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6
COMMON ERRORS
— IN
SPEAKING AND WRITING
AND
HOW TO AVOID THEM.
A SERIES OF EXERCISES, WITH NOTES, CAUTIONS
AND SUGGESTIONS,
FOR THE USE OF
TEACHERS, PUPILS AND PRIVATE STUDENTS.
BY
H. I. STRANG, B.A.,
Principal Goderich Collegiate Institute.
TORONTO :
THE COPP, CLARK COMPANY, LIMITED.
P£///
Entered according to Act of the Parliament of
Canada, in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety-seven, by
Thb Copp, Clark Company, Limitkd, Toronto, Ontario, in the Office of the
Minister of Agriculture.
PREFACE.
In issuing under a new title what is really a revised and enlarged
edition of my " Exercises in False Syntax," it may be well that I
should accompany it with a brief preface.
I have substituted for the old name one which will, I think, better
express the purpose and scope of the book. The changes and
additions do not materially alter its form. I have prefixed to most
of the exercises a summary of the most important principles and
distinctions to be observed in dealing with the examples or
questions given. This I have done out of consideration for the
younger and less experienced teachers, and as they form the great,
and, I fear, increasing majority of the profession, I trust that the
older and better equipped ones who may use the book will not
resent my cautions and suggestions as "quite unnecessary." I
have also re-arranged the material of a few of the exercises, and,
finally, I have omitted a considerable number of sentences that did
not seem to me on further consideration to illustrate common
errors, and have inserted some others that seemed suitable for my
purpose.
With all these changes it is still true that the book ** is not
intended to take the place of any other book, nor has it beeq
prepared to suit any particular work on grammar or composition."
I hope that no one will think that I have ever been foolish enougli
to suppose that the use of such a book can take the place of regulai
instruction and frequent practice in composition. The book is
intended to be used merely as a supplement, and as such I venture
to think there is room for it and need of it in the list of "Teachers'
and Students' Helps."
IV
PREFACE.
I am quite willing to admit that good models should be placed
before pupils and their beauties pointed out, and also that to put
examples of blunders before pupils who never make them is both
unnecessary and unwise. Nevertheless my experience as teacher,
observer, and examiner during the last fourteen years has only
strengthened my conviction " that, accustomed a? the majority of
our pupils are from childhood to hearing incorrect forms of speech
used by those around them, special and systematic drill is necessary
to teach them to notice and guard against these wrong forms ; and
that this drill shoula be oral as well as written, in order that both,
the ear and the eye may be enlisted in the cause of good English
and trained to assist the student."
That the average pupil and, I fear I must add, the average
Public school teacher does not express his thoughts either readily
or accurately on paper is unquestionable, and the two leading
causes are, I believe, the want of sufficient practice in composition,
and the fact that good English is not insisted on as it should be in
all departments of school work.
Hoping that the book in its improved form may be found helpful
by both teachers and students, I send it forth once more on its
mission.
/
GoDERicH, December, 1897.
PART I.
GRAMMATICAL ERRORS.
The Parts of Speech — Their Forms and Uses.
NOUNS." ; > ,
I. — Wrong plural forms.
II. — Wrong possessive forms.
I. — ^Wrong plural forms are used chiefiy in the case of nouns in
f^ fe, o, or y, compound nouns, and some nouns of foreign origin.
Note that
1. The following nouns m f or fe form the plural in ves; beef,
calf, elf, half, knife, leaf, life, loaf, self, shelf, sheaf, thief,
wife, -wolf, and sometimes staff ax\6. wharf
Other nouns mforfe simply add s.
2. Most nouns in o in common use form the plural in esj as,
heroes, potatoes.
Technical and uncommon words in o, also nouns in oo, simply
add s; as, folios, cuckoos.
3. Common nouns in y preceded by a consonant or by qu form
the plural in iesj as, duties, soliloquies.
Other common nouns and all proper nouns in y simply add s;
as, chimneys, Lucys.
4. Most compound nouns take the sign of the plural at the end
of the word ; as, pailfuls, mouse traps, governor-generals,
on-lookers.
There are a few exceptions, however ; as, brothers-in-law,
cousins-german, goings-on.
5. Foreign words, unless they come into common use, retain
their original plural ; as,
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
Larva, larvae ; radius, radii ;
Stratum, strata ; vertex, vertices ;
Genus, genera ; basis, bases ;
Beau, beaux ; criterion, criteria.
6. Letters, figures and signs are pluraiized by adding an apos-
trophe and s ; as, k\9, g's, + 's.
Some writers pluralize proper names and other parts of speech
temporarily used as nouns in the same way; as //".f, /he
Smithes. It is better, however, simply to add s; as, ' the
whys and the wherefores^ * the Wolfs,' ' the Hardys^ ' the
Catos.''
7. A few nouns, plural in form, or apparently so, are treated as
singular ; as, news, gallows, molasses, and summons, the
last of which takes a regular plural. Others are treated as
singular or plural according to 'the thought to be expressed ;
as, innings, means, odds, pains, series, tidings, wages, also
words ending in icsj as, mathematics.
IL — Wrong possessive forms are caused by omitting, misplacing,
or inserting an apostrophe. Observe carefully the following correct
forms : ' An hour's notice,' * a seven days' wonder,' ' a children's
party,' 'James's books,' 'Socrates' trial,' 'for conscience* sake,'
* rooms to let.* "^o^-^ — t^:A '-' '*^^— -i-^^^v -»
Exercise I.
L — Correct any wrong plural or possessive forms in the following
sentences :
1. Take two cupsful of flour, and one of sugar.
2. He accounted for all monies received by him.
3. There are three Mary's in the class.
4. Eight Henries have sat on the throne of England.
5. I think that her two son-in-laws might support her.
6. He generally forgets to cross his ts or dot his is.
7. You can scarcely tell her 5 s from her 3s.
8. Court-martials were held at various points to try the rebels,
9. How many cantoes have you read ?
I
the
ADJECTIVES. 3
10. Such crisises may occur in the history of any enterprise.
11. Summons were issued for the chief offenders.
12. These specimens belong to different genuses.
13. The animalculae in water can be seen quite plainly with it.
14. We have opened out two cases of mens' and boys' hats.
1 5. Look at the trains of these ladie's dresses.
16. Six month's interest was due on the note.
17. Ten days notice requires to be given in such cases.
18. I saw a sign with " Boat's to hire "-on it.
19. For goodness sake don't let him know about it.
20. Virgils similies are mostly borrowed from Homer.
II. — I. Write the plural of yJ/r., valley^ scarfs g^ tomato, Hindoo,
2. Write the plural of bonus, terminus, vertebra, extra, oasis^
tableau.
3. Write the plural of toothbrush, policeman, Mussulman, forget-
me-not, hanger-on, knight-errant.
4. What is the number of measles, species, alkali, banditti,
memoranda, dogma ?
5. Write phrases containing the possessive singular of princess,
son-in-law, Moses, and the possessive plural of monkey,
fisherman, thief.
ADJECTIVES.
Errors in the use of,
I. — The so-called articles, a, an, the.
II. — The demonstratives these and those.
III. — Comparative and superlative forms.
I. — The errors consist in omitting or inserting articles, or in
using* the wrong one. Note that
I. We use an before a vowel sound ; as, an egg, an hour; a
before a consonant sound ; as, a man, a horse, a ewe, a one,
a unit.
4
COMMON EKROKS IN S1'EAKIN(} AND WRITING.
Many good writers prefer an to a before words beginning
with an aspirate h, if the accent is on the second syllable ;
as, ' an historical sketch.' The tendency, however, at least
on this continent, is to use a in such cases.
2. We use a or an in speaking of some gne not specially desig-
nated, or of any one of a class ; as, * He sent a boy to call a
policeman.'
We use the to designate a whole class, or some particular one
of a class ; as, ' The rose is the national flower.'
3. The article must be repeated when two persons or things are
referred to ; as, ' They appointed a treasurer and a secre-
tary,' ' The past and the present condition of Greece are
very different.'
Observe, however, that usage has sanctioned such expressions
as 'the ftrst and second volumes.,
4. Avoid inserting a superfluous a or an after ' sort o/,^ ' kind of ^
' by the name of 'y as, ' What sort of a fish is it ?' ' He was
known by the name of a Dictator.'
II.— Avoid saying 'these (those) sort (kind) of, etc' Observe
that the mistake is made only when a plural noun follows. Thus
no one would say, * those sort of fruit,' but many, even educated
people, will say, without thinking, ' those sort of pears.'
III. — I. In comparing adjectives of two syllables euphony is the
best guide whether to add er and est or to use more and
most. Thus we say happier^ simpler^ tenderest, but more
candid^ more distinct, most faithful. Avoid adding eroxest
to adjectives of more than two syllables, as 'we had the
terriblest time.'
2. Avoid double comparatives and superlatives, such as ' a worser
blunder,' 'the most cruellest act.' '■Lesser,^ however, has
been sanctioned by usage in a few expressions ; as, ' lesser
Asia.'
3. Some adjectives express a quality or property which does not
admit of comparison. Avoid saying, for instance, ' a more
unanimous meeting,' * the completest stock.'
4.
«
6.
7. ^
8.
I.-
sente
I.
2,
3.
4.
ADJECTIVK8.
4- Use the comparative in speaking of two, the superlative of
more than two ; as, 'the lander of the two,' ' the best of the
lot.'
5. The comparative excludes all others of the class ; the superla-
tive includes all ; as,
' It is heavier than any other metal.'
' It is the heaviest of all the metals.'
Hence avoid the absurdity of saying,
* Damascus is older than any city in the world.'
* It will do the best work of any machine (or, worse still, 'of
any other machine') in the market.'
Similarly avoid saying, ' charity of all other virtues is the one,'
' You of all other men,' when you mean ' of all the virtues,'
* of all men.'
6. In comparing with as and so^ prefer so if there is a negative in
the statement ; thus, * He is nearly as tall as you,' but ' It
is not so cold as it was.'
7. See that the comparison is made between the proper subjects.
Avoid, for instance, such a mistake as, ' My prices will be
found lower than zxi^ grocer in town.'
8. Use /^j-j of quantity, /^w^r of number ; as, 'less than a ton,'
' fewer than a dozen.'
Use farther of distance, further of quantity ; as, ' Come a
little farther,' * Have you anything further to add V
TTse latest of time, last of position, as ' the latest report,' ' the
last name on the list.'
Exercise II.
I. — Correct the errors in the use of adjectives in the following
sentences : *
1. What sort of a house does he live in ?
2. Such a man does not deserve the name of a gentleman.
3. There must have been more than an hundred of them
4. Is he an African or an European ?
6
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
5. The government is a hereditary monarchy.
6. A. lion is the emblem of England.
7. bhv, ts entitled to the third of the property.
i;. 1 doi 't like these sort of pens.
c "^t isn't safe to trust those kind of people.
ic i i, man ever had a faithfuller friend.
1 1. He is the awkwardest looking fellow you ever saw.
12. I place the most entire confidence in his statements.
13. There could not have been less than fifty people in the room.
14. I have nothing farther to say to you at present.
15. The last news is that they are to start on Monday.
16. Give this book to the youngest of the two girls.
17. He answered better than any boy in his class.
18. London has the largest population of any city in the world.
19. It has the largest list of any other paper in the county.
20. You of all other girls in the class ought not to complain.
II. Fill the blanks in the following sentences correctly with a, an
or the.
1. It was unique entertainment.
2. It was heroic undertaking to found hospital.
3. Have you right to do that ?
4. You will feel want of it.
5. lion is calle'^ king of animals.
6. He ate nearly quarter of it.
III. — Distinguish the following :
1. Bring me a« ('Mtf^ example of it.
2. A black and (a) white cat.
3. The fifth and (/he) last volume.
4. Pass him the bread and (the) milk.
5. I prefer a (the) /iolet to a (the) daisy.
6. It had been destroyed by (a) (the) fire.
a.
PRONOUNS.
:s.
I the room.
le world,
nty.
plain,
with a, an
ital.
PRONOUNS.
Wrong Forms or Wrong Uses of Personal, Adjective,
AND Relative Pronouns.
1. Avoid using ^isse// and theirselves for himself anA themselves;
them for these or those.
2. Do not use the compound forms myself himself etc., if the
simple forms I (me), he (him) etc., will serve the purpose.
Thus, say, 'One evening Mrs. A. and J (noi myself) were
taking a walk.'
3. The possessives ours, yours, hers, its, theirs-, do not take an
apostrophe.
4. Use either, neither, each other, the other in speaking of t<Wo
only, and do not use either foi each.
5. Use who (whom) only of persons, or of animals when named,
or when spoken of as acting like persons.
Use which of things, animals, young children (when sex is not
indicated), and of groups of persons regarded as units.
That is used in speaking of either persons or things, and
hence should be used when there are two antecedents, one
requiring who and the other which. It should also be pre-
ferred after superlatives, and in all cases where the clause
that it begins is clearly restrictive.
6. Avoid such vulgarisms as the use of what or as for who; thus,
* The boy what did that,' etc., ' People as do such things
must expect,' etc.
Exercise III.
Correct the errors in the use of pronouns in the following
sentences :
1. Aren't you afraid of his cutting hisself?
2. They ran away and hid theirselves.
3. .This is a later edition than your's.
4. Our's is much larger than their's.
5. Pick up them books off the floor.
8
COMMON EtlROHS IN SPEAKING AND WUITING.
6. Mr. M. and myself took a walk down to the bank.
7. He has several sets, either of which will serve your purpose.
8. Neither of the three methods is absolutely correct.
9. There is a row of elms on either side of the road.
10. These two boys are always quarrelling with one » nether.
11. The scholars soon get acquainted with each other.
12. He walked from one end of the room to another.
13. He went about from one to the other, seeking sympathy.
14. I trusted to my horse, who knew the way better than I did.
15. Even newspapers who advertise them are liable to be fined.
16. He is the greatest poet which this century has produced.
17. He remembered the names of most of the authors and books
of which we had been speaking.
18. It will take all which he has earned this week.
19. He was the first scholar who succeeded in answering it.
20. I gave it to the boy what brings the milk.
Exercise IV.— Review.
Correct all errors in the use of nouns, adjectives or pronouns in
the following sentences :
1. Don't buy any inore of those sort of pencils.
2. Apply to Messers. C. and D., Barristers and Attornies.
3. These are the only cities who have adopted the system.
4. He brought three hats, neither of which was mine.
5. What kind of a bird is that on the fence ?
6. Did you ever read Bunyans Pilgrims Progress ?
7. Which is the heaviest, her's or mine ?
8. Where did you get them apples ?
9. It was the cowardliest act I ever heard of.
10. They keep coming in two's and three's.
11. The two criminals soon became suspicious of one another.
12. Of all other places it's the last that I should think of.
VERBS.
9
purpose.
)ther.
ithy.
1 I did.
le fined,
iced,
nd books
Jit.
nouns in
!S.
m.
13. You can't tell his ns from his us.
14. It presented an uniform appearance.
1 5. One of the negroes sang two soloes at the concert.
16. You never saw a wretcheder specimen of humanity. -'
1 7. Prove your answer by casting out the 9s.
18. She is a better writer than any scholar in her class. »
19. He showed me several, but I did not care for either of them.
20. He sets the hardest papers of any examiner I know. ''
21. What return do you expect for all which you have done "i
22. He would not come any further with us.
23. I gave it to one of the men which were working in the yard.
24. I heard that one of his brother-in-laws had bought the farm.
25. We kept them as mementoes of our six weeks holiday trip.
26. Presently my dog, who had followed me, began to growl.
27. He must have fired not less than five or six shots at it.
28. I met Mrs. C. and himself on their way to church.
29. She dcesn't like these kind of pianoes.
30. Many an one would refuse to do it.
then
VERBS.
I. — The use of the wrong auxiliary.
II. — Wrong past tense and past participle forms.
III.— Confounding transitive and intransitive verbs.
—I. Avoid using can and could for may and might v^htn per-
mission and not power is referred to.
It would take too much space to deal fully with the uses of
will {would) and shall {should), but experience shows that
the mistakes generally consist in using will {would) for
shall {should\ and that any one that attends carefully to the
following points will seldom go wrong in the use of these
words.
(a) In statements, if it is intended merely to foretell or an-
nounce a fact, observe the following models :
10
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
* I (we) shall (should) be glad to see it again/
' You will (would) be tired after your walk.'
* He (she) (it) (they) will (would) be late for the trairi.'
If it is intended to make a promise or to announce a
decision, observe the following :
* I (we) will (would) not allow that to be done.'
* You shall have another opportunity.*
* He (she) (it) (they) shall be attended to at onee.'
{b) In questions observe the following rules :
For the ist person always use shall {should)*
For the 2nd and 3rd use whichever form ought to be used
in the answer; thus,
* Shall I (we) call for you ? ' ' Should I (we) be likely to
find him at home } *
' How old shall yoi be ? ' * Should you be sorry to leave ?'
'Will you come with us?' 'Would you go if he asked you?'
* Will (would) there be time for xtl'
' Shall this motion pass ?'
{c) In subordinate clauses mentioning a future contingency
and beginning with i/^ though^ when^ who^ we use shall
{should) for all three persons ; as,
' Any candidate who shall be detected,' etc.
' If (1) (you) (he) should fall what would happen ? '
N.B. — If any one finds it difficult to bear in mind all the
forego'ng directions, let him at least remember :
(i) Nevei to ask ' Will (would) I (we) do or be anything ? '
(ii) Never to say 'I (we) will (would) do or be something,*
unless he is making a promise or expressing a determin-
ation.
DorUt is permissible for do not^ but not for does not. Be care-
ful to put the apostrophe in the right place.
Forms like carCt^ arerit^ haverit are permissible, but it is better
to avoid shanH and wonH^ and of course haint and aint are
barbarous.
1
cip
ma
fou
has
do,
fre(
rid
thr
the
on«
(
se
VERBS.
11
1 1. —The following are the verbs whose past tenses and past parti-
ciples are most frequently formed or used wrongly. Persons that
make mistakes of this character are advised to write out and master
four forms of each verb; thus, 'he goes,' 'he is going,' 'he went,' 'he
has gone.* Beat, begin, beseech, blow, break, catch, choose, come,
do, dive, drive, draw, drink, eat, flee, fly, fall, flow, foiget, forbid,
freeze, go, give, grow, hang, know, lie, lay, plead, raise, rise, ring,
ride, run, see, sing, sink, shake, speak, steal, swell, swim, take, tear,
thrive, throw, wake, wear, weave, write.
III. — Observe carefully the differences in form and use between
the transitive verbs raise, lay^ set, and the corresponding intransitive
ones, rise, lie, sit; as,
{a) 'We raise wheat.* 'They are raising the roof.' ' He raised
the price.' ' He had raised a difficulty' ; but, ' He rises at
daylight.' * The river is rising.' ' He rose to speak.' 'The
price had risen.'
{h) ' He lays down the law.' ' They were laying the foundation.'
' She laid it on the table.' ' They had laid the floor ' ; but,
' It lies in a different direction.' ' The books were lying on
the floor.' ' He lay on the sofa.' ' It had lain there all
winter,'
{c) * He sets a very bad example.' ' He was setting out his
plants.' 'She set them on the table. ' * He had set a
hard paper' ; but, ' She sits in the sun.' *They were sit-
ting by the window.' 'We sat there for an hour.' 'He
had sat in that seat for years.'
Note that the common error is to use the transitive form for
the intransitive, and especially so in the case of lay and He.
Exercise V.
I. — Correct any errors in the form or use of verbs in the following
sentences :
1. Can I have the use of your ruler for a little while .?
2. They wanted to know if they could not have a holiday.
3. Will I find you at home this evening ?
4. Would I be allowed to try the examination .?
12 COMMON ERRORS IN SP BAKING AND WRITING.
5. I hope we will be in time to get good seats.
6. He was afraid that we would miss the train.
7. I have resolved that I shall make the attempt.
8. He had little hope that they should accept the offer.
9. I knew he done it, for I seen him do it.
ID. You have went over that lesson several times.
1 1 He must have forgot to put the cork in the bottle.
12. He came very near getting his leg broke.
13. He rung the bell twice this morning.
14. The children sung several hymns.
15. They sunk several wells in the neighbourhood.
16. The toast was drank with great enthusiasm.
17. He must surely have mistook the house.
18. I think that you might have wrote and told us.
19. You might have chose something more appropriate
L^ 20. He would have froze to death if we had left hirti.
21. The lesson is tore out of my book.
22. He throwed it over the fence and run for home.
23. He jumped in and swum across.
24. It will be all eat up before you get there.
25. He had began his sermon before they entered.
' 26. He must have ran all the way home.
27. The passengers all beseeched him to return.
28. He said that his feet swole up to a great size.
29. Stung by her reproaches, he went and hung himself.
30. The river had overflown its banks during the night.
31. After he laid down he remembered he had left it laying there,
32. You had better go and lay down for a little while.
v--^3. She could not get her bread to raise properly.
34. I wish you would set still while I am copying this.
35. He was forced to fly the country in consequence.
36. He plead (pled) earnestly to be allowed to try.
0^.
VERBS.
13
37. You may have trod on it without noticing.
38. I hope that he has beat them all this time.
39. Didn't you know that he had forbade us to go there ?
-- 40. Two fatal errors underlaid his theory.
II. — Which of the italicized words should be used in the following
sentences r
1. You can {may) go and ask him if we shall {will) have time for
another game.
2. I believe it could {might) be done if they should {would) make
a united effort.
3. If you will {shall) leave it there I shall {will) call for it in the
evening.
4. How soon shall {will) you be able to let us know whether it
can {may) be done or not J
5. He might as well have pled (pleaded) guilty for he is sure to
be hung {hanged).
6. Having set her bread to raise {rise) she went and lay {laid)
down for a short rest.
Exercise VI.— Review.
Correct any errors in the forms or uses of nouns, adjectives, pro-
nouns, or verbs in the following sentences :
1. Which is the farthest north, New York or San Francisco?
2. I would like to hear his opinion of those sort of desks.
3. I seen it laying on your desk a few minutes ago.
4. What sort of a proposition is it }
5. The tug rescued two vessels, who were in distress.
6. It is likely that I will be gone before you return.
7. He must have drank nearly three spoonsful of it.
8. They asked if they could not go out at intermission.
9. Several combatants had already fallen on either side.
10. Surely he can't have ate it all already. ,
11. He offered a prize to any one that would guess the answer.
14
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
|l<^
V'
_^ 12. It claims to have the ablest staff of any of its contemporaries.
13. Can't we go when we finish this sum ?
14. We have concluded that we will not be able to accept it.
15. He looks as if he had laid there all night.
16. The unicorn was probably a kind of a rhinoceros.
17. It was decided that Mr. A. 'would accompany them.
18. The entertainment was a most complete failure.
19. Will we do this one the sanie way we done the last .'*
20. It is the likeliest place of all others in town to find him.
21. I was in hopes that we would have a chance to see him.
22. He has a better memory than any boy I know of.
23. If I had not broke your stick you would never have ran home
or began to cry.
24. The same man which left the parcel took it away again.
25. He found that the water had raised several inches.
26. He went about from one door to the other begging.
27. It was the peacefulest meeting they had had for some time.
28. He would have went with her if I hadn't forgot to waken him.
29. It is two stories higher than their's.
30. For him through hostile camps I wend my way,
For him thus prostrate at thy feet I lay.
ADVERBS.
The Use of Adjectives for Adverbs and Adverbs
FOR Adjectives.
I. Remember that adverbs modify verbs (including participles
and gerunds), adjectives, and adverbs, while adjectives
modify nouns, pronouns, or phrases used with the value of
nouns ; as, * He stated the terms clearly,' but ' He gave a
clear statement,' ' That is more easily said than done,' but
' The other plan ;v'ould have been easier.'
fc
I I
ADVERBS.
15
2. Avoid using good^ bad, real, easy, fair, plain, plenty, queer,
friendly, orderly, thick, suitable, different, some, that, kind
of, sort of as adverbs ; and avoid the words firstly, illy,
overly, and most for almost.
3. Do not use too or very before past participles. Say ' much ' or
' greatly annoyed,' not * very annoyed,' and 'too much' or
' too seriously damaged,' rather than * too damaged.'
