Due, Owing

His success was due to his honesty and energy.”  That is due which should be paid as a debt; that is owing which is referred to as a cause or source.

“The bill is now due and payable at the gas office.”  “His success was owing to his honesty and energy.”

Each, Every

“I see him at his office each day of the week.”  In this sentence the word every would be better.  Each refers to single days particularized.  Here reference is made to what occurs on all days without exception.

Both words refer to nouns in the singular, hence such expressions as the following are incorrect: 
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“Every soldier and sailor stood at their post.”  “The prisoners were discharged and went each their several ways.”  Correct by saying, “The prisoners were discharged and went each his several way,” “Every soldier and sailor stood at his post.”

Each, Both

“Both parties maintained their original positions.”  As the parties are thought of separately, the sentence should be:  “Each party maintained its original position.”  “Both parties strove to place their best candidates upon the ticket” is correct, because the parties are thought of collectively.

Both, Both of

Both is used alone before nouns and both of before pronouns.  “Both men have studied the currency question.”  “Both of them are well informed in matters relating to the currency.”

Ever, Never

“Let him be ever so rich,” says Emerson.  “You spend ever so much money in entertaining your equals and betters,” says Thackeray.  “Though he run ever so fast, he cannot win the race.”  Writers and grammarians differ, some preferring ever, others never.
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Every once in a while

This is a cumbersome, awkward expression that should be avoided.  Occasionally, frequently, at intervals, are among the expressions that may be used in its place.

Exceptionable, Exceptional

“He enjoyed exceptionable opportunities for acquiring the Greek language.”  Say exceptional opportunities.

Female, Woman

The word female is often employed when woman would be better.  Female applies to all of the feminine gender, including the brute creation.

Poet, Poetess

The tendency to increase the number of nouns with the feminine ending ess should be checked.  Avoid poetess, authoress, doctress, and other newly-invented words of this kind.

Fewer, Less

Fewer refers to number, less to quantity.  “He had less friends than I, and yet he was elected.”  Say “He had fewer friends.”  “There were no less than fifty cows in the field.”  Use fewer.

Right smart

In some portions of the South the expression right smart is employed in colloquial discourse to convey
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