical rule, _sit_ when referring to posture is always an active intransitive, and _set_ an active transitive. “To _sit_ on eggs” has been characterized as colloquial English, but is sanctioned by the translators of the King James version of the Bible. “As the partridge _sitteth_ on eggs and hatcheth them not” (Jer. xvii. 11). Shakespeare wrote “Birds _sit_ brooding in the snow” (_L. L. L._ act v. sc. 2). On a poultry-farm the farmhand _sets_ the hen but the hen _sits_.

~settle~: Do not speak of _settling_ a bill unless there is some matter in dispute concerning it that requires settlement. Under ordinary circumstances you _pay_ an undisputed account.

~severally~. See _respectively_ under RESPECTFULLY.

~sewage~, ~sewerage~: These words are often confounded. _Sewage_ is the waste matter which is carried off through drains and sewers; _sewerage_ is the system of piping and draining by means of which the sewage is carried off.

~shakes, no great~: An undesirable colloquialism for “not much good,” “of no great importance.”

~shall~, ~will~: “Often erroneously interchanged. In general simple futurity is expressed by _shall_ in the first person and _will_ in the second and third, while determination is expressed by _will_ in the first and _shall_ in the second and third. In interrogations in the second and third persons the usage is not so simple, the speaker often putting himself in the place of the one spoken to or spoken of, and using _shall_ or _will_, as if for the first person.”--STANDARD DICTIONARY.

~Sheeny~: An offensive appellative for a Jew used only by the illiterate and vulgar.

~shire~: As this word means _county_, do not say “county” when speaking of any “shire.” “Oxfordshire” and “the county of Oxford,” are correct, but not “the county of Oxfordshire.”

~shoal~: In general this word is applied to an assemblage, a multitude or a throng, but, specifically it designates a number of fish that move together; as, “a _shoal_ of porpoises.” Compare SCHOOL.

~should seem~, ~would seem~: Terms used chiefly to soften requests, orders or directions. The use of _should_ in such a remark as “It _should seem_ so”--implying that something suggested was correct--dates from pre-Elizabethan time. Here _would_ should be substituted for _should_.

~should~, ~would~: These words follow in the main the usage of _shall_ and _will_, but with certain modifications required by their common use in dependent sentences. In general, in indirect quotation, _should_ is to be used after a historical tense where the speaker quoted employed _shall_, and _would_ where the speaker quoted _will_. Thus:

{ ~Direct quotation~: “He said to me,’You _shall_ go.’”
{ ~Indirect „~ “He said that I _should_ go.”

{ ~Direct „~ “He said to me, ‘_Will_ you go?’”
{ ~Indirect „~ “He asked me if I _would_ go.”

The mixture of direct and indirect is always wrong; avoid, “He asked me _would_ I go.”

~shut up~: A coarse expression often too commonly used instead of “keep quiet.” Compare FORGET IT.

~sideways~ should not be used for ~sidewise~.

~siege~, ~seige~: Discriminate carefully between these words. A _siege_ is an investment as of a city by military forces; as, “the _siege_ of Paris”; a _seige_ is a flock of birds; as, “a _seige_ of cranes.” Note especially the orthography of these words.

~sieve~, ~seive~: Homophones of widely different meaning. A _sieve_ is a utensil for sifting; a _seive_ is a rush or rush-wick.

~sight~: As a colloquialism meaning a very great quantity, number, or amount; as, “a _sight_ of people,” the noun is to be avoided, as in the still more objectionable expression, “powerful _sight_,” in which the adjective is altogether misapplied.

~similar~. Compare SAME.

~sin~. Compare CRIME.

~since~, ~ago~: _Since_ is used generally to imply time only recently lapsed; _ago_, to imply time long past. “How long _since_ did he call?” “Nelson fought Trafalgar a century _ago_.”

~siree~; ~sirree Bob~: Vulgar and silly intensives of affirmation.

~site~. Compare CITE.

~skidoo~: Recent slang for “get out” which is to be preferred.

~skin, to~: A vulgarism for “to deprive by extortion or trickery; get the better of,” either of which is preferable.

