Alternative
Etymologically and by general use, this word refers to a choice between two; as, “If this demand is refused the alternative is war.” But Gladstone is quoted as saying, “My decided preference is for the fourth and last of these alternatives.”
Anniversary
From annus, a year, means recurring every year. Centennial means once in a hundred years. What then does centennial anniversary mean? Use centenary.
“I taught him grammar,” not “I learned him grammar.” “He taught us history.”
Lease, Let, Rent, Hire
We may lease to or from. “I leased the farm to my neighbor.” “I leased this house from Brown.” We let to another; as, “I let my house to my cousin.” We may rent to or from another. We may hire from another,” as, “I hired a servant;” “he hired a boat.” With out and reflexively we may hire to another; as,” I hired out my horses;” “he hired himself to the miller.”
Like, As
Avoid the use of like in the sense of as. “He thinks just as (not like) his father does.” That Anthony Trollope, Hugh Conway and other writers are chargeable with this offence does not justify the use of like for as, but rather proves the need of constant vigilance in order to avoid such errors.