Chapter XWORDS
New words and expressions, as well as new uses for old words, are being added to the English language daily. Likewise words and expressions once current are continually being discarded. The question that confronts any writer is, what words and expressions are now accepted as standard. In difficult cases only persistent consultation of the best dictionaries and a careful study of the practice followed by the best writers now living and by reputable publishing houses will furnish the correct answer. The practice followed by the majority of the leading writers and publishers of the present day determines good usage.
600. Consult a dictionary to determine the meaning of a word.
Be especially careful in using the following:
601. Distinguish accurately between words resembling each other in form, but differing in meaning.
602. Use words that exactly express your thought.
Do not be content with the first word that occurs to you. Strive for concrete and picturesque words—words that will convey an accurate and vivid image to your reader. The search for exactly the right synonym will be greatly facilitated if you will consult one of the standard books which list synonyms. Some of the good books of this sort are those compiled by Roget, Crabbe, Smith, Marsh, and Soule.
Instead of the wordsay, for instance, considertalk,utter,claim,affirm,shout,whisper,stammer,speak,lisp,giggle,maintain,state,answer,argue,laugh,preach,reply,respond.Walkis not the only word to express locomotion under one’s own power. Consider, for instance,amble,fall,gambol,glide,leap,pace,prance,promenade,ramble,run,slink,slouch,steal,stagger,stride,stroll,stumble.
Instead of the wordsay, for instance, considertalk,utter,claim,affirm,shout,whisper,stammer,speak,lisp,giggle,maintain,state,answer,argue,laugh,preach,reply,respond.
Walkis not the only word to express locomotion under one’s own power. Consider, for instance,amble,fall,gambol,glide,leap,pace,prance,promenade,ramble,run,slink,slouch,steal,stagger,stride,stroll,stumble.
603. Avoid newly coined words.
Particularly atrocious examples of newly coined words areto burgle,to burglarize, andto enthuse.
604. Avoid using verbs as nouns and nouns as verbs unless such usage has been admitted into the standard language.
Examples of verbs that have not yet been accepted as nouns arecombine,invite,steal,try, andwin.
Examples of nouns that have not yet been accepted as verbs aresuicideandsuspicion.
605. Do not use slang in formal composition.
Bad.“Thank you for the ride in your auto.” “You bet.”Better.“Thank you for the ride in your automobile.” “Don’t mention it.”
Bad.“Thank you for the ride in your auto.” “You bet.”
Better.“Thank you for the ride in your automobile.” “Don’t mention it.”
606. Use words that harmonize with the tone of the whole composition.
In ordinary writing avoid such words assaid,same,thereby,therein, andhereinbefore.
Bad.Said rule is often broken.Better.The rule just mentioned is often broken.Bad.I received the watch and thank you for same.Better.Thank you for the watch which has just arrived.
Bad.Said rule is often broken.
Better.The rule just mentioned is often broken.
Bad.I received the watch and thank you for same.
Better.Thank you for the watch which has just arrived.
607. Avoid poetical words in prose.
Examples areamid,anew,dwelt,ere,eve,hence,hither,morn,’neath,o’er,oft,’tis,thrice,’twas,whither.
Examples areamid,anew,dwelt,ere,eve,hence,hither,morn,’neath,o’er,oft,’tis,thrice,’twas,whither.
608. Use unaffected expressions rather than trite or hackneyed ones.
Avoid: a good time was had by all; bolt from a clear sky; beggars description; beyond description; indescribable; a royal reception; checkered career; discourse sweet music; dull, sickening thud; doomed to disappointment; exception proves the rule; fair maidens; the grim reaper; hungry as bears; last but not least; method in his madness; nipped in the bud; render (a vocal solo); sought his downy couch; stood like sentinels; stage (for anything except a theatrical performance); too full for utterance; took to his heels; wended their way; where ignorance is bliss.
Avoid: a good time was had by all; bolt from a clear sky; beggars description; beyond description; indescribable; a royal reception; checkered career; discourse sweet music; dull, sickening thud; doomed to disappointment; exception proves the rule; fair maidens; the grim reaper; hungry as bears; last but not least; method in his madness; nipped in the bud; render (a vocal solo); sought his downy couch; stood like sentinels; stage (for anything except a theatrical performance); too full for utterance; took to his heels; wended their way; where ignorance is bliss.
