All
This little word is used in a great many ways, some of which are quite colloquial, and in some cases provincial. When the grocer’s clerk has taken your order he is prompted to say, “Is that all?” Or if he should say, “Is there anything else that you wish?” you are likely to reply, “No; that is all.” Whether used in the question or in the reply, the word all should be avoided, or else the expression should be expanded so as to make a clear sentence.
A friend calls to see you, and, finding you alone when he expected to meet others with you, he says, “Good morning; I see you are all alone.” All is not a good equivalent for quite or entirely, either of which words would be better than all. In truth, the sentence is as clear and as strong and more concise without the use of a modifier. “I see you are alone.”
Inaugurate
To inaugurate means to induct into office or to set in motion with formality and serious ceremony. Pompous writers too often employ the word in referring to commonplace events. A new business is established. A new hall or library is opened. A new pastor is installed. A new order of procedure is adopted. In general, the word begin or commence would be more appropriate than inaugurate.
Came across, Met with
“I came across the passage quite unexpectedly.” Better, “I chanced upon,” or “happened upon,,” or “met with the passage quite unexpectedly.”
Few words are more frequently incorrectly used than expect. “I expect you went to town yesterday,” “I expect you will hear from me to-morrow,” “I expect the train has arrived,” represent some of the uses to which this word is often put. Expect refers wholly to the future, and should not refer to present or past events; as, “I expect you to write me from Liverpool.” “John expects to see his father to-morrow.” Among the expressions that can most readily and appropriately be substituted for expect are suspect, suppose, think, believe, presume, daresay.
Over with