4. With the verbs look, feel, smell, sound, taste, use
(a) Adjectives to describe the state or quality of the subject,
i.e., that a person C; thing has a certain .look, feeling, etc. ;
as, ' The razor looks sharpy ' He felt sore and stiffs ' The
milk tastes soiir^ 'That name sounds/a/«///ar to me,' 'They
smell rank.''
(b) Adverbs to express the manner in which an action or
feeling is manifested, or the extent to which a quality is
exhibited ; as, ' He looked sharply after them,' ' He felt the
need of it sorely,' ' It tastes slightly of turnips,' ' He sounded
the note distinctly,' ' His breath smelt strongly of liquor.'
Note. — While we say ' to feel glad (happy) (pleased, etc.) about
something,' the tendency is to say ' to feel badly about it.'
5. In regard to a few words usage is inconsistent, having sanc-
tioned the use of the adjectival form in certain expressions
in which the adverbial form should be used ; as, ' He called
loudly for help,' but ' Speak louder,^ ' He judged rightly
that,' etc., but ' It served him right,' ' He walked slowly
back,' but * My watch goes too sloiv^ * They are deeply
involved,' but ' His words sank deep into my heart.'
Exercise VII.
I. — Correct any errors in the use of adverbs or adjectives in the
following sentences :
1. He behaved so bad that I had to suspend him.
2. She seemed real glad to see us.
3. Come quick and see this butterfly.
16
COMMON ERRORS IN SPKAKING AND WRITING.
J 4-
5-
6.
7.
8.
9-
lo.
II.
12.
13-
14.
15-
16.
17.
18.
19.
'-— 20.
21.
22.
i^ 23.
24.
25-
^ 26.
27.
28.
^ 29.
w 30.
^ 31.
. 33.
- 34-
35-
R6ad it slower if you please.
He acted very dififerent from his brother.
He writes plainer than he once did.
Most every boy in school has one.
Walk as quiet as you can.
I managed that part of it easy enough.
He acted as friendly as if there had never been any quarrel.
The children marched quietly and orderly through the hall.
He acted very independent about the matter.
He scattered the seed quite thick on the ground.
He spoke quite decided on that point.
The room smelt strong of tobacco.
She went to bed and slept sound till morning.
They were exceeding glad to see him.
Isn't it near finished yet ?
He ought to dress more suitable to his position.
Just as like as not you will meet him on the road.
Be careful to sew them on good and strong.
They acted very unfriendly towards us.
How sweetly these roses smell ! •
How beautifully your garden looks this morning 1
The order must have sounded harshly to them.
That's easier said than done.
The stick he used was about that long.
He was illy equipped for the journey.
She was very displeased about it.
He was too injured to be taken home.
He didn't seem overly anxious to go.
She felt some better this morning.
What made him act so queer ?
It will look kind of strange.
The house is plenty large enough.
PKB POSITIONS.
17
quarrel,
hall.
II. — Which of tlie italicized words in the following sentences are
preferable, and why .''
1. He will be terrible {terribly) angiy when he hears.
2. As sure {surely) as I live I saw him do it.
3. He urged his men to stand firm {firmly).
4. You can buy them just as cheap {cheaply) here.
5. That's an uncommon {uncommonly) fine specimen.
6. I fear the order will sound rather harsh {harshly).
III. — Use the following forms correctly in sentences.
1. To look angry (angrily).
2. To feel easy (easily).
3. To arrive safe (safely). •
4. To prove different (differently).
5. To turn cold (coldly).
6. To appear plain (plainly).
PREPOSITIONS.
The Use of the Wrong Preposition.
One of the hardest things to learn in any language is the correct
use of prepositions. It is impossible to lay down rules that will be
of general service, and the student must therefore observe carefully
the usage of good writers and be guided by it. A few cautions,
however, in regard to common errors may be useful.
1. We divide between two, amon^ several. Avoid the absurdity
of saying ' the distance between each post,' or ' the interval
between each game.'
2. We compare one thing with another when they are of the same
nature ; as, one book, answer, method, specimen, school
with another. We compare one thing to another when they
are of different natures, but have points of resemblance.
Thus we compare life to a journey^ a vessel to a bird^ a
warrior to a lion.
18
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
Note that the mistake commonly made is in saying ' compare
to' for * compare with.'
3. A person may differ with another in opinion, on a point, about
or in regard to a matter. A person or thing may differ/r»w
another in character, quality, appearance, etc. Say * differ-
ent from' not 'different to,' though the latter is very common
in British writers.
4. Use into rather than in Kiierfall, drop, break, throw; as, * He
dropped it into the box.' Avoid using the form onto for on.
5. After attended, accompanied, beset, overcome, overwhelmed,
struck, surrounded, etc.
{a) Use by in speaking of persons, animals, or things regarded
as active agents or instruments ; as, * accompanied by
her friends,' 'attended by his hounds,' 'beset by enemies,'
' overcome by the flames,' ' overwhelmed by the waves,'
* struck by a stone,' ' surrounded by his followers.'
{b) Use with in speaking of things of a quiet or passive nature ;
as, 'music accompanied with words,' 'attended with con-
sequences,' 'beset with difficulties,' 'overgrown with
weeds,' 'overcome with grief,' 'overwhelmed with fear,'
' strucK with ie beauty,' * surrounded with influences.'
6. Avoid using for before the infinitive with to. Expressions
like ' What went ye out for to see ? ' are not sanctioned by
modern usage.
7. Say ' accused of (not with) things/ ' profit by (not from) the
warning,' ' no need of (not for) that,' 'to take notice of {not
to) something,' ' conform to rules,' but ' comply with them,'
' angry with persons at (or about) things,' ' sensitive to ' but
' sensible of
Exercise VIII.
I. — Correct the errors in the use of prepositions in the following
sentences :
1. Divide these apples between these three boys.
2. I found it very different to what I expected.
3. Compare your work to his, and you will see the difference.
but
'S
PREPOSITIONS.
19
L
, . It seemed quite grand in comparison to mine.
5. He let his axe fall in the creek, while crossing.
6. The accident is likely to be attended by serious consequences.
7. She seemed quite overcome by sorrow at the discovery.
8. Is the music accompanied by the words "i
9. He was accused with acting unfairly as judge.
10. He was quite ill with typhoid fever at the time. r
11. Try to rid yourself from all such prejudices.
12. I hope that he will profit from his experience.
13. I beg to differ from the last speaker.
14. He was very liberal with promises before the election.
15. I did it in compliance to their request.
16. It flew up in the tree before I was ready to fire.
17. The whole room was redolent with the perfume.
18. He refused to conform with the regulations.
19. I did not take notice to what he said.
20. He was rather noted for his fondness of fast horses.
21. She felt the need for some one to advise her.
22. How do you reconcile this statement to your previous one ?
23. She had not been accustomed with such treatment.
24. He would be very angry at us if he knew.
25. There was too long an interval between each game.
26. I wish to divide it in three equal parts.
27. Just contrast this picture to that.
28. I cannot entirely acquit him from blame.
29. I nearly died with starvation while there.
30. He crawled over onto the grass.
II. — Insert the proper prepositions :
1. He is quite averse — ^ such a proceeding.
2. He jumped -^-^ the platform and began an address.
3. It is well adapted ' ^ such a purpose.
4. The question is involved -^^^^ difficulty.
20
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
!l
5. The jury acquitted him ^-1— all blame.
6. He seemed possessed ^ ' ' that notion.
7. Don't jump -"i*^ a conclusion.
r
8. I think they live West street.
9. Try to rid yourself that notion.
. i
10. The district abourds ■^'^^^-^' game of all sorts.
11. I am tired copying names.
12. He died his wounds.
13. He wouldn't agree my proposal.
14. He seems quite conversant the subject.
1 5. I can't reconcile the one statement the other.
16. The house is to be sold
vM
auction.
17. The child fell
the dock.
- contact.
18. To bring them —
19. He wrote another signature.
20. He couldn't get reconciled — — the change.
HI: — Distinguish :
1. To call on (for) a person.
2. A taste of (for) a thing.
3. To ride in (into) the park.
4. To think of (on) a thing.
5. Disappointed in (of) a thing.
6. To part from (with) a thing.
7. To wait on (for) a person.
8. To copy from (after) a person.
CONJUNCTIONS.
I. — Words wrongly used as conjunctions.
n. — Conjunctions wrongly used.
I. — Avoid using like^ without^ directly as conjunctious in place of
rtj, unless, as soon as; thus, ' I acted just as (not like) you would
have done.' '
CONJUNCTIONS.
21
)lace of
would
II. — I. Avoid using than after hardly {scarcely)^ different^ prefer^
instead of when, from, to; thus, ' Hardly had they started
when (not than) it began to rain.' ' He took a different plan
f7'om what (not than^ I did.' ' I prefer waiting for her to
going alone (not to wait for her than to go alone).'
On the other hand be careful to use than not when after no
sooner; as, 'No sooner had he left the room than (not
when) the noise began.'
2. Use than not but after otherwise, other, else; as, * Nothing
else tha?i (not but) that would please her.'
3. Say ' I don't know that it will make any difference,' not ' I
don't know as it will,' etc. ' Do this so as to show them,' etc.
or ' Do this so that you may show them,' etc.
4. Don't use but what if that or but ///a/ will serve, as, ' I have no
doubt that he took it' ' I don't know but that the other
would have done better.'
Note. — But what is of c virse perfectly correct when the what
is a relative ; as, 'I have nothing but what I have shown
you.'
5. Neither should be followed by nor, not by ^r.
6. Avoid saying ' Try and do it ' for * Try to do it.' It is, how-
ever, quite correct to say ' Go and do it,' ' Come and do it,'
as in these expressions we assume that the person can do
the thing if he goes or comes.
7. Be careful not to use and (but) who {which) unless you already
have a who or which clause to couple it with ; thus, not
'He spoke in a low voice, but which was heard quite dis-
tinctly,' but
* He spoke in a low but distinct voice,' or
*He spoke in a voice which was low but which was heard
quite distinctly.'
8. Avoid repeating the conjimction that unnecessarily, or substi-
tuting it for some other subordinating conjunction ; as, * I
fear that when he learns what has happened that he,' etc.
* If anything of that kind were to happen and that the
property were injured,' etc.
22
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
Exercise IX.
Correct any errors in the use of conjunctions or words used as
conjunctions in the following sentences :
1. I don't know as I can give you his exact words.
2. It could not have got away without somebody untied it.
3. Scarcely had they left than there came a knock at the door.
4. Hardly had I le?^' ^.he room than he attempted to escape.
5. No sooner had ht pened it when the flames burst forth.
6. Directly he reached home he sent for the doctor.
7. I will start at it immediately they have gone.
8. He took quite a different view than I did.
9. I prefer to wait a few days than to accept an inferior article.
10. Who could do otherwise but accept such an offer ?
1 1. No other course but that was open to him.
12. Nothing else but weeds will grow on it.
13. It treated him just like a cat treats a mouse.
14. There is no doubt but what he said so.
15. He gave her a handsome pony, and which cost him fifty
pounds.
16. They captured several prisoners but whom they treated very
fairly.
17. He found that after paying all expenses that there would be
a small sum left.
18. The chances are ten to one but he will forget it.
19. Neither the foreman or his assistant had seen it
20. Stand on the desk so as all can see you.
2
2
2
Exercise X.— Review.
Correct any errors in the use of nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs,
prepositions or conjunctions in the following sentences :
1. He must have come after we had went home.
2. How will we know which of the two is the best.
REVIEW.
23
3. She was disgusted at him for acting so silly,
4. I cannot explain all the minutia of the process.
5. Their farm lays in a different direction to ours.
6. Your method seems quite simple compared to his.
7. He claims to have done the most work of any boy in the class.
8. It seems that he acted wiser than they thought.
9. He fell in the river and was nearly drowned.
ID. You will scarcely find a more universal blunder.
1 1. She told them to set up straight so as she could see them all.
12. He wandered about from one street to another.
1 3. What is the distance between each telegraph pole ?
14. He chose this verse because it would be the easiest learned.
15. After a few minutes search they found it laying in a corner.
16. He died very sudden I am told.
17. He acted just like a boy does when he is telling a lie.
18. I have no doubt but what we will all be benefited by it.
19. Of all other vices covetousness enters deepest into the soul.
20. No other course was left them but to accept his resignation,
and which they accordingly did.
21. Mamma, can't we have a party on Saturday?
22. I think you acted very foolish in refusing it.
23. For pity sake do be quiet, girls 1
24. It ended in establishing his authority firmer than ever.
25. I will be ten years old next Monday.
26. There is scarcely any one so poor but what can give it.
27. It wasn't he that done it, for I seen his hat laying in the hall.
28. The book is illustrated by several fine engravings.
29. He would not go without I promised to pay his expenses.
30. The case is different with city battalions, who are composed
mainly of intelligent mechanics and artisans.
31. It was certainly a most remarkable phenomena.
32. He said that he had often swam across it.
33. It must be some sort of a beetle, I think.
u
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
i
34. He said he didn't know as it would be of any use.
35. The roof and the walls had given way and fell in.
36. Will I be allowed to choose either of the three .''
37. Neither he or his sister knew anything about it.
38. The name was spelled different than usual..
39. I wouldn't be surprised to hear of his failure.
40. He had forgot to lock the door before he laid down.
41. Who is that girl setting near the window ?
42. There was not the slightest need for so much waste.
43. She was that faint she could hardly walk.
44. Hers was the iieatest dqne of all that I saw.
45. He did all that laid in his power to help us.
46. The bell began to ring directly we left the house.
47. They were scholars of a very different type to Bentley.
48. How sadly she must have felt at parting from thein.
49. It had been arranged that he would be chairman.
50. I didn't know but what you might have forgot.
ExERCiGE XI.— Review.
I. — Which of the italicized words is correct ?
1. It tastes quite s/rong (s/rong/y) of doves.
2. I fear he will pay iiear {dearly) for his rashness.
3. He felt very bad {badly') at being beaten.
4. Sit quiet {quietly) in your seats a little longer.
5. It sounded strange {strangely) to hear him say that.
6. He must have drank {drunk) several spoonfuls {spoonsfut).
7. He wasn't brought up like {as) you were.
8. I'm not sure but what {that) there is some left.
9. Where is {are) the scissors ?
10. I saw {seen) it laying {lying) on your desk.
II. — Distinguish between :
I. The Lord's Day. The Day of the Lord.
REVIEW.
n
isfut).
2. My sister's photograph. A photograph of my sister (sister's).
3. Half a dollar. A half dollar.
4. I found the way easy (easily).
5. It looks good (well).
6. (A) (the) few on the platform saw nim do it.
7. She was the greatest actor (actress) of her day.
8. She has done her sum. She has her sum done.
9. He (has) deposited the money in the bank.
10. He can (may) answer it if he wishes to do so.
11. He gave the child a few pennies (pence).
12. The third and (the) last volume.
13. They have rented a new (newly) furnished house.
14. The stage starts (will start) at 8 o'clock.
15. He told us about an (the) adventure he had.
III. — Give sentences illustrating the correct use of the following:
1. Angry at, with.
2. Concur with, in.
3. Consist of, in.
4. Die of, by.
5. Familiar to, with.
6. Agree with, upon, to, in, among.
7. Enter into, upon.
8. Impatient with, at, of, for, under.
9. Inquire of, into, for, about, after.
10. Intrust to, with.
IV. — {a) Distinguish in meaning:
1. You will (shall) know the result to-morrow.
2. I will (shall) not be the only one to suffer.
3. Will (shall) there be ?,ny charge for admission ?
4. He states that he shall (will) be unable to attend.
5. If he would (should) do that it would be all right.
26
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
(b) Which is correct, and why?
1. Will (shall) you be sorry to leave school ?
2. Will (shall) I be allowed another trial ?
3. He offers a prize to whoever will (shall) guess it.
4. I did that lest he would (should) suspect my object.
5. He promised that it would (should) not occur again.
6. Would (should) you be surprised to hear of it.
7. WMU (shall) you allow that to be done }
8. I wouldn't (shouldn't) have time to do that.
9. They have agreed that the race will (shall) be rowed again.
10. If the rope would (should) break I would (should) fall.
(^) Fill the blanks correctly
(i) With shall or will.
we have time to call for them ?
there be time to call for them ?
I go and nobody prevent me.
I feel much obliged if you tell me.
I.
2.
3-
4.
5-
If she
call for us we be glad to go with her.
I.
2.
3-
4-
5-
(ii) With should or would.
He did better than I have been able to do.
I think if you ask him for it he give it to you.
Though I be killed for it yet I not deny it.
the examiners allow me to use a ruler .''
— be sorry to see him plucked.
I
SYNTAX. .
The Relation Between Words in Sentences.
CONCORD OR AGREEMENT.
I. — Verbs not in agreement with their subjects.
The general principle to be observed is that when the verb has
different forms for number or person we must use the form corres-
£8.
;cTS.
verb has
corres-
AGRKEMENT. 2i
ponding to the nurrber and person of the subject, as * I am,' ' tbou
art,' 'he is,' ' we are.'
I. — Note, however, that it is the sense rather than the form of
the subject that determines the number of the verb. Thus, in
• Two-thirds of it inas useless,'
' Three dollars is :[uite enough for it,'
we make the verb singular because we are thinking of an amount
simply in each case, and not of separate thirds or dollars.
Again we say :
' The committee were unable to agree,' because we are thinking
of the different members of the committee.
Similarly we say :
' The secretary and the treasurer were present.'
' The spectator and historian of the scene has given,' etc.
' The door and the window were open.'
' Every door and window was open.'
' The door, but not the windows, was open.'
' The door, as well as the window, was open.'
* The teacher, with several of the older pupils, was there.'
n. — Errors in the number of the verb are very often due to the
fact that the ear or the eye is misled by the proximity of a plural
or a singular noun which is not the subject of the verb.
1. Note, for instance, the tendency to make the verb plural
after such subjects as each, every one, either, neither, nobody
but, nothing but, when followed by a phrase containing a
plural noun ; as,
' Nearly every one of the girls were late.'
2. Note, on the other hand, the very marked tendency to make
the verb singular after the expression ' more than one ' ; as,
* More than one case has occurred,'
a tendency so strong that the safest way, perhaps, to avoid
the mistake is to fill in the ellipsis after more; as,
* More cases than one ha%>e occurred.'
28
COMMON ERRORS IN ^PEAKING AND WRITING.
A similar tendency — though not susceptible of a similar ex-
planation — to make the verb singular when it ought to be
plural is seen in the case of expressions like
' One of the best books that has been written.'
N.B. — Observe the difference in form, punctuation, and mean-
ing between
* One of the boys, who works in the factory, made it.'
' One of the boys who work in the factory made it'
3. Note the tendency to make the verb singular when the sub-
ject comes after the verb ; as,
' Was you at the meeting ? '
* How is the length and breadth to be determined .-*'
' There is a great many houses on the street.'
III. — Mistakes in regard to the person of the verb are but seldom
made. The following will serve as examples of the most common :
' What's the matter now, says I.'
' You are the one that are most to blame.'
' I'm a man that am a judge of such things.'
Exercise XII.
Correct any errors in the verbs in the following sentences :
1. Each of the candidates were allowed another trial.
2. Not one of all those boys were able to answer the question.
3. Nearly every one of the applicants were from this county.
4. Neither of the answers given to it were quite correct.
5. Have either of you seen my pencil?
6. Neither the Mayor nor the Reeve were at the meeting.
7. Either ignorance or carelessness have caused this.
8. Nobody but the speakers were allowed on the platform.
9. Nothing but trials and disappointments seem to await me.
10. Economy as well as industry, are necessary to do this.
1 1. The costliness of his arms and apparel were evident to all.
12. Efficiency, and not numbers, are what we should aim at.
II.
N
AGREEMPJNT.
29
13. Every door and every window were crowded with spectators.
14. A fine collection of apples were particularly noticeable.
15. Pharaoh, with his whole army, were drowned in the Red Sea.
16. More than one accident has happ'ened in that way.
17. Was you at school the day it happened ?
18. It is one of the hardest papers that has ever been given.
19. It may have been one of the men that works in the foundry.
20. To this cause, no doubt, is due most of the failures,
21. What is the mood and tense 'of the following verbs ?
22. Sufficient data has been given to solve it.
23. Thinks I to myself, he will soon see his mistake.
24. Thou art the man that hast done this great wrong.
25. I am a man that have seen something of the world.
II. — The use of the wrong case of the subject or pre-
dicate PRONOUN.
The general principles to be observed are :
1. The subject of a yf;M/(? verb, /.^., a verb in the indicative, the
subjunctive, (the potential ?) or the imperative mood, is to
be in the nominative form when that is different from the
objective.
The subject of an infinitive mood is to be in the objective ; as,
* She belie\es that /le is responsible for it.'
' She believes ///;;/ to be responsible for it.'
2. A predicate noun or pronoun denoting the same person or
thing as the subject should agree with it in case ; as,
* I believe // is he.''
' 1 believe it to be /«>«.'
The mistake most commonly made is using the objective for
the nominative,
{a) When two subjects aie coupled ; as,
' Mary and her went home together.'
' Him and I don't speak now.'
I \
30 COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
(d) When the verb is omitted after //nui or asy thus,
• He is taller than me.'
' You are nearly as tall as /ler.'
(c) When tu/io has a transitive verb between it and its verb ;
as,
' That's the man whom we all thought had bought it.'
N.B. — This is one of the mistakes that even educated
people often make.
{d) After ' it is,' ' it was,' etc. ; as,
* It wasn't w^, but it may have been her?
Exercise XIII.
Correct any errors in the subject or predicate pronouns.
1. Her and I are in the same class at school.
2. Henry and him soon began to quarrel.
3. They don't succeed any better than us.
4. She is older than me, but I am nearly as tall as her.
5. It seems that they, as well as us, had mistaken the house.
6. He said that you and me might go if we liked.
7. I gave it to a man whom I thought was the proprietor.
8. Give it to whomsoever seems to need it most.
9. It must have been her that you saw, not me.
- 10. It wasn't him that gave it to me.
^ II. It couldn't have been them that we passed.
12. It may have been us that you have heard.
f^ 1 3. I should never have imagined it to be he.
14. Whom does he think it could have been ?
15. Who do you take me to be .-*
III.— APPOSITIVES in the WRONG CASE.
IV.— Pronouns not agreeing with their antecedents.
I. — The general principle to be observed is that the noun or pro-
noun in apposition to another noun or pronoun, />., added to it for
, verb ;
it.'
iucated
AGREEMENT.
31
I
!
ouse.
IDENTS.
or pro-
to it for
the purpose of identifying or explaining, should be in the same case
as the word for which it is in apposition. Owing, however, to the
absence of inflections in English the only words liable to misuse in
this connection are he^ him, she, her; as, ' I bought it from Brown,
he that has the store,' etc.
II, — Pronouns should, when they have different forms for the
purpose, agree with their antecedents in gender, number, and person.
The mistakes most commonly made are :
1. Using the plural forms they, their, them after a singular ante-
cedent such as 'each,' 'every one,' 'any one,' 'either,'
'neither,' 'not a person,' 'nobody but,' 'nothing but,'
' A as well as B,' etc. ; as,
' Not one of them would give their consent.'
N.B. — The proper way to avoid the mistake is not to use he
or she, his or her, him or her, but either to use he, his, him
throughout, as in laws, regulations, etc., or to use a plural
antecedent.
Thus do not say : ' If any pupil doesn't know how to fill out
his or her form if he or she will come to me after four I will
show him or her,' but,
' If any pupil doesn't know how to fill out his form if he will
come,' etc. ; or,
' If there are any pupils that do not know how to fill out their
forms if they will,' etc.
2. Using his or her, etc., instead of their, etc., after such
expressions as, ' more than one,' ' one of the men that ' ; as,
' More than one has lost his life in that way,' etc.
' One of the words that forms its plural,' etc.
3. Note that although the forms ' Many a man,' etc., are followed
by a singular verb and pronoun in the same clause, yet on
going on to a new clause we change to the plural ; as, 'Many
a missionary has sacrificed Jiis life apparently in vain, but
they are sure of an eternal reward.'
4. About the only common error in regard to person is the use of
my for his ; as, ' I'm not a man that want my own way.'
32
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKINO AND WRITING.