609. Use simple rather than pretentious expressions.
610. Use uncontracted forms in dignified writing.
Conversational.I can’t and won’t go.Dignified.I cannot and will not go.
Conversational.I can’t and won’t go.
Dignified.I cannot and will not go.
611. UseI,me, ormyrather than some form ofweorthe writer.
Insufferably modest.In the opinion of the present writer Locke should win.Direct.Locke should win.Direct.I think Locke should win.
Insufferably modest.In the opinion of the present writer Locke should win.
Direct.Locke should win.
Direct.I think Locke should win.
612. Use simple personal pronouns rather than intensive or reflexive pronouns.
Affected.You would confer a great favor on my wife and myself if you would come.Natural.You would confer a great favor on my wife and me if you would come.Affected.Myself and brother are both members of the Capen debating society.Natural.My brother and I both belong to the Capen debating society.Affected.These tickets will admit self and guests.Natural.These tickets will admit you and your guests.
Affected.You would confer a great favor on my wife and myself if you would come.
Natural.You would confer a great favor on my wife and me if you would come.
Affected.Myself and brother are both members of the Capen debating society.
Natural.My brother and I both belong to the Capen debating society.
Affected.These tickets will admit self and guests.
Natural.These tickets will admit you and your guests.
613. Follow good usage in referring to a husband or a wife.
Vulgar.You will have to see Mr. about renting the garage.Better.You will have to see my husband about renting the garage.Vulgar.The dinner was in honor of J. A. Smith and wife.Better.The dinner was in honor of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Smith.Vulgar.Among the guests were Mrs. Capt. Johnson, Mrs. Prof. Healy, Mrs. Rev. Shaw, and Mrs. President Ford.Better.Among the guests were Mrs. Ralph G. Johnson, Mrs. Lionel F. Healy, Mrs. Harry L. Shaw, and Mrs. Ferdinand L. Ford.Vulgar.After John had been married two years, she left him.Better.After John had been married two years, his wife left him.
Vulgar.You will have to see Mr. about renting the garage.
Better.You will have to see my husband about renting the garage.
Vulgar.The dinner was in honor of J. A. Smith and wife.
Better.The dinner was in honor of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Smith.
Vulgar.Among the guests were Mrs. Capt. Johnson, Mrs. Prof. Healy, Mrs. Rev. Shaw, and Mrs. President Ford.
Better.Among the guests were Mrs. Ralph G. Johnson, Mrs. Lionel F. Healy, Mrs. Harry L. Shaw, and Mrs. Ferdinand L. Ford.
Vulgar.After John had been married two years, she left him.
Better.After John had been married two years, his wife left him.
614. Avoid illiterate usage.
alright.There is no such word. Useall right.
and.Anddoes not meanor.
Wrong.He asks four and five dollars for a straw hat.Right.He asks four or five dollars for a straw hat.
Wrong.He asks four and five dollars for a straw hat.
Right.He asks four or five dollars for a straw hat.
as.Usebecauseas a causal conjunction rather thanas.
Bad.I could not go to the game as I had to get the dinner.Better.I could not go to the game because I had to get the dinner.
Bad.I could not go to the game as I had to get the dinner.
Better.I could not go to the game because I had to get the dinner.
Usesoafter a negative rather thanas.
Bad.He is not as bad as he is painted.Better.He is not so bad as he is painted.
Bad.He is not as bad as he is painted.
Better.He is not so bad as he is painted.
as though.As ifis preferable toas though.
Bad.He talked as though he had a potato in his mouth.Better.He talked as if he had a potato in his mouth.
Bad.He talked as though he had a potato in his mouth.
Better.He talked as if he had a potato in his mouth.
at about.At aboutis a slovenly colloquialism. Omitat.
Bad.He left at about six o’clock.Better.He left about six o’clock.
Bad.He left at about six o’clock.
Better.He left about six o’clock.
call attention.Attention isdirected, notcalled.
certainly.Over use has madecertainlyunemphatic.
