Part 2

Allude is from the Latin _alludo_, treat lightly, from _ad_, at, and _ludo_, play, and should be used only with the sense of “to refer incidentally, indirectly, or by suggestion.” When you toast a hero by name, you certainly do not allude to him, although in so doing you make a pretty allusion to the heroic act with which his name is identified. In toasting Dewey, you do not allude to him but to his deeds off Manila.

~allusion~: Distinguish between this word and _illusion_. The former is derived from the Latin _ad_, at, + _ludo_, play (treat lightly), and means an incidental suggestion or passing reference, a species of innuendo; the latter is derived from _in_, on, + _ludo_ play (play tricks on), and means an unreal image presented to the senses.

~almost~: “An adjective in early English, the use of which has recently been revived, but it has not received the sanction of general usage.”--STANDARD DICTIONARY.

An “_almost_ Christian” is, however, a most expressive term, and would oftentimes more nearly express the truth than the absolute and unqualified “Christian.” Compare MOST.

~almost~, ~about~: These words are now commonly used as interchangeable synonyms. Formerly, such use was condemned. One may say of a task that it is “_almost_ completed” or that it is “_about_ completed” meaning that it is nearly accomplished or approaches closely to a completed state.

~already~: Although this word consists of two elements “all” and “ready,” it is not correctly spelled with two “l’s” but _already_.

~also~, ~likewise~: According to some writers _also_ merely denotes addition, and _likewise_ denotes connection with some person or thing that has previously been referred to. _Likewise_, which means “in like manner,” of necessity refers to states and conditions which are susceptible of manner, and should not be used indiscriminately for _also_, which properly connects facts and qualities. There is, for example, a considerable difference between the expressions “He spoke _also_” and “He spoke _likewise_.” In the second case, the matter of speech may be considered to have been to the same effect as the speech first alluded to. Lexicographers do not recognize this difference.

In practise, the choice between these words is largely to secure euphony and avoid repetition. _Also_ and _likewise_ affirm that what is added is like that to which it is added.--STANDARD DICTIONARY, p. 59.

~alternative~: “This word means a choice--one choice--between two things. Yet popular usage has so corrupted it, that it is now commonly applied to the things themselves, and not to the choice between them, as ‘You may take either _alternative_,’ ‘I was forced to choose between two _alternatives_.’ And, indeed, some people go so far as to say ‘several _alternatives_ were presented him.’”--E. S. GOULD, _Good English, Misused Words_, p. 45.

~always~, ~all ways~: Discriminate carefully between these terms. _Always_ means “during all time”; _all ways_ means “in every way.”

~amateur~, ~novice~: These terms are not synonymous. The distinction between them is that an _amateur_ may be the equal in skill of a professional, but a _novice_ is a beginner, and as such does not equal the professional in skill.

~ambidextrous~: Do not spell this word “_ambidexterous_.” It is derived from the Latin _dextra_, the right hand, and _ous_. Although the form _ambidexterous_ was common in England in the nineteenth century, it is not now in use.

~ambition~ should not be used to signify mild energy as it imports persistent and inordinate or steadfast desire. “The heat leaves me without _ambition_ for work” illustrates an altogether wrong use of the word.

~amid~, ~among~: Discriminate carefully between these words. _Amid_ denotes position when one object is surrounded by others from which it differs in nature or characteristics; _among_ denotes an intermingling of objects of the same nature. A man may be _amid_ enemies but not _among_ them; he may be _among_ friends but not _amid_ them.

~among~, ~between~: _Among_ may apply to any number; _between_ applies to two only.

~among one another~: A pleonasm. Say, rather, “_among themselves_.”

~among the rest~: Say “_among them_ was he,” or “_with the rest_ was he”--not _among the rest_. As “the rest” specifically excludes himself, it is impossible for him to figure in the midst of them.

~amount~, ~number~: _Amount_ is used of substances in mass; _number_ refers to the individuals of which such mass is constituted.

~an~: Modern practice does not permit of the use of _an_ before words beginning with an aspirated “h” as, “hair,” “hall,” “harangue,” “hero,” “history,” “historical,” “historian,” “house,” “hypothesis,” “heraldic,” etc. However, it may be correctly used before words in which the initial “h” is not aspirated. Compare A, AN.

~ancient~, ~antiquated~: Anything _antiquated_ is _ancient_ but not all things that are _ancient_ are _antiquated_; thus _ancient_ refers to things that existed in olden times; _antiquated_ to things obsolete or that have fallen behind the times.

