NEVER SAY:                        CORRECT FORM: 
In our residence we retire       At our house we go to bed
early (or arise)                 early (or get up)

I desire to purchase I should like to buy

Make you acquainted with (See Introductions)

Pardon me!  I beg your pardon.  Or,
Excuse me!  Or, sorry!

Lovely food Good food

Elegant home Beautiful house—­or place

A stylish dresser She dresses well, or she
wears lovely clothes

Charmed! or Pleased to How do you do!
meet you!

Attended Went to

I trust I am not trespassing I hope I am not in the way
(unless trespassing on private
property is actually
meant)

Request (meaning ask) Used only in the third person
in formal written invitations.

Will you accord me permission?  Will you let me? or May I?

Permit me to assist you Let me help you

Brainy Brilliant or clever

I presume I suppose

Tendered him a banquet Gave him a dinner

Converse Talk

Partook of liquid refreshment Had something to drink

Perform ablutions Wash

A song entitled Called (proper if used in
legal sense)

I will ascertain I will find out

Residence or mansion House, or big house

In the home In some one’s house or At
home

Phone, photo, auto Telephone, photograph,
automobile

“Tintinnabulary summons,” meaning bell, and “Bovine continuation,” meaning cow’s tail, are more amusing than offensive, but they illustrate the theory of bad style that is pretentious.

As examples of the very worst offenses that can be committed, the following are offered: 

“Pray, accept my thanks for the flattering ovation you have tendered me.”

“Yes,” says the preposterous bride, “I am the recipient of many admired and highly prized gifts.”

“Will you permit me to recall myself to you?”

Speaking of bridesmaids as “pretty servitors,” “dispensing hospitality,” asking any one to “step this way.”

Many other expressions are provincial and one who seeks purity of speech should, if possible, avoid them, but as “offenses” they are minor: 

Reckon, guess, calculate, or figure, meaning think.

Allow, meaning agree.

Folks, meaning family.

Cute, meaning pretty or winsome.

Well, I declare!  ’Pon my word!

Box party, meaning sitting in a box at the theater.

Visiting with, meaning talking to.