Bad.I will certainly be there.Better.I will be there.
Bad.I will certainly be there.
Better.I will be there.
data.Plural, not singular.
did.Didis wrong if you meanhave.
Wrong.I didn’t see him yet.Right.I haven’t seen him yet.
Wrong.I didn’t see him yet.
Right.I haven’t seen him yet.
each other.Each otherapplies to two persons or things;one anotherto more than two.
extra.Extradoes not meanunusually.
falls.Plural, not singular.
first-rate.An adjective, not an adverb.
Wrong.You cook first-rate.Right.You are a first-rate cook.
Wrong.You cook first-rate.
Right.You are a first-rate cook.
freshmen.The adjective isfreshman.
held.Heldshould not be applied to a lecture, a meeting, or an initiation.
Bad.Our fraternity held initiation for eight men.Better.Our fraternity initiated eight men.Bad.The meeting was held in Robinson hall.Better.The meeting was in Robinson hall.
Bad.Our fraternity held initiation for eight men.
Better.Our fraternity initiated eight men.
Bad.The meeting was held in Robinson hall.
Better.The meeting was in Robinson hall.
Honorable.SeeReverend.
if.Usewhetherif that is what you mean.
Wrong.I don’t know if I can.Right.I don’t know whether I can.
Wrong.I don’t know if I can.
Right.I don’t know whether I can.
in.Useintoto express motion.
Bad.He went in the house.Better.He went into the house.
Bad.He went in the house.
Better.He went into the house.
liable.Uselikelyorprobablyunless referring to something undesirable.
Bad.He is liable to pass the course.Better.It is likely that he will pass the course.Better.He will probably pass the course.
Bad.He is liable to pass the course.
Better.It is likely that he will pass the course.
Better.He will probably pass the course.
like.Useasoras ifto introduce a clause.
Wrong.Do it like I do.Right.Do it as I do.Wrong.You look like you were cold.Right.You look as if you were cold.
Wrong.Do it like I do.
Right.Do it as I do.
Wrong.You look like you were cold.
Right.You look as if you were cold.
lit.Uselighted.
line.
Loose.What line are you in?Exact.What business are you in?Bad.He can do anything in the line of athletics.Better.He can do anything in athletics.Atrocious.Would you like something in the line of music?Better.Would you like some music?
Loose.What line are you in?
Exact.What business are you in?
Bad.He can do anything in the line of athletics.
Better.He can do anything in athletics.
Atrocious.Would you like something in the line of music?
Better.Would you like some music?
one another.Each otherapplies to two persons or things;one anotherto more than two.
per.Pershould be followed by a Latin word.
Wrong.His salary is $5,000 per year.Right.His salary is $5,000 a year.Right.His salary is $5,000per annum.
Wrong.His salary is $5,000 per year.
Right.His salary is $5,000 a year.
Right.His salary is $5,000per annum.
Useaccording toorin accordance withinstead ofas per.
Wrong.He paid me Monday as per our agreement.Right.He paid me Monday in accordance with our agreement.
Wrong.He paid me Monday as per our agreement.
Right.He paid me Monday in accordance with our agreement.
per cent.
Wrong.What per cent will go to college?Right.What percentage will go to college?
Wrong.What per cent will go to college?
Right.What percentage will go to college?
real.Realis not a synonym forvery.
Wrong.I like him real well.Right.I like him very well.
Wrong.I like him real well.
Right.I like him very well.
Reverend.Reverendshould be preceded bytheand should be followed byFather,Mr.,Dr., given name, or initials as well as by the surname. A clergyman is entitled to be calledDr.only when he has a degree of Doctor of Divinity.
Wrong.Reverend Folsom offered prayer.Right.The Reverend Mr. Folsom offered prayer.Right.The Reverend Haskell J. Folsom offered prayer.Wrong.The Reverend Sanders presided.Right.The Reverend R. E. Sanders presided.Wrong.I met Reverend Barlow on the street.Right.I met the Reverend Dr. Barlow on the street.
Wrong.Reverend Folsom offered prayer.
Right.The Reverend Mr. Folsom offered prayer.