~and~, (~the relative preceded by~): Where “and” is used to connect two clauses the clauses must be of similar construction. Therefore, do not say, “I met Florence on Wednesday, _and which_ was very pleasing to me,” which is not only grammatically incorrect, but is faulty in that it introduces an altogether useless word. Omit the “and.”

~and~, ~to~: These terms are not interchangeable. One does not “try _and_ do a task,” but “one tries _to_ do it.”

~anger~. Compare TEMPER.

~angry~. Compare MAD.

~angry at~, ~with~: A man may be angry _at_ or _about_ a hurt, never _with_ it; he is angry _at_ rather than _with_ a dog. We may be angry _with_ a person.

~annoyed at~, ~by~, ~with~: Note the correct use of the prepositions. “He will be annoyed _at_ or _by_ complaints” (if they are made); “He will be annoyed _with_ complaints” (because they will surely be made).

~another from~: Misused for _another than_; as, “judges of quite _another_ stamp _from_ his Majesty’s judges of Assize,” for “of quite _another_ stamp _than_,” etc.

~another such~: These words should be used always in this order. Avoid “_such another_ mistake,” as incorrect; “_another such_ mistake” is better.

~answer~, ~reply~: Discriminate carefully between these words. The Standard Dictionary, quoting Crabb says, “an _answer_ is made to a question; a _reply_ is made to an assertion;” but, it continues, “this statement is too limited, as an _answer_ is made to a charge as well as to a question.... A _reply_ is an unfolding, and implies both thought and intelligence. _Reply_ implies the formal dissection of a statement previously made; _answer_, a ready return of words to a question or charge that is made.”

~antagonize~, ~veto~, ~oppose~, ~forbid~: _Antagonize_ is distinguished from _veto_ or _oppose_. In the sense of “neutralize” or “deprive of active power” you may _antagonize_ a disease, while you _oppose_ or _veto_ a bill. To _forbid_ is to prohibit with authority; to _veto_ is to forbid authoritatively, with or without the right to do so. Compare ALIENATE.

~ante-~, ~anti-~: Discriminate carefully between these prefixes. _Ante-_ means “before;” _anti-_ means “opposite to.” _Ante_diluvian means “before the flood”; _Anti_christ means “opposed to Christ.”

~anticipate~, ~expect~, ~hope~: As anticipate implies “expectation with confidence and pleasure,” never use it where mere expectation is meant, which applies to that which we have good reason to believe will happen. “I _hope_ for a visit from my friend, though I have no word from him; I _expect_ it, when he writes that he is coming; and as the time draws near I _anticipate_ it,” for I look forward to it with confidence and pleasure.

~antiquated~. Compare ANCIENT.

~any~, ~all~, ~at all~: Avoid using _any_ adverbially in place of the adjective. Don’t say “Did you sleep _any_?” when you mean “Did you have _any_ sleep?” or “Did you sleep _at all_?”

Since _any_ individualizes or separates, signifying one or some out of a certain quantity or number, and thus differentiating from the whole or entire quantity or number, the word should not be used interchangeably with _all_. “He is the finest fellow of _all_” (not of _any_ = of _any one fellow_) “I have known.”

~any~, ~either~: _Any_ is used of more than two; _either_ of two only. Do not say “the United States or _either_ of them,” say, rather, “_any_ of them.”

~anyhow~, ~anyway~: “Forcible colloquial expressions often used to indicate that something is to be done, admitted, believed, or the like, be the circumstances, results or conditions what they may; as ‘_Anyhow_, I have lost it;’ ‘_anyway_, I am going.’ In place of these, such expressions as ‘In any event,’ ‘At any rate,’ ‘Be that as it may’ are ordinarily preferred.”--STANDARD DICTIONARY.

~any place~, ~some place~: “He won’t go _any place_;” “I want to go _some place_.” Say, rather, “He won’t go _anywhere_;” “I want to go _somewhere_.” These are solecisms, unfortunately common, which should be avoided. “Place” may be used as an indirect object only when preceded by a preposition.

~anyway~, ~anywhere~: Frequently misspelled _anyways_, _anywheres_. These words should never be written with a final _s_.

~apostasy~: In modern usage the last syllable is spelled with an _s_. The alternative spelling, _apostacy_, though occasionally used, is not preferred.