Il
N.B. — Sometimes usage allows the sense to prevail over the
strict grammatical requirement. Thus, while we say U)ne
of us (you) left his books on the desk/ usage seems to sanction
* Some of us left our books.'
' Some of you left your books.'
Exercise XIV , .
Correct any errors in the use of pronouns in the following
sentences :
1. Jones, him that won the prize for drawing, has gone home.
2. Give this book to young Smith, he that sits by the door.
3. Not a boy in the class knew their lessons to-day.
4. Each of the gentlemen present offered their assistance.
5. Neither of the workmen had brought their tools.
6. Neither he nor the Secretary would give their consent.
7. The father as well as the son agreed to use their influence.
8. Nobody but a fool would have left their money there.
9. Nearly every one of those present promised their support.
10. Either Mr. A. or Mr. B. will, I am sure, lend you their copy.
1 1. Any pupil wishing to sell their copy will find a purchaser.
12. If any one wants it let them say so.
13. There may be more than one here that can't sign his name.
14. He isn't one of those men that would abandon his principles
for office.
1 5. I must confess that I am a man that can't keep my temper in
such cases.
Exercise XV.— Review.
Correct any errors in the following sentences :
1. Which of you boys left your books laying on the desk ?
2. I thought he acted rather strange this morning.
3. One after another rose and expressed their approval.
4. Who do you think he took her to be ?
5. I like it the best of any machine I have seen.
REVIEW.
33
over the
ay *^One
sanction
following
home,
oor.
ce.
nt.
luence.
e.
pport.
leir copy.
laser.
is name,
principles
temper in
3k?
6. How could any person get such an idea into their head .''
7. Can I have it after you are done with it .'*
8. There was lots of fun at the meeting last night.
9. The oldest of the two is about as tall as me.
10. Neither of the sisters were at church this morning.
11. Actions speak plainer than words.
1 2. These two children seem to be very fond of one anothe •.
1 3. Your own conscience, and not other men's opinions, are to be
your guide.
14. Perhaps it wasn't her that you saw.
1 5. It must belong to one of the prisoners which escaped from
the gaol yesterday.
16. He seemed to think that an/ sort of an excuse would do.
17. I will not be surprised to find that there was more than one.
18. It is thought to have been him that first suggested it.
19. It is one of the best answers that has yet been given to it.
20. Nearly every one of her exercises had mistakes in them.
21. No city in Canada has suffered so much from fires as Quebec.
22. Of that large collection there remains but a few specimens.
23. We will all be anxious to learn the result.
24. He could not account for all the phenomena that was witnessed.
25. Whom did you say it was that gave it to you ?
26. It seems that Mary and her went to school together.
27. I read it slow enough for any one to follow me.
28. The man whom we thought was him proved to be a stranger.
29. The moral is that perseverance, coupled with patience and
prudence, are sufficient to achieve such results.
30. It is one of the words that doubles the / before ed.
31. A large part of the exports consist of spices.
32. Not one in ten of them are likely to pass.
33. I don't know as I will have any farther need for it.
34. Hardly had he resumed the chair than the trouble began.
34
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
35. One after another rose and offered their services.
36. I didn't know but what it might be some sort of a trap.
37. Neither he or Irving have accomplished such results as Kean.
38. The opinions expressed are the writer's own and for which no
one else is responsible.
39. More than one case has occurred where an innocent man has
been hung.
40. We the undersigned has made up our mind to try the en-
trance examination at July.
f
v.— Wrong tenses or moods.
No general rule for the use of tenses or moods would be of much
service, but the following cautions will be found helpful :
I. — I. As hopes, intentions, expectations refer to the future and
not to the past, say, 'I meant (it was our intention) (she
hoped) (they expected) to do so (not to have done so ').
2. As the present perfect tense (z'.i?., the perfect with have)
denotes an action which extends to the present, we may
say : ' He has lived there for many years,' if he is still living
there, but not otherwise. Hence, too, we must say, ' Since
he began to do that,' not ' Since he has begun,^ ' He for-
merly did so,' not ' He has formerly done so.'
3. The general law of Sequence of Tenses requires that certain
tenses in the principal clause shall be followed by corres-
ponding tenses in the subordinate clauses ; as, 'I do (am
doing) (have done) (shall do) this so that all may see,' etc. ;
but ' I did (was doing) (had done) that so that all might
see,' etc. ; ' I see (have seen) ' iiall see) what you are doing
{have done) ' ; ' I saw (was ^^eeing) (had seen) what they
were doing (//<j:r/ done) ' ; ' He says that he will do it if she
asks him' ; ' He said that he would do it if she asked him.'
Note that the mistake most commonly made is using mighty
etc., instead of may^ etc., after have (has) done ; as,
' He has done this so that all might know.'
f(
>
AGREEMENT.
4. Note, also, as an exception to the law, that a general or
universal truth is expressed by the present tense, even after,
a past tense ; as,
' In this way he showed them that air has weight.'
II. — Although the special forms of the subjunctive mood are
falling into disuse there are some cases where it is desirable, if not
necessary, to retain them, and the following suggestions may, there-
fore, be found useful :
1. Prefer the subjunctive present in expressing a warning or
direction ; as,
' See that an opportunity be given to all.'
' Take care lest it be too late then.'
2. Prefer the subjunctive past
(a) In expressing a wish ; as,
' I wish it ivere not so far away.'
' Would that he were here to see it.'
(b) In supposing something that is not the case now, or some-
thing that might happen in the future ; as,
' If he w^^^ here he would do so.'
'If that were to happen what would you do .'"
3. Don't couple indicative and subjunctive forms in co-ordinate
clauses. Thus, do not say,
' If an opportunity be given me, and if no one objects^ I will,'
etc.
til
.*»'
Exercise XVI. ,
Correct any errors in the moods or tenses of the verbs in the
following sentences :
>' I. I intended to have written it on Saturday.
/ 2. I expected to have heard from him before this.
3. I was in hopes to have finished it brfore you came.
4. I meant to have told you about it this morning.
> 5. I found it harder than J thought it would have been.
6, If I had known in time 1 might have arranged to have gone.
36
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
Hi
y 7. I don't see that he has done any more than it was his duty to
have done.
8. He has formerly been a resident of the town.
9. It is more than a year since he has visited the school.
< 10. I have written to him so that he might be ready for us.
II. He scarcely seemed to know that two and two made four.
A 12. How far did you say it was from Toronto to Montreal ?
13. If it was not for that I would go with you.
14. If it is fine to-morrow I may take you for a walk.
1 5. Take care that he does not find you at this.
16. Go and see if the office be open yet.
17. Clerk wanted. It is indispensable that he write a good hand
and has some knowledge of book-keeping.
1 8. If you would take the trouble to look you will see it.
19. If one went unto them from the dead they will repent.
20. I often wish I was at home again.
VI. — The coupling of unlike forms or constructions.
The most important principles to be noted in this connection are :
1. The conjunctions and, but, or, nor are co-ordinating, and
hence the two parts of the sentence which they connect,
whether words, phrases, or clauses, should be similar in
function, and also, as far as possible, similar in form. The
foUowin^j may serve as illustrations of common violations of
the principle :
* A man thai lives on A .St. and who knows,' etc.
' That's a place of which I have often heard, but I have never
seen it.'
' As there was no time to lose, and no one seeming ready to
speak, he jumped up.'
' He agreed to lay the matter before the committee, and that
he would /^/ us know.'
2. In advertisements, reports of committees, resolutions, notes
of invitalion, etc., care must be taken not to mingle direct
and indirect forms of expression,
AGREEMEXT.
37
Thus, if an advertisement begins :
' The undersigned begs to announce that he has opened out
again at his old stand,' etc., it must not change to ^ I shall
be glad to see my former customers,' etc., bot should con-
tinue, ' He will be glad to see his,^ etc.
Again, a society may pass a resolution saying ' That this
society desires to express lis appreciation of the honor done
//, ' or 'That we desire to express our appreciation of the
honor done «j,' but the two forms should not be mingled, as
is so often done.
Similarly, a note which reads, ' Mrs. A.'s compliments to
Mr. S., and will feel much obliged '\i you will let me know,'
etc., violates the same principle, and should, of course, read,
'and she will feel much obliged if he will let her know.'
3. In using collective nouns be careful not to mingle two forms.
Thus say :
' The committee which was appointed has given in its report,'
or,
'The committee who were appointed ha7fe not yet agreed on
their report,' but not ' which was have their,' or ' who
were has its.'
4. In comparing two persons or things say,
' A is as good as B, if not better,' or
* A is better than B,' or at least as good,'
but not ' A is as good, if not better than B,' or
' A is better, or at least as good as P.'
5. Be careful in coupling different tenses. Thus, we may say
'I never did and never will admit,'
but not ' I never hai'e and never will admit.'
6. Don't interchange the forms ihou^ thy,, thee,, with you,, yours j
as,
' Thou knowest that we have broken your laws.'
This is a very common fault in translating from another lan-
guage into Knglish.
hi
38
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
Exercise XVII.
Correct any errors arising from coupling unlike forms or con-
structions.
1. To do without that is better than going into debt for it.
2. Ere you mark another's sin,
Bid thy own conscience look within.
3. I always have and always will uphold that view.
4. Has the committee given in their report yet ?
5. The committee who drafted the report was composed of the
following members.
6. Here is the book that you lent me, and which I forgot to re-
turn yesterday.
7. Persons that read the report, and who do not know him
might think so.
8. He is a man of whom I have often heard, but I have never
seen him.
9. I dare say she is as old, if not older than you.
I a He was a better scholar, but not so good a speaker as Tom.
11. This stuff is coarser and in every way inferior to the other.
12. Doth he not leave the ninety and nine and goeth into the
wilderness .''
13. Did you not promise to help, and even offered to bring your
team .''
14. Will Mr. H. please excuse John's absence, and oblige, yours
truly, A. B.
15. Miss C.'s compliments to Mr. S., and will feel greatly obliged
if you will inform me whether, etc.
16. The undersigned has received instructions from the Govern-
ment Inspector, who has just visited my office, to enforce
the regulations. ,
17. Not having any money, and as I knew no one in the village,
1 was forced to continue my journey.
18. In this way they learn to steal and many other vices.
RF.VIEW.
39
19. He promised to find out and that he would send us word.
20. I blame him for having led us here and then leaving us.
Exercise XVIII. — Reviev^-.
Correct any grammatical errors in the following :
1. If I was him I would be ashamed to go there again.
2. By the term fossil is meant the petrified remains of animals
and plants.
• 3. We sorrow not as them that have no hope.
4. Hardly had she entered the car than she discovered her loss.
5. I meant to have given you several of those sort of questions.
6. Hers is one of those natures that longs for a confidant.
7. I have frequently been asked what we teachers did at our
ineetings.
8. I mean Noah Webster, he that wrote the dictionary.
9. I thought I would have been able to have finished it to-night.
10. The mob appears to have come to their senses at last. _
1 1. He speaks to each as friendly as if they were relatives.
12. It will do as good, if not better work, than any machine in
the market.
13. A cai' ful examination of all these facts leadsto the belief.
14. As I never saw one before I was greatly surprised.
1 5. One needs to have all their senses about them at such a time.
16. It must have been very difficult to have kept it secret so long.
17. A rhombus is a four-sided figure whose sides are equal, but
its angles are not right-angles.
i8. Thy thrilling trump had roused the land
When fraud or danger were at hand. ^-^
19. I thought I would have died laughing at his ridkulous
appearance.
20. This proposal is quite different and superior to the first.
21. How long is it since you have heard from your brother ?
22. I dare say we will find that more than one has heard it. .
'i
46
COMMON ERRORS JN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
23. The subscriber has just received a large stock of fresh grocer-
ies at his new store on B. st., where I will be happy to wait
upon my customers.
24. The prize is to be given to whomsoever will answer the most
questions correctly.
25. If he was at home he would give us any quantity of it.
26. These funds will be available for meeting such expenses, and
to enable the committee to carry out the scheme properly.
27. It is recommended that he shall be one of the masters of the
school, and who shall reside on the premises.
28. It is one of the hardest papers that has been given and I will
not be surprised if every one of the candidates fail on it.
29. Was it him that argued that the earth was flat ?
30. These duties should be performed by an officer whose duties
should be defined, and his salary paid by the Board,
31. I could do it easy enough if evt ' one paid their share.
32. I was afraid he would have struck me when I told him.
33. They were a very inferior lot compared to the samples.
34. Not a day passes but what more than one is hurt.
35. That would have been a shorter and 4 simpler method.
36. I have worked it out in full so as all might see the steps.
37. Hardly had the boat started than he saw his mistake.
38. And so both the President and Secretary have resigned.
39. It is one of those phrases that wins immediate assent because
it flatters the popular mind.
40. We would like to hear how the Company justifies such action,
considering their deep indebtedness to us.
fol
Exercise XIX.— Review.
I. — Which of the italicized verb forms in the following sentences
would you prefer, and why ?
1. It is I that IS (am) to blame.
2. Three times two is (are) six.
3. The ebb and flow of the tides was (were) explained by Newton.
ftEVIEW.
41
4. More than a century and a half has {have) elapsed since that.
5. About fifty feet of the bridge was {were) swept away by the
freshet.
6. Ph in such words has {have) the sound of f.
7. Two and two makes {make) four.
8. Enough labour and money has {have) been spent on it already.
9. To invent calumnies, and to spread suspicion, requires
{require) neither labour nor courage.
10. To admit the existence of such a God, and then to refuse to
worship him, is {arc) surely inconsistent.
11. Riches does {do) not always bring happiness.
12. Optics treat {treats) of the laws of light.
1 3. Great pains have {has) been taken.
14. The gallows was {were) erected.
1 5. The measles is {are) very prevalent.
16. The public is {are) cordially invited.
17. The committee consists {consist) 01 the following members.
18. There is {are) not more than another copy of it.
19. Ten dollars is {are) too much to pay for it.
zo. If I was {were) he {him) I would {should) be afraid to try.
1 1. — How would you justify the use of the singular verb in the
following sentences?
1. When 9 is subtracted from 17 what is left ?
2. The spectator and historian of the battle tells us.
3. Two thousand dollars was scarcely sufficient to pay all the
expenses.
4. There was racing and chasing on Cannobie Lea.
5. A block and tackle was made use of in raising it.
6. Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings.
7. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory.
8. Happiness, honour, nay life itself, is sacrificed in pursuit of it.
9. Early to bed and early to rise,
Makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.
Ml
''1
42
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
10. Every chapter, and indeed every ^Kgc, furnishes proof of this.
11. For a laggard in love and a dastard in war,
Was to wed the fair Ellen of young Lochinvar,
12. It must be one of our opponents that has done this.
13. The " Pleasures of Memory" was published in 1792.
14. Nine-tenths of it is due to drink.
15. That I was present and saw it done is quite true.
GOVERNMENT.
I. — The wrong case after transitive verbs and prepo-
sitions.
II. — The insertion of prepositions after transitive verbs.
The mistakes to be avoided are :
I. The use of the nominative forms, /, we^ ihou, he, she, they,
who, instead of the corresponding objectives after transitive
active verbs and prepositions.
Note that the mistake is most frequently made when two
objects are connected.
Thus while few, if any, say
' Let I go for it,'
' Nobody but she knew of it,'
' Boys like he often do that,'
many will say unthinkingly,
* Let you and I go for it,'
' Nobody but you and she knew of it,'
* Big boys like you and he ought to know better.'
In interrogative clauses who is so commonly used for whom;
as, 'Who did you see,' 'Who were you talking to,' that
some writers, e.^. Bain, regard its use as sanctioned. How-
ever, as we invariably say ' To whom,' 'From whom,* etc.. it
is better always to use whom for the objective.
C
prei
i
7
8
9
10
II
>f of this.
> PREPO-
TE VERBS.
sAe, they^
transitive
irhen two
r whom j
to,' that
How-
),' etc.. it
GOVERNMENT.
43
2. The unnecessary use of prepositions, especially ofy after trans-
itive verbs ; as,
' I recollect ofz. case that came before me.'
As persons have difificulty sometimes in deciding whether to
use who or whom at the beginning of a sentence we may
illustrate here all the possible cases ; thus,
Who must be either
(i) Subject nominative ; as, * Who do you \}i\\x^gave it to
me .? '
(ii) Predicate nominative ; as, ' Who do you think it wasf^
Whom must be either
(i) Object of a preposition ; as, * Whom do you think I got
it from f^
(ii) Object of a verb ; as, ' Whom do you think we met?^
(iii) Subject objective ; as, ' Whom do you think to be the
writer?*
(iv) Predicate objective ; as, ' Whom do you think the writer
to be ? '
Note. — The relation of the who or whom will be seen more
plainly by substituting he or ///;«.
Exercise XX.
Correct any errors in the case of pronouns, or in the insertion of
prepositions.
1. Let you and I go for a pailful of water.
2. I offered to let Mary and she divide it equally.
3. I cannot permit you and he to sit together any longer.
4. You may appoint whoever you like.
5. Who were you talking to just now ?
6. Who did you expect to see ?
7. Can't you remember who you gave it to ?
8. Between you and I it looks rather suspicious.
9. He left word for John and I to call on our way home,
la Girls like you and she ought to be ashamed to act so.
II. I mentioned it to those whom I met, and she among the rest.
%
•I
i
44
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
12. There seems to be nobody here but you tind I.
1 3. All the girls had gone except her and I.
14. He refused to accept of any remuneration for his services.
1 5. I will not allow of such conduct in this room.
16. I don't recollect of any similar instance.
17. I remember of hearing him make the statement
18. He will not permit of any interruption.
19. He shall not want for money while I have any.
20. Who was that lady standing near you and I ?
III. — The neglect or misuse of the possessive.
The following are the only points to be noted :
1. Say ' No chance of his (John's) finding it,' not ' No chance of
him (John) finding it,' unless you wish to lay special stress
on the person rather than on the act.
In the case of words like many, sotne, and sometimes of a
passive gerund, it is better to use a different construction.
Thus, not ' the hope of many passing,' or * the choice's being
'eft to him,' but ' the hope that many will (may) pass,' and
' the fact that the choice is (was) left to him.'
2. Say ' Is that a boy's (not boy) or a girl's writing ? '
3. Prefer ' Henry the Fifth's reign,* or ' the reign of Henry V.,' to
Henry V.'s reign.'
4. Note that ' Call at Smith and Henderson's' implies one place
to be called at, while ' Call at Smith's and Henderson's '
implies two.
5. Note that *A story of your uncle' implies one about him,
while 'A story of your uncle's ' implies one told by him.
6. Avoid, if possible, having a possessive case ';ome immediately
after another. Thus, not * My chum's father's office,' but
' The office of my chum's father.'
7. While good usage allows an appositive to a ptossessive to be
used without the sign of the possessive : as, * He boards at
his uncle's, the well-known auctioneer' it is better to avoid
the construction ; as, ' He boards with his uncle,' etc.
vices.
IVE.
chance of
cial stress
;imes of a
istruction.
ice's being
pass,' and
nry V.,' to
one place
iderson's '
[bout him,
him.
[mediately
[ffice,' but
tsive to be
boards at
[r to avoid
letc.
GOVKRNMKNT.
Exercise XXI.
45
Correct or improve any of the following sentences in regard to
the use of the possessive case :
1. There is no use in me trying tlie examination.
2. Is there any prospect of the Council passing such a by-law ?
3. A dog and a cat's head are differently shaped.
4. Whose dictionary do you prefer ? Webster, or Worcester ?
5. He lived in Charles II.'s reign.
6. It is neither the purser nor the steward's duty.
7. For Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife
8. That is my brother James's wife's youngest sistei.
9. There is a danger of several injuring themselves in that way.
10. The fact of the election's having been fixed for a Monday
looks suspicious.
Exercise XXII.— Review.
Correct any grammatical errors in the following :
1. I did not succeed quite so well as 1 wished to have done.
2. I don't know as the exact cost is known yet.
3. You are not the first boy that have made that mistake.
4. The blow will fall heavier on this town than on most others.
5. At the head of the party was Fox and Lord Grey.
6. Each of them pledged themselves to abide by his decision.
7. That remark must have been intended for you and I.
8. It is one of the worst cases that has come under my notice.
9. If I was her I would be afraid of him finding out who done it.
10. He professed to believe that the soul perished with the body.
11. He refused to comply to the c'smand of the Board.
12. Neither by you or he was it seemingly regarded as necessary.
13. The committee which was appointed to consider the matter
have brought in a long report.
14. I don't see but what you have as good a right to it as her.
"I
"•1
M
46
COMMON ERROKS ]S SPEAKING AND WRITING.
f r
1 5. I would have liked very much to have had a talk with him.
.^16. When a person makes such a mistake they generally try to
conceal it. ,
^ 17. The " Elegy" is one of the few poems that is not injured by
constant repetition.
18. He knows as much, if not more Greek than most graduates.
t-- 19. Neither of us had any mistakes in our exercises.
20. I would probably have gone independent of his offer.
" 21. It is the most perfect copy which I have seen for along time.
22. I don't care who I work for, as long as I get my pay.
23. Neither will theybelieve though one rose from the dead.
24. It, as well as several others, seem to be carelessly done.
25. I can't excuse those whose duty it was to have attended to it
26. It makes no difference whom you thought it was.
27. What will be the consequence if the examination papers were
made easier, or more mechanical ?
28. The amount of all these alterations and additions are so great
as to make it look like a new book.
29. Telegraph me directly you reach Buffalo.
30. I thought I spoke plain enough on that point yesterday.
31. Each of you are entitled to the third of the money.
32. I wish it wasn't so far from here to the office.
33. He agreed to vote for whoever the convention would nominate.
34. I can show you the book where he got it.
35. He is probably the best known of any other American poli-
tician in England.
36. It is along time since any of us has heard from him.
37. The winter has not been as severe as we expected it would
have been.
38. His prices are less than any grocer in town.
39. Not one of these men offered to lend their assistance.
40. He wouldn't go without we did.
41. The eldest of the two girJs attends the High school
him.
'try to
red by
iuates.
ig time.
ad.
ke.
ed to it.
;rs were
so great
mi n ate.
an poli-
would
POSITION.
47
42. I found not less than a dozen mistakes in it.
43. No one could have acted fairer than her.
44. Scarcely one in twenty could write their names.
45. He was seated there with a glass of ale on both sides of him.
46. Both the beginning and end of the book were torn out.
47. I wouldn't have acted like you did for twice the money.
48. One after another withdrew their opposition.
49. I fear we will all feel the need for warmer clothing.
50. Any one that likes can leave their books here till they are
going home.
POSITION.
The Misplacement of Conjunctions, Adverbs, Adverbial
Phrases, and Relative Clauses.
The general principle o be observed is that words, phrases, and
clauses should be so placed, if possible, in a sentence as to leave no
doubt as to their relation to the rest of the sentence.
I. In using such pairs of correlative words as 'both and,'
' alike
only —
and,' 'neither
nor,' ' not
but,' 'not
— but also,' notice carefully what are the two things
specially referred to, and let them, whether expressed by
words, phrases, or clauses, be immediately preceded by the
correlative words. Thus, do not say
' I neither know his name nor his age,* but
* I know neither his name nor his age'; not
' He was not only famous for his wealth, but also for his gen-
erosity,' but
' He was famous not only for his wealth,' etc.
2. Be careful to place such adverbs as only^ fiet'er^ once, much so
that the sentence shall convey the right meaning. Thus,
not
* I only know three people in the room,' but
' I know only three people,' etc. ; not
'A
48
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
* I never remember meeting him,' but
' I don't remember ever meeting him'; not
' He ofifered to do that for me once,' but
' He once offered/ etc.
It may be noticed that there is a tendency to put only before
the verb whetuer it should be there or not.
3. Avoid, as a rule, putting an adverb between the to of an infini-
tive and the verb. Thus, do not say
' To clearly understand the case,' but
* Clearly to understand,' or
' To understand the case clearly.'
This rule, ho'vever, is based on euphony rather than on
grammar.
4. Adjective clauses should, if possible, be placed next their
antecedents. Thus, not
' It attracted his father's attention, who,' etc., but
' It attracted the attention of his father, who,' etc. ; not
' The trustee is no friend of the teachers, who would propose
such a thing,' but
' The trustee who would propose such a thing is,' etc.
Exercise XXIII.