Right.The Reverend Haskell J. Folsom offered prayer.
Wrong.The Reverend Sanders presided.
Right.The Reverend R. E. Sanders presided.
Wrong.I met Reverend Barlow on the street.
Right.I met the Reverend Dr. Barlow on the street.
phenomena.Plural, not singular.
Professor.Professoris used only for teachers of full professorial rank in a recognized college or university.
Wrong.The new high school principal is Professor Jones.Right.The new high school principal is Mr. Jones.Wrong.Professor Smith’s orchestra played.Right.Smith’s orchestra played.
Wrong.The new high school principal is Professor Jones.
Right.The new high school principal is Mr. Jones.
Wrong.Professor Smith’s orchestra played.
Right.Smith’s orchestra played.
sideways.Sidewiseis correct.
so.Incorrect forso that.
Wrong.I want the money so I can go home.Right.I want the money so that I can go home.
Wrong.I want the money so I can go home.
Right.I want the money so that I can go home.
Soshould not be used alone to modify an adjective.
Bad.College life is so stimulating.Better.College life is the most stimulating life of all.
Bad.College life is so stimulating.
Better.College life is the most stimulating life of all.
strata.Plural, not singular.
tend.Useattendortake care ofrather thantend.
Bad.I’ll tend to your case, young man, after school.Better.I’ll attend to your case, young man, after school.Bad.It is hard for me to write while tending the baby.Better.It is hard for me to write while taking care of the baby.
Bad.I’ll tend to your case, young man, after school.
Better.I’ll attend to your case, young man, after school.
Bad.It is hard for me to write while tending the baby.
Better.It is hard for me to write while taking care of the baby.
than,till,until. Not synonyms forwhenafterhardlyorscarcely.
Wrong.Hardly had he fired than the burglar fell.Right.Hardly had he fired when the burglar fell.Wrong.She had scarcely spoken until we arrived.Right.She had scarcely spoken when we arrived.
Wrong.Hardly had he fired than the burglar fell.
Right.Hardly had he fired when the burglar fell.
Wrong.She had scarcely spoken until we arrived.
Right.She had scarcely spoken when we arrived.
United States.Should be preceded bythewhen used as a noun.
Wrong.France and United States have always been good friends.Right.France and the United States have always been good friends.
Wrong.France and United States have always been good friends.
Right.France and the United States have always been good friends.
ways.Plural, not singular.
while.Whilemeansduring the time in which, orthough. It does not meanbut.
Good.While I was gone the house burned.Good.While what you say may be true, it will not affect my action.Bad.The men sit on one side while the women sit on the other.Better.The men sit on one side; the women on the other.
Good.While I was gone the house burned.
Good.While what you say may be true, it will not affect my action.
Bad.The men sit on one side while the women sit on the other.
Better.The men sit on one side; the women on the other.
615. Use reputable words.
all the.
Wrong.This is all the farther I will go.Right.This is as far as I will go.
Wrong.This is all the farther I will go.
Right.This is as far as I will go.
A.M., P.M.Use only after numbers, meaning the hour.
Wrong.We started early in theA.M.Right.We started early in the morning.
Wrong.We started early in theA.M.
Right.We started early in the morning.
and etc.Etc.is an abbreviation foret cetera, which meansand other things.
Wrong.We bought flags, handkerchiefs, and etc.Right.We bought flags, handkerchiefs, etc.
Wrong.We bought flags, handkerchiefs, and etc.
Right.We bought flags, handkerchiefs, etc.
any place.The correct expression isanywhere.
anywheres.The correct expression isanywhere.
badly.Badlyis not a synonym forexceedinglyorvery much.
Wrong.I wanted it badly.Right.I wanted it very much.
Wrong.I wanted it badly.
Right.I wanted it very much.
company.Guestis a better word thancompany.
Wrong.We expect company for supper.Right.We expect a guest for supper.
Wrong.We expect company for supper.
Right.We expect a guest for supper.
complected.
Wrong.He is light complected.Right.He has a light complexion.
Wrong.He is light complected.
Right.He has a light complexion.
considerable.Considerableis not a synonym formuchormany.
