Scholar, Pupil
Although these words are often used synonymously and with good authority, it would be better to limit the former to learned persons and to apply the latter to persons under instruction.
Commenced to write
“I commenced to write at a very early age.” After the verb commence the best writers use the verbal noun instead of the infinitive with to; as, “I commenced writing at a very early age.”
Beside, Besides
These words were formerly used interchangeably, but the best writers of to-day make a distinction. Beside means by the side of. Besides means in addition to. Besides is sometimes incorrectly used for except; as, “No trees will grow here besides the pine.”
Bountiful, Plentiful
Bountiful applies to the giver; plentiful to the things furnished. “The bountiful Giver of all good furnishes a plentiful supply of all things needful for our comfort and happiness.” Do not say a bountiful repast, a bountiful harvest.
Attacked, Burst, Drowned
The incorrect past tense forms attackted, bursted, drownded, are sometimes heard; as, “The cashier was attackted by three of the ruffians,” “The cannon bursted and killed the gunners,” “The fishermen were drownded off the bar.” Use attacked, burst, drowned.