The Elements Of Style - ChokseKU: Home

4 4 ] T H E E L E M E N T S O F S T Y L E
Cope. An intransitive verb used with with. In formal
writing, one doesn't "cope," one "copes with" something or
somebody.
I knew they'd cope. I knew they would cope
( j o c u l a r ) w i t h t h e s i t u a t i o n .
Currently. In the sense of now with a verb in the pres
ent tense, currently is usually redundant; emphasis is bet
ter achieved through a more precise reference to time.
We are currendy review- We are at this moment
ing your application. reviewing your application.
Data. Like strata, phenomena, and media, data is a
plural and is best used with a plural verb. The word, how
ever, is slowly gaining acceptance as a singular.
The data is misleading. These data are mislead
ing.
Different than. Here logic supports established usage:
one thing differs from another, hence, different from. Or,
other than, unlike.
Disinterested. Means "impartial." Do not confuse it
with uninterested, which means "not interested in."
Let a disinterested person judge our dispute, (an
impartial person)
This man is obviously uninterested in our dispute,
(couldn't care less)
Divided into. Not to be misused for composed of. The
line is sometimes difficult to draw; doubdess plays are
divided into acts, but poems are composed of stanzas. An
apple, halved, is divided into sections, but an apple is com
posed of seeds, flesh, and skin.
Due to. Loosely used for through, because of, or owing
to, in adverbial phrases.
He lost the first game He lost the first game
due to carelessness. because of carelessness.