~apparent~, ~evident~, ~manifest~: Do not confound _apparent_ with _evident_, because what is _apparent_ may or may not be _evident_. That is _apparent_ which appears to be, as _apparent_ sincerity; but appearances may be false. Things are not always what they seem. “That is _evident_ of which the mind is made sure by some inference that supplements the fact of perception. That is _manifest_ which we can lay the hand upon: _manifest_ is thus stronger than _evident_, as touch is more absolute than sight.” See HEIR.

~appear~, ~seem~: Discriminate carefully between these words. _Appear_ refers to that which manifests itself to the senses; _seem_ applies to that which is manifest to the mind on reflection. _Seem_ gives or creates the impression of being. A man may _seem_ honest but cannot _appear_ so.

~appreciate~: This verb has the intransitive sense of “to increase in value,” despite the fact that some critics (though without justifiable cause) object to its use in such a phrase as “real estate _appreciates_ as the city grows.”

~apprehend~, ~comprehend~: These terms are neither synonymous nor interchangeable. To _apprehend_ is to perceive; to _comprehend_ is to understand.

~approach~: Sometimes incorrectly used for _address_, _petition_, etc. One is _approached_ by indirect or covert intimation, suggestion, or question, which he may encourage if he will, or may put aside without formal refusal. _Approach_ is often used in a bad sense, implying the use of bribery or intrigue. Do not say “the teachers have _approached_ the Educational Department for longer intermissions,” when you mean “the teachers have _petitioned_,” etc.

~apt~, ~likely~: Words sometimes misapplied. _Apt_ implies natural fitness or tendency; _likely_ applies to a contingent event considered as very probable.

~aren’t~: For _are not_ when the subject follows; as, “Aren’t you?” “Aren’t they?” The best conversational usage contracts the verb when the subject precedes: “we’re not,” “you’re not,” etc. Similarly we say “I’m not,” “I’ll not.”

~argue~. Compare AUGUR.

~arraign~ ~at~, ~before~, ~for~, ~on~, ~after~: “The criminal was arraigned _at_ the court” is incorrect; a criminal is arraigned _at_ the bar; _before_ the court; _for_ a crime; _on_ an indictment; _after_ the discovery of his crime.

~articles~: Two or more words connected by _and_ referring to different things should each be preceded by the article; but when they denote the same thing, the article is commonly used with the first only. “_The_ black-and-white horse” would denote one horse marked with the two colors black and white. “_The_ black _and the_ white horse” would denote two horses, one black and the other white.

~as ... as~, ~so ... as~. The STANDARD DICTIONARY says: A shade of difference in their meanings, as strictly used in comparisons, is often neglected. _So ... as_ suggests that, in the comparison of the persons or things mentioned, there is present in the mind of the speaker a consciousness of a considerable degree of the quality considered; _as ... as_ does not carry this impression. In “John is not _as_ tall _as_ James” there is no implication that the speaker regards either John or James as tall; there is merely a comparison of their heights. So, too, in “John is not _as_ old _as_ James” there is merely a comparison of ages. But if one says, “John is not _so_ tall _as_ James,” though the _so_ is not emphasized, there is understood usually to be a reference more or less distinct to something uncommon in the height of James as compared with the stature of other men or of other boys of his age; the speaker regards James as being _tall_. “John is not _so_ old _as_ James” suggests that, in some relation or other, James is thought of as being _old_; as in “James is taller than John.” “Yes, but my boy is not _so old as_ yours.”

In affirmative sentences _so_ ... _as_ can not properly be used except in certain restricted constructions, and where the quality referred to is to be emphasized. It occurs oftenest in sentences that, though affirmative in form, carry a negative suggestion; as, “_So_ good a cook _as_ Polly is hard to find,” that is, “It is not easy to find _so_ good a cook _as_ Polly.”

Few knights of the shire [in the 17th century] had libraries _so_ good _as_ may now perpetually be found in a servants’ hall.

MACAULAY, _History_, ch. 3.

That is, “not many knights of the shire,” etc. In a simple affirmative comparison like “Jane is _as_ good a cook _as_ Polly,” _so_ ... _as_ is not used.

In interrogative sentences, as in negative sentences, a consciousness more or less distinct of a considerable degree of the quality referred to is conveyed by _so_ ... _as_, but not by _as_ ... _as_. “Is John _as_ old _as_ James?” and “Is your uncle _so_ old _as_ my father?” convey different impressions as to what the speaker means by _old_. In the question where _as_ ... _as_ is used there is no implication of considerable age in _old_.

~as far as~, ~so far as~: Discriminate carefully between these terms. _As far as_ expresses distance; _so far as_ expresses limitation, as of one’s knowledge. Therefore, “_so far as_ I know” is preferable to “_as far as_ I know.”