Correct any errors in the position of words, phrases, or clauses in
the following sentences :
1. He both taught them to read and to write.
2. He neither answered my letter nor my card.
3. He was not competent either to teach classics or mathematics.
4. The task wouid be alike barren of instruction and amusement.
5. It will not merely interest the children, but also the parents.
6. He is not only mistaken in his inferences, but also in his
facts.
7. I have only received one letter from her since she left.
tS. He only rents the store, not the house.
9. His dexterity almost appeared miraculous.
V before
n infini-
POSITION.
49
ihan on
xt Iheir
t
propose
auses in
ematics.
isement.
parents,
in his
10. He must have wanted to see them very much.
11. I forgot to sign my name to a letter once.
12. I fear that it will be necessary to entirely remodel it.
13. I beg to respectfully recommend its adoption.
14. I scarcely ever remember hearing one that I liked better.
1 5. Everybody thought that it was destined to be a great city,
twenty years ago.
16. He came near being struck more than once during the row.
17. They followed his ascent, step by step, through telescopes.
18. He rose speedily in his employer's estimation, who very much
respected him.
19. He is unworthy of the confidence of a fellow-being that dis-
regards the laws of his Maker.
20. Bosworth was the last battle of the wars of the Roses in
which Richard the Third was slain.
21. I fear you will find it rather an unpleasant task.
22. I offered to exchange seats with her several times.
23. Where will you find such another instance ?
24. I never intend to give him the chance.
25. The judge sentenced him to jail for disorderly conduct for
ten days.
Exercise XXIV.— Review.
Correct any errors in the following sentences :
1. He invented some sort of a machine for the purpose.
2. The schools are very different now to what they were then.
3. That was the Mayor, as well as the Reeve's opinion.
4. Neither of the books that you seen laymg there were mine.
5. It was his duty to have corrected the error at once.
6. At least ten thousand dollars worth of property were destroyed.
7. It is as cold, if not colder, than any day lai,t winter.
8. It may have been Mr. A. and not her that done it.
9. The Board has appointed Mr. M. to audit their accounts.
;ii
60 COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
10. Who do you think Mary and her met on their way home?
11. If I was to remove this weight what would happen ?
12. I have been told that he has visited them quite recently.
13. He acknowledged that he had intended to have used it.
14. Shakespeare is more true to nature than any writer I know
of.
1 5. Every day, and in fact every hour, bring their changes.
16. No people was ever more fiercely assailed by persecution than
those of this country.
17. The junior classes are, if not better, at least as well taught as
the senior ones.
18. The family with whom she has been boarding has decided to
return to Michigan. ,
19. Will either of you girls lend this boy your slate ?
20. His long experience, joined to his natural aptitude for teach-
ing, enable him to accomplish this.
21. Nobody but you and I know where to find them.
22. You must learn to carefully distinguish these two forms.
23. He was not only noted for his theoretical knowledge, but also
for his practical skill.
24. Neither he or his wife seem to care what sort of an example
they set their children.
25. The meaning of words, phrases and sentences are taken up
with the class before reading the lesson.
26. I have very little hope of him passing the examination.
27. You should not accept of such an excuse.
28. At that time Mexico was both more populous and more civil-
ized than any country in America.
29. The same wind detained the king's fleet in their station at
Harwich.
30. It affords the opportunity of considering whether his purpose
in establishing the school, and which has so far remained
unfulfilled, cannot now be carried out.
31. What kind of an adjective did you say all was?
\
MISCELLANEOUS SYNTACTICAL ERRORS.
ome?
itly.
[it.
r I know
es.
tion than
aught as
jcided to
- ^
or teach-
ns.
}ut also
example
aken u\>
n.
re civil-
ition at
mrpose
ained
32. But for you and I he would have had to have gone alone,
33. I don't think he acted quite fair to his brother-in-laws.
34. He only offered me thirty dollars for it.
35. M. and Co. claim to sell cheaper than any store in town.
36. Where will you find such another instance of devotion ?
37. If it was there I would certainly have seen it.
38. It is used both as a transitive and intransitive verb.
39. He answered all that were put to him quite readily.
40. Mr. M., of whom you must have heard and may perhaps
have seen, is said to be the author.
41. Each of these pieces were then cut into three others.
42. Most of them were as large if not larger than this.
43. It only made them fight fiercer than ever.
44. He must have went in the house before you came.
45. It is one of the best books that has been written on it.
46. For the next week nothing but balls and 'ties were talked of.
47. They were all curious to know whom the writer could be.
48. I will be able to show you that there is many other points of
resemblance between them.
They found that the river had raised in the night and over-
flown the lot.
49.
50. You can keep this letter and show it to whoever you like.
MISCELLANEOUS SYNTACTICAL ERRORS.
I.— Double negatives. II.— Ellipsis. III.— Pleonasm.
I. — The commonest forms of the double negative are seen in such
combinations as
(a) * Nor nobody,' 'nor never,' * nor nothing.'
(*)' It /W/ here, I </<?«'/ think.'
A kindred blunder is seen in such expressions as
'There t'sn'/ hardly (scarcely) room enough.*
* He carried it without hardly (scarcely) spilling a drop,'
*»1
1
UKJAJW UJLLhGt Uf MJUCAlMJi
52
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
1 1
II
Note. — The error, while due in some cases, no doubt, to a
iesire for emphasis, seems mainly caused by the blending
of two constructions. Thus we may say,
(a) ' I never did and never will admit,' or
' I never did nor ever will admit ' ; but not
* I never did nor never will.'
(d) ' He isn't here,* or
' I don't think he is here ' ; bat not
* He isn't here, I don't think.'
(c) ' He carried it without spilling a drop,' or
' He carried it, hardly spilling a drop ' ; but not
' He carried it without hardly,' etc.
II. — No specific rules can be given that will be of much service
in regard to ellipsis or pleonasm. The general principles to be
observed are ;
{a) If the omission of words leaves the meaning obscure or am-
biguous the ellipsis is not justifiable, and the words should
be suppHed.
(d) If a word is grammatically superfluous and adds nothing to
the clearness, force, or melody of the sentence it should be
omitted.
A few cautions may, however, be found helpful.
1. Be careful to repeat the articles (a, an, the) in speaking of
two distinct persons or things ; as,
' He showed us both a side and a front view.'
Note, however, that usage sanctions such expressions as,
'the first and second volumes.'
2. It is generally better to repeat the subject and to express
the auxiliary verb when in passing from one clause to
another co-ordinate with it we change the voice, mood,
tense, or number of the verb, or the form of the expres-
sion ; as,
* One was killed and several were wounded,'
1 1
! •
MISCELLANEOUS SYNTACTICAL EKRORS.
53
' We learned that his successor had been appointed and
that he had entered on his duties.'
' He hadn't had an word from them and he felt uneasy.'
Similarly, in coupling subjects of different persons it is
better to express each clause in full. Thus, not
' Either he or you are to blame,' or
' Either you or he is to blame,' but
' Either he is to blame, or you are.'
3. Say ' Writing letters to the papers will do no good,' or
' The writing of letters,' etc. ; but not
* The writing letters,' or * Writing of letters.'
4. Avoid ending a sentence with the to of an unexpressed
infinitive.
Say ' I didn't go and 1 don't intend \.o go.^
5. Guard against the redundant use of prepositions and ad-
verbs ; as,
' To whom does this belong to?^
' They fell down at his feet.'
' I came as fast as ever I could.'
Exercise XXV.
I. — Correct any double negatives in the following :
1. Neither you nor nobody else ever saw me do it.
2. Henceforth I cannot nor will not make any allowance in
such cases.
3. The council has not now, nor never had the power to pass
such a by-law.
4. He didn't leave any here, I don't think.
5. He isn't likely to come by this tvain, I don't suppose.
6. There wasn't hardly anybody there that I knew.
7. No two teachers could hardly differ more in style.
8. You never offered to give nobody a share of it.
9. There hasn't been a day this month hardly that it hasn't
rained,
54 COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
lo. No one has ever been able to explain it and probably never
will.
II. — Supply ellipses where necessary in the following :
1. The past and present condition of Greece are very different.
2. The determining the boundary line is the most important
matter.
3. For sale, a Dictionary and Atlas, both nearly new.
4. There isn't one that can't read, and few that can't write.
5. The man who was left in charge of it, and attends to it is
beginning to wonder.
6. I haven't written it and I'm not going to.
7. The settling the preliminaries took a long time.
8. There are five girls, but only one boy in the class.
9. Our rates are lower than any company in the Province.
10. Boys who have been at school for a term and paid attention
ought to be able to do that.
II. — Omit any redundant words in the following :
1. He has got a good deal more to do this term.
2. He will be here in the latter end of next week.
3. He was a child of ten years old at the time.
4. His two sisters were both at the meeting.
5. The funeral will be at three p.m. to-morrow afternoon.
6. She met in with them on her way home.
7. There are generally a good many go to them.
8. His mother was a poor widow woman.
9. Lend me the loan of your ruler for a little while.
ic. I know not from whence he came, or where he went to.
11. Whenever I see her she always asks about you.
12. Before you go you must first finish your exercise.
13. It is a good plan to adopt with new beginners.
14. I never saw the man before in my life.
15. It must be ten years ago since he left home.
M
the
frel
sio
fol
in 1
MISCELLANEOUS IMPROPRIETIES AND VULGARISMS.
65
16. Every once in a while he would stop.
17. I met hiiiij and not very long ago either.
18. In what year was he born m?
19. There were more than a hundred came by boat.
20. The flowers were covered over with snow.
MISCELLANEOUS IMPROPRIETIKS AND VULGARISMS.
In addition to the errors dealt with in the foregoing exercises
there are a few others of a grammatical character that are not un-
frequently heard on the street or the play ground, and that occa-
sionally find their way into pupils' letters and compositions. The
following exercise will exemplify the commonest.
Exercise XXVI.
Substitute proper words or forms of expression for those italicized
in the following sentences :
1. The dog attackted him on the street.
2. He came very near being drownded.
3. Do any oi yous know where he lives?
4. He couldn't <?/"done it without help.
5. He lives a long ways off.
6. He walked ^«//^ a /iVf^ of the road.
7. Tell that there boy to come here.
8. Whatever did you do that for ?
9. Apples are not so plenty this year.
10. Aren't you done your breakfast yet.?
11. He seldom or ever comes to see us.
1 2. Leave me be, I tell you.
13. Us fellows can beat you any day.
14. He knows more than you \.hm\i/or.
15. Vrnjust after writing to him for more.
16. He hadn't ought to have told her about it.
17. He would have done it if I hadn^t have stopped \\\vci.
Mi J
I '♦I
'el
ii
56
COMMON ERRORS IN SPKAKING AND WRITING.
n
T I
h
1 8. He told me that he used /(> cou/(f do ihat.
19. She wouldn't stay being as she was all alone.
20. Here they come, and Smith auiong the rest.
Exercise XXVII. — Review.
Correct any grammatical errors in the following sentences :
1. Was it a man or a woman's voice that we heard .''
2. In what State did you say Chicago was ?
3. Such a course is likely to be attended by much danger.
4. No one in England knew what tea was at that time.
5. These girls will neither listen, nor let nobody else listen.
6. Neither you or I are in the wrong.
7. You will not find him to home this morning, I don't think.
8. There is need of institutions like U. C. College ought to be.
9. It was a place of which we had heard much, but we had never
visited it.
10. Any boy with any sense in their head would have known it.
I r. Men are in the plural number because they mean several.
12. Wanted a nurse and housemaid, who must both have good
references.
13. His method of solving it was quite different to mine.
14. It seems to me that you have weakened instead of strength-
ened your case.
15. He is only fitted to govern others who can govern himself.
16. Neither Paine nor Voltaire were able to advance any new
objections.
17. The party whom we had invited was both numerous and
select.
18. He never has and probably never will forgive me for doing it.
19. Its last statements are quite as reckless, and even more mali-
cious than its former ones.
20. He was not only accused of theft, but also of murder.
21. All males are of the masculine gender, and females of the
feminine.
MISCELLANEOUS IMPROPRIETIES AND VULGARISMS.
57
ces :
er.
ten.
link,
t to be.
lad never
:nown it.
/eral.
ive good
Jtrength-
Tiself.
iny new
:>us and
Icing it.
re mali-
i of the
22. If he don't come be sure and let me know.
23. I would have been there now if you hadn't have delayed me.
24. Nothing but balls and parties seem to interest her.
25. You can go as soon as you are done your exercise.
26. There is over fifty buildings gone up since last spring.
27. What is to prevent him finding out who done it .''
28. Hoping that I will hear from you soon believe me yours.
29. I felt kind of frightened at first.
30. He said it was her that begun it.
31. When a nation forms a government it is power, not wisdom,
which they place in the hands of that government.
32. You wasn't paying attention to the explanation, I don't think.
33. The committee is to meet at 10 a.ii. on Wednesday forenoon.
34. Nobody but the doctor and the nurse are allowed to see him.
35. Wont he be surprised to find that we aint going ?
36. Each of you boys have got as much as you can carry.
37. Has the jury brought in their verdict yet ?
38. Try and remember where you left it laying.
39. Many of our best scholars lack that knowledge of business
affairs which are so essential to success.
40. This part of his description had better have been omitted.
41. He said he didn't know as that would afifect it.
42. I scarcely ever remember seeing a finer sunset.
43. That's the boy whom most of them thought would get it.
44. I thought of doing so several times, but felt ashamed to give
up.
45. Mr. G. is continuing the war against the company by means
of injunctions and mandami.
46. I shall not punish you for breaking it, but for lying.
47. No motion shall be received, except to adjourn, or to He on
the table.
48. Let us hope that the boys will come home with a good ac-
count of the kite's conduct to their father.
'I
68
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
I
49. There are others whose names we could give that have shook
the clay of Dakota from their feet, and bade adieu to that
country.
50. Thinks I to myself " This is a queer sort of a place."
51. It's not near as cold as it was yesterday.
52. He said for us to leave it at the house if he wasn't to home.
53. He had ought to be ashamed of what he done yesterday.
54. In this way books are folded and stitched without being
handled scarcely,
55. The pupil must be carefully trained to note the difference
between the adjective and adverb.
56. I have no doubt but what he felt kind of disappointed.
57. A legal monopoly is where competition is prevented by law.
58. The mud on the streets was perfectly awful.
59. I expect that he had forgotten to tell her.
60. I would not have thought it would take that long.
61. When he went back for to pick it up it was gone.
62. I am afraid that the poor boy don't know no better.
63. There is both a large and small dictionary in the library.
64. I am sure we will all be very pleased to hear of it.
65. Not only Mr. A., but even her brother were led to think so.
66. He aint likely to give us another chance, I don't suppose.
67. Haven't you no idea who done it ?
68. He wasn't a boy whom any of us thought would do it.
69. She dresses quite as good as she can afford to.
70. He is stopping with us and he finds it sort of lonesome.
71. One of the girls that goes to the Model school gave it to me.
72. Who were you talking to when Mary and me passed you ?
73. The youngest of the two is not more than ten, I don't think.
74. Most every one here thought it was plenty long enough.
75. He lives as far if not farther from the church than you do.
76. He jumped onto the sleigh and drove off at full speed.
X yj. You can take any sheets that aint marked.
UISCELLANEOUS IMPUOPRIBTIES AND VULOAUISMa
59
78. Neither he nor no one else have any right to touch it.
79. I wish you to understand that I am not doing this for fun but
for profit.
So. Trusting to hear from you soon believe me yours truly.
81. I never want to be in the same fix again.
82. The truth is she don't go to school very regular.
83. It aint very likely that you will find them to home.
84. I only want the lend of it for a few minutes.
85. The poet was not only deprived of his land but barely escaped
. with his life.
86. Shakespeare's name is spelled in I know not how many ways,
and Raleigh's in no less.
87. Pupils should not be asked to write on such subjects without
they have access to a library.
88. If I had only have thought of it sooner I would have been
able to have gone too.
89. All I've got to say is that I will be very surprised if he don't
pass.
90. That question has not and probably never will be satis-
factorily settled.
91. The undersigned has now in stock fifty sets, all of our own
manufactui-e.
92. What bird is that whose name includes two other birds.
93. It is to this feature of the bill to which I wish to draw your
attention.
94. With this machine you can make 200 copies of anything that
can be written on a page of note paper in five minutes.
95. I never have nor never will agree to such a proposal.
96. His friends, whose patience has been sorely tried, and their
forbearance severely ta.xed, are in hopes that, etc.
97. The Board has been fortunate enough to secure the services
of a gentleman who will see that their instructions are
carried out.
:;iJ
60
COMMON EKROItS IN SPEAKINO AND WlttflKO.
98. He should be exercised in quoting passages of special beauty
from the selections prescribed, and to reproduce the sub-
stance of them in his own words.
99. Candidates must be careful only to use such contractions as
are generally used, or which cannot be mistaken.
ExERCiSK XXVIII.— Review.
I. — Justify, or correct (giving reasons) the form of the italicized
words in the following sentences :
1. I am a plain blunt man that love my friend.
2. It is you and not your brother that deserves to be blamed.
3. And many a holy texi around she strews,
That teach the rustic moralist to die.
4. My robe and my integrity to heaven is all I dare now call
my own.
5. Nine-tenths of all that misery is caused by idleness.
6. A generous troop appears
Who spread their bucklers and advance their spears.
7. There is a tribe in these mountains who a*-e fairer coloured
and more intelligent than the rest of the natives.
8. Mathematics is regarded as of more importance than English.
9. His marks in the different subjects were ?i% follows.
10. I have ventured this many summers in a sea of glory.
11. There is no doubt of its being she.
12. Previous to retiring he left orders to be called early.
13. He left his post contrary to orders.
14. He brought home three ^a/r of shoes.
15. A diphthong is a {the) union of two vowels in one sound.
16. I bought it from Mr. A., than whom there isn't a better judge
in the city.
17. Nodding their heads before htr goes the merry minstrelsy.
18. Who do you suppose he took me to be ?
19. Who does he think it could have been ?
20. Does your Worship mean to say ihaXyou think, etc
REVIEW.
61
1 beauty
the sub-
tions as
talicized
med.
low call
:oloured
English.
Ind.
;r judge
relsy.
II. — Distinguish in meaning between
1. Much depends on the teacher (teacher's) correcting the
papers.
2. Just think of him (his) being engaged in such work.
3. He was an abler statesman than (a) soldier.
4. She sings as well as (she) plays.
5. One of the causes that has (have) not been mentioned is the
following.
6. I am the man that gives (give) out the tickets.
7. He was careful to work out (in working out) the question for
them.
8. He expressed the pleasure ^e felt in hearing the (in the hear-
ing of the) philosopher.
9. If I have (had) (had had) the book I, etc.
10. If he did it he would (should) be punished.
11. If he was (were) present what should I do ?
12. I remember an anecdote of the doctor (doctor's) which may
interest you.
13. William and John's books, William's and John's books.
14. He merely glanced at the answer. He glanced at the answer
merely.
15. He stood still, watching them. He stood, still watching
them. He still stood, etc.
16. Mr. S., also, expressed the opinion, etc. Mr. S. also expressed
the opinion, etc. Mr. S. expressed the opinion also that, etc.
17. If he goes I go. If he goes I shall go.
18. He stopped to speak (speaking) to me.
19. Every day some boys do it. Some boys do it every day.
20. Who gave it to you ? Which gave it to you ?
21. I will go if he asks me. I would go if he asked me.
22. Are you going (coming) to the meeting ?
23. Are (aren't) you going to it ?
24. Even Tom offered to help. Tom even offered to help.
25. He took great pains to explain (in explaining) everything.
I*
I* I
'II
1;
Q2 COMMON ERUOKS IN bPKAKlNU AND WUITIMO.
III.— Which of the following forms are correct ? ■
1. He wants to know if physics is (are) required.
2. He couldn't even tell what a triangle is (was).
3. More than one mistake of that kind was (were) made.
4. If it was (were) not so late I'd call and see him.
5. It's you that is (are) to blame for it.
6. It's more than a year since I (have) heard from her.
7. The news of these reverses has (have) caused a great stir.
8. Don't leave any more than you can (can't) help.
9. Eighteen inches is (are) sufficient for each sitting.
10. He expressed a (the) hope that we would (should) be able to
attend it.
i^
I.
v
2.
V
3-
V
4.
V
5-
V
6.
V
7.
V
8.
\
9-
V
10.
\
II.
V
12.
13.
V
14.
V
15-
MISCELLANEOUS GRAMMATICAL ERRORS.
Exercise XXIX.— Review.
It wasn't her that done it, I don't think.
Which is the cheapest, to go by Toronto, or by Hamilton ?
There is no two of them exactly alike.
But for you and I he would have been drownded.
He would have laid there all night, if we had not have
wakened him.
Can I leave my seat for a few minutes ?
is there any one in the class that don't understand it ?
Who did you give the parcel to ?
Her and I can carry it easy enough.
If any pupil has seen anything of it I will be glad if they will
let me know.
Each candidate must provide their own stationery.
How will I know who to give it to ?
We don't want no loafers here.
There is surely some other places of importance.
Wasn't you awfully glad to get home .''
MISCELLANEOUS GRAMMATICAL ERBORS.
63
)le to
n?
have
will
V
V
V
V 1 6. Whom did he say had been appointed secretary ?
17. It must be nearly ten years since I have been in Toronto.
' 18. He don't seem to bowl as good as he used to.
V 19. He is just as honest, if not more so, than any of his neighbors.
20. Two teaspoonsful of the mixture, dissolved in a glass of water,
and drank during effervescence, makes a cooling drink.
21. I have not heard of anybody but the Smith's that i^re invited.
22. It was so dark that I couldn't see the horses, hardly.
23. They seem to me to be nearly dressed alike.
24. What did he say the name of this station was .'*
25. There is no chance of him passing without he works harder.
26. It ain't likely that I will be able to finish it to-day.
27. Who do you think we met this morning ?
28. What have you got in your hand ?
29. I meant to have written it this morning.
30. Have either of you a copy of the questions that was given ?
3r. I would have done it as cheap as him if you had asked me.
32. You will seldom or ever find him to home in the evening.
33. Probably more than one present has met with such cases.
34. That place ain't marked on the map, I don't think.
35. I think it mubt be some sort of a fever.
36. Nobody but you and she were in the room since.
37. I don't see that he either has or can gain anything by it. ^
38. Where would we find any one willing to do that ?
39. He asked me if he could not have the use of it for a few days.
40. How long is it since you have heard from your brother ?
41. It is one of the best articles that has appeared in the papir.
42. I sold them to Johnson, he that has a shop on W. St.
43. Neither Holmes nor Thompson were class-mates of mine.
44. Let every one attend to their own slate.
45. He thinks that what he don't know ain't worth knowing. \/
46. I have heard nothing of it, neither from him or his friends,
il
it.
\i
<*
'1' '
it
64 COMMON ERRORS IN SPBAKINO AND WRITING.
47. I prefer to wait for him than to go alone.
48. You can't deny but what you received notice.
49. There were over thirty teachers apphed for it.
50. That needn't matter to old friends like you and I.
51. If you had been working all morning like we have you would
be glad to rest.
52. Nobody but you and I seem to know about it.
53. I wouldn't of treated him Hke the rest did.
54. There could not have been a more unanimous meeting.
55. I had a better opinion of you than to have supposed that you
would do such a thing.
56. Little more but the names of the authors and their works
are given in the notes.
57. It isn't one of the words that adds es in the plural.
58. Neither the Old or New Testament contain any such verse.
59. I will have to go alone without he changes his mind.
60. Are you not near done your exercise yet ?
61. I don't hardly think he will come to-night.
62. Would there be any use in us going to i.'^e him about it ?
63. Her and I agreed to write to one another ^very week.
64. A large quantity of military stores and provisions were found
in the fort.
65. Who was Cortez sent out by }
66. If any person is not satisfied with the pictures I will refund
them their money.
67. I'm just after explaining to the class how to work those sort
of questions.
68. Wasn't you at school the day it was broke ?
69. We can't wait no longer for them boys.
70. Boys like you and he ought to be ashamed to behave so bad
in church.
71. Hold on, Tom ! Here comes Smith and three other fellows.
72. This letter is from my cousin Annie, she that you met here
last summer,
MISCELLANEOUS GRAMMATICAL ERRORS.
