|
Never Say: |
Correct Form: |
| In our residence we retire early (or arise) | At our house we go to bed early (or get up) |
| I desire to purchase | I should like to buy |
| Make you acquainted with | (See Introductions) |
| Pardon me! | I beg your pardon. Or, Excuse me! Or, sorry! |
| Lovely food | Good food |
| Elegant home | Beautiful house—or place |
| A stylish dresser | She dresses well, or she wears lovely clothes |
| Charmed! or Pleased to meet you! | How do you do! |
| Attended | Went to |
| I trust I am not trespassing | I hope I am not in the way
(unless trespassing on private property is actually meant) |
| Request (meaning ask) | Used only in the third person in formal written invitations. |
| Will you accord me permission? | Will you let me? or May I? |
| Permit me to assist you | Let me help you |
| Brainy | Brilliant or clever |
| I presume | I suppose |
| Tendered him a banquet | Gave him a dinner |
| Converse | Talk |
| Partook of liquid refreshment | Had something to drink |
| Perform ablutions | Wash |
| A song entitled | Called (proper if used in legal sense) |
| I will ascertain | I will find out |
| Residence or mansion | House, or big house |
| In the home | In some one's house or At home |
| Phone, photo, auto | Telephone, photograph, automobile |
"Tintinnabulary summons," meaning bell, and "Bovine continuation," meaning cow's tail, are more amusing than offensive, but they illustrate the theory of bad style that is pretentious.
As examples of the very worst offenses that can be committed, the following are offered:
"Pray, accept my thanks for the flattering ovation you have tendered me."
"Yes," says the preposterous bride, "I am the recipient of many admired and highly prized gifts."
"Will you permit me to recall myself to you?"
Speaking of bridesmaids as "pretty servitors," "dispensing hospitality," asking any one to "step this way."
Many other expressions are provincial and one who seeks purity of speech should, if possible, avoid them, but as "offenses" they are minor:
Reckon, guess, calculate, or figure, meaning think.