Chapter II: Choice of Words (2)

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