经常被误用的单词和表达方式（D 到 Z）
Highlights from Chapter 4 <<The Elements of Style>> by Strunk and White
21.
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.
22.
Different than:
Here logic supports established usage: one thing differs from another, hence, different from. Or, other than, unlike.
23.
disinterested = impartial
uninterested = not interested in
24.
Divided into /= composed of
An apple, halved, is divided into sections, but an apple is composed of seeds, flesh, and skin.
25.
Each and every one -> every one
26.
Effect = result (nour)
Effect = to bring about (verb)
affect = to influence (verb)
27.
Enormity /= bigness
Enormity = monstrous wickedness
28.
Etc. = and other things, should not be used after “such as” and “for example”.
29.
Farther: serves best as a distance word
Further: as a time or quantity word
30.
Fix = to make firm, to place definitely
Fix /= arrange, prepare, mend
31.
Flammable -> Inflammable
32.
Fortuitous = happen by chance
Fortuitous /= fortunate, lucky
33.
Get:
The preferable form of the participle is got, not gotten.
34.
Gratuitous = unearned, unwarranted
He is a man who = He
hopefully = with hope
hopefully /= I hope
35.
However.
Avoid starting a sentence with “however” when the meaning is ” nevertheless.” The word usually serves better when not in first position.
When “however” comes first, it means “in whatever way” or “to whatever extent.”
36.
Imply /= Infer
Something implied is something suggested or indicated, though not expressed.
Something inferred is something deduced from evidence at hand.
37.
in regards to -> in regard to = as regards
38.
Inside of:
The “of” following “inside” is correct in the adverbial meaning “in less than”. In other meanings, “of” is unnecessary.
39.
irregardless -> regardless
40.
lie, lay, lain, lying
lay, laid, laid, laying
41.
Less refers to quantity, fewer to number.
42.
Nor:
No: He cannot eat nor sleep.
Yes: He cannot eat or sleep.
Yes: He can neither eat nor sleep.
Yes: He cannot eat nor can he sleep.
43.
Partially = to a certain degree
partly = a part as distinct from the whole – a physical object
44.
Respective. Respectively.
These words may usually be omitted with advantage.
45.
Firstly, secondly, thirdly -> First, second, third
46.
Split infinitive.
Avoid unless you wish to place unusual stress on the adverb
47.
State /= say, remark
state = express fully or clearly
48.
Than.
Any sentence with than (to express comparison) should be
examined to make sure no essential words are missing.
49.
The truth is …. The fact is …. A bad beginning for a sentence. If you feel you are possessed of the truth, or of the fact, simply state it.
50.
Tortuous: a winding road is tortuous
Torturous: a painful ordeal is torturous
51.
Try -> try to
52.
Avoid the indiscriminate use of this word for “and”, “but”, and “although”.
When used as a substitute for “and” or “but”, it is best replaced by a semicolon.
Its use as a virtual equivalent of “although” is allowable in sentences where this leads to no ambiguity or absurdity.
In general, the writer will do well to use “while” only with strict literalness, in the sense of “during the time that.”
53.
worthwhile: strictly applicable only to actions: “Is it worthwhile to call?”
No: His books are not worthwhile.
Yes: His books are not worth reading.