~skunk~: As applied to a person of mean disposition or of objectionable character the term is to be condemned as unsuited to polite society no matter how fittingly it may apply to the individual designated by it.

~slob~: A vulgar equivalent for “a careless, negligent and incompetent person,” and as such one to be avoided.

~so~. Compare SUCH.

~soap~: A vulgar euphemism for “wealth”; used usually interrogatively as, “How’s he off for soap?” A vulgarism for “How rich is he?” which is to be preferred.

~so far as~. Compare AS FAR AS.

~sojourn~: This term formerly obsolete has recently been revived as meaning to “have a residence, definite though temporary, in some place that is not one’s home.” _Sojourn_ is better than _stop_, which may imply merely cessation of motion and does not express even temporary residence; more specific than _stay_, which may apply to a delay of an hour between trains or the passing of a night.

~some~: This word should never be used for “somewhat.” In such sense, _some_ is dialectal and provincial. Do not say “He has grown _some_” but “grown _somewhat_,” that is “in _some_ degree” or “to _some_ extent.” “Is he better?” “Yes, _some_:” avoid such a locution.

~someone else~, ~somebody else~. See under ELSE.

~some place~. Compare ANY PLACE.

~somewhat~. Compare KIND OF and LIKE.

~soppy~: A vulgarism for “emotional”: expressive but inelegant.

~sorry~, ~grieved~: Distinguish between these words in their use. If we are _sorry_, it is for a matter concerning ourselves; but when we are _grieved_, another is in some way connected with the case.

~sort of~. Compare KIND OF.

~sparrow grass~ sometimes abbreviated ~grass~ are common corruptions in domestic use for _asparagus_. There is no excuse but lack of education or lack of intelligence and courage to use the right word when the majority prefer the wrong for this vulgar provincialism.

~speciality~, ~specialty~: These words should not be confounded. The distinction between them is clearly illustrated by the editor of the STANDARD DICTIONARY as follows: “_Speciality_ is the state or quality of being special; _specialty_ is an employment to which one is specially devoted, an article in which one specially deals, or the like.”

~spectator~. Compare AUDIENCE.

~spell~ should not be used for “period of time.” Do not say “I shall stay a spell” if you mean you will “remain _a little while_,” the latter is to be preferred.

~splendid~: Often used indiscriminately and inanely especially by women; as in the expression “perfectly _splendid_,” to express very great excellence. _Splendid_ means imposing; as, “a _splendid_ woman”; shedding brilliant light or shining brightly; as, “a _splendid_ sun”; “a _splendid_ diamond.” A heroic deed may be called _splendid_ but a good story hardly so.

~split~ or ~cleft infinitive~: A form of expression in which the sign of the infinitive “to” and its verb are separated by some intervening word, usually an adverb, as in the phrase, “to quickly return”: severely condemned by purists.

~spondulix~: Vulgarism for “money,” now passing out of use.

~spoonfuls~, ~spoons full~: These words have distinctive meanings. _Spoonfuls_ means _one spoon_ filled repeatedly; _spoons full_ means _several spoons_ filled once. Compare -FUL.

~spout, up the~: A vulgarism for “with the pawnbroker,” or “out of sight.”

~spree, to go on a~: Formerly this phrase designated indulgence in boisterous frolic and excess of drink: latterly the term has been used to denote “going on an outing for the day.”

~square, on the~: A colloquialism for “with fair intention or with reputation for fair dealing; honest.”

~stake~, ~steak~: Exercise care in the use of these homophones. A _stake_ is a _stick_ or post, as of wood; a _steak_ is a slice of meat. Note the difference in spelling.

~standpoint~ should not be used for “point of view.”

~stationary~, ~stationery~: Exercise care in the use of these words. _Stationary_ is remaining in one place or position; _stationery_, writing-materials in general. These words are pronounced alike.

~statue~, ~statute~: These words are sometimes confounded; a _statue_ is a plastic representation of a human or animal figure as in marble or bronze. A _statute_ is a properly authenticated legislative enactment, especially one passed by a body of representatives.