65
Tund
sort
)ad
hvs.
lere
73. Sec that none are admitted whom you think will not be true
to the cause.
74. It is very likely that there was more than one concerned in it.
75. Such prices are only paid in times of great scarcity.
76. He spoke so slow and distinct that I caught every word.
77. Neither Selden nor Bacon were graduates of a University.
78. I kind of thought he might have taken it.
79. If yea had went home and asked her perhaps she would have
let you come with Jane and I.
80. There isn't any complements, I don't think.
81. Every intelligent mechanic ought to use their influence on
his behalf.
82. You never have, and I trust you never will, meet with a case.
83. There is no doubt but what he expected to have been first.
84. I told him he could stop at home this afternoon if he liked.
85. He'll get a very different reception than the rest did.
86. She couldn't answer a single question, scarcely. ,
87. I won't allow of any interference with my authority.
88. If I was in his place I would be glad to get rid of it.
89. I think that he lived in George 1 1 1.'s reign.
90. It is one of the most feasible schemes that has been proposed.
91. She had forgot to tell him that the flour was near done.
92. There ain't a book in it, hardly, but what he has read.
93. Who does he think the association is likely to appoint as
their agent here ?
94. I was in hopes to have seen you at the party, last night.
95. I am sorry that I haven't got anything better to offer you.
96. Is there any one in the class that don't understand how to fill
up their form ?
97. Be sure and let me know if the water raises any higher.
98. My prices will be found as low, if not lower, than can be
found elsewhere.
99. My stock is more complete than ever, and customers may
rest assured at getting bargains.
66
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITINO.
iQ<j. In her name has been committed some of the vilest crimes
which stain the page of history.
loi. You can take any that you can find laying on che counter.
102. The spirit, and not the letter of the law are what we ought to
look at. '
103. It is possible that you may never have such another chance.
104. If that's the case we will be worse off than ever.
105. Mr. H. is one of those who won scholarships but was refused
payment.
106. More than one outbreak of typhoid fever has been due. to
such a state of affairs.
107. It wasn't me that done it ; it was that thv?re boy.
108. This cake tastes quite nicely, after all, don't it ? / '.;
109. I can't understand how any one can keep their temper.
1 10. He evidently didn't know what it was to be afraid.
1 1 1. He told us there was two principal clauses in the sentence.
112. He said he would give it to whomsoever would solve the
equation first.
113. Suppose that he was to come in and find you acting so dis-
orderly.
114. He had no other course open to him, but to resign, and
which he accordingly did.
115. He hasn't gone and ain't likely to.
1 16. They will be interested when the nature of a syllogism or the
fallacy of a proposition are explained to them.
117. In such matters profusion as well as parsimony are to be
avoided.
n8. The rising and falling inflection require to be carefully dis-
tinguished.
119. No one would write a book unless he thinks it will be read.
12a She surely don't expect me to tell who I got it from.
121. His machine works quite different to what I expected.
122. Are either of these places marked on the map? ;:
123. It seems as if the space was pretty well filled ...
MISCELLANEOUS GRAMMATICAL ERRORS.
67
or the
to be
ly dis-
[ead.
124.- I doubt if there is more than one girl in the class that can
spell it correctly.
125. It is said to be homogeneous when the sum of the indices are
the same.
126. The inscription gave the name and age of the deceased
merely.
127. He had power to dismiss the court except Bellaris would
come.
128. There isn't one of them hardly but what suspects him.
129. You have got no right to open it without permission.
130. Mrs. A.'s compliments to Mr. B., and would like if you
would be kind enough to send me a list of the books
required. '
131. When one tries their hand at predicting it is best not to be
too definite.
132. Wanted, a short-hand writer, by a legal firm, who can also
engross well.
133. It is one of the greatest misfortunes that has or can happen
to the town.
134. He was a man whom I greatly respected, but I never really
liked him.
135. Is it ignorance or carelessness that are the cause of him
failing so often ?
136. Was it her that was talking so loud in the next room ?
137. You will never succeed to pass the examination without you
are more careful.
138. He told me that you had gone to the city and wasn't to be
back till Wednesday.
139. He has no farther need for it, and neither have I.
140. What avails all these advantages if he will not profit from
them.
141. Each of us could furnish instances from our own experience.
142. I know of no one better fitted for it, or so likely to give satis-
faction as Mr. M,
;c 'I
It*
68
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
143. The committee trusts that the citizens will co-operate heartily
with them in making the entertainment a success.
144. He hasn't a bit of strength, no more than an infant.
145. He seemed to thoroughly understand the subject.
146. It will cure catarrh quicker than any remedy offered to the
public.
147. If it wasn't for the newspapers we would know very little of
what is going on around us.
148. Neither my brother nor I were able to endure it any longer.
149. The arranging the programme will take some time.
150. 'Had I known sooner I would have been able to have made
arrangements for him to have stopped with us.
151. Tobacco is derived from the island of Tobago, fi om which it
was first brought.
152. You hadn't ought to pick them pears so soon.
153. It gives the best account of any paper that I have seen.
154. Unless a teacher feels that he or she has a divine mission in
the work, they a" not likely to succeed.
'55- I gave him a crowbar which he took and pried off the cover.
1 56. Winter in our tempe'-ate climate exhibits very few phenomena
in comparison to what is visible in the Arctic regions.
157. He said that he should like that the matter would be definitely
settled.
1 58. When will I be most likely to find him at home ?
159. No two positions in life could hardly be more opposite.
160. I don't suppose there was any one in the room but what sus-
pected something.
161. Every tree and every shrub glittered in the sunlight as if they
were covered with diamonds.
162. As I never saw a play before, it proved very interesting.
163. Unfortunately he neither knows the name or the residence of
the owner.
164. A gentleman living on West Street, and who is a frequent
visitor in Qur office, handed it to u$,
heartily
d to the
r little of
Y longer.
ve made
which it
en.
lission in
le cover.
nomena
)ns.
efinitely
lat sus-
if they
lence of
pquent
MISCELLANEOUS GRAMMATICAL ERRORS. 09
165. 'Tis thine to command, mine to obey, let me know therefore
what your orders are.
166. It had been his intention, I believe, to have received us with
considerable ceremony.
167. Any who has seen it will admit that we have not, and, indeed,
can not do it justice.
168. Thirty years experience of its effects have convinced me of
this.
169. I indeed prefer a man without money than money without a
man.
170. The derivation of the word as well as the usage of our best
writers, are in favour of this view.
171. The bond provided that this would be done if the money
wasn't paid by a certain day.
172. He has come a long ways expressly for to try the examination.
173. If he was to find out that it was her wrote it he would be
very angry.
1 74. Yet no sooner does morning dawn but the strange enchant-
ment vanishes.
175. He presented his friend with the money, who was at first un-
willing to take it.
176. Every one of the witnesses gave it as their opinion that
neither the captain or the mate were to blame for the
accident.
177. If every one was as anxious for the common good as for their
own interest it would be easy enough.
178. He was a man who, though I did not like him, I could not
help respecting. •
179. We will find that all the most common and useful words, as
well as the greater part of the grammar, is native.
180. You can scarcely find a more universal blunder.
181. There are occasions in the life of nearly every one when they
cannot find words to adequately express their feelings.
1 3-2, A proper diphthong is when both vowels are sounded,
70
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
183. It contains a great deal that is useful, and which may be
turned to good account.
184. The committee pays the town authorities a high tribute for
the courtesy and attention which was shown them during
their visit.
185. I aint sure which of the two is the largest.
186. More tlian one of the candidates seemed anxious to show off
his knowledge.
187. We claim ih; ' it 's the most complete, simplest constructed,
ea i. St ^ ked, and quickest adjusted machine in the
m. {■.'::
1S8. A hast) \usa! "f this strange production might not show
you that it wa^i ^ oot-m.
189. The greatest number of candidates came up to that examin-
ation of any former year.
190. The crown of England can only be worn by a Protestant.
191. If it wasn't for you and she, and a few more, I would leave.
192. Emphasis is the laying a greater stress on some words than
on others.
193. He struck me as I was jumping onto the sleigh.
194. The court has taken a dififerent view than did the public, and
have awarded him a considerable sum.
195. He has just issued b's thousandth and first volume.
196. I have very little doubt but what you might find some of
them laying around yet, if you would take the trouble to
look for them.
197. He told us that /I'l^e was never to be parsed as a preposition-
or conjunction.
198. The congregation has purchased the frame building on the
corner, and which they are going to fit up for a school
room.
199. Neither the power to issue a license, nor the power to regu-
late were questions before the court.
200. No professional man, no business man, in fact no man of
sense would risk their reputation by supporting it.
a.
ich may be
1 tribute for
hem during
to show off
lonstructed,
line in the
t not show
at examin-
testint.
uld leave,
words than
public, and
id some of
trouble to
preposition •
ng on the
)r a school
er to regu-
10 man of
it,
MISCELLANEOUS GRAMMATICAL ERBORS.
71
aoi. We are convinced that were the question brought before the
Privy Council it will be found that these powers belong to
the Local Legislatures.
202. If I succeed to discharge the duties devolving on me, satis-
factorily, it will be because, etc.
203. There are generally a good many go from mere curiosity.
204. He is one of the few who can be depended on to keep his ^
presence of mind on such occasions.
205. If the driver don't hurry we will be late for the train.
2o5. Colour-blindness is so common in some countries that nearly
one in every twenty of the inhabitants suffer from it.
207. I know of no method that will accomplish this so fectually,
or at less expense than that you have suggested.
208. Like Shakespeare his genius is sublime, and his nagination
unbounded.
209. Though her disposition was quite different and f uperior to
his, many causes contributed to rendei h • less popular
than him.
210. A. and B. beg to announce that they have commenced busi-
ness in the above store. Having purchased our stock at
close prices we are prepared to offer bargains.
211. After the jury was in the box he wanted to challenge several
of them whom he said had a prejudice against his client.
212. The captain admitted that he had several of his crew died
with yellow fever.
I 213. What is the reason that our language is less refined than
those of Italy and France ?
214. At the expiration of the time every one must read what they
have written.
215. Short as this gospel is it tells us many things not contained
in either of the other three.
216. He showed me a list of prizes ranging in value from 50 cents
to $5.00 and which are to be given to the successful com-
petitors.
i^
72
COMMON EKRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
217. The future of England depends on each generation showing
the same courage, wisdom and moderation as was shown
by those who made her what she is.
218. Resolved : — That this society desires to record its conviction
that by the removal of C. D. we have lost one of our most
active and useful members.
219. His mastery of the subject is not only seen in his grouping of
the facts but also in his logical conclusions.
220. The new hotel belonging to Mr. C, and which was only
recently opened to the public, was burned last night.
221. It was supposed that he had stumbled in crossing and fell
into the creek.
222. One night last week the house of D. W. of this town was
entered by a burglar which for cool audacity is seldom
beaten.
223. The gentleman must remember that the road was not built
simply that he may enjoy a large salary as Managing
Director.
224. What will we do if neither of them are willing to give in ?
225. Tiy and think where you seen it last.
226. He said it was a great misfortune that men of letters seldom
looked on the practical side of such matters.
227. Personification is when we ascribe life or action to inanimate
objects.
22S. Nearly every one of the teachers present gave it as their
opinion that there was more than one way of interpreting
the question, and that consequently neither of the three
answers were absolutely wrong.
229. It is much to be regretted that they should, as they have,
elected him for their representative.
230. Mrs. A.'s compliments to Mrs. B., and begs to state that
Mary C. lived with me nearly a year, and that I found her
capable and honest.
231. He said that he had heard nothing, and did not expect to
before Saturday.
1 showing
'as shown
conviction
our most
rouping of
was only
ight.
y and fell
town was
is seldom
s not built
Managing
ve in ?
rs seldom
nanimate
t as their
terpreting
the three
ley have,
tate that
bund her
ixpect to
MISCELLANEOUS QRAMMATICAL ERROfiS.
73
232. His reputation is equal to any writer in the Province.
233. He's one of the men that will never acknowledge his
mistakes.
234. I am one of those people who cannot describe v/hat I have
not seen.
235. Did you not agree to sell it to me for $20, and offered to wait
three months for your pay ?
236. If we were to examine them under a microscope we would
find that not one of all these crystals were alike.
237. I wouldn't be surprised to hear of him being elected after all.
238. In place of the old list I have prepared another, and which I
think will be found more useful.
239. He had made so many alterations and additions to the plan
that I scarcely recognized it.
240. The King said if he did he would cut off every Frenchman's
head that was in his kingdom.
241. At this time the Board of Agriculture was employed in com-
pleting their valuable series of county reports.
242. A rapid increase in the number of schools and of the pupils
attending them are not at present to be expected.
243. Parties wishing a selection should telegraph, as the oroods
will not remain long in stock, in order to prev'Cut dis-
appointment.
244. The House of Commons, which represented the middle
classes, were apparently afraid, etc.
245. It is surely preferable to die the death of a patriot than to
live the life of a slave.
246. If he had acted like he ought to have done we wouldn't have
had any trouble, hardly, in the matter.
247. Irving and Macaulay's style are very different.
248. Presently I came to a bog into which I knew if I strayed I
would never emerge unaided.
249. I have no doubt but what it was his intention to have taken it.
250. These passages will confirm what I say, and which has only
to be stated to be acknowledged by any Bible student.
L-
74
COMMON ERUOKS IN BPEAKIMO AND WKITINO.
251. No subject has engaged the time and attention of teachers so
much, or been more pressed upon them by parents than
reading.
252. This hypothesis, as well as that previously referred to, merely
prove the hallucination of the authors.
253. It may be employed to strengthen the impression which we
intend that any object should make.
254. If he was wise he would have contented himself to follow
their advice.
255. It appears that no one is exempt from serving on a coroner's
jury, and may be fined for non-attendance.
256. To-morrow being the last day of the regatta, and on which
takes place the races of the Rowing Club, will doubtless
attract a large crowd.
257. The last hitch in this celebrated case appears to be the most
absurd of all its predecessors.
258. I regret that some of our number have been led astray, and
fallen back into their old habits.
259. As much, and, indeed, sometimes greater evil, is caused by
neglect of duty than by mal- performance of it.
260. The party, though disgraced by the corruption of its leaders,
made a strong effort to regain their former ascendency.
261. Thou first great cause ! least understood,
Who all my sense confined !
262. Christian and Moor in death promiscuous lay,
Each where they fell.
263. Nor grew it white in a single night,
As other men's have done.
264. Some who the depths of eloquence have found.
In that unnavigable stream were drowned.
265. 'Twas Love's mistake, who fancied what it feared.
266. Just to thy word, in every thought sincere.
Who knew no wish but what the world might hear.
267. Friend to my life, which did you not prolong,
The world had wanted many an idle song.
MISCELLANEOUS GRAMMATICAL ERRORS.
m
268. Who art thou ? Speak ! that on designs unknown,
While others sleep, thus range the camps alone.
269. Danger, long travel, want or woe,
Soon change the form that best we know.
270. O fairest flower 1 no sooner blown but blasted.
271. Thou who didst call the Furies from th' abyss,
And round Orestes bade them howl and liiss.
272. Give us the secrets of his Pagan hell,
Where ghost with ghost in sad communion dwell.
273. What shall we say, since silent now is he, -»
Who, when he spake, all things would silent be.
274. Scarce could they hear or see their foes.
Until at weapon-point they close.
275. Nor one of all the race was known,
But prized its weal above their own.
276. And chiefs, who hostage for their clan,
Were each from home a banished man.
277. Whose castle is his helm and shield.
His lordship the embattled field.
278. And then she wept, and then she sung —
She sung ! — the voice in better time
Perchance to harp or lute might chime.
279. Like the leaves of the forest, when summer is green,
That host, with their banners, at sunset was seen.
280. It seems that he had never before had the good fortune to
have seen one.
281. His administration was undoubtedly the least oppressive of
that of any of the French generals in the Peninsula.
282. It may put him in the way of commencing aright, and in-
spiring him to continue his researches into the principles
)f Education.
283. Students who have partially completed their studies else-
wh( re, and having satisfactory evidence of the fact, will
be placed in advanced classes.
H
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITINO.
284. I expect that in a short time I v.-ill be in a position to fully
acquaint the public of the reasons of his action.
285. C. & E. return thanks to their friends and the public gener-
ally for their liberal support in the past, and we wish one
and all a happy and prosperous New Year.
286. A sleigh is cheaper, and much easier constructed than a
wagNfon, and besides there are plenty of farmers which
cannot gee to market except in winter.
287. If you had only have went a little closer you would have
seen that it wasn't her.
288. Among the spectators several of the fair sex were conspicu-
ous, and whose smiles always makes such meetings more
agreeable.
289. Macaulay wrote his history with the twofold purpose of
clearing the name of the Whigs from the charges made by
Hume, end to set forth the real life of the English peopie.
290. If the patent has issued in error, or that the Commissioner
has been misled, or for other good cause, the Court of
Chancery has power to declare such patent void.
291. The choice being left to the Trustees whether to make the
change or not has created a good deal of confusion.
292. Under its influence we do things which we would be sorry to
do otherwise.
293. Having received notice to vacate our present premises, and
in order to do so, we have decided to get rid of, etc.
294. A man who had been crucified, and risen again, was the centre
of their hope, their joy, their affection, their confidence.
295. George III.'s reign was the most eventful and longest in
British history.
296. Not being capable of examining the original, or so nearly
incapable that they are averse to the effort they run off, on
the line of thought first suggested.
297. He will be surprised to see the monster whom he thought
was slain coming to life again, like one of those champions
in the Valhalla who was no sooner slain than he arose to
his feet to renew the contest
MISCELLANEOUS OKAMMATICAL ERRORS.
77
1 to fully
ic gener-
wish one
I than a
rs which
aid have
onspicu-
igs more
■pose of
made by
I people.
lissioner
Z)ourt of
ake the
orry to
es, and
centre
nee.
jest in
nearly
off, on
lought
pions
}se to
301.
?02.
298. A. B. begs to announce that he has purchased from C. D.
his entire stock and will continue the business at the old
stand. Having bought the goods for cash, and as I in-
tend to sell for cash, I will be in a position to offer
bargains to my customers.
299. Any man or woman that once buys anything from us are
sure to become regular customers.
300. You can omit the names of any who you know will not be
present at it.
Our Board has set a good example by dealing in a liberal
spirit with the teachers in their employ.
The worthy Principal, with his staff of able assistants, are
well deserving the compliments paid them.
303. A majority of our Third Class Teachers, after having taught
for three years, are unable to obtain a Second Class Cer-
tificate, and in consequence of which are compelled to
quit the profession.
304. This is one of tlie few subjects that seems to be thoroughly
taught in our schools.
305. I would not have thought that he would be so simple as to
have believed such a story.
306. The .State has a right to see that parents should so manage
their children that they should not become a burden on it.
307. We would advise you to consult your physician about it, as
they are our special agents in promoting the sale.
308. And thence dislike, disgust, or cold indifference rise.
309. But scant three miles the band had rode
When o'er the height they passed.
310. Till through the British world was known
The names of Pitt and Fox alone.
311. Down to the Tweed his band he drew
And muttered as the flood they view.
312. None sends his arrow to the mark in view
Whose hand is feeble or his aim untrue.
313. Yet oft, in holy writ we see
Even such weak minister as me
May the opposer bruise.
78
COMMON KRROKS IN SF£AKINU AND WBITIMQ.
I
314. For each man that could draw a sword
Had marched that morning with their loid,
Earl Adam Hepburn, — he who died
At Flodden, by his sovereign's side.
315. Resolved : That the Council desires to express its sense of
the great loss the town has sustained by his death, and as
a mark of respect for his memory do now adjourn.
316. That the Senate, at this its first meeting since his death,
record their sorrow at the loss the province has sustained.
317. The undersigned being desirous to clear off the balance of
his stock of summer goods in order to make room for my
steady increasing business will offer the whole of my stock
in such lots as may suit intending purchasers, and at such
prices that cannot be approached by any in the town.
318. The whole chapter on temperance looks as if after being put
in type it was shaken in a bag, and that the impression
was then made.
319. Mr. G. perhaps prefers this sound, though none of the dic-
tionary makers do, or any one who speaks English cor-
rectly. •
320. The medical profession are already doing more than ought
to be expected of its members.
321. The teachers should endeavour to repress the practice of
throwing stones as far as possible.
322. In answer to it Neptune sent a bull from the sea, by which
the horses of Hippolytus were terrified, ran away, .and
killed their master.
323. Any one intending to use Portland cement this fall it would
be to their advantage to call and see me at once.
324. They intend holding a parlour concert at the residence of
Mr. J. T., who has the largest in town, and is admirably
adapted for the purpose.
325. The sale of these patterns in Canada have been more than
all others combined, and if the increase continues I will
again have to double my facilities.
326. None of the readers appeared, and what is more 'ndefensible,
failed to procure substitutes.
HISOELLANBOCS GRAMMATICAL ERRORS.
79
than
will
sible,
327. He is a person whom we all feel sure will represent the col-
lege both with honour to himself and to all concerned.
328. There will be no obstacle to his retaining command of a
regiment with which his name has long been identified,
and to whose untiring zeal and attention it owes much of
its present efficiency.
329. If English orthography represented English pronunciation
as closely as the Italian does, at least half the lime and
expense of teaching to read and spell would be saved.
330. It is not one of those physical theories which, as Tyndall
says, lies beyond experience, but is yet derived by a pro-
cess of abstraction from experience.
331. No sensible man has any idea, and has not hud since the
News left the Mail building, that there is any connection
between the two papers.
332. The state of things is this : that there is more than one
efficient college in Ontario, and that more than one col-
lege is needed.
333. No principles can be stated, nor no rules laid down that will
apply to all these sort of questions.
334. If there is anything that was abhorrent to me, it was the
scattering doubts and unsettling consciences without
necessity.
335. The biographer testifies that while Baxter lived in an age of
voluminous authorship, he was, beyond all comparison,
the most voluminous of all his contemporaries.
336. It is one of the greatest mistakes that has been made by
England in dealing with the natives.
337. The improvements must consist, therefore, in reducing its
rules to rational and intelligible principles, and thereby to
simplify them.
338. The congregation were well repaid by the impressive sermon
and the marvellous singing of the choir, in which the
ladies predominate and some of them are uneq ailed for
vocal powers in an other church in the city.
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRIT.i^-'..
339. Wher be leaves his own State he becomes r 't only u^imt
but als.o displays an ignorance surprising in any ;rducr»>.ed
American.
340. The trustees of High and Public schools who have sent in
orders for this map will have them sent to them as soon
as possible.
341. My criticism of the report should have called for gratitude
from the committee and the press which published it
rather than exciting animosity towards the objector.
342. The two things to be kept in view are the proper faining of
the children while they are in the Home, and the finding
employment for them when they leave it.
343. If he were guilty of such conduct, and there seems to be no
doubt of it — he deserves all the censure that has been
passed upon him.
344. Nor do I, either in or out of Cambridge, know any one with
whom I can converse more pleasantly, or would prefer as
my companion.
345. We are glad to see this effort made to popularize the writings
of Philip Massinger, a man whose taste was purer, and
diction liner than most of his contemporaries.
346. He was taken to Dr. R's ofifice where the wounded member
was stitched up and is likely to grow together again.
347. He offered the prize to Locksley if he could hit the mark,
which Locksley did, but refi- - I 'he prize.
348. In cold weather everybody fee • 'e want of some sort of a
warm, stimulating drink to keep the blood circulating, and
too oft'^n indulge in alcoholic beverages which only supply
temporary warmth.
349. There has been more than one case reported to me, however,
in which neither of the symptoms he speaks of were
plainly marked.
350. It seems that one of the men that is employed in the packing
department, a man whom you would think could have
beer, trusted to be careful, had thrown a burning match on
tli'» floor.
b(
se
of
th
S(
he
pr
re;
of
.w.-
PART II.
RHETORICAL ERRORS.
were
Sentences may be free from grammatical errors such as have
been exemplified in the preceding pages and yet have other
serious faults. These faults are usually dealt with under the head
of Rhetoric, or Style, and the commonest and most important of
them may be conveniently grouped under the headings, Words,
Sentences, Figures of Speech.
WORDS.
