“He is well posted on all matters relating to cattle-breeding.” Say informed.
Perspire, Sweat
While all mankind belongs to the animal kingdom, and no person can feel offended at being called an animal, yet society observes certain distinctions in speaking of men and of beasts. To sweat and to feed are expressions that apply to the latter; to perspire and to eat to the former.
Empty
The Mississippi river flows, or discharges its water into the Gulf of Mexico, but it can not empty so long as any water remains in the river.
Enjoyed poor health
“Gold that buys health can never
be ill spent,
Nor hours laid out in harmless merriment.”
The negative form of expression, “I have not
enjoyed good health,” is not only correct, but
is, at the same time, a polite way of modestly stating
a fact. To say “I have enjoyed poor health
for the past year” is to express a kind of enjoyment
not generally appreciated. It is like being agreeably
disappointed.
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Aberration of intellect
“He is afflicted with a slight aberration of intellect.” Simplicity would suggest, “He is slightly insane.”
Above, Foregoing
“Let me call your attention to the above passage.” The highest authority does not sanction the use of above as an adjective. Say “the foregoing passage.”
Allowed, Said
“He allowed this was the best speech he had heard.” This is a provincialism that should be avoided. Use said, or declared, or admitted, according to the meaning.
Alternation
This word is sometimes used in the sense of an unbroken series. It properly signifies a reciprocal succession, as “The alternation of summer and winter produces an ever-changing scene.”
Alternative
Etymologically and by general use, this word refers to a choice between two; as, “If this demand is refused the alternative is war.” But Gladstone is quoted as saying, “My decided preference is for the fourth and last of these alternatives.”
Anniversary
From annus, a year, means recurring every year.
Centennial means once in a hundred years. What
then does centennial anniversary mean? Use centenary.
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Learn, Teach
“I taught him grammar,” not “I learned him grammar.” “He taught us history.”
Lease, Let, Rent, Hire
We may lease to or from. “I leased the farm to my neighbor.” “I leased this house from Brown.” We let to another; as, “I let my house to my cousin.” We may rent to or from another. We may hire from another,” as, “I hired a servant;” “he hired a boat.” With out and reflexively we may hire to another; as,” I hired out my horses;” “he hired himself to the miller.”