~stay~ and ~stop~: _Stay_ is sometimes used incorrectly for _stop_; do not say “I shall _stay_ in Paris on my way to Berlin,” but “I shall _stop_ in Paris” etc. Do not say “How long will you _stop_ there?” but “How long will you _stay_?” etc. Compare SOJOURN and STOP.

~step~. See STOP.

~stiff~ is used for a “corpse” only by the very lowest type of humanity.

~stile~, ~style~: Exercise care in spelling these words. A _stile_ is a step or series of steps on each side of a fence or wall, to aid in surmounting it; _style_ is fashion.

~stimulant~, ~stimulus~: The first of these words denotes that which stimulates the system, as coffee does the action of the heart. A _stimulus_ is that which impels or urges on; as, “a _stimulus_ to hard work is offered by the pecuniary reward it yields.”

~stinker~: A coarse term applied to an undesirable acquaintance only by the vulgar. It is a term that unfortunately has some vogue in commercial life.

~stop~: The word is frequently misused, both for _step_ and _stay_. “_Stop_ in next time you pass” or “_stop off_ on your way down by car” are colloquial but objectionable expressions. The latter clearly means “_step off_ and call in” and would be met by a simple “call in.” _Stop_ implies finality, and should therefore never be used in the sense of a temporary _stay_. The true meaning of the word _stop_ was well understood by the man who did not invite his professed friend to visit him: “If you come at any time within ten miles of my house, just _stop_.”--MATHEWS, _Words, Their Use and Abuse_, ch. xiv. p. 359.

~straight~, ~strait~: Exercise care in spelling these words. That which is _straight_ lies evenly between any two of its points or passes from one point to another by direct course; not curved. A _strait_ is a narrow channel connecting two seas. In the plural, _strait_ denotes a difficult or restricted condition; distress or perplexity.

~street~: According to law, land includes all above and all below. Thus a house on the land or a gold mine beneath is covered by the word land, and its possessor is entitled to both one and the other. In the same way a _street_ includes the houses there built; and it is therefore not strictly correct to speak of a certain house as being _on_ a certain street: it is _in_ the street and is part of it. Compare ON.

~stricken~: As a past participle of _strike_, archaic in England, except when there is an implication in it of misfortune; as, “He was _stricken_ with paralysis.” In the United States _stricken_, in general application, is not so distinctly archaic, and its use in reference to the erasure of words is very frequent; as, “It is ordered that the words objected to be _stricken_ out.” In the best literary usage of both countries _struck_ is preferred to _stricken_ when no implication of misfortune is conveyed in it. _Stricken_ is the appropriate participial adjective; as, “a _stricken_ man”; “a _stricken_ deer.”--STANDARD DICTIONARY.

~string, to get on a~: A harmless but inelegant equivalent for “to hoax,” which is to be preferred.

~subtile~, ~subtle~: “_Subtile_ and _subtle_ have been constantly used as interchangeable by good writers but there seems to be a present tendency to distinguish them by making _subtile_ an attribute of things and _subtle_ a characteristic of mind.” A penetrating perfume is described as _subtile_, whereas a wily sage’s predominating characteristic is _subtlety_.

~succeed~ should _not_ be used now in the archaic sense of “to make successful, promote”; as, “to _succeed_ an enterprise.”

~succeed himself~: An absurd phrase. A person who takes the place of a predecessor _succeeds_ him; one who has occupied a public office for a term prescribed by law and is reelected to that office _succeeds_ his own previous term of office but _not_ himself.

~such~: This word is often erroneously used for “so.” Do not say “I never saw _such_ a high building”; say, rather, “... _so_ high, a building.”

~such another~. Compare ANOTHER SUCH.

~sucker~ for “sponger” or “parasite” is slang of the lowest type and should be avoided by all persons of refinement.

~summons~: You _summon_ a person to court upon a _summons_. There is properly no such verb as _summons_, the colloquial use of the term being altogether unjustifiable.

~superior~. Compare INFERIOR.

~sure~: Often misused for “surely” in the sense of “certainly.” Do not say “_Sure_ I’m going”; say, rather, “I’m _surely_ going.”

~surprise~. Compare ASTONISH.