~as if~. Compare LIKE.

~as~, ~so~: Discriminate between these words; _as_ is used in comparing persons or things of approximate caliber or size; _so_ when the comparison is unequal.

~as~, ~that~: Discriminate carefully between these words. _As_ is often improperly used for _that_. Do not say “not _as_ I know of”; “I do not know _as_ I shall go.” Say, rather, “Not _that_ I know of”; “I do not know _that_ I shall go.”

~ascent~ must be distinguished from ~assent~, its homonym. The former is derived from Latin _ad_, to, + _scando_, climb, and means the act of climbing; the latter is from Latin _ad_, to, + _sentio_, feel, and means expression of concurrence in a proposition, acquiescence.

~aside~: An Americanism for _apart_. Not “auxiliary words _aside_,” but “auxiliary words _apart_.”

~asparagus~. Compare SPARROW GRASS.

~assent~. Compare ASCENT.

~assume~, ~perform~, ~discharge~: We _assume_ responsibilities to _perform_ a task and thus _discharge_ our duty. Duties are not performed.

~astonish~, ~surprise~: Terms which some writers claim are not synonymous or interchangeable, but usage has made them so. To _astonish_ is “to affect with wonder and _surprise_”; to _surprise_ is “to strike with _astonishment_ by some unexpected act or event.”

Obviously, when one says, “I am surprised,” he uses an expression exactly equivalent to “I am struck with astonishment,” which is the equivalent of “I am astonished.”

~at~: Commonly but erroneously used for _to_, as an intensive in such phrases as “Where have you been _at_?” “Where are you going _at_?” Used also occasionally to denote place: as, “Where does he live _at_?” Wherever used in such connections the word is redundant.

~at all~: These words, supposed to have an intensive effect, are frequently unnecessarily introduced. “It doesn’t rain _at all_,” would be just as expressive if written “It doesn’t rain.”

~at auction~: In England this expression is known as an Americanism. There, goods are put up _to_ auction and are sold _by_ it--that is _by_ offering them to the highest bidder. “_At_ private sale” also is peculiar to America.

~at best~: An erroneous form for “at _the_ best.”

~at~, ~in~: Always _in_ a country; either _at_ or _in_ a city, town, or village; _at_, if the place is regarded as a point; _in_, if it is inclusive; as, “We arrived _at_ Paris;” “He lives _in_ London.”

~at length~: The assumption that _at length_ means the same as ~at last~, and is therefore superfluous, is an error. Both _at length_ and _at last_ presuppose long waiting; but _at last_ views what comes after the waiting as a finality; _at length_ views it as intermediate with reference to action or state that continues, or to results that are yet to follow; as, “I have invited him often, and _at length_ he is coming”; “I have invited him often, and _at last_ he has come.”

_At length_ is used also of space; as, “He wrote me _at length_” (that is, fully or in detail). _At last_ is used of time; as, “He came back _at last_.”

~at that~: A vulgarism of speech, sometimes defended on the ground that the phrase is elliptical, the omitted word or phrase being computation, showing, or feature of the case. Avoid the usage, however.

~at you~: As a substitute for _with you_ this is an unpardonable vulgarism, as in the sentence “I am angry _at_ (for _with_) you.”

~audience~, ~spectator~: An _audience_ is a number of persons assembled to listen to a play, lecture, debate, etc.; a _spectator_ is an eye-witness as of a pageant, panorama, etc.

~aught~, ~ought~: The former means anything whatever, any (even the smallest) part; the latter, as a noun, is a corruption of _naught_, a cipher. _Naught_ is of course _not aught_, that is, not anything, thus nothing, and hence the figure 0, a cipher. Careful speakers do not replace this word by _ought_.

~augur~: With the sense of _betoken_ or _portend_, this word must not be confounded with _argue_. The racecourse may _augur_, but certainly does not _argue_ poverty.

~authentic~, ~authoritative~, ~genuine~: Often misused as synonymous terms. That which accords with the facts and comes from the source alleged is _authentic_; that which has the character represented and is true to its own claims is _genuine_; that which possesses or emanates from proper authority and is entitled to acceptance as such is _authoritative_.

Trench in “On the Study of Words” (p. 189), says: “A _genuine_ work is one written by the author whose name it bears; an _authentic_ work is one which relates truthfully the matters of which it treats.” And an _authoritative_ work is one which contains the results of the observations and conclusions of an author of special ability in subjects of which he is an acknowledged master.

