Notes of The Elements of Style (III)--Words and Expressions Commonly Misused [The Elements of Style 笔记3]
Published: Dec. 19, 2019
We use # to show example stenances
1. Among vs Between. When more than two things or persons are involved, among is usually called for: “The money was divided among the four players.” When, however, more than two are involved but each is considered individually, between is preferred: “an agreement between the six heirs.”
2. Case. Often unnecessary. Avoid use “case”
3. Compare. To “compare to” is to point out or imply resemblances between objects regarded as essentially of a different order; to “compare with” is mainly to point out differences between objects regarded as essentially of the same order. Thus, life has been compared to a pilgrimage, to a drama, to a battle; Congress may be compared with the British Parliament. Paris has been compared to ancient Athens; it may be compared with modern London.
4. Data. Like “strata”, “phenomena”, and “media”, data is a plural and is best used with a plural verb. The word, however, is slowly gaining acceptance as a singular.
5. However. Avoid starting a sentence with however when the meaning is “nevertheless.” The word usually serves better when not in first position.
# The roads were almost impassable. However, we at last succeeded in reaching camp. [wrong]
# The roads were almost impassable. At last, however, we succeeded in reaching camp. [correct]
6. Meaningful. A bankrupt adjective. Choose another, or rephrase.
# His was a meaningful contribution. [wrong]
# His contribution counted heavily. [correct]
# We are instituting many meaningful changes in the curriculum. [wrong]
# We are improving the curriculum in many ways. [correct]
7. Don’t use firstly, secondly, thirdly, etc, use first, second, third instead.
8. That. Which. That is the defining, or restrictive, pronoun, which the nondefining, or nonrestrictive
# The lawn mower that is broken is in the garage. (Tells which one.)
# The lawn mower, which is broken, is in the garage. (Adds a fact about the only mower in question.)