~sympathize with~, ~sympathy for~: The verb _sympathize_ takes only _with_; the noun _sympathy_ in its secondary sense of “commiseration,” is often properly followed by _for_. We have sympathy _with_ one’s aspirations, _for_ his distress; the sound man has sympathy _for_ the wounded; the wounded man has sympathy _with_ his fellow sufferers.

~sympathy~. Compare PITY.

T

~take~: Often incorrectly used for _have_, especially in extending hospitality, in such a sentence as “What will you _take_?”

~take on~ for _grieve_, _scold_, etc., like ~carry on~ for behave sportively may both be tolerated as colloquialisms that are popular because of their irrationality, or because they require no discrimination in statement.

~takes the cake~. See CAKE.

~take up school~: An objectionable local Americanism for _begin school_: used also intransitively; as, “School _took up_ at 9 o’clock”: avoid this.

~talent~ should not be used for “talents” or “ability.”

~talented~: Inasmuch as adjectives of the participial form are justified by strict grammarians only if derived from an existing verb, this word has been caviled at by Coleridge (who denounced it as “that vile and barbarous vocable”) and many literary pedants. Burke, Hazlitt, Lamb, De Quincey, Macaulay and Newman have however, spoken of “a _talented_ man”; and in the face of this array of learning and authority we can raise but a modest protest in favor of the contention of the grammarians. Such formations are, however, not to be indiscriminately recommended.

~talk, back~. Compare BACK TALK.

~tasty~ in the sense of ~tasteful~ is without authority and is considered an illiterate use. A person or his work may be _tasteful_, but his food, however savory, can be no more than _tasty_.

~team~: Strictly a _team_ consists of two or more beasts of burden harnessed together, but in the United States the word is extended to cover “team and accessories,” the latter being the harness or equipment, together with the vehicle to which the animals are attached.

~tell on~: A common expression with children used in the sense of “to inform against a person,” is derived from Biblical use (I _Sam._ xxvii. 11). The phrase lost to literary English has now no equivalent.

~temper~, ~anger~, ~wrath~: Words in the use of which discrimination should be used. _Temper_ is disposition or constitution of the mind, especially in relation to the affections or the passions; _anger_ is violence or vindicated passion aroused by real or imaginary insult or injury. One may have an irritable _temper_ without being necessarily angry. _Wrath_ is deep, determined, and lasting anger, usually accompanied by outward expression of displeasure. _Anger_ may be only inward feeling without the outward expression of passion.

~tender~ should not be used for “give.” You _tender_ a payment; _give_ a reception.

~testimony~. Compare EVIDENCE.

~than~ as a conjunction should be used only in the case of direct comparison; as, “I esteem this more _than_ that.” When the comparison is merely implied, or covered by the verb, as by the verb _prefer_, _than_ should not be used. See PREFER.

~thanks~ has been condemned as an undignified colloquialism bordering on incivility; but what serious objection is there to this pithy acknowledgment of obligation or gratitude? It has been said that Shakespeare made use of the expression no fewer than fifty-five times, and that the Bible four times contains the utterance “thanks be to God,” Shakespeare’s use of the word with “much” as an adjective is indeed most forcible--“for this relief _much thanks_.”

~than me~ should never be used for _than I_. Say, “He is taller than I”; not “He is taller _than me_.”

~than whom~: A phrase objected to by some grammatical critics, in such locutions as “Cromwell, _than whom_ no man was better skilled in artifice”; but shown to be “a quite classic expression.” Formerly _than_ was often but not always used as a preposition, and _than whom_ is probably a survival of such usage. “_Than whom_” is generally accepted as permissible--probably because the sentence where it occurs can not be mended without reconstruction, and it has abundant literary authority.

~that~: In construing this word, it must be recollected that it is not only a conjunction but also a pronoun, both demonstrative and relative. The peculiarity of the word is such that it can be used more times in succession than any other word in the English language. Exception having been taken to a certain “that” found in a school-boy’s exercise, it was shown that that _that_ that that boy used was right. Dean Alford constructed a sentence on these lines which contained no fewer than nine _thats_ in succession.