Wrong.We have had considerable trouble lately.Right.We have had a great deal of trouble lately.Wrong.There were considerable people there.Right.There were many persons there.
Wrong.We have had considerable trouble lately.
Right.We have had a great deal of trouble lately.
Wrong.There were considerable people there.
Right.There were many persons there.
drunk.Drunkis not in good usage as a noun. Usea drunken man.
every place.The correct expression iseverywhere.
folks.
Wrong.I am going to visit the folks this week.Right.I am going to visit my family this week.Wrong.More than one thousand folks saw the accident.Right.More than one thousand persons saw the accident.
Wrong.I am going to visit the folks this week.
Right.I am going to visit my family this week.
Wrong.More than one thousand folks saw the accident.
Right.More than one thousand persons saw the accident.
gent.Usegentleman, or preferablyman.
get-up.
Wrong.Did you ever see such a get-up?Right.Did you ever see such a costume?
Wrong.Did you ever see such a get-up?
Right.Did you ever see such a costume?
get up.
Wrong.We are getting up a straw ride for Thursday evening.Right.We are planning a straw ride for Thursday evening.
Wrong.We are getting up a straw ride for Thursday evening.
Right.We are planning a straw ride for Thursday evening.
got.To indicate possession usehaverather thanhave got.
Wrong.Have you got a pencil?Right.Have you a pencil?
Wrong.Have you got a pencil?
Right.Have you a pencil?
hear to it.
Wrong.I absolutely refuse to hear to it.Right.I absolutely refuse to consider it.
Wrong.I absolutely refuse to hear to it.
Right.I absolutely refuse to consider it.
human.Humanis not a noun.
Wrong.Humans are in many ways like animals.Right.Men and women are in many ways like animals.Right.Human beings are in many ways like animals.
Wrong.Humans are in many ways like animals.
Right.Men and women are in many ways like animals.
Right.Human beings are in many ways like animals.
in back of.Behindis better thanin back of.
Wrong.We fought in back of the barn.Right.We fought behind the barn.
Wrong.We fought in back of the barn.
Right.We fought behind the barn.
inside of.Useinsideorwithin.
Wrong.He went inside of the house.Right.He went inside the house.Wrong.Inside of ten minutes not a trace remained.Right.Within ten minutes not a trace remained.
Wrong.He went inside of the house.
Right.He went inside the house.
Wrong.Inside of ten minutes not a trace remained.
Right.Within ten minutes not a trace remained.
kind of.
Wrong.It was kind of cold.Right.It was fairly cold.
Wrong.It was kind of cold.
Right.It was fairly cold.
leave.Uselet.
Wrong.Leave go of my hat.Right.Let go my hat.Wrong.Leave me have it.Right.Let me have it.
Wrong.Leave go of my hat.
Right.Let go my hat.
Wrong.Leave me have it.
Right.Let me have it.
lot.Not a synonym formany,much, orample.
Wrong.We had lots of time.Right.We had ample time.
Wrong.We had lots of time.
Right.We had ample time.
meet with.Withis superfluous.
Bad.He met with the committee.Better.He met the committee.
Bad.He met with the committee.
Better.He met the committee.
military.Militaryis not a noun.
Wrong.The military confiscated all coal in the town.Right.The military authorities confiscated all coal in the town.
Wrong.The military confiscated all coal in the town.
Right.The military authorities confiscated all coal in the town.
no place.The correct expression isnowhere.
nowhere near.The correct expression isnot nearly.
nowheres.The correct expression isnowhere.
of.Ofshould never be used forhave. (See 338.)
Wrong.I could of won if I had of been willing to lie.Right.I could have won if I had been willing to lie.
Wrong.I could of won if I had of been willing to lie.
Right.I could have won if I had been willing to lie.
off of.Offis enough.
Wrong.She stepped backwards off of the car.Right.She stepped backwards off the car.
Wrong.She stepped backwards off of the car.
Right.She stepped backwards off the car.
only.Onlyis not a synonym forbutorexcept.
Wrong.I would not be where I am today only for my wife.Right.I would not be where I am today except for my wife.