I. — Wrong forms of words.
Many persons do not look carefully at the forms of words, and
hence they not merely spell badly but they often show by their
pronunciation that they have a wrong idea of what certain words
really are. The following exercise contains, it is beHeved, most
of the common errors arising from this cause.
Exercise XXXVII.
Which of the following forms are correct ?
1. He bought a box of blackening (blacking).
2. It will be found to be an excellent dentifrice (dentrifice).
3. He took only a cursory (cursorary) glance at it.
4. He brought up another grieviance (grievance).
5. She had exceptionally (exceptionably) good opportunities.
6. The child fell over the banister (balustradeV
7. A visit from an eminent agriculturist (agriculturalist).
8. He made some very irrevalent (irrelevant) remark*.
9. He said it was a sure preventive (preventative).
[81]
/
82
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
ID. It was a very underhand (underhanded) proceeding.
11. A serious casualty (casuality).
12. He wiped away the prespiration (perspiration).
13. He gave me a prescription (perscription) for it.
14. An insiduous (insidious) attempt.
15. A covetous (coveteous) disposition.
16. A very presumptious (presumptuous) step.
1 7. With an unctious (unctuous) smile.
18. A sad tragedy (tradegy).
19. A progedy (prodigy) of learning.
20. An ashphalt (asphalt) pavenient.
21. A big pile of rubbage (rubbish).
22. A noun in the nomative (nominative) case.
23. I'd just as leave (lief) do it.
24. A clever strategic (stragetic) movement.
25. Yours respectfully (respectively).
26. A worthy helpmate (helpmeet).
27. A suppositious (supposititious) offer.
28. To build a cupola (cupalo).
29. To be in straitened (straightened) circumstances. '
30. It became a regular nuisance (nusiancc).
II. — Confounding words of similar sound or origin.
Among the woids of this class that require to be distinguished
carefully are the following :
1. Affect^ verb only, to change, or to influence.
Rfect^ lioun or verb, a result, to accomplish.
2. Necessities^ wants or needs.
Ne^essari's^ things needed, e.g., food, clothing, fuel
3. Preduiy to fvU'etell.
Predicate^ to ileclare openly and formally.
^ 4. Siatue, a carved or moulded image.
Statute^ a law passed by some body.
V-
■* '
WORDS.
83
PIN.
ished
i^
5. Co«7//«f^, to change the mind by argument.
Convict^ to prove guilty of some offence.
6. Credible^ worthy of belief; adverb, credibly j opposites, in-
credible and incredibly.
Creditable^ deserving commendation ; adverb, cteditably ;
opposites, discreditable and discreditably.
Credulous., too ready to believe ; opposite, incredulous.
7. Observance., keeping, or complying with.
Observation., sight, or a remark.
8. Equable^ even temperature or disposition.
Equitable., in accordance with equity.
9. Depreciate., to come down or bring down in value.
Deprecate., to beg off, or seek to prevent something by request.
Identity, sameness. '
Identification., proof of the sameness.
Expatiate, to dwell at length on a topic.
Expiate, to atone for an offence.
Acceptance, act of accepting, satisfaction.
Acceptation, meaning.
Impugn, to attack a man's motives.
Impute, to ascribe something bad to a person.
Elicit, to draw out information.
Eliminate, to get rid of
Reverent, showing reverence.
Reverend, deserving reverence.
16. Fictitious, assumed, opposed to real.
Artificial, the product of art, opposed to natural.
Factious, in the spirit of faction.
Note. — There is no good authority for using fictitious as the
adjective corresponding to fiction, e.g., in speaking of
works of fiction as 'fictitious literature.'
17. Continuous, without interruption.
Continual, with interruptions.
18. Ingenious, clever ; noun ingenuity.
Ingenuous, frank, candid ; noun ingenuousness.
10.
II
12
13
14
15
94
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
19. Corporeal^ having a body, opposed to spiritual.
Corporal^ of or relating to the body.
20. Judicious^ showing judgment.
Judicial^ of a judge.
i\. Delusion, when the mind is deceived.
Illusion, when the senses, e.g. the eye, are deceived.
2 3. Contemptuous y showing contempt.
Contemptible , deserving contempt.
23. Sanitary, relating to health.
Sanatory .^ promoting health.
24. Conciliate., to gain the good will or favor of.
Reconcile., to get one person or thing to agree with another.
25. Visitor, a creature of this world.
Visitant, a creature from some other world.
26. Luxurious, of or with luxury.
Luxuriant, exuberant in growth.
27. Relic, a remaining portion, hence a memorial.
Relict, a widow.
28. Practical, derived from, or having had practice, contrasted
with theoretical.
Practicable, that can be put in practice, feasible, opposed to
impracticable.
29. Politic, snowing policy, prudent.
Paitical, connected with politics.
30. Likely, probable.
Liable, that may happen, usually of something undesirable,
answerable for.
31. Emigrant, spoken of persons coming or going from a
country.
Immigrant, of persons coming into a country.
32. Purpose, to put an object before one's self
Propose, to put an object or plan before others.
33. Transient, actually passing away.
Transitory, liable to pass away at any time.
L
St
WORDS.
m
•ther.
trasted
>sed to
irable,
'om a
34. Successful, resulting in success.
Successive, one immediately following another.
35. Enormity, of offences,
Enortnousness, of cost.
36. Assent, an act of the mind, to acquiesce in a view.
Consent, an act of the will, to agree to a step.
37. Attain, to reach something by effort.
Obtain, to procure in any way.
38. Councils, deliberative bodies.
Counsels, plans, intentions, advice given.
39. Decided, unmistakable.
Decisive, settling something, conclusive.
40. Infallible, not capable of being deceived, not liable to deceive
or fail.
Inevitable, not to be avoided.
Exercise XXXI.
I. — Point out the misused words in the following sentences and
substitute the proper ones.
I. His stoiy does seem rather incredulous.
^ 2. I have been creditably informed that such is the case.
3. It would be impossible to predicate the result of it.
4. He found them in want of the commonest necessities of life.
5. All his efforts to secure an equitable distribution of heat
failed.
6. He stands high in the list of fictitious writers.
7. He agreed not to offer a fictitious opposition to the measure,
8. The bodies were so disfigured as to render their identity
difficult.
9. He was doomed to expatiate his crimes on the gallows.
ID, I hope you may succeed in convicting him of his error,
1 1. How will the new Regulations effect your school.
12. It was proposed to erect a statute in his honor.
13. He depreciated the attempt made by the last speaker to
excite a prejudice against the company.
1^
86
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
14. The observation of these simple rules would have prevented
all difficulty.
15. In that way you will be more liable to get at the truth.
16. The enormity of the cost of the tunnel startled him.
17. By so doing he imputes the veracity of the secretary.
18. The infallible result will be to discourage them.
19. He succeeded in eliminating the desired information.
20. It seems to have been a fictitious substance, not a natural
metal.
II. — Which are the proper words to use in the following?
1. He is among our most valued (valuable) contributors.
2. Take care not to confuse (confound) these two words.
3. He had partly (partially) finished the work.
4. In what part (portion) of the town does he live ?
5. He showed me a various (v^aried) assortment.
6. The facts are just the converse (reverse) of what he states.
7. He turned deathly (deadly) pale when he heard it.
8. He belonged to a theatrical troupe (troop).
9. They had acquired large tracks (tracts) of land.
10. He ought to be put in a straight (strait) jacket.
III.— Confounding synonyms, or words similar or related
IN MEANING.
The following list will be found to include most of the words in
regard to which mistakes of this nature are made.
1. Conscious^ a knowledge from within ourselves.
Aware, a knowledge from without.
2. Character, what a person really is.
Reputation, what he passes for.
3. Compensation, payment for loss or injury.
Remuneration, payment for services.
4. Veracity, used of the person.
Truth, used of the statement.
WORD&
87
revented
h.
natural
:ates.
SLATED
3rds in
5. Recollect^ to call to mind.
Remember^ to keep in mind.
6. Testimony^ \^at the witnesses state.
Evidence^ what tends to prove something.
7. Courage, shown in action.
Fortitude, shown in endurance.
8. Amateur, one who pursues an occupation from love of it,
opposed to professional.
Novice, a beginner or tyro, opposed to expert.
9. Abbreviate, of words, titles.
Abridge, of narratives, descriptions.
10. Discovery, finding somethin<,f lost or not known.
Invention, devising something new.
1 1. Future, counts from the present.
Subsequent, counts from some point in the past or future.
12. Z^«^«, to acquire knowledge.
Teach, to communicate knowledge.
13. ^«/z>^, undivided.
Complete, no part lacking.
14. Hatred, active, felt or manifested.
Odium, passive, incurred or endured.
1 5. Dissimulation, concealing what one is or does.
Hypocrisy, pretending to be what one is not.
16. Ability, power to do things.
Capacity, power to acquii 2 and retain knowledge.
17. Compare, in order to see resemblances.
Contrast, in order to show differences.
18. Illiterate, unable to read and write.
Ignorant, lacking knowledge of any kind.
19. Majority, more than half
Plurality, more than any other candidate.
20. Diligent and Idle, may be temporary.
Industrious, Indolent, are habitual.
21. Bring, to convey from where one is.
Fetch, to go for a thing and bring it.
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COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
Vaeant, a house without a tenant.
Empty, a house with nothing in it.
Refer, to draw attention to directly. ,
Allude, to draw attention to indirectly. ,
Plenty, all that is required.
Abundance, more than is required.
Contagious, communicated by actual contact.
Infectious, commuhicated by some hidden influence.
Exercise XXXII.
Correct any misused words in the following :
1. That is not the way Miss A. learned us to do it.
2. He was not conscious of what had been done in his absence.
3. His future life showed that his repentance was sincere.
4. I could buy an entire outfit for that amount.
5. That is scarcely sufficient compensation for the duties you
have to perform. ,
6. I fear his character will suffer if these reports are aflowed to
pass uncontradicted.
7. What provision is made for ignorant voters ?
8. I told tnem all to fetch their books next day.
9. He bore the operation with the greatest courage.
10. He was disposed to question the veracity of her narrative.
1 1. The judge apparently put no faith in the evidence of tuese
two witnesses.
12. His handling of the oars showed him to be a mere amateur.
1 3. Can't you remember where you were using it last "i
14. He was forced to abbreviate his account of their visit.
15. Do any of you know whose death he was referring to in his
prayer?
IV.— Miscellaneous instances of misused words.
(a) Undoubtedly wrong uses.
1. Stopping iox staying.
2. Quantity for number.
V
I
L
sut
W0BD8.
89
tsence.
e.
ties you
owed to
tive.
of tuese
mateur.
o in his
DS.
V
^ 3. Funny for strange.
I 4. Scared for afraid,
\r 5. Inside for within^ of time.
t. 6. Condign for severe.
\. 7. Expect for suppose^ referring to the present or the past.
8. Centre for middle, e.g., of a road or of anything in which
length is implied.
9. Dangerous for dangerously ill.
10. Alternative, in speaking of more than two courses.
11. Epithet, when applied to nouns instead of adjectives.
12. Allowed ior admitted.
13. Enjoy, when spoken of undesirable things.
^^ 14. Utmost for inmost.
^ 15. Substitute A with B for substitute B for A.
{b) More or less sanctioned by usage, but questionable and better
avoided.
1 . Healthy for wholesome.
2. Transpire for elapse or for occur.
3. Aggravating for provoking or irritating,
^ 4. i1/a^ for angry.
5. Z^ry for thirsty.
6. Anticipate lot expect.
7. Confess for admit, where no blame is implied.
8. Apt iox likely.
y 9. Mutual for common,
10. Couple for /w^, where no connection of any kind between the
two is implied.
Exercise XXXIII.
Point out any words whose use is wrong or questionable, and
substitute the proper word in each case.
1. She'll be mad when she finds out where you are stopping.
2. They were scared that he would not get back inside the time
allowed him.
I
90 COMMON EBB0K8 IN 8PBAKINO AND WRITING.
3. I expect the children felt pretly dry after their long walk.
4. Coward, liar, thief, were among the choice epithets she
applied to him.
5. They marched down the centre of the street with the band
playing in front of them.
6. I didn't anticipate that he would have so much trouble in
getting a copy of it.
7. I never saw such a quantity of sheep at a show before.
8. It's funny that you did not hear of it sooner.
9. Such conduct deserves the most condign punishment.
10. You will be very apt to find him in the billiard room.
11. I'll give you a couple of dollars for it.
12. I must confess that his conduct was very aggravating.
1 3. They penetrated to the utmost recesses of the cave.
14. You may take your choice of the three alternatives.
1 5. The whole family in fact enjoy a rather bad reputation.
16. See that they are provided with healthy food.
17. His was allowed by all the judges to be the best.
18. I had heard that he was ill, but did not know that he was
dangerous.
19. The book contains a host of useful information.
20. You will want to be very careful to explain it clearly.
Exercise XXXIV.
Improve the following sentences by substituting better forms of
expression for those italicized.
1. I have every confidence in his honesty.
2. You had no ca// to leave it within his reach.
3. He wasn't injured a«y as far as I could see.
4. Do you mind what I told you last day ?
5. He as ^<7<?rt? as offered to take them both.
6. He jft?/ left behind by the train this morning.
*». He can't take care of himself /e/ alone the children.
WORDS.
di
valk.
lets she
he band
ouble in
e.
m.
t he was
forms of
8. He wasn't quite so dad when we left.
9. He was noways to blame for the accident.
10. We drove over the bridge just before the ice struck it.
11. We waited a little bit to see what he would do,
12. He t/i7«/^^/ that ha had forgotten all about it.
13. He waited quite a spell in the hope of seeing them.
14. I lit on a similar instance this morning.
15. It is rather better than a month since he left.
16. Did you make out to Jind vfhexQ he lived ?
17. He seemed to be thoronghiy posted on such matters.
18. I thought it a pity <?/■ him to have to go alone.
19. This is equally as good as the other.
20. He nearly got into a J^ra/^ yesterday.
21. It isn't a^<7z/^ a fortnight since we saw him.
22. I need a new brush the worst way.
23. \ czxi sczxc^Xy tell them apart .
24. He is in a worse _/f;r now than he ever was.
25. Are you done with the ruler now "i
26. He never named the matter to us.
27. He promised to come right away.
28. He will blame it on you.
29. He has just got over a second attack.
30. Are you not through your dinner yet ?
31. He took me ^/ar/" to tell me the news.
32. What could have ^^jj^jj^^ him to do it ?
33. We can't get along without you.
34. He seemed bound to make the attempt.
35. Sometimes I meet him ofz. Saturday.
36. We came across another instance of it in to-day's lesson.
37. You had best not tell him about it.
38. He seems to have a mighty poor opinion of it.
39. He offered me the lend oi his.
40. He was necessitated \.o dc^'^Xy to them.
9$
COMMON ERRORS IN SPKAKING AND WRITING.
v.— The unnecessary use of big words.
Many young and ambitic is writers, e'ther from a desire to show
off their knowledge, or from wrong notions in regard to ' fine writing,'
often use bigger words and a more learned vocabulary than the
occasion requires. Newspaper reporters often resort to this device
in order to produce a humorous or an impressive effect. Tl;e
following exercise will illustrate sufficiently the style referred to.
Exercise XXXV.
Express the following in simpler and more natural langu^e :
1. The majority of the residents of the locality.
2. The unmistakable precursor.
3. The extreme felicity.
4. An exceedingly opulent individual.
5. A condition of complete indigence.
6. His customary beverage.
7. Participate in the pecuniary advantages.
8. Encountered an elderly individual.
9. Arrived in close proximity.
10. To lead to the hymeneal altar.
1 1. Made the recipient of the grateful acknowledgments.
12. An individual evidently identified with the agricultural in-
terests.
13. Proceeded to his residence.
14. The services of the nearest physician were called into requisi-
tion.
15. His immortal spirit had quitted its earthly habitation.
16. The conflagration attracted an immense concourse of spec-
tators.
17. To arrest the progress of the devouring element.
18. The assembled populace commenced to evince a disposition
to, etc.
19. The unprecedented inclemency of the weather necessitated its
postponement.
SENTENCES — AMBIGUITY.
»d
to show
writing,'
than the
is device
:t. Tl:e
!d to.
age;
20. Endeavored to conceal his repugnance.
21. Sustained a fracture of the clavicle.
22. He was unable to ^'quidate his financial obligations.
23. We shall inaugurate the proceedings at the earliest practi-
cable period.
24. The operatives were demanding additional remuneration.
25. The inmates of the mansion were making preparations to
proceed to the sanctuary.
SENTENCES.
From a rhetorical point of view the chief objects to be aimed at
in framing sentences are to have the meaning clear, the form im-
pressive, and the sound agreeable, in other words to secure clear-
ness^ force and euphony. Of these three qualities clearness is
unquestionably the most important. To secure it there must be
clear thinking, a careful choice of words, unity of idea, and coherent
structure. If a sentence is not clear it is either ambiguous or obscure.
:ural in-
requisi-
>f spec-
position
:ated its
AMBIGUITY.
This is a common fault and may be caused in various ways.
Many sentences which were not observed to be ambiguous when
spoken are found to be so when printed. The reason is, of course,
that the speaker was aided in making his meaning clear by emphasis,
inflection, and rhetorical pauses, none of which are ordinarily shown
in print.
Ambiguity may be caused by
I.— Using words that will bear more than one meaning.
Thus, ' his apparent guilt ' may mean * his seeming guilt,' or * his
evident guilt.* The remedy for this is to substitute such words,
phrases, or forms of expression as will bear only the intended
meaning. To do this may sometimes involve re-writing the
sentence.
94
COMMON ERliOKS IN SPEAKING AND WRITINO.
Exercise XXXVI.
Point out the ambiguity in each of the following sentences and
show how it may be removed.
1 . You don't seem to like anything that I do.
2. The scouts reported that they had discovered certain indica-
tions of the presence of Indians in the vicinity.
3. I can't find one of my books.
4. I did not promise to accept any offer.
5. He observed that the attendance was smaller than usual.
6. He ate a little pie for dinrer.
7. Common sense, Mr. Chairman, is what I want.
8. Did you see the door open ? The window broken ?
9. You have given me no easy question to answer.
10. The word is not used only by the uneducated,
11. His appearance frightened them.
12. His name is mentioned in the last chapter.
13. He said he didn't want my articles any longer.
4. That alone will convince me.
15. He hasn't a single one left.
II.— The CARELESS USE OF PRONOUNS.
A Iiis is a very common cause, especially in school compositions
and exercises, and in indirect narrative^ and occurs chiefly with
he^ it^ and they. The best preventives are the repetition of the
noun, the use of such expressions as 'the former,' 'the latter,* or a
change to direct narrative.
Exercise XXXVII.
Point out the ambiguity in each of the following and show how
it may be avoided :
I. He told his friend that if he did not feel better in half an
hour he thought he had better return.
3. Old English poetry was very different from what it is now.
It
AHBI6UITT.
ds
3. When very little snow falls, or when it is blown ofT the fields,
it greatly diminishes the crop of fall wheat the next season.
4. The party of Union and Progress is as superior to the Grits
in political morality as they are in patriotism and states-
manship.
5. There is a mortgage on the property, which may cause some
trouble.
6. A's money is equal to half of B's, which is $500.
7. She sent her back for her shawl, which she had forgotten to
bring.
8. When the exhibitors bring in their wares they are so arranged
that all may see them.
9. Her home was near the village church, and this seems to
have had a great influence on her religious character.
10. Men look with an evil eye upon the good that ic in others,
and think that their reputation obscures them, and that
their commendable qualities do stand in their light ; and
therefore they do what they can to cast a cloud over them,
that the bright shining of their virtues may not obscure
them.
III.— Ellipsis.
Exercise XXXVIII.
Point out the ambiguity in each of the following, and show how
it may be avoided :
1. I have no more control over him than others.
2. The poor think themselves no more disgraced by taking
bribes than the rich by offering them.
3. He liked to hear her talk better than any of his associates.
4. He owes a good many more than you.
5. Twelve years ago he came to this town with but one shirt to
his back, and now he is worth thousands.
6. The woodshed and contents of Mr. A., O , was burned
last Sunday morning.
7. He wished for nothing more than i dictionary.
96 C^MiilON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
8. He may be mistaken in regard to this point as well as the
rest.
9. Information wanted of J. S., whose mind is a little weak, but
otherwise quite harmless.
10. He appeared to have more faith in us than his friends.
IV. — The misplacement of words, phrases, or clauses.
Exercise XXXIX.
Point out the ambiguity in each of the following, and show how
it may be removed.
1. And thus the son the fervent sire addressed.
2. The Duke yet lives that Henry shall depose.
3. I was not aware that you had been absent till yesterday.
4. He is only quarrelsome when he is drunk.
5. Under the circumstances I must admit that you acted fairly.
6. John Keats, the second of four children, like Chaucer and
Spenser, was o' m in London.
7. Such is the depravity of the world that guilt is more likely to
meet with indulgence than misfortune.
8. I came very near losiag my way several times.
9. One of our town sportsmen shot 1 5 brace of partridges, along
with a friend, on Saturday last.
10. A few minutes' delay is required after giving the order, to
ensure a hot breakfast, which might otherwise seem un-
necessary.
1 1 . Whom chance misled his mother to destroy.
12. I understand now how to do it better than I did before.
13. He dismissed the man who had done it for two reasons.
14. Not long after he retired from Parliament at the suggestion
of the king he was given a pension.
15. A gentleman wishes to secure a position as coachman for a
young Englishman.
MISCELLANieOUS EXAMPLES OF AMBIOUITT.
97
V. — By difference in punctuation, rhetorical pauses,
EMPHASIS, OR grammatical RELATION.
Exercise XL.
Point out what different meanings the following sentences may
bear according to the way in which they are punctuated or read.
I. Do you know how old Miss A. is to-day ?
He has written directions for each case.
I knew him well and every truant knew.
The teacher said she must have written it. . - :
She gave her money for that purpose?
6. They left the city unharnied. • ' * •
7. What do you think I will do that for nothing.
8. I could tell you of some more noted instances.
9. He would have died if I hadn't done that.
10. I left her to finish my work.
11. It surprised me to see how little things liKe that annoyed him.
12. Hereafter we shall have written examinations only on Friday.
2.
3.
4-
5-
MISCELLANEOUS EXAMPLES OF AMBIGUITY.
Exercise XLI.
Point out the ambiguity in each of the following sentences and
show how it may be removed.
1. The service was impressive, but it lacked either grandeur or
beauty.
2. Metal types were now introduced, which before this had been
made of wood.
3. Rich or poor you have always been a true friend to me.
4. I thought that the safest plan was to praise everything he did.
5. After some difficulty we reached the gate where we parted
trom our friend.
6. The next winter which I spent in town happened to be a very
mild one.
7. Not a single failure has occurred, in consequence of the
change in the law,
7
98 COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
8. It will be very convenient for those who want access to the
original manuscripts.
9. A man who has lost his eyesight has, in one sense, less con-
sciousness than he had before.
10. A young man in Ottawa took creosote for the toothache,
which nearly poisoned him.
11. I leave my property to my brother and his children in suc-
cession.
12. I think you will find my Latin exercise at least as good as his.
1 3. The vegetables and roots of all kinds surpassed all expecta-
tions, owing to its having been an unusually dry season.
14. The child that wrote the following composition had been
nearly six years at school when my attention was drawn to it.
1 5. Only try this gun and you will never use another.
i6. He was taking a view from a window of the cathedral at
Lichfield in which a party of Royalists had entrenched
themselves.
17. They were persons of very moderate abilities, even before
they were weakened by their excesses.
18. And when it was told Saul he sent other messengers, and
they prophesied likewise.
19. It was never intended, as Mr. M. has told you, that the
award was not to be adopted unless ratified by the Domi-
nion Parliament.
20. He will scarcely be consoled for the loss which he has sus-
tained by the defeat of the by-law.
21. I said that he was a liar, it is true, and I am sorry for it.
22. That boy says he knows more than his teacher.
23. Whom should I meet, walking along King street, but my old
friend Brown.
24. Next morning about one hundred men marched into the square,
each supplied with a shillalagh, and headed by a band.
25. The essential elements of a noble manhood are developed
only by the personal coKiact and influence of the true
teacher upon the scholar, and this is ore of the defects of
our system of secondary education.
OBSCURITY.