_That_ used adverbially is wholly inexcusable. “He was _that_ sick” could only be tolerated if an ellipsis such as “he was (to) _that_ (degree) sick,” could be supposed, but this is more than can be done; and the expression is therefore regarded as an unpardonable vulgarism. Compare AS, THAT (p. 22).

~that there~: An illiterate expression commonly used with the mistaken idea that the use of “there” adds emphasis to what follows, as, “_That there_ man.” Say, rather, “That man there” or simply, and preferably “That man.”

~that~, ~who~: Discriminate carefully between these words. _That_ implies restriction; _who_ generally denotes coordination. As an illustration of this distinction, Alfred Ayres says (“The Verbalist,” p. 202), “‘I met the boatman _who_ took me across the ferry.’ If _who_ is the proper word here, the meaning is ‘I met the boatman, and he took me across the ferry,’ it being supposed that the boatman is known and definite. But if there be several boatmen, and I wish to indicate one in particular, by the circumstance that he had taken me across the ferry, I should use _that_.” _That_ ought, therefore, to be preferred to _who_ or _which_ whenever an antecedent not otherwise limited is to be restricted by the relative clause.

~that’s him~; No, “that’s _he_”--this is correct.

~the~: Before titles of honor, such as Reverend, Honorable, the definite article (though now frequently omitted) should be used. As the title is specific and personal, this is the more necessary.

~the infinitive~: The particle _to_ is an inherent and component part of the infinitive, and is strictly inseparable therefrom, in precisely the same way that the prefixed syllable which assists to form a compound word (as _in_constant) is a necessary part of the compound. But this _to_ belongs to the present infinitive only, and properly finds no place in such expressions as “He was fool enough _to have risked_ his good name.” Despite the hundreds of uses of this method of expression, it is a blunder: the sentence should read “fool enough _to risk_.” It is, too, on the ground of inseparability that the SPLIT INFINITIVE (which see) is so reprehensible. “To dance gracefully” should not be transposed into “to gracefully dance.”

~them~: The use of this word as a demonstrative adjective for a pronoun is wholly unpermissible. A common error due to a desire to designate particularly the article required. Do not say “Give me _them_ things”; say, rather, “... _those_ things.” However, of things previously mentioned one may say “Give _them_ to me.”

~then~: The use of this word as an adjective, as in the phrase “the _then_ Bishop of York,” has been questioned; but the usage is expressive and convenient, and is supported by good literary authority.

~thence~, ~whence~: As these words mean “from there,” “from where,” they should not be preceded by the word _from_ as is often erroneously done.

~these is~, ~them are~: Ungrammatical phrases used by the illiterate for “this is”; “those are.” The pronouns should both agree in number with the verb they govern.

~these kind~, ~those sort~, ~etc.~: Such expressions, though common, are now usually considered altogether wrong. Nouns in the singular require demonstrative adjectives also in the singular. But _this_ may be used instead of _these_ in collective expressions, such as “this ten years.” Yet Shakespeare has many instances of this use. Thus, in “Twelfth Night” (act i, sc. 5) he writes “_these_ kind of fools,” and in “King Lear” (act ii, sc. 2) a precisely similar expression, “_these_ kind of knaves.” In “Othello” (act iii, sc. 3) he has, “_these_ are a kind of men.”

~think, don’t~. See DON’T BELIEVE.

~this or that much~: Not elegant perhaps, but still correct or at least passable. A careful speaker would prefer to say “this much,” because _much_ being an adjective of quality requires, for its elucidation, not a pronoun but an adverb. It is true that in the expression “this” or “that much,” the word “much” could generally, if not always, be omitted without affecting the correctness of the sentence wherein it is used; still the sense would not be precisely the same. “This _much_ I know” denotes a limitation in the extent of knowledge which is not restricted by “this I know.”

~threatening~. Compare EMINENT.

~three first, the~: Incorrect for the _first three_: one may, however, correctly use three first if referring to a race, or the like, in which three of the competitors run a dead heat. Compare TWO FIRST.

~through~: An undesirable colloquialism for “at an end”; “finished”; generally applied to speakers who have completed an address, or to diners who have finished a meal. Both applications are marks of ill-breeding and border on vulgarity.

