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the age of twelve or fifteen the words father and mother should be substituted and ever after used, as showing a proper respect on the part of children.

Great big

“He gave me a great big apple.”  This is a colloquialism that should be avoided.  Use large.

Argue, Augur

“The hollow whistling of the wind among the trees argues an approaching storm.”  Use augurs.

Barbaric, Barbarous

Barbaric refers to a people; barbarous to their low state of life and their habits of cruelty.

Cut in half

A colloquialism in very frequent use.  “I will cut this melon in half and share it with you.”  Say, cut in two, or cut in halves, or cut in two parts.

Hearty meal

“He ate a hearty meal before starting on his journey.”  Hearty applies to the eater rather than to the meal.  “He ate heartily,” etc.

Some better

“John has been right sick, but is now some better.”  Somewhat, rather, or slightly may take the place of some.  The sentence may be otherwise improved.  “John has been quite ill, but is now somewhat better.”
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Through, Finished

Unless you have fallen through a trap door and finished your career, do not say, “I am through,” when you mean “I have finished.”  The school-boy says, “I am through with, that lesson,” when he should say, “I have finished that lesson.”  The farmer asks the man in his employ, “Are you through with that field?” when he should have asked, “Have you finished ploughing that field?” You ask your friend, “Are you through, with Trilby?” when you should ask, “Have you finished reading Trilby.”

Winterish

Do not say summerish and winterish, but summery, or summerlike, and wintry.

Wish

The word hope should be employed instead of wish in such cases as, “I wish you may succeed in your undertaking.”

Right

This little word has many meanings and is put to many uses.  In the following senses it should be avoided: 

“Stand right here.”  In most instances the briefer expression, “Stand here,” is sufficient.  If it is necessary to locate the place more definitely or to emphasize the position, “Stand just here,” or “Stand on this very spot,” may be better.
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“The train came to a standstill right here.”  Better, “The train stopped just here.”

“Do it right away.”  This is a colloquialism that should be avoided.  Immediately, instantly, at once, without delay, are expressions that may safely be substituted for right away.

“I heard of your misfortune, and came to you right away.”  “John, post this letter for me right off.”  Directly or immediately, in the place of right away and right off, is better English.