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Thanks

To say “I thank you” requires but little more effort than to say “Thanks,” and it will be received as a more sincere token of thankfulness.

Got to

This inelegant expression is often employed where must would serve the purpose better.  “This work has got to be done.”  Say, “Must be done.”

Hangs on

“The cold weather hangs on.”  Better, “The cold weather continues.”

Under the Weather

“Are you well?” “No; I have been quite under the weather.”  Substitute sick or ill, for the colloquial expression under the weather.

Again, Against

Again is often erroneously used for against; as, “He leaned again the tree for support.”  Say, “He leaned against the tree for support.”

Could, Can, Will

Could is often incorrectly employed where can or will would be more appropriate.

“Could you lend me a dollar this morning?” If the thought of the inquirer is, “Are you willing to lend,” etc., he should have used will instead of could;
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but if his thought was, “Are you able to lend,” or “Do you have a dollar to spare this morning,” he should have used can.

Bravery, Courage

Bravery is inborn; courage is the result of reason and determination.  The brave are often reckless; the courageous are always cautious.

Hate

Avoid the use of hate for dislike, and all other intensive words when the thought is more correctly expressed by a milder word.

Pretty, Very

Pretty is often incorrectly used in the sense of very or moderately, as “He was pretty badly hurt,” “He is a pretty good scholar,” “She is pretty wealthy,” “Thomas is pretty ugly.”  So common is this provincialism in some localities that the incongruity of such an expression as the last would pass undiscovered.

Lot, Number

The use of lot for number or many is a colloquialism that should be
avoided.  “He collected a lot (large number) of books on the subject.” 
“A lot of policemen were gathered there” “I ate lots of oranges while
I was in Florida.”
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Lead a dance

“He led his companion a fine dance.”  This expression, as generally used, is ironical, and implies that the leader conducts those who are led through experiences unfamiliar to them and usually to their disadvantage.  To lead astray, to deceive, to corrupt the morals of, may be substituted for the foregoing inelegant expression.

Try and

“Have you been to the country this summer?” “No; but I will try and go next week.”.  The second speaker intends to convey the idea that it is his purpose to go if nothing occurs to prevent, but his going is still a matter of uncertainty.  His statement, however, when properly interpreted means that he not only will try, but that he positively will go.