~auxiliary~: In this word the letter “_l_” is never doubled.

~avails~: An Americanism for _profits_ or _proceeds_.

~averse from~, ~averse to~: Originally _averse from_ was commonly used to designate the turning from a subject, as from repugnance. Present usage prefers _averse to_, denoting aversion in the sense of hostility toward the subject.

~avocation~, ~vocation~: Discriminate carefully between these words. An _avocation_ is that which takes one from his regular calling. It is a minor or irregular occupation. The term is used loosely, sometimes by good writers, for _vocation_, which signifies the main calling or business of life. An _avocation_ is a diversion.

~award~. Compare ACCORD.

~aware~. Compare CONSCIOUS.

~awful~, ~awfully~: _Awful_ should not be used of things which are merely disagreeable or annoying, nor in the sense of excessive, exceedingly bad, great, or the like. It is sometimes incorrectly used to designate surprise or distress, as, an _awful_ mouth, that is, a mouth of surprising size. Do not say “He created an _awful_ scene,” when you mean that the scene he created was _distressing_. Things cannot be “_awfully_ nice” nor persons “_awfully_ jolly,” notwithstanding the sanction of colloquial usage. Phelps relates the following: “Two travelers at Rome once criticized Michael Angelo’s statue of Moses. ‘Is it not _awful_?’ said one. ‘Yes,’ answered the other, ‘it is _sublime_.’ ‘No, no!’ rejoined the other, ‘I meant _awfully_ ugly!’” That is _awful_ only which inspires awe.

~aye~, ~ay~: Meaning always, ever, and pronounced ê (e, as in eight), is to be distinguished from _aye_, meaning yes, and pronounced ai (ai, as in aisle).

B

~back on~, ~go~. Compare GO.

~back~ or ~back up~, with the signification of _uphold_ or _support_ has the countenance of high authority, but is still, except in the sporting sense, regarded as savoring of slang.

~back down~: A colloquialism for _withdraw_ as from an argument, a position or contest.

~back out~: A colloquialism for to _withdraw_ from or refuse to carry out an agreement.

~back talk~: A vulgarism for any impertinent reply; as, “Don’t give me any _back talk_.” Persons of refinement say, “Don’t be impertinent,” or, “stop your impertinence.”

~bad~: This word is the antithesis of _good_ and embraces various degrees of wickedness or evil as well as those of unsatisfactoriness. _Bad_ is a term often misapplied. One may say “a _bad_ boy,” “a _bad_ egg,” but not a “_bad_ accident”; say rather, “a _serious_ accident.” In referring to things which are necessarily _bad_, or the reverse of good, select some less pleonastic adjective. An _acute_, a _severe_ or _gnawing_ pain would be preferable expressions to a _bad_ pain.

~bad egg~: An undesirable expression used colloquially to designate a worthless person: not used in polite society.

~bad grammar~: This phrase has been condemned as false syntax by some persons unfamiliar with the different meanings of the word _bad_. The phrase is not only good English but is cited by the STANDARD DICTIONARY as a correct example under the word _bad_ to illustrate the meaning “containing errors or faults; incorrect; as _bad grammar_.”

~badly~: This word should never be used for _greatly_ or for _exceedingly_, _very much_, etc. Do not say “Your father will miss you _badly_”; say rather, “... will miss you greatly.” Instead of “I wanted that _badly_” say “I wanted that _very much_” or “I was in _great_ need of that.” “The carpet needs to be beaten _badly_” is a ludicrous blunder for “The carpet _badly_ (or very much) needs to be beaten”--the construction connecting _badly_ with _beating_ rather than with _needs_ which it qualifies.

~balance~, ~remainder~: These terms are not synonymous. A bookkeeper obtains a _balance_ as by addition or subtraction. A mathematician deducts a smaller sum from a greater and obtains a _remainder_. Do not say “The _balance_ of the evening was devoted to music,” but “the _rest_ of the evening....”

~ball up (to)~, is slang for “confuse,” “embarrass” either of which is to be preferred.

~baluster~: Compare BANISTER.

~band, beat the~. Compare BEAT.

~banister~ is a corrupt form of _baluster_ which is one of the individual pillars which unite to form a _balustrade_.

~banquet~: This word designating a sumptuous feast in honor of some person or event should not be used as the synonym of “dinner” or “supper,” which both designate less formal functions.

~bare~ in the sense of uncover must be differentiated from its homonym _bear_, to suffer or endure.