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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"


Do not say "This melon is uncommon good," but "This melon is
uncommonly good."
The word ill is both an adjective and an adverb. Do not say "He can
illy afford to live in such a house," but "He can ill afford."
"That was a dreadful solemn sermon." To say "That was a dreadfully
solemn sermon" would more grammatically express what the speaker
intended, but very or exceedingly would better express the meaning.
Such, So
Such is often improperly used for the adverb so.
"In such a mild and healthful climate." This should be, "In so mild
and healthful a climate."
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"With all due deference to such a high authority on such a very
important matter." Change to, "With all due deference to so high an
authority on so very important a matter."
Good, Well
Many intelligent persons carelessly use the adjective good in the
sense of the adverb well; as, "I feel good to-day." "Did you sleep
good last night?" "Does this coat look good enough to wear on the
street?" "I can do it as good as he can." The frequent indulgence in
such errors dulls the sense of taste and weakens the power of
discrimination.


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