99
27
28,
26. An eye witness says he saw him bring down a brace of
pheasants which rose together unexpectedly in a small
cover, each with a single ball from a double-barrelled rifle.
Mr. M., No. — West Street, has left oflF clothing of every
description.
We will send the brush on trial on receipt of fifty cents, which
will be returned if not as represented.
29. The congregation held a very successful bazaar last summer
to clear off the debt which remained on the church, and
which realized $1,500.
30. He continued to execrate the magistrate who committed him
without bail in the most profane manner.
OBSCURITY.
This, like eclipses, may be either partial or total. Where it is
not the result of either ' muddled thinking * or of mere verbosity it
is likely to be due to one or other of the following causes :
I. — The use of technical terms. Thus the average juryman who
hears a young and learned doctor testify that
He found on examination a contusion of the integuments
under the orbit, with an extravasation of blood and ecchy-
mosis of the surrounding cellular tissue, which was in a
tumefied state, and also with a slight abrasion of the
cuticle,
may well be excused if he fails to comprehend that the doctor
meant nothing more than that the man had a ' black eye ' as the
result of a blow.
II. — The lack of Unity, shown either in
(a) Long, loose sentences, so characteristic of children's com-
positions and letters, made up of a succession of state-
ments held together by and, so, but,
(Jb) Long, involved sentences in which the clauses are inter-
woven, and connected by 7vho, which, when, where, and
subordinate conjunctions.
{c) The insertion of long parenthetical explanations.
iOO
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
1.
?
III. — Want of coherent structure, under which head may be
grouped such irregularities as
(a) The use of participles without definite relation, as
** Not returni i^ ,* the usual hour in the evening the
family be ime a armed and a searching party was
organized. '
(Jf) The use of p. ; j without any definite antecedents, as,
" The island . iangular in shape, the base and median
of which are about the same length," or,
"That she was a somnambulist I know, as I have seen
her under its influence."
(c) Want of proper co-ordination ; as,
*' For this he more than sufficiently repays us by the
cheerfulness of his song and by the multitude of injuri-
ous insects which he dai'.y destroys," or,
" No shoe should be worn for more than two consecutive
days and then allowed to rest ?rd dry out for two or
three days."
It has not been thought worth while to append a special exercise
on Obscurity.
FORCE AND EUPHONY.
Not very much can be done directly by teaching towards enabling
a student to acquire these qualities of style. There are, however, a
number of faults that it may be well to guard him specially against.
Of these the commonest and most readily corrected are :
I. — The use of unnecessary words.
Exercise XLII.
Fender the following sentences more effective by striking out all
unnecessary words :
1. Hence you will see, therefore, he must necessarily be in error.
2. Several of the spectators who were present voluntarily offered
to assist him.
may be
as
ning the
arty was
ents, as,
1 median
ave seen
> by the
jf injuri-
isecutive
r two or
exercise
mabling
vever, a
against.
: out all
n error,
offered
-^
FORCE AND EUPHONY.
101
3. He suffered great anxiety of mind in the interval that inter-
vened between his application and their decision,
4. What was the subject matter of his discourse ?
5. He brought the work to a final completion yesterday.
-6. Remember that the period of youth is the time to form correct
habits.
7. They will soon have an entire monopoly of the whole trade.
8. It has been our uniform and invariable practice to do so.
9. That seems to be the universal opinion of all that have seen
it working.
10. In addition to these there must be added the following names.
11. I never was so astonished before in the whole course of my
existence.
12. It generally happens that there are nearly always some absent.
1 3. After conversing together for a few moments they both rose
up and left the room.
14. Somebody or other had covered it over during his absence.
1 5. We had to listen to their mutual recriminations.
II. — Want of unity, too many statements, and too
many connectives.
Exercise XLIII.
Re-write the following sentences, making such changes as seem
necessary to render the statements more effective :
1. He went up to him, and awakened him gently, and drew him
back from the edge of the precipice, and saved his life.
2. He called his boy but got no answer, so he searched as far as
his chains would permit, but could not find him, so at last
he became frantic, and tried to break his chains, but he
could not.
3. This is one of the Jew's speeches who is arguing with the
Duke, who is appealing to him to havt mercy on Antonio,
but the Jew is firm.
102
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
4. At CuUoden Moor Cumberland met and defeated the rebel
army, and Charles fled from the disastrous field, and his
adherents were mercilessly put to death.
5. I received the books yesterday, and I am very much pleased
with them, but you sent me one too many, but I find I
may need it, and so I will keep it.
6. He returned to England in 1839, and the next year he was
persuaded to enter Parliament, but he soon lost his seat,
and then he retired, and pursued his literary tastes, and
died suddenly in 1859.
7. Bassanio tells the story to Portia, and she gives him money
enough to settle it, and so he and Gratiano set out and try
and settle it, but the Jew will not settle it.
8. But the Knight watches^ his opponent and when he gets a
chance hurls his mace at his head, which forces him from
his horse, but he soon mounts again and riding off a few
yards shoots six arrows in succession at him, at the seventh
of which the knight falls from his horse.
9. He asked her to show him her album, which she did, and she
called his attention to the likeness of one young lady with
whom she had been very intimate when she was attending
. the Normal School, and who has since attracted attention
by her paintings, some of which were exhibited at the
Exhibition which was held ir T. last fall.
10. When Alexander took Sidon he left his generals to appoint a
king, so they went to two brothers and asked one of them
to be king, but neither of them would accept, for they said
that they were no relation to any former king, and that it
would not be right for them to reign, but they told the
generals of a man named Abdalonymus, who was related
to their former king, but who was so poor that he had to
keep a market garden so as to gain a livelihood.
III.— Loose structure, weak endings.
Exercise XLIV.
Improve the arrangement of phrases and clauses in the following
sentences : .
FORCE AND BtJPHONV.
103
the rebel
i, and his
h pleased
: I find I
ar he was
t his seat,
istes, and
im money
at and try
he gets a
him from
off a few
e seventh
I, and she
lady with
attending
attention
d at the
appoint a
of them
they said
id that it
told the
s related
le had to
ollowing
J. It was a practice which he could learn nothing of the origin of.
2. His conduct was exceedingly imprudent, to say the least of it.
3. It is an undertaking which the whole community will reap the
benefit of, if he succeeds in it.
4. It is a much more elaborate and costlier structure than there
was any need of.
5. He divided all his property in his life time equally among his
three sons to avoid any disputes or law suits.
6. He called a meeting of the principal shareholders at his
office, secretly, that evening, at the suggestion of the secre-
tary, to consider the matter.
7. He obtained a seat in Parliament, in 1830, through the in-
fluence of Lord Lansdowne, where he took an active part.
8. He won success at last, by indomitable perseverance, in
spite of every obstacle, and contrary to the expectation
even of his friends.
9. A scene of woe ensued then of which no eye had ever seen
the like.
10. The capitulation which severed Canada for ever from France
was signed on the 8th of September.
IV. — Repetition of the same or similar sounds.
Exercise XLV.
Improve the sound of the following sentences by changes in the
phraseology.
1. He exemplified the principal applications of the principle
by numerous examples.
2. Each of these forms was formerly divided into two divisions.
3. It is very desirable that all those who desire to compete
should be present.
4. It was quite clear to all present that he did not clearly under-
stand the question.
5. He described it in an uninteresting manner.
6. He certainly acted extremely cautiously. ' • .
104
COMMON fitlROltS IN SPBAKINO AND WRITING.
7. I have had occasion to pass the house on several occasions
recently.
8. We had never seen or even imagined such a scene.
9. He used yiany expressions not usually used by good writers.
10. Seeing that Fitz- James seemed astonished at not seeing any
of the warriors whom he had seen a little while before
he, etc.
11. It will make it disagreeable for the rest if he will not agree to
sign the agreement.
12. Fortunately in each instance there is abundance of evidence.
13. We were not present when they presented him with the
present.
14. This gave her time to recover in a measure her composure.
15. I was relieved to find that you had given him leave to leave
the room.
FIGURES OF SPEECH.
Under this head the chief errors to be guarded against are :
I. — The use of inappropriate metaphors.
II. — The mingling of metaphors and literal statements.
III. — The mixing of metaphors.
Exercise XLVI.
Point out any errors in the use of metaphors in the following
sentences :
1. The magnum opus of education is creeping up the steep
ascent of efficiency.
2. The questions will naturally partake of the same complexion
as his teaching.
3. The memory is nourished to fulness, but the reason, judgment
and understanding do not get their daily bread ; they are
treated as orphans of the mind.
tccasions
I writers.
eing any
le before
agree to
Bvidence.
with the
,posure.
5 to leave
ire :
EMENTS.
following
he steep
mplexion
udgment
they are
PIOURBS OP SPBBCH.
t05
4'. It should be the prayer of every noble minded man that the
gray dawn of the morning may fade into the brilliant sun-
light of noon.
5. The heroic Spanish gunners had no defence but bags of
cotton, joined to their own insuperable courage.
6. He flung his powerful frame into the saddle, and his great
soul into the cause.
7. The building was surrounded by a mob armed with rustic
weapons and ungovernable fury.
8. They were the seven pillars of the new House of Wisdom in
the wilderness. In August, 1639, these seven pillars
assembled, possessing for the time full power.
9. Our contemporary fancied that he smelled a very large mouse,
and in his greediness he was determined to possess it.
10. Now from my fond embrace by tempest torn,
One other column of the state is borne,
Nor took a kind adieu, nor sought consent.
1 1. No human happiness is so serene as not to contain some alloy.
12. At length Erasmus curbed the wild torrent of a barbarous age.
13. The colonies were not yet ripe to bid adieu to British con-
nection.
14. A torrent of superstition consumed the land.
15. Hope, the balm of life, darts a ray of light into the thick gloom.
16; We must keep the ball rolling, till it becomes a thorn in their
sides.
17. There is not a single view of human nature that is not suffi-
cient to extinguish the seeds of human pride.
18. In a moment the thunderbolt was upon them, deluging their
country with invaders.
19. I bridle in my struggling muse in vain,
That longs to launch into a bolder strain.
20. On they went, past fertile fields, past vine-clad slopes, halting
now and then at young clearings, the abode of the few who
had come to lay the comer stones of future cities on the
placid bosom of the broad Ohio.
106
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKINO AND WRITING.
21.
22.
23-
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31-
32.
Irregularity of attendance is a log and chain on the progress
of instruction, for it blasts and withers the noblest purposes
of the best of teachers. ^
There are many considerations which enable me to state
that the wave of progress is flowing on to the maturity of
perfection.
Many embark in the profession without training, experience,
or adaptation, and having neither compass nor rudder to
guide them, they steer for no particular harbour. This
leakage can only be stopped by paying teachers adequate
salaries.
The knov/ledge thus acquired, being associated with reason,
would not be a passing cloud, and being resident in them
it would serve as a pilot to their judgments in solving the
problems of life.
But although clouds of dusky warriors were seen from time
to time hovering on the highlands, as if watching their
progress, they experienced no interruption.
If no authority, not in its nature temporary, were allcwed to
one human being over another, society would i.ot be
employed in building up propensities with one hand \/hich
it has to curb with another.
The book contains several other poems, however, of a much
higher calibre.
Presently sinking down into the depths of his own nothing-
ness he stands absorbed and entranced.
The world with all its trials is the furnace through which the
soul must pass and be developed before ii is ripe for the
next world.
One of the sources from which has sprung that abundant
harvest of usefulness which he has scattered broadcast
through the length and breadth of his native land.
I was sailing in a vast ocean, without other help than the
pole-star of the ancients, and the rules of the French stage.
His thoughts soared up from earth like fire, and winged their
flight to distant stars.
\y
;.>
MISCELLANEOUS ERBOtUS OF ORAMMAlt AND STYLE.
107
progress
purposes
to state
iturity of
perience,
rudder to
Lir. This
adequate
h reason,
it in them
living the
from time
hing their
Hewed to
d i.ot be
ind which
of a much
nothing-
which the
pe for the
abundant
broadcast
•
than the
nch stage.
nged their
33-
34.
35-
He prayed that the word which had been preached that night
might be like a nail driven in a sure place, sending its
roots downward and its branches upward, and spreading
itself like a green bay-tree.
Those whose minds are dull and heavy do not easily pene-
trate into the folds and intricacies of an affair, and there-
fore can only scum off what they find at the top.
We must apply the axe to the source of the evil.
MISCELLANEOUS ERRORS OF GRAMMAR AND STYLE.
Exercise XLVIL
^ I. The reading of the Misses Alice and Mary C, and Master
Samuel A., were deserving of special eulogism.
— 2. The author has kept in mind that clergymen, more than those
of any other profession, were likely to study this treatise.
~ 3. Phonetic spelling might obscure the derivation of words, but
being that scarcely one out of every hundred persons care
about derivation, it would not matter much.
4. Your committee beg to report that they have carefully con-
sidered the plans, which we herewith submit for your
consideration, and would recommend them for adoption.
^ 5. The desire of wealth, or the desire of equalizing or surpassing
others, are neither of them, in themselves either virtuous
or vicious.
6. A perfect alphabet of the English language, and of every
other language, would contain a number of letters equal
to the distinct elementary sounds it contained.
7. Pr.rties having building material laying around cannot be
too careful about having it close to the road as serious
consequences mig.>t ensue.
8. He was blamed for pardoning criminals whom public opinion
I asserted should have expatiated their crimes on the
gallows.
/-
108
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITINO.
£^ 9. In this manner we can get news from all parts of the world
in a few hours that formerly took days.
10. Bills are requested to be paid quarterly.
11. The horses outfit was much the same as the knight having a
// heavy saddle plated with steel.
12. Probably no modern invention, except steam, has done so
much for man as the telegraph.
13. Faith in dreams, and in other such superstitions, was carried
to a great extent in former times.
14. Miss Lucy D. returned to D. on Saturday, where she is en-
gaged in teaching, on account of the illness of her father.
^ 15. If any reader thinks that I have devoted too much space to
this part of my subject, I can only say that I have done
so intentionally.
16. The amount was subscribed by a few individuals, among
whom I find the names of A. and B.
1^ 17. If they had acted l.ke they should have done we would have
been able to have finished the match inside the time
allowed for it.
1^ 18. The writer was further told that if he Jiad anything to say
against the book, why did he not come out boldly in print
and say it.
19. Worse than all, not one page of the two editions correspond.
We have adopted the paging of the first edition, because
it is most likely to be in the hands of readers.
20. We would willingly add it to Dr. Hincks' collection qf Cana-
dian curiosities, than which we venture to affirm none
more curious is at present in the worthy Professor's
possession.
21. He should be led to understand that he enjoys the scorn and
contempt of all honest people.
22. The Board and its officers w'U be careful to make no entries
on the above j or to delay their report after the 20th of
January.
MISCELLANEOUS ERRORS OF GRAMMAR AND STYLE.
109
the world
having a
> done so
as carried
she is en-
ter father.
I space to
lave done
Is, among
^ould have
the time
ing to say
ly in print
jrrespond.
1, because
I qf Cana-
firm none
rofessor's
scorn and
no entries
le 20th of
23. Nowhere are incredulous blunders to be met with more than
in the composition of advertisers.
24. The friends thou hast, and their adoption tried,
Grapple them to thy soul with hooks of steel.
25. It's so long since he has studied it that I expect he has for-
gotten how to work those sort of questions.
26. He was heavily clad in arMor and the accoutrements of his
horse w?re scarcely less so which greatly unfitted them for
the climate in which they were travelling.
27. He undertook to show that the effect of the regulations would
be to increase the quality of the pupils, as well as their
quantity.
28. Board and lodging is found by chance during the time the
character is being formed, without little or any judicious
supervision.
29. The wants of our educational system were pressing, and had
to be speedily met, as well as defects removed, and im-
provements supplied.
30. There is also many questions taken to him by the children in
Arithmetic which he fails to tell them how to do, and can-
not do them himself.
( 31. It teaches the right use of our mother tongue by giving in-
stances of the wrong use of it, and showing why they are
wrong.
32. The opportunity was presented of adjusting the functions of
these institutions so that the work of each should find its
proper point of contact, and not overlap each other.
33. I have been told that people will not buy sewing machines,
only from peddlers who will talk them into buying the
kind ibey are selling and running down all others.
34. Any person who wants to get either of these articles, by
writing m^», and saying the kind of sewing machine or
organ they want, and if I cannot get it for them at the
wholesale price I will let them know.
35. The student is allowed to select any five of these, thereby
giving him a much better chance of success.
no
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
r
36. The fact is patent that without due examination, or useless
because ineflfective examination, the book has been
sanctioned.
37. The verb is a word that states what a thing does or is done to.
38. An author who is translated in this fashion suffers " - -nuch as
when Archbishop Neville was translated fn rk to St.
Andrews, by a Pope whom Scotland did not cxcknowledge.
39. Sometimes he would lay awake half the night thinking over
the events that had transpired during the day.
40. Then if he is called to testify in a cause for homicide, he might
be able to tell at least some of the probable causes of
death that befall our race.
41. He searches with avidity for the hidden causes, and with his
skilful hand makes loose their bonds, and frees the
sufferer from its ruthful folds.
42. The vain pretender has sunk in the whirlpool of his own
ruin, carrying with him the innocent and unwary, with
saddened hearts to surviving friends, who are made the
sad victims of their own confidence.
43. What would you think of the safety of an ocean steamer,
freighted with human life, looking onward with palpitating
hearts to meet dear ones in a far off land, whose engine
was run by a person who could not name the parts of his
machinery, or knew its capacity or the limits of its power.
44. Feeling the necessity for a more thorough system of medical
training, and a more familiar acquaintance with the
medical sciences and their colhateral branches than is
required in the prescribed course of medical studies, and
the time in which to become conversant with the branches
taught, as are laid down in their course by the majority of
medical colleges in our country, it was deemed expedient
to establish a school, etc.
45. The Kings of Denmark and Norway invaded England, and
spreading themselves over the country committed many
depredations.
useless
s been
ione to.
Tiuch as
rk to St.
>wledge.
ing over
le might
iuses of
with his
ees the
iiis own
ry, with
ade the
steamer,
pitating
e engine
s of his
> power.
medical
'ith the
than is
ies, and
•ranches
jority of
cpedient
ind, and
d many
MISCELLANEOUS ERRORS OF GRAMMAR AND STYLE.
Ill
46. In a few days I will more fully explain to you my views and
claims on your suffrages, which I consider equal to any
candidate which might offer himself for your approbation.
47. In both cases a customer can sit as long as he pleases, but
those of the first class have also the right of taking their
cups to the third storey and smoke as well as read while
enjoying his drink whatever it may be.
48. Last Sunday a new programme was entered upon, printed at
this office, which we think will add to the interest in its
exercises.
49. After that I shall begin to think that nothing is too strange
to be incredible.
50. In England we are said to learn manners at second hand
from your side of the water, and that we dress our be-
haviour in the frippery of France.
51. Mr. A. Please accept my best thanks for the very prompt
and liberal settlement of my fire loss of $10.75 ^^ ^"11 from
the above company which occurred on Friday, i6th inst.,
four days after the occurrence to my full and entire satis-
faction.
52. I will still continue to sell for cash, and no second price,
thereby enabling me to offer my customers unusual good
value.
53. Trusting by strict application to business, and determined to
second my position by offering the best value in this
country, I trust not only to retain my present large con-
nection but a larger increase for the future.
54. Ordinarily our chairman wouldn't hardly venture to arbi-
trarily interrupt a speaker in that way.
55. We are not an offensive society, but on the contrary slow to
take offence and offer none, act as Christikns, and no
intoxicating liquor was allowed in our lodges.
56. The cultivation of the soil, the most honorable and inde-
pendent industry with which men or women could be
engaged, being abandoned by those best able to make it
pay, impoverishes the country.
M
112
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WBITINO.
57. Not finding the cash box, which was the object of his visit,
he took the key of the store from Mr. M.'s pocket, and
repaired thither which place he ransacked pretty well.
58. He hoped the members of the order would make a note of
the fac^ that our present Prime Minister, who had lately
visited the R. C. Cathedral in Quebec, and took part in
the celebration of high mass, was one of the most shameful
pieces of hypocrisy that was ever perpetrated.
59. He begs to draw their attention to the fact that owing to
having almost the exclusive sale of books used in the Col-
legiate Institute enables him to buy largely, and thereby
able to give the best discount.
60. We, the undersigned electors of the ward of St. G., having
viewed the government of our civic affairs for the past
twelve months, the recent exposure of public documents
and the failure of securing pure and good water, as well
as general improvements in the ward, demand an imme-
diate change, and therefore having a knowledge of your
business qualifications and integrity, respectfully request,
etc.
61. We the undersigned electors of St. L. ward, knowing that
you have been prominently connected with the interests of
the east end for many years, and being also a large rate-
payer, together with many other qualifications, we deem
you admirably fitted to represent our interests at the
Council Board, and therefore request, etc.
62. Gentlemen,
Although my real estate interests in your
ward being equal to many of you, I feel I would be wanting
in duty if I did not appreciate the motive you had in view,
and r cannot find language to express my gratitude for the
intended honour to be conferred on me.
6 J. A truly national system of education is as much concerned in
rearing up a moral and intelligent population, and securing
honesty and fair dealing as essential qualities of every
citizen, as well as mental culture.
MISCELLANEOUS ERRORS OP GRAMMAR AND STYLE. 113
m
64. The Cominittee are of opinion that the papers for the Inter-
mediate should be different from those for the Teachers'
Examination, and so to preserve to the former its true
object, of being a test for such moderate proficiency as
pupils generally after the course of two years in the High
School might reasonably be expected to attain, in order
to pass from the lower to the upper school, and the inter-
mediate to cease to be a barrier between the lower and
upper school.
65. The college has always possessed a distinctive element in
nearly one-half of its pupils being resident, and so subject-
ed when under wholesome influences to a further process
of intellectual development, and which in the experience
of other countries, as well as the fiftieth year of the college
itself, has been found advantageous.
66. The number of day pupils, especially in the lower forms, in-
terfere with a larger element of resident boarders, as well
as the inferior boarding house accommodation ; and the
high rates paid by boarders, both for tuition fees and
board dues, and which, as one of the objects of the Pro-
vincial endowment, should be rendered more accessible to
the parents of the pupils throughout the Province, who
may desire to avail themselves of the special advantages
afforded by the discipline and other educational influences
of the College residence.
67. The pamphlet covers a broad ground, and volume after volume
might be written upon it.
68. We shall be satisfied if we can throw any additional light
upon a subject of such vital importance to those who are
its unfortunate victims.
69. The beneficial effects of Cod Liver Oil in Consumption has
become a proverb.
70. In September, 1877, my health began to fail and my physician
pronounced it spinal trouble.
71. The price is one dollar per bottle, or six bottles for five
dollars, and can be obtained from druggists and dealers in
medicine generally throughout the United States.
114
COMMON ERRORS IN SPSAKINO AND WRITING.
72. These facts being apparent to the medical profession, ajid
knowing, as they do, its intrinsic virtues, we have been
induced by them to prepare it in an emulsion.
73. Soon after the patient commences its use the appetite and
digestion are improved, and a demand is created for food
that has not existed before.
74. We will guarantee from its use better results in the various
diseases for which it is adapt'id than any single or com-
bined remedy in existence.
75. On account of its nauseous properties and the difficulty of
administering it, especially to children, where it is most
useful, it has come largely into disuse and been substituted
by pills and purgatives.
76. Common sense teaches if it is instrumental in curing the
racking cough of the consumptive that has lasted for
months, why should it not cure a cough of a few weeks
duration.
"JT. Reason teaches us to suggest that if the patient is sensibly
affected by cold, the mild and equitable climate of the
South would seem to be advisable.
78. The hermit then brought a large pasty from a recess which
he said the keeper had left him, and as it was unfit for his
use it had been left untouched.
79. We believe we are warranted in making the statement that
more physicians in this country prescribe it than any other
remedy known in the Materia Medica except it may be
quinine.
80. We must confess to a sense of satisfaction in producing a
remedy that has the entire sanction of the medical pro-
fession, as well as being almost a specific for this dreadful
scourge.
81. We sincerely hope you will read carefully these pages, and if
yc! have been fortunate enough to escape from this re-
lentless foe, be kind enough to send it to some friend who
requires the medical and life-giving properties that it
presents.
