The Elements Of Style - ChokseKU: Home

M I S U S E D W O R D S A N D E X P R E S S I O N S [ 4 5
In correct use, synonymous with attributable to: 'The acci
dent was due to bad weather"; "losses due to preventable
fires."
Each and every one. Pitchman's jargon. Avoid, except
in dialogue.
It should be a lesson to It should be a lesson to
each and every one of us. every one of us (to us all).
Effect. As a noun, means "result"; as a verb, means "to
bring about," "to accomplish" (not to be confused with
affect, which means "to influence").
As a noun, often loosely used in perfunctory writing
about fashions, music, painting, and other arts: "a South
western effect"; "effects in pale green"; "very delicate ef
fects"; "subtle effects"; "a charming effect was produced."
The writer who has a definite meaning to express will not
take refuge in such vagueness.
Enormity. Use only in the sense of "monstrous wicked
ness." Misleading, if not wrong, when used to express big
ness.
Enthuse. An annoying verb growing out of the noun
enthusiasm. Not recommended.
She was enthused about She was enthusiastic
her new car. about her new car.
She enthused about her She talked enthusiastin
e w c a r. c a l l y ( e x p r e s s e d e n t h u s i
asm) about her new car.
Etc. Literally, "and other things"; sometimes loosely
used to mean "and other persons." The phrase is equivalent
to and the rest, and so forth, and hence is not to be used if
one of these would be insufficient—that is, if the reader
would be left in doubt as to any important particulars. Least
open to objection when it represents the fast terms of a Ust
already given almost in full, or immaterial words at the end
of a quotation.