The above were all taken from a single discourse.  Another peculiarity of the same speaker was his use of the preposition between.  Instead of saying, “Between him and his father there was a perfect understanding of the matter,” he would say, “Between him and between his father there was a perfect understanding of the matter.”

Young writers will find it a valuable exercise to go through a letter, essay, or other composition which they have written, with the view of ascertaining how many words they can eliminate without diminishing the force of what has been written.  An article or two from the daily paper, and an occasional page from some recent work of fiction will afford further opportunity for profitable practice in pruning.

Widow woman

“And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon’s servant, whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.”—­ I Kings xi, 26.
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187

The expression is now regarded as an archaism, and not to be used in modern speech or writing.  Omit woman.

Why

Many persons have a foolish habit of beginning their answer to a question with the word why.  In some cases it doubtless has its origin in the desire to gain time while the mind is preparing the answer, but in most instances it is merely a habit.

Some persons prefix the word why to the statement of a fact or to the asking of a question.  This is even worse than to employ it to introduce the answer.  Restrict it to its legitimate use.

Look at here

This is one of the numerous expressions designed to call the attention of the person addressed to the speaker.  It is both ungrammatical and vulgar.  The omission of at will render it grammatical.  “See here” is still better.

Look and see

“Look and see if the teacher is coming.”  The words “look and” are superfluous.  “See whether the teacher is coming” is a better expression.

Recollect of

The word of is superfluous in such expressions; as, “I recollect of crossing Lake Champlain on the ice,” “Do you recollect of his paying you a compliment?”
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188

Settle up, down

“He has settled up his father’s affairs.”  “He has settled down upon the old farm.”  Up and down may be omitted.

“He has settled down to business” is a colloquial expression which may be improved by recasting the sentence.

In so far

“He is not to blame in so far as I understand the circumstances.”  “In so far as I know he is a thoroughly honest man.”  “In so far as I have influence it shall be exerted in your favor.”  Omit in.

Pocket-handkerchief

The word handkerchief conveys the full meaning.  Pocket is therefore superfluous and should be omitted.  If a cloth or tie for the neck is meant, call it a neck tie or a neckerchief, but not a neck-handkerchief.