~tickled to death~: An absurd phrase used to express “greatly pleased.”

~till~: In some parts of the United States oddly misused for _by_; as, “I’ll be there till [_by_] ten o’clock.”

~time~: Avoid such an incongruity as “Heaps of _time_.” “Plenty of _time_,” or “_time_ enough” are to be preferred.

~timely~. Compare SEASONABLE.

~tinker’s dam~: A colloquialism for something worthless, used usually in the phrase “Not worth a tinker’s dam.” Avoided in polite society.

~tiny little~: The use of words as mere intensives should be avoided, for by judicious selection a single word can probably be found which is capable of conveying the precise sense desired. To speak of a “_tiny little_ watch” or “a _great big_ house,” indicates a deplorable poverty of vocabulary. It is true that Shakespeare spoke of “the _most unkindest_ cut of all”; but he made use of intensives only when the unusual circumstances of the case required them.

~tired, to make one~: A colloquialism for “to weary,” or “reduce the patience of” as by absurd stories or silly conversation: a commonplace expression good to avoid.

~to~: Beware of using the preposition _to_ when _at_ is intended. A common error of this sort is instanced by “He was _to_ school this morning.” Possibly the error is made rather in the verb than the preposition, though the influencing cause of error in the uneducated does not always admit of certainty. We suggest, therefore, that the verb “to be” is used unintentionally for “to go,” and that the sentence is perhaps intended to read “he _went to_ school this morning.” Compare AND; FOR.

~togged out or up~: An undesirable and vulgar expression for “well-dressed” or “attired in clothes that may attract attention.”

~to-morrow~: This word is often used with different tenses, the question being raised as to whether it should be “to-morrow _is_ Christmas day” or “to-morrow _will be_ Christmas day.” Both forms are correct. But, generally, in using this word, the supposition is that to-morrow has not arrived at the time of speaking, and, therefore, “to-morrow _will be_ Christmas day” is preferred. Longfellow (_Keramos_, line 331) says: “To-morrow _will be_ another day.” But the other form also has the sanction of usage, as the following quotations will show:

“To-morrow, what delight _is_ in to-morrow!”--T. B. READ, _The New
Pastoral_, bk. vi. l. 163.

“To-morrow _is_ a satire on to-day.”--YOUNG, _The Old Man’s Relapse_,
l. 6.

The Bible affords numerous instances of this use of “is.” Ex. xvi. 23: “The Lord hath said, to-morrow _is_ the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord”; xxxii. 5: “And Aaron made proclamation and said, to-morrow _is_ a feast to the Lord”; I Sam. xx. 5: “Behold to-morrow _is_ the new moon”; Matt. vi. 30: “If God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day _is_, and to-morrow _is_ cast into the oven.”

Most people would say “Yesterday _was_ Friday.” If the thought is fixed upon the name of the day, it is better to use _is_, if upon the time future it is better to use _will be_.

~toney~: A vulgarism for “fancy” or “stylish,” either of which is a preferable term.

~touch, to~: A slang term for “to borrow” not used by persons careful of their diction. Do not say “I touched him for a ten-spot”; say rather, “I borrowed ten dollars from him.”

~transpire~ is condemned by the best writers in the sense of _happen_. “The verb _transpire_ formerly conveyed very expressively its correct meaning, viz., to become known through unnoticed channels--to exhale, as it were, into publicity through invisible pores, like a vapor or gas disengaging itself. But of late, a practise has commenced of employing the word ... as a mere synonym to _to happen_.... This vile specimen of bad English is already seen in the dispatches of noblemen and viceroys.”--MILL, _Logic_, bk. iv. ch. 5, p. 483.

~truth~. Compare VERACITY.

~try~: This word is often erroneously used for “make.” Do not say “_Try_ the experiment yourself” but “_Make_ the experiment.” An experiment can only be tried, as a speech (in its literal, that is verbal, sense) can only be spoken.

~try and~: A common but incorrect locution. Do not say “Try and come to-day,” but, rather, “_Try to_ come to-day.”

~tumble to~: Slang for “to understand.” Do not say “Do you tumble to it?” Say, rather, “Do you understand it?”