What and What Not to Say
Don’t say “I feel good,” for “I feel well.”
Don’t say “these kind,” but “this kind.”
Don’t say “not so good as,” for “not as good as.”
Don’t say “between three,” but “among three.”
Don’t describe an unusual occurrence as “funny,” unless something comic is meant. Strange, peculiar, unique, odd, are better expressions.
Don’t say a garment “sets good,” but it “fits well.”
Don’t say “had rather,” “had better,” for “would rather,” “would better.”
Don’t speak of articles of diet as “healthy,” but as “healthful” or “wholesome.”
Don’t say “fix my gown,” “fix this room,” but “arrange my gown,” “the room.” The best authorities rarely use fix, except to indicate stability or permanence. You don’t fix the house, you repair it.
Say money is “plentiful,” not “plenty.”
Say “between you and me.”
Say “If he should live,” “If he should come,” instead of “If he comes,” “If he live.”
Don’t say “I have saw” for “I have seen.”
Don’t say “dress;” if a lady, say “gown.” The word dress applies to the entire toilet. Gown, to the one article.