|
|
|
As
writers, we should all be concerned that our English
language is becoming mush. Our computers' spell check can't cure all ills. In
this column, we will untangle some of the messes we hear and read
on a daily basis...
|
| |
number
vs. amount
Number of items should be used when describing countable objects, e.g.,
number of people, number of potatoes, or number of books.
Amount should be used when describing a
measurable quantity of an item, e.g., amount of time, amount of flour, or
amount of water.
IBy comparison, correct usage would be:
amount of money vs. number of coins. |
| |
that
vs. who vs. which
When used to introduce a relative clause, these three options work in the
following manner:
that: the clause is usually restrictive,
that is, essential to the complete meaning of the sentence, and can be
used to refer to animate or inanimate nouns.
who: used in the same manner as that, but
can only be used to refer to a person.
which: the clause it introduces can be
either restrictive or nonrestrictive; and can be used to refer to
inanimate things and to animals.
|
| |
professional
vs. courtesy titles
This concept has gotten a lot of battering these days, even by editors who
should know better. When using professional or courtesy titles, the rule
is to choose one. The use of both at the same time is incorrect.
Correct: Jonathan Smith, MD; Mary F. Jones,
Esq.
Correct: Dr. Jonathan Smith; Ms. Mary F. Jones
Incorrect: Dr. Jonathan Smith, MD; Ms. Mary
F. Jones, JD, Esq.
|
| |
regretfully
vs. regrettably
We regret any confusion, but there is a difference here. One expresses
sorrow and the other casts a bit of a sneer on an unfortunate situation.
regretfully: full of sorrow for what is
lost, gone, or done.
regrettably: causing or deserving sorrow or
remorse for an unfortunate or deplorable act or situation.
|
| |
farther
vs. further
Although you may have been taught that farther relates to physical
distances, the two words have identical primary and secondary definitions.
According to Webster's New Universal
Unabridged Dictionary, farther and further have been used interchangeably
through much of their histories. However, only further is used in the
adverbial sense moreover, as in "Further, you have crossed the
line," and in the adjectival senses more extended and additional,
as in "Further details will be forthcoming."
|
| |
material
vs. materiel
Material is the substance out of which a thing is or can be
constructed.
Materiel is the equipment, apparatus, and
supplies of a military force. For example: The Army moved men and materiel
to the northern front. |
| |
sensual
vs. sensuous
Sensual is defined by pertaining to or affecting any of the senses. It
also relates to appetites, sexuality, worldliness, and the physical.
Sensuous means having qualities that
pertain to or are derived from the senses; highly susceptible through the
senses.
Subtly different, the words are often used
as synonyms.
|
| |
alright
vs. all right
Alright is the one-word spelling of the phrase all right. It is used in
written dialogue and other informal writing.
All right means safe and sound; very well;
okay. It can also be used to mean that something will occur
satisfactorily, acceptably, or without fail. For example: If you use these
phrases incorrectly, you'll hear from your editor, all right!
|
| |
assure
vs. ensure vs. insure
We've got a three-fer this month and assure you we can ensure better
usage, no insurance needed.
Assure means to declare earnestly, inform
or tell positively, state with confidence. Ensure means to secure or
guarantee; to make sure or certain.
Insure means to guarantee against loss or
harm. It almost exclusively refers to the insurance industry.
|
| |
magnitude
vs.
enormity
A sizable subject, no doubt. Magnitude refers to size, extent, dimensions;
great importance or consequence.
Enormity is defined as outrageous or
heinous character; atrociousness.
According to Webster's Unabridged
Dictionary, "enormity has been in frequent use in the sense
'immensity' since the 18th century. Most hold that 'enormousness' is the
correct word in that sense." Although still found in edited work,
most regard enormity in the sense of great size as nonstandard (wrong). |
| |
e.g.
vs. i.e.
Greek to you? Well, it's Latin, actually. Exempli gratia, or e.g.,
is defined as for example or for the sake of example.
Id est, or i.e., means that
is.
|
| |
|
slander
vs. libel
Slander refers to any malicious, false, and defamatory statement or
report. By law, it pertains to oral utterance.
Libel is defamation by written or printed
words, pictures, or in any form other than by spoken words or gestures.
|
| |
|
fictional
vs. fictitious
The two words are very closely related in definition. It's their general
use that differentiates them. Fictional pertains to persons, places, and
events that appear in works of fiction. The Wizard of Oz is a fictional
character.
Fictitious represents something that is
created, taken, or assumed for the sake of concealment, such as a
fictitious name.
|
| |
|
nauseated
vs. nauseous
Both words mean affected by nausea. Nauseate also means to cause to feel
extreme disgust.
Nauseous also means disgusting or
loathsome. The words can be used interchangeably, with nauseous being the
more common as it was introduced into usage first.
|
| |
|
imply
vs. infer
Imply means to indicate or suggest without being explicitly stated.
Infer means to derive from reasoning or
conclude from facts or circumstances. Thus, imply is the sending end and
infer the receiving end of a line of communication.
|
| |
|
alliteration
vs. assonance
Alliteration is two or more stressed syllables of a word group either with
the same consonant or sound group. For example, simple Simon or city
scenes.
Assonance is is the resemblance of sounds
or vowel rhyme. For example, rhyme time.
|
| |
|
with/without
impunity
Impunity means exemption from punishment. Therefore, the perfect murder is
one committed with impunity. Or, most people who park illegally in the
city find the act is without impunity. |
| |
|
probity
vs. probative
Probity refers to one's integrity, uprightness, or honesty.
Probative means serving or designed for
testing or trial; affording proof or evidence.
|
| |
|
arcane
vs. archaic
Arcane refers to that which is know or understood by very few; mysterious;
secret; obscure; esoteric.
Archaic refers to something that is
antiquated or marked by the characteristics of an earlier time; primitive;
ancient; old-fashioned.
|
| |
|
invested
vs. vested
Invested means one has used, given, or devoted time, talent, effort, etc.,
for a purpose or to achieve something.
Something vested is held completely,
permanently, and inalienably.
|
| |
|
perpetrate
vs. perpetuate
Perpetrate means to commit, as in to perpetrate a crime, or to present,
execute, or do in a poor or tasteless manner.
Perpetuate means to cause to continue indefinitely
or to prolong the existence of or cause to be remembered.
|
| |
|
exalt
vs. exult
To exalt something is to raise it in rank, honor, power, character, or
quality; to praise or extol; to stimulate, as the imagination.
To exult is to show or feel a lively or
triumphant joy; rejoice exceedingly; be highly elated or jubilant. |
| |
|
frank
vs. earnest
Synonyms for frank include: direct, unreserved, sincere, candid, open,
outspoken, truthful, free, undisguised, straightforward, plain-spoken.
Synonyms for earnest include: fervent,
intent, purposeful, determined, industrious, ambitious, grave. Earnest,
resolute, serious, sincere
imply having qualities of depth and firmness of character. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
If
you have a word wrangle you'd like us to untangle, send an email to
chicwriter(at)aol.com. |
| |
|
|