Wrong.I would not be where I am today only for my wife.
Right.I would not be where I am today except for my wife.
out loud.The correct expression isaloud.
over with.Overis enough.
Wrong.The concert was over with at ten o’clock.Right.The concert was over at ten o’clock.
Wrong.The concert was over with at ten o’clock.
Right.The concert was over at ten o’clock.
overly.There is no such word.
Wrong.I think he is not overly particular.Right.I think he is not very particular.
Wrong.I think he is not overly particular.
Right.I think he is not very particular.
people.Usepersons.
Bad.Thirty people applied for the position.Better.Thirty persons applied for the position.
Bad.Thirty people applied for the position.
Better.Thirty persons applied for the position.
P.M.SeeA.M.
posted.Postedis not a synonym forinformed.
Wrong.Keep me posted on what happens while I am gone.Right.Keep me informed of what happens while I am gone.
Wrong.Keep me posted on what happens while I am gone.
Right.Keep me informed of what happens while I am gone.
providing.Providingis not a synonym forif.
Wrong.I can go providing it does not rain.Right.I can go if it does not rain.
Wrong.I can go providing it does not rain.
Right.I can go if it does not rain.
put in.
Wrong.I put in two years at college.Right.I spent two years at college.
Wrong.I put in two years at college.
Right.I spent two years at college.
put up.
Wrong.He put me up for the night.Right.He lodged me for the night.
Wrong.He put me up for the night.
Right.He lodged me for the night.
remember of.Rememberis enough.
Wrong.I do not remember of meeting him.Right.I do not remember meeting him.
Wrong.I do not remember of meeting him.
Right.I do not remember meeting him.
shape.
Wrong.He is in bad shape.Right.He is ill.Or, He is in bad condition.
Wrong.He is in bad shape.
Right.He is ill.Or, He is in bad condition.
show.Showis not a synonym for atheatrical performance.
Wrong.It was the best show of the year.Right.It was the best musical comedy of the year.
Wrong.It was the best show of the year.
Right.It was the best musical comedy of the year.
some place.The correct expression issomewhere.
sort of.
Wrong.He is sort of short for a high jumper.Right.He is hardly tall enough for a high jumper.
Wrong.He is sort of short for a high jumper.
Right.He is hardly tall enough for a high jumper.
stop.Stopis not a synonym forstay.
Wrong.We are stopping at the hotel.Right.We are staying at the hotel.
Wrong.We are stopping at the hotel.
Right.We are staying at the hotel.
sure.
Wrong.I should sure like to go.Right.I should surely like to go.Wrong.Sure I’ll come.Right.Surely I’ll come.Or, I’ll be glad to come.
Wrong.I should sure like to go.
Right.I should surely like to go.
Wrong.Sure I’ll come.
Right.Surely I’ll come.Or, I’ll be glad to come.
tasty.Usedeliciousor some similar expression.
Wrong.That is a tasty pudding.Right.That is a delicious pudding.
Wrong.That is a tasty pudding.
Right.That is a delicious pudding.
through.Throughis not a synonym forfinished.
Wrong.I was through the examination at quarter of nine.Right.I finished the examination at quarter of nine.
Wrong.I was through the examination at quarter of nine.
Right.I finished the examination at quarter of nine.
try and.Try tois preferable totry and.
Wrong.Try and do better.Right.Try to do better.
Wrong.Try and do better.
Right.Try to do better.
up.Upadds nothing to such verbs asend,meet,finish,eat, andburn.
Wrong.It took the firemen an hour after the house burned up to finish up their work.Right.It took the firemen an hour after the house burned to finish their work.
Wrong.It took the firemen an hour after the house burned up to finish up their work.
Right.It took the firemen an hour after the house burned to finish their work.
visit with.Withis superfluous.
Wrong.My mother is visiting with relatives.Right.My mother is visiting relatives.
Wrong.My mother is visiting with relatives.
Right.My mother is visiting relatives.
where.
Wrong.Did you see in the paper where the minister has resigned?Right.Did you see in the paper that the minister had resigned?
Wrong.Did you see in the paper where the minister has resigned?
