17. Don’t leave out essential words, trusting that the copy reader will be able to guess what you mean. The omission of the little word “not” may cause serious trouble. Whenever possible go over your story carefully before turning it in.
18. Don’t use a word in different senses in the same paragraph.
19. Don’t use “state” for “say.” A statement is formal. Most persons merely say they are going fishing.
20. Don’t divide a word at the end of a page.
21. Don’t fail to read your story in print and note the changes that have been made. Don’t make the same mistake twice.
22. Don’t use “purchase” for “buy,” “remainder” for “rest,” “portion” for “part” or any long word when a short one can be found.—From the Springfield (Mass.) Republican Rules.
23. Don’t confuse “beside” and “besides.” “Beside” is never anything except a preposition; “besides” can also be used as an adverb, in the sense of moreover.
24. Don’t use “female” for “woman.”
25. Don’t confuse “plurality” and “majority.” A winner in an election has a plurality over his nearest opponent; he has a majority if his vote exceeds the combined vote of his opponents.
26. Don’t use two or more words where one will do as well, as “put in an appearance” for “appear.”