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Bechtel, John Hendricks, 1841-

"Slips of Speech : a Helpful Book for Everyone Who Aspires to Correct the Everyday Errors of Speaking"

" In the sense of a
large number, this word, like the word lot, should be avoided.
Crowd
A dozen persons may constitute a crowd if they push and jostle one
another by reason of insufficient space. A thousand men will not form
a crowd if all have ample room to sit or stand or move about.
Chuck-full
This word is not authorized. Chock-full and choke-full may be used,
but are not elegant.
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Contemplate, Propose
Contemplate is often incorrectly used for propose; as, "I contemplate
going to the country."
Dispense, Dispense with
These expressions are not synonymous. To dispense is to give; to
dispense with is to do without. The pharmacist dispenses medicines; we
should be pleased if we could dispense with them.
Dry, Thirsty
Dry is often incorrectly used in the sense of thirsty; as, "I am dry;
let me have a glass of water." To say, "I am dry; my waterproof and
umbrella kept out the rain," is correct.
Dutch, German
Do not call a German a Dutchman.


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