Right.Did you see in the paper that the minister had resigned?
without.Withoutis not a synonym forunless.
Wrong.Without I say so, you will not be elected.Right.Unless I say so, you will not be elected.
Wrong.Without I say so, you will not be elected.
Right.Unless I say so, you will not be elected.
616. Use words current in present standard English.
Avoid such antiquated words asfirstly,gotten, andproven.
but what.But thatis preferable tobut what.
Wrong.I cannot see but what you are right.Right.I cannot see but that you are right.
Wrong.I cannot see but what you are right.
Right.I cannot see but that you are right.
cannot help but.
Wrong.I cannot help but think he is innocent.Right.I cannot help thinking he is innocent.
Wrong.I cannot help but think he is innocent.
Right.I cannot help thinking he is innocent.
different than.Usedifferent from.
Wrong.Mabel looks different than Alice.Right.Mabel looks different from Alice.
Wrong.Mabel looks different than Alice.
Right.Mabel looks different from Alice.
617. Use words and expressions nationally current.
forenoon.
Bad.The forenoon session began at eight.Better.The morning session began at eight.
Bad.The forenoon session began at eight.
Better.The morning session began at eight.
get.
Wrong.I am sorry, but I did not get to go.Right.I am sorry, but I was unable to go.
Wrong.I am sorry, but I did not get to go.
Right.I am sorry, but I was unable to go.
going on.
Bad.He is six years old, going on seven.Better.He is nearly seven years old.
Bad.He is six years old, going on seven.
Better.He is nearly seven years old.
gun.
Bad.He carried a gun in his belt.Better.He carried a revolver in his belt.
Bad.He carried a gun in his belt.
Better.He carried a revolver in his belt.
like.
Wrong.You say George is in Boston. How does he like?Right.You say George is in Boston. How does he like it there?
Wrong.You say George is in Boston. How does he like?
Right.You say George is in Boston. How does he like it there?
make of.
Bad.When Oscar came to town all the girls made of him.Better.When Oscar came to town all the girls paid him much attention.
Bad.When Oscar came to town all the girls made of him.
Better.When Oscar came to town all the girls paid him much attention.
raise.
Bad.I was raised in the South.Better.I was reared in the South.
Bad.I was raised in the South.
Better.I was reared in the South.
smart.
Bad.He is a smart boy.Better.He is a bright boy.
Bad.He is a smart boy.
Better.He is a bright boy.
some.
Bad.Father feels some better.Better.Father feels somewhat better.
Bad.Father feels some better.
Better.Father feels somewhat better.
stair steps.
Bad.I fell down the stair steps.Better.I fell down the stairs.
Bad.I fell down the stair steps.
Better.I fell down the stairs.
stoop.
Bad.Every evening we sit on the stoop.Better.Every evening we sit on the porch.
Bad.Every evening we sit on the stoop.
Better.Every evening we sit on the porch.
tote.
Bad.He was toting a barrel of flour on his shoulder.Better.He was carrying a barrel of flour on his shoulder.
Bad.He was toting a barrel of flour on his shoulder.
Better.He was carrying a barrel of flour on his shoulder.
wait on.
Bad.If Mr. Brown will be back within an hour I shall wait on him.Better.If Mr. Brown will be back within an hour I shall wait for him.
Bad.If Mr. Brown will be back within an hour I shall wait on him.
Better.If Mr. Brown will be back within an hour I shall wait for him.
want.
Bad.Do you want in?Better.Do you want to come in?Bad.I want that you should go.Better.I want you to go.
Bad.Do you want in?
Better.Do you want to come in?
Bad.I want that you should go.
Better.I want you to go.
618. Use the correct form of nouns which have an abstract meaning in the singular and a concrete meaning in the plural.
Wrong.His preparations for the examination were inadequate.Right.His preparation for the examination was inadequate.Wrong.Anyone suspected of cowardice was killed by tortures.Right.Anyone suspected of cowardice was killed by torture.
Wrong.His preparations for the examination were inadequate.
Right.His preparation for the examination was inadequate.
Wrong.Anyone suspected of cowardice was killed by tortures.
Right.Anyone suspected of cowardice was killed by torture.