" The mother
intended to ask her children to behave well, but as behave is a
neutral word, and may be followed by well or ill, her form of
expression permits the children to supply whichever adverb suits them
the better. Behave requires a qualifying word to make the meaning
clear.
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Bound
"He was determined to study medicine," not "He was bound," etc. Bound
implies that he was under a bond or obligation to another, rather than
impelled by the action of his own mind.
Better, Best
While some good writers violate the rule, yet the best authorities
restrict the use of the comparative degree to two objects.
"Mary is the better scholar of the two."
"Although both are young, Susan is the younger."
"Of two evils, choose the lesser," not the least.
Former, First
Former and latter being adjectives of the comparative degree, should
be used in speaking of two objects. When more than two objects are
named, use first and last.
"My sons, John and Luther, are both at college. The first expects to
study law, and the last to study medicine.
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