8
8
8
8(
9'
9-
MISCELLANEOUS ERRORS OF GRAMMAR AND STYLE.
115
82. A resolution was adopted pledging those present to murder
the jurymen who convicted Louise Michel at the first
opportunity.
83. Some of the younger pupils seemed to enjoy it, but to the
older ones the lecture was not so appreciative as expected.
84. Mr. H. has pleasure in announcing that the following Manuals
are now ready :
Male Arithmetical Questions with answers, is. 6d.
Female " « " " is. 6d.
85. Regulations. (3) A professional gardener will decide on the
merits of the plants, by whom any violation of the preced-
ing regulations will be detected, and such exhibitors will
be excluded from any share in the prizes awarded.
86. Wanted, a saddle horse for a young lady, gentle and well
trained. Apply at No. — , E St.
87. Several candidate? who might otherwise ha/e earned high
marks are reduced by gross errors in Orthography.
88. Parents have to suffer loss for the depredations of their
children when at home, and why not abroad ?
89. All the public offices are filled by greedy Spaniards, forming
a state of affairs similar to our Family Compact.
90. An advertisement appeared in Saturday's Mat'/ to the effect
that there was a good opening in M. for a doctor, having
no name or address attached.
91. A few friends of the deceased followed the remains to Ever-
green Cemetery, where they were quietly interred in a
new lot, without services or ceremony.
92. Among the many anxious eyes that saw for the first time the
blue, hazy hills of the new land wherein they were to try
their fortunes, was a small family group, one of which was
a bright-eyed little boy of five years old.
93. I have been much pleased with the excellent papers which
have appeared in the Journal during the past year, and
for this I am sure the educational staff of Ontario as a
whole are grateful.
116
COMMOK ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
94. This is to certify that I attended Mrs. M. in her last illness,
which was caused by a fall upon the ice, and that she died
in consequence thereof.
95. In no case should the body be exposed to view; no public
funeral held, and as few attend as possible.
96. As the stag fights at bay, with a heroism such as despair
alone begets, so fought the Pole and his followers under
the hail of bullets which sang among them.
97. During the forenoon the American gunboat Michigan began
to patrol the river to preven*. my breaches of the neutrality
laws ; and shut her eyes whciiever a boat with reinforce-
ments or stores for O'Neill happened to be crossing from
the American shore.
98. I would advocate the establishment of schools where children
of mothers who are obliged to work the whole day to gain
a livelihood for their children, and who are in the mean-
time abandoned on the streets, would be cared for and get
their dinners and be returned to their homes in the even-
ing, or some of the children might bring their dinners.
99. The postmaster has received a communication from a sailor
near O., informing him of the death of a man named J. S.,
who once lived near here, by falling off their boat in a gale
and getting drowned, and wished his friends to know.
100. We are told to look at the county of X., who so nobly pro-
vided a house of refuge for tlieir poor, and it only costs
that county one dollar and eighty-three cents per week for
each inmate.
101. We have been led to make a closer examination of the books
to see if they be what some rival firms have declared them
to be, or if they be what their publisher asserts.
102. The king had charged him, therefore to provide fit lodging
and entert.iinment for him until he had time to see him.
103. An urgent appeal was made to all friends of the University
to boldly make demand to the State to more liberally sup-
port the Provincial College.
I
MISCELLANEOUS EAROKS OF ORAMMAR AND STYLE.
117
104. Mutual Marriage Aid Association. The following benefits
have been paid during the last year, any of which will give
information by enclosing stamp.
105. While oiling the gearing of the machine his hand got caught
in it, nearly taking it off.
106. I am very much pleased that the committee in some degree
have attended to my request, in revising some of the errors
in their late manifesto, however much more so had the
errors not occurred.
107. This is an important error, quite sufficient to deter or other-
wise intending immigrants towards this country.
108. I trust the committee will continue revising other errors and
that these corrections may have as wide or wider circula-
tion than the report.
109. The exceptions to the report were broad rather than specific,
believing, as the errors were so absurd, that the committee
should discover as well as correct their errors.
1 10. The worthy objects of this entertainment will no doubt receive
the encouragement it deserves on the part of the citizens
of Toronto.
111. His name appears in the minutes as having been present at
every session.
112. He said that in his forty years observance of the liquor traffic
he saw not a single redeeming feature of the traffic.
113. There are a number of names likely to be brought before the
convention, any one of whom would make a good repre-
sentative.
114. It enters its twenty-fiftii volume with more voluntary bona
fide readers, and more legitimate advertisers than few
Canadian country journals can boast of.
115. The entertainment netted the scholars in the neighbourhood
of $60, which will be immediately invested in the purchase
of gymnasium appliances, and will form an appurtenance
to the High School,
1
118
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
t
ii6. Notwithstanding his promise he told the knight about his
adventures, who was very much surprised, after which
they retired for the night.
117. Any person giving information as will lead to its recovery
will be paid for his trouble and thankfully received.
1 18. Many of us would prefer that our visitors should carry their
boots in their hands and their hats on their heads, rather
than the reverse, especially on a muddy day.
119. To talk to a man in a state of moral corruption to elevate
himself by contemplating the abstract conception of holi-
ness, is somewhat a similar absurdity as to ask a blind
man to admire the beauty of color.
120. When we say this we mean that the Romans put the ideas
which we express by these three verbs into a different
shape to that which we employ; and that in neither of the
three they made use of a transitive verb combined with its
nearest object. .
12 r. Ideas rejected peremptorily at the time often rankle, and
bear fruit by-and-by.
122. Thus by the dispensations of Providence the control, as well
as the support which a father exercises over his family,
were suddenly withdrawn.
123. Whereas untrue representations of the whole colonization
work have been industriously circulated to serve personal
and political ends, which statements though not directed
against any particular company, nevertheless justice and
decency compel us to give them a flat denial so far as this
company is concerned.
1 24. There was no pledged majority to remove him, but as it was sup-
posed that he would resign at the next meeting, and finding
that he had no intention of doing so, a feeling existed that
his resignation was being withheld for political purposes.
125. All goes on satisfactorily at Winchester, the attention and
attendance, I think, gradually deepening and increasing.
126. I had in every despatch complained of the material informa-
tion that Colonel Harley was keeping from me.
MISCELLANEOUS ERRORS OF GRAMMAR AND STYLE,
119
about his
fter which
5 recovery
ed.
:arry their
ids, rather
to elevate
>n of holi-
k a blind
the ideas
different
ler of the
d with its
nkle, and
)1, as well
s family,
ionization
personal
: directed
3tice and
ar as this
was sup-
d finding
sted that
rposes.
tion and
:reasing.
informa-
127. Too many innovations should not be attempted at once,
unless where there happens to be, as in Chemistry, a
predisposition to admit them.
128. The present low freights have increased business to some
extent. The supply of produce, however, being small,
has materially checked the number of shipments.
129. They would have sent him to liis account with as little com-
punction as Jael sent the Canaanite captain, or they
would have blessed the arm that did it with as much
eloquence as Deborah.
130. The Mayor is anxious to cover up his tracks, but they are
too transparent to be swallowed by an intelligent people
without a grimace.
131. Mr. M. having become convinced that certain correspond-
ence emanating from B., and which he unmercifully
berated a respectable citizen, Mr. H.; for writing, has
tendered him an ample apology.
132. I have only to say to the electors that I run for the office
upon the recommendation and support of many influential
citizens, amounting to me to as much as is claimed by the
so called regularly nominated candidate.
133. He called upon them to stamp it out with an iron hand, and
to see to it that none of the guilty parties would escape.
134. These goods are of exceptionably good value notwithstand-
ing the extraordinary low prices at which they are offered.
In corsets we guarantee satisfaction and will refund the
money paid if not used longer than a week.
135. The vessel made for the shore, and when the boats were
lowered all crowded into them and reached the beach in
safety, where the settlers received them with le greatest
kindness, and shelter and food were provided for them till
the arrival of the steamer.
136. The people along this line siared in giving an enormous
bonus for the construction of the road, and, when per-
sistently craved' for, voted an additional bonus for this
120
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
137.
138-
139-
140.
141
142
143
branch, and now that they have pocketed the people's
money they most ungratefully treat the people by disre-
garding the accommodation promised.
It was not my intention to stand as a candidate, but being
requested by such an influential and dignified catalogue
of names, all of whom are as deeply interested in the wel-
fare of the Township as I am, I will accede to your very
amiable request, hoping the position you desire me to
fulfil may merit the kind approbation and hearty concur-
rence of the general ratepayers of the Township.
At the close of the year the farmer, instead o.' being harassed
and put out at the never-failing yellow enve ope containing
an account far exceeding his expectations, for your accounts
are always larger than you expect if you go on tick, or else
he receives a notice requesting prompt attention to a note
shortly coming due, compelling him to hitch up, fetch a
load of grain to market, and take what he can get for it ;
what a difference, I say^ if he and his wife had managed to
pay as they went.
He blames Nuncomar's death on Impey whom he thinks did
not act right.
I will pay the above reward to any one who will prove that
the above facts are untrue.
He has now the management of the institution, and his suc-
cess or otherwise will show who among them we are to
consider responsible for its past record.
He bounded over the fence, which his pursuers essaying ,.<j
do failed, and came to grief very badly.
Having had the misfortune to injure his thumb in the third
innings, through his incapacity they lost the game.
144. We will guarantee to do for you fully equal, if not a little
better, than any establishment in our surroundings.
145. Every exercise must be certified as being the candidate's own
work, and should show his progress during at least three
months.
MISCELLANEOUS ERRORS OF GRAMMAR AND STTLE.
121
lie people's
e by disre-
, but being
I catalogue
in the wel-
) your very
sire me to
rty concur-
g harassed
containing
ir accounts
ick, or else
1 to a note
ip, fetch a
get for it ;
lanaged to
thinks did
prove that
d his suc-
we are to
isaying lo
the third
e.
)t a little
ate's own
ast three
146. His frailties, which none of us are without, were of the head,
not of the heart.
147. We have nothing to say against written examinations spar-
ingly and judicially used.
148. No person will deny but what there are acts done by such
persons which would be better if left undone.
149. The price of the book is $4, free by mail, which should
accompany the order.
150. This Balsam will, and has saved the life of thousands
attacked by croup, where it has been taken m season.
151. Before the officers coulcf reach the house the bird and his
brave wife had flown and escaped capture.
152. As we purpose attending personally to our business, and
having a thorough practical knowledge of the trade, any
person favoring us with their patronage can rest assured
that, etc.
153. You have great cause to be thankful for the many temptations
from which you have been saved.
154. Hastings, although he did not do the work yet he supplied
the means, and in this way he was responsible for the cruel
war, and for which he afterwards lost his office.
155. The anticipation of this gain rests on two assumptions which
are tacitly taken for granted, but both of them erroneous.
1 56. The boy brought it to him and he sent it to Bob Cratchit's,
his nephew, who he disliked for marrying a person who
he thought he shouldn't have. «
157. Parties who anticipate purchasing an organ or piano would
save money by calling or corresponding with me.
158. They were planned by a clever servant, who, to say all that
c'an be said in his praise, is that he is worthy of such a
master.
159. We do not believe that this is so universal a fault as the
other ; yet teachers tell pupils too many things that they
could dig out for themselves, and thus gain strength for
new conquests.
y«lSASr,Ulliil?:?^^- «)?- MWffrflKlflfi
122
COMMON ERRORS IN SPKAKING AND WRITING.
1 60. I should have written you sooner, but neglected it, but hope
I am not too late yet, so hoping I will receive it by your V
kindness, and you will much oblige yours truly.
161. Monday, the 13th July, was duly celebrated by the Orange-
men of the district, it being the 190th anniversary of the
battle of the Boyne, in a manner of no discredit to the
organization.
162. About II a.m. they had the misfortune of being the recipients /
of a most drenching shower, which had the tendency to
put a damper for a time to their enjoyment.
163. To try to give a synopsis of both the sermons, which were
both eloquent and able, would not give justice to him and
must be heard to be appreciated.
164. In the evening there could not be less than 700, as the aisles
were completely packed — not even standing-room — and V
several had to go away for want of standing-room.
165. The pastor occupied the chair in his usual happy style, and
opened the meeting by prayer, and after a few words con-
gratulatory to those present, and the great pleasure he
felt from the general appearance all around him, felt thank-
ful to the Head of the Church for the harmony and unity
which still prevails.
166. Whereas the Committee being so well satisfied with the
printing done for them by the T. Printing Company, be it
therefore resolved that we tender our thanks to the Com-
pany for the neatness and taste displayed, and that we not
• only consider the bills a credit to the T. office, but also
to the city.
167. Fitz-James wounded Roderick three times, who soon felt the
loss of blood and began to shower blows fiercer than ever,
but his rage was no match for the Saxon's skill, who soon
forced Roderick's sword from him and brought him to his
knees.
168. I warn you against these sharpers that only carry with them
a jack-knife and file, as these pretenders have never had
' any experience, nor never learned their trade as mechanics,
MISCELLANEOUS ERRORS OF GRAMMAR AND STYLE.
123
, but hope
it by your V
t Orange-
ry of the
dit to the
recipients ^.
idency to
lich were
> him and
the aisles
am — and
1.
Jtyle, and
ords con-
asure he
;lt thank-
nd unity
with the
my, be it
he Com-
it we not
but also
1 felt the
an ever,
/ho soon
m to his
th them
ver had
chanics,
V
and probably have no trade, and take to repairing of
machines as they know well the people who trust them do
not know but what they are competent to do what they say.
169. After their entrance to the village the procession was formed
on the market square, the routine being followed, and
marched through the different thoroughfares which were
handsomely decorated with arches, and the usual mottoes
appeared on them.
170. The English wanted to impose a duty and the Americans
would not pay it, so the English thought they would make
them, so they raised an army and went over to America,
but the Americans would not be beaten, and so after a
• great many battles the Americans gained their independ-
ence.
171. The Rohilla war was caused by Surajah Dovvlah wanting to
get possession of their country, and he had no claim to it,
and they thought just as much of their country as he did
of his, and they were not a people to be fooled with, for
they were no cowards and were very brave and skilful in
war.
172. He stayed two years longer at school and was looking for-
ward to going to college when his uncle died and left him
to the care of a friend, named C, who was anxious to rid
himself of the charge, so he obtained a writership in the
East India Company whither he proceeded after spend-
ing a few months at a commercial academy to study
arithmetic.
173. There were two other boats, but too small to hold the whole
number, and an attempt was made to make a raft, but the
beating of the waves made this impossible, so that the
men already in the pinnace were directed to lie down in
the bottom, and pack themselves like herrings in a barrel,
while the lesser boats returned through the surf to pick off
the rest, a most difficult matter — and indeed some had to
be dragged off on ropes, and others to swim, but not one
was lost.
124
COMMOy ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
174. The boats picked up as many as was possible without over-
loading them, and then made for the shore, which was
only two miles off, hoping to land these and return for
more, but the surf ran so high that landing was impossible,
and after seeking till daylight for a safe landing place they
were at last picked up by a schooner, which then made for
the wreck, where thirty or forty were still clinging to the
masts in a dreadful state of exhaustion.
175. When she saw how attentive the servants were to her hus-
band and how well he seemed to know the place she began
to wonder, but she was not in the dark long for just then
her husband turned to her and told her that it all belonged
to him and her, but when he told her this she blushed as
if she was ashamed but almost immediately got deadly
pale, but still for all this he used her kindly and acted to
her as if he was her lover.
176. The barons met at Runny mede and held a conference at
which place they drew up the Magna Charta which they
asked the king to sign which John did not want to do but
he knew if he refused the probabilities would be that the
throne would be taken from him and so he signed it.
177. Just as she was thinking this he bids her come with him so
she obeys, an he leads her to a great mansion, and as he
goes to the door there are a number of servants come and
bow before him, this puzzles her more and more because
in the other mansions they had went into there were no
servants bowed before him.
178. A messenger was sent to the castle with a letter which stated
that if they did not at once release the prisoners they
would fight for their release, in reply they received an
answer stating that a priest should be sent to reconcile
them with God as they intended to execute them that
forenoon.
r ■■■
179. As the war has lasted so long, and the Spaniards have felt
the burden of debt increasing so much that it is very
doubtful if she will be able to subdue them.
loi
an
th
th
MI8CELLAXEOUS ERRORS OF GRAMMAR AND 8'iYLR.
125
out over-
hich was
eturn for
ipossible,
lace they
made for
ng to the
her hus-
he began
just then
belonged
lushed as
)t deadly
i acted to
rence at
tiich they
to do but
that the
it.
him so
nd as he
ome and
because
were no
h stated
;rs they
iived an
econcile
em that
lave felt
is very
1 80. Artillery was brought up and a heavy fire was kept up on the
island, which, however, being densely wooded and over a
mile away did not damage the rebels much, and who kept
up a fire on the militia, which also was inoperative.
[Of the following longer passages Nos. 181 to 184 may serve as specimens of the
long and involved sentences that are frequently given in even by good classical pupils,
and that are too often accepted as satisfactory tiranslations. Nos. 185 to 187 are from
the newspapers, and No. 188 is a copy of a schoolboy's composition Just as given in at
the entrance examination. ]
181. The ships of the enemy having been seen first from these, the
signal was given to Hasdrubal, and the excitement began
on land and in the camp sooner than at the sea coast and
the ships, the sound of the oars and the other noise of the
sailors having not yet been heard, and the headlands con-
cealing the fleet, when suddenly one horseman after
another sent by Hasdrubal orders those wandering on the
shore and those quiet in the tents, expecting nothing less
that day than the enemy or a battle, to go on board the
ships hastily and to take up arms ; that the Roman fleet
was now not far from the harbor. — Livy^ XXii., 19.
182. These things having been learned, the chiefs of Britain, who,
after the battle had taken place, had come together to do
those things which Caesar had ordered, having conferred
among themselves, when they understood that cavalry
and ships and corn were wanting to the Romans, and
learned the fewness of the soldiers from the smallness of
the camp, which was even smaller on this account, because
Caesar had brought over the legions without baggage,
thought the best thing to be done was, a rebellion having
been made, to cut off our men from corn and supplies, and
to prolong the thing into the winter, because, these having
been conquered or cut off" from a return, they trusted that
no one would afterwards pass over to Britain for the
purpose of making war. — Caesar^ B. G., iv., 30.
183. Cicero, who through all the previous days had kept his
soldiers in the camp by the orders of Caesar with the
greatest diligence, and had not even suffered a servant to
go beyond the fortification, on the seventh day, distrusting
126
COMMON ERRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
from the number of days that Caesar would keep his
word, because he heard that he had advanced farther, nor
was any report brought of his return ; at the same time
influenced by the talk of those who called his forbearance
almost a siege, if indeed it were not permitted them to go
out of the camp, and expecting no event of such a kind
by which harm could be done within three miles of the
camp, nine legions and a very large body of cavalry being
opposed to the enemy, and the enemy being dispersed
and almost destroyed, sent five cohorts to the nearest
corn fields to gather corn, between which and the camp
there was in all one hill. — Caesar, B. G., vi., 36.
184. Caesar, after his exhortation to the tenth legion, having set
out to the right wing, when he saw that his men were
hard pressed, and the standards of the twelfth legion
having been brought into one place, that the soldiers being
crowded together were themselves a hindrance to them-
selves for fighting ; all the centurions of the fourth cohort
having been slain, and the standard-bearer having been
killed, the standard having been lost, almost all the cen-
turions of the rest of the cohorts having been wounded or
killed, among these the chief centurion, Baculus, a most
brave man, having been exhausted by many and severe
wounds, so that he could not sustain himself ; that the
rest were more tardy, and that some in the rear being
deserted by their leaders were withdrawing from the battle
and avoiding the weapons ; that the enemy did not cease
coming up in front from the lower ground, and were
pressing on on each flank, and that things were in a
desperate state, nor was there any reinforcement which
could be sent ; having snatched a shield from a soldier in
the rear (for he himself had come there without a shield),
advanced to the front rank, and having called the cen-
turions by name, and having exhorted the rest of the
soldiers, ordered them to advance and to open out the
maniples, in order that they might be able to use their
, swords more easily. — Caesar, B. G., Ii., 25.
AllSCELLANEOUS ERRORS OP GRAMMAR AND STYLK,
127
185.
186.
187.
Before commencing his sermon the preacher explained the
working of the itinerancy of the Methodist Church, stating
that he fully endorsed and believed in the system, giving
these reasons : —After a preacher having been in a station
for three years, some may wish for a change, as the
preacher did not fully meet their desires, while others
were fed abundantly in spiritual things, and that other
stations had a just right to share in the good things, show-
ing that it was right and proper and best that these
changes should be made, although it was a laborious task
on the preachers to have to pack up every three years and
move, just when they had become attached to the mem-
bers of the church, and the members attached to the
preacher. — Report.
I will just give you a piece of advice, if you dont want people
to know who you are just keep your head cool, for every
time you stir the mud you dirty the water, and people
knows too much about you now for you to make such an
appearance, but of course we know that cheek has a great
deal to do with carrying people through this world of ours,
and before I stop I will tell you that Mr. V. paid for that
bed and has witness for the same, so please come down
with your cash and pay two dollars and fifty cents and
drop this matter just for your own good, as we know that
pride has got to fall, and we pity you on account of your
family as you should be showing them a better example,
as they might have you on their hands yet and have to
apply to the council for keep or to the poor house as we
dont know our future. — Extract from a Letter.
Last Wednesday evening as we were quietly sauntering
down the west side of Queen street, and when just in front
of the Central hotel, we were accosted in a very ungentle-
manly manner by the notorious George R., who being fully
primed with wrath, and conceived the idea that he could
lick the publisher of this journal, was bent upon our de-
struction. He accosted us roughly, and at the same time
swinging the lower ends of his arms in close proximity to
12S
COMMON KRRORS IN SPEAKING AND WRITING.
M
i88.
our eyes. We instantly saw th?t his intention was to
make a pugilistic assault upon our life. Had we been
armed we should have returned the fire before he could
draw, and left him weltering in his own blood ; but, being
without a gun of any kind, and having a family depending
upon us for support, we put down our first thoughts to
run as long as life lasted, but immediately introduced the
fighting editor, who by this time understood the true posi-
tion of affairs, made extensive preparation for a terrible
encounter ; hung up his coat upon the sidewalk so as to
give his arms freedom, began to play his fists in such a
manner that George became astonished and perplexed,
and recognizing that the fighting editor was a person not
to be fooled with, let out like a scared cyclone, crossed
the back yard of the Central hotel, and other adjacent lots
in rapid succession, were quickly measured by the flight
of the now flying " Robin " son, who, for aught we know,
lit upon the garden gate of his inamorata, and with bated
breath told her how he had "scared the editor half to
death and made him feci sick for what he had put in the
paper about them." — Editorial News.
Daffydowndilly was a very good boy and his mother sent
him from home to go to school when he was very small
but he did not like Mr Toil his teacher and so when he
had been at school about a week he ran away from school
but he had not gone far when he overtook a man who was
trudging along the road and the stranger asked him where
he came from and where he was going so Daffy stopped
a moment and then said he had run away from school
because he did not like Mr Toil so the stranger said he
would go with him so they walked on ogether and in a
short time they came to a field where ^ome farmers were
cutting hay and Daffy wanted to go in there but just as
he was going to climb over the fence he saw the likeness
of Mr. Toil and then he wanted to go on a little farther so
they walked on until they came to a house where some
people were enjoying themselves and dancing to the sound
i
MISCELLANEOUS ERRORS OF GRAMMAR AND STYLE.
129
I was to
we been
he could
ut, being
spending
lights to
uced the
rue posi-
. terrible
so as to
n such a
rplexed,
ison not
crossed
cent lots
he flight
'e know,
th bated
half to
Jt in the
of a fiddle so Daffy wanted to go in there^ and just then
he saw the likeness of Mr. Toil again and so he wanted to
go on again and so they went on again until they came to
a place where some people were lying in the shade and
then Daffy wanted to go in there but he again saw the
likeness of Mr. Toil and so then they turned back because
there was toil all over the world and they could not escape
it by running away. — A Schoolboy s Composition at the
Entrance Examination.
ler sent
ry small
vhen he
school
/ho was
n where
stopped
school
said he
nd in a
rs were
just as
ikeness
therso
; some
sound