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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"

We are then left to choose
between the short and clear, but objectionable, expression climb down
and some long and cumbersome equivalent.
Mighty
Never use mighty in the sense of very, or exceedingly. It is not only
inappropriate but inelegant.
Of, From
"She had consumption and died from the disease." Say, "died of the
disease."
On, Over, Upon
"Mary called upon her friend." Say, "called on her friend." "The
Senator prevailed over his friends to support his bill." Say,
"prevailed upon his
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friends." "The candidate prevailed over his enemies."
Partake
This word means to take a part of, to share with another. It is often
incorrectly used for ate, as "He partook sparingly of the food."
Powerful sight
This is a Westernism to be avoided. It is used indiscriminately for a
large number, a great quantity, a vast amount, etc.
Apprehend, Comprehend
To apprehend is to take into the mind; to comprehend is to understand
fully what is already there.


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