Rather—than, Prefer—to.—“He preferred doing nothing rather than run the risk of doing wrong,” should be “He preferred doing nothing rather than running the risk of doing wrong”; or “He preferred to do nothing rather than to run the risk of doing wrong.”
Receipt and Recipe.—One properly says, “The receipt calls for three cupfuls of flour,” recipe being restricted in its use as a medical term. Century gives the following: Receipt is distinguished from recipe by the common restriction of that word [recipe] to medical and relative uses; as, “A receipt for a pudding.”
Reckon.—Provincial for think. “I reckon he will come soon.” Say “I think” or “I believe.”
Reference, Recommendation.—A person seeking employment or position, names certain persons who know him as his references. They may, if they are so disposed, and can do so with truth, give him their recommendation.
Regard.—“In regard of this matter.” Say “in regard to,” or “with regard to.”
Regarded from that standpoint, but looked at in that light.
Relations, Relatives, Kin, Kindred.—It is better to speak of ones relatives than of his relations. Relations has other meanings. Kin and kindred are old English words, which deserve to be more in fashion than they are.
Relative Pronouns.—Who is used exclusively with persons, which exclusively with things, and that [723] with persons and things. In common conversation that is more frequently used with persons than who. But who is considered more elegant.
Examples of the correct use of the relative pronouns, who, which, that, and what:
I gave the money to the driver, who will give it to his employer.