Part 11

Occasionally, the possessive appears in double form, the substantive being preceded by _of_ and followed by the apostrophe with _s_. This occurs, however, only in idiomatic phrases, as, “He was a friend of my father’s,” which is equivalent to “He was one of my father’s friends” or “He was a friend of (the number of) my father’s (friends),” when it may be supposed that the person spoken of possesses more than one object of the kind referred to, this double form of possessive is properly used. “It was a fault of my friend to be loquacious” would signify the one particular weakness of my friend: “It was a fault of my friend’s to be loquacious,” that is, “of my friend’s faults,” would signify that this was one of various faults.

The apostrophe is not used with the possessive personal pronouns. Write “yours (_not_ your’s) truly.” Compare ’S.

~post~: A colloquialism, generally undesirable, for _inform_. It is derived from the bookkeeping signification of the term, where it means that the ledger is supplied, by transfer, with the information contained in the books of original entry.

~pour~, ~pore~: Exercise care in using these homophones. The first is of Celtic origin and means “to cause to flow, as a liquid, in a continuous stream”; whereas _pore_ is from the Middle English _poren_, and means “to gaze or ponder with close and continued application, as in reading or studying.”

~power~: In the sense of “a great number or quantity,” this word is an undesirable colloquialism that has gained ground especially in rural districts. One may say of a man “He was a _power_ among the people,” but not “A _power_ of people heard him.”

~practical~: Do not confound with ~practicable~. The former means “that can be put into practise or rendered applicable for use; as, _practical_ knowledge”; whereas the latter is perhaps best expressed by the synonym “feasible.” _Practical_ has a general application, being governed by actual use and experience; as, _practical_ statesmanship or wisdom: _practicable_, on the contrary, is particular, and signifies the suitability of the particular thing named to the desired end. Thus one may know a _practical_ man but not a _practicable_ one.

~pray~, ~prey~: Exercise care in using these homophones. Etymologically they are distinct. _Pray_ is from Old French _praier_, to ask; while _prey_ is from Old French _preier_, booty, probably from the Latin _prœhendo_, to seize. Note the difference in spelling.

~precedent~, ~president~: Although almost homophones these terms have widely different meanings. A _precedent_ is something that has occurred before in time and is considered as an established rule or an authorized example; a _president_ is the head of a nation, society, or the like.

~predicate~, ~predict~: Though these words are both derived from the same Latin source, the one must not be used for the other. To _predict_ is to foretell, whereas to _predicate_ is to proclaim as inherent. In United States usage _predicate_, with _on_ or _upon_, is sometimes treated as synonymous with _establish_; as, “On what do you _predicate_ the assertion?”

~prefer~: The act or thing preferred should never be followed by _than_. _Prefer_ is properly followed by the preposition _to_, or occasionally by _above_ or _before_. Thus do not say “I _prefer_ to talk than to dance,” but “I _prefer_ talking _to_ dancing.”

~preferable~: If the preference is stated in terms, as “This is _preferable_ to that,” the word is followed by the preposition _to_--never by _than_. The preference may, however, be implied; as, “This is _preferable_.”

~prejudice~: Sometimes erroneously used for “prepossess” or “predispose.” A _prepossession_ is always favorable, a _prejudice_ always unfavorable, unless the contrary is expressly stated. _Predispose_ means “to dispose or incline beforehand.” Therefore, we should not say that a person is _prejudiced_ in any one’s favor but that he is _prepossessed_ or _predisposed_.

~preposition~: “The part of speech or particle that denotes the relation of an object to an action or thing; so called because it is usually placed before its object.” The correct use of these little words is often puzzling to persons of education. For the purpose of their guidance the following partial list is given. A comprehensive work on the subject of their correct use is “English Synonyms, Antonyms and Prepositions,” by Dr. James C. Fernald.

accord _with_ (neuter)

accord _to_ (active)

accused _of_ crime

acquit persons _of_

adapted _to_ or _between_

adapted _to_ a thing _for_ a purpose

affinity _to_ or _between_

agreeable _to_

agree _with_ persons, _to_ things, _among_ ourselves

amuse _with_, _at_, _in_

angry _with_ (a person) _at_ (a thing)

anxious _for_, _about_, sometimes _on_

attend _to_ (listen)

attend _upon_ (wait)

averse _from_, when describing an act or state.

averse _to_, when describing feeling

bestow _upon_

boast _of_

call _on_

change _for_

compliance _with_

confer _on_ (give), _with_ (converse)

confide _in_, when intransitive

confide it _to_, when transitive

conform _to_

conformable _to_

consonant _to_, sometimes _with_

convenient _to_ or _for_

conversant _with_ persons; _in_ or _of_ affairs; _about_ subjects

correspond _with_ (by letter), _to_ (similar things)

dependent _on_, _upon_

derogate _from_

derogatory _to_ a person or thing

die _of_ or _by_

differ _from_ or _with_

difference _with_ a person

difference _between_ things

difficulty _in_

diminution _of_

disappointed _of_ a purpose; and _in_ a matter if it fails to meet our expectations.

disapprove _of_

discouragement _to_

dissent _from_

distinguished _for_, _from_, sometimes _by_

eager _in_

entertain _by_ (a person), _with_ (a thing)

exception is taken _to_ statements; sometimes _against_

expert _at_ or _in_

fall _under_

free _from_

frightened _at_

glad _of_ something gained, and _of_ or _at_ what befalls another

grieve _at_, _for_

independent _of_

insist _upon_

made _of_, _for_, _from_, _with_

marry _to_

martyr _for_ a cause, _to_ a disease.

need _of_

notice _of_

observance _of_

prejudiced _against_

prejudicial _to_

profit _by_

provide _for_

reconcile _to_

recreant _to_, _from_

reduce _to_ a state; _under_ subjection

regard _to_ or _for_

replete _with_

resemblance _to_

resolve _on_

respect _for_

smile _at_, _upon_

swerve _from_

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

think _of_ or _on_

thirst _for_, _after_

true _of_ (predicable)

true _to_ (faithful)

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

worthy _of_

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

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

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

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

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

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

~prey~. Compare PRAY.

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

~profess~. Compare PRETEND.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~provoke~. Compare AGGRAVATE.

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

~pupil~. Compare SCHOLAR.

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

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

Q

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

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

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

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

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

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

R

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

~rag~. Compare CHEW THE RAG.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~read~. Compare PERUSE.

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

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

~receipt~. Compare RECIPE.

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

~reciprocal~. Compare MUTUAL.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~relieve~. Compare ALLEVIATE.

~remainder~. Compare BALANCE.

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

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

~rendering~. Compare RENDITION.

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

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

~reply~. Compare ANSWER.

~reputation~. Compare CHARACTER.

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

~resemble~. Compare FAVOR.

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

~resource~. Compare RECOURSE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~rigged out~. Compare TOGGED OUT.