Practical exercises in english - Huber Gray Buehler 2004
Chapter VI. Of adjectives and adverbs
An Adjective is a word joined by way of description or limitation to a noun or a pronoun.
An Adverb is a word joined by way of limitation or emphasis to a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.
Vulgarisms. [110] — Every educated person is expected to know the correct use of the following words: —
Good, well. — Good is an adjective: the adverb corresponding to it is well. We say, "He had a good sleep;" "He slept well." Well is sometimes an adjective, as in "You look well."
Likely, probably, like. — Likely is now used as an adjective only, except in the phrase "As likely as not;" ad the corresponding adverb is probably. We say, "He is likely to come;" "He will probably come." Like as an adjective means "similar," as, "Men of like excellence;" "He looks like his grandfather;" "He was a man of like passions as we are." In the sense of "in the same manner as" like is followed by a noun or a pronoun in the objective case, and is called by some an adverb, by others a preposition: as, "He talks like her."
Less, fewer, smaller. — Less refers to quantity, fewer to number, smaller to size.
Most, almost. — Most denotes "the greatest number, quantity, or degree." It is always superlative and never means "nearly," which is the proper meaning of almost. We say, "Most of the boys are here; the time has almost come."
Near, nearly. — Near is an adjective; the corresponding adverb is nearly.
Plenty is now in good use as a noun only, as "Plenty of corn and wine."[111] Shakespeare used the word as an adjective in "Reasons as plenty as blackberries," but this use is obsolete. The use of plenty as an adverb, as "The food is plenty good enough," is a vulgarism.
Some, somewhat, something. — Some is an adjective, as, "Some water;" "Some brighter clime." Somewhat is an adverb, as, "He is somewhat better." "Somewhat" is occasionally used as a noun, as, "Somewhat of doubt remains," but in this sense something is more common.
This, these; that, those. —This (plural these) and that (plural those) are the only adjectives in English that have distinct forms for the plural. A common mistake is to use the plural forms with singular collective nouns, as "kind," "class," "sort."
First, second, secondly, etc.—First is both adjective and adverb. Second, third etc., are adjectives only; the corresponding adverbs are secondly, thirdly, etc Firstly is a vulgarism.
Everywheres, illy, lesser, light-complected, muchly, nowhere near, unbeknown are not in reputable use.
[110] "Foundations," pp. 118-120.
[111] See page 32.
Exercise LXIII
Insert the proper word in each blank, and give the reason for your choice: —
Good, well.
1. George played —— in the football game this afternoon; he is a —— runner.
2. She embroiders very ——.
3. The draperies do not hang as —— as I thought they would.
4. Your coat fits you very ——.
5. He always behaves ——.
6. This pen will not write ——.
7. He did the work as —— as I could expect.
8. This is a —— picture; the artist paints ——.
9. Mr. A. is a —— workman. See how —— he has laid this hearth.
10. George writes ——.
11. Charles does not look —— to-day.
12. He says he does not feel ——.
Likely, probably, like.
13. It became evident that the duke was not —— to have his own way in the assembly.
14. There is a difference between what may possibly and what may —— be done.
15. Just as —— as not you will meet him on the road.
16. He is —— to die of hunger.
17. He will —— die of hunger.
18. It seems —— that he will be elected.
19. —— he will be elected.
20. Japan will —— defeat China.
21. If a man does not care for himself, it is not —— that he will care much for others.
22. They are as —— as two peas.
23. Tell me who is married, and who is —— to be.
24. This is a —— story.
25. As —— as not you love her yourself.
Less, fewer, smaller.
26. A proper fraction is —— than a unit, because it expresses —— parts than a unit contains.
27. I caught seven fish; Carl caught a —— number.
28. Look for no —— punishment than death.
29. I saw not —— than twenty beggars to-day.
30. Rebellion is sometimes a —— evil than endurance.
31. Not —— than twelve banks in New York failed to-day.
32. We have —— than a half a ton of coal left.
33. People who live in the country have —— things to talk about than city people.
34. He received —— good than he conferred.
35. I have —— books than you.
36. There were —— people there than I expected.
Most, almost.
37. I have —— finished my lesson.
38. You will find me in my office —— any day.
39. —— men dread death.
40. We come here —— every summer.
41. We have —— done.
42. This wheat is —— too thick.
43. Though I saw —— everything else, I failed to see Hagenbeck's trained animals.
44. —— everybody has imperfect eyes.
45. The old man's strength is —— gone.
46. —— boys like play.
47. It rains in some places —— every day.
48. —— all flowers are beautiful.
Near, nearly.
49. It isn't —— finished yet.
50. We are —— the end of the lesson.
51. I am —— suffocated.
52. We are not —— through our work.
53. He is not —— so young as I.
54. I will answer you as —— as I can remember.
55. We are —— the end of the term; our school-days are —— over.
56. Mr. Patterson came very —— breaking the greatest record ever made in America.
Some, somewhat, something.
57. Thank you, I feel —— better this morning.
58. —— attempted, —— done, has earned a night's repose.
59. He resembles his father ——.
60. She felt —— encouraged by this (these) news.
61. —— evil beast hath devoured him.
62. He knows —— of Arabic.
63. We came back —— sooner than we intended.
64. If a man thinketh himself to be —— when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
65. Dorothy looks —— like her mother.
66. Yes, I'm —— frightened, I admit.
67. It provoked me ——.
68. A widow, —— old, and very poor.
This, these; that, those.
69. You will always see —— kind of man lounging in front of taverns.
70. Take up —— ashes.
71. —— pile of clothes is (are) to be carried to the laundry.
72. —— kind of tree is (are) common in Pennsylvania.
73. —— brass tongs cost three dollars.
74. —— class will be graduated in June.
75. In New England there is not one country-house in fifty which has not its walls ornamented with half a score of poems of —— sort.
76. How do you like —— style of shoe?
77. Do you like —— sort of pen?
78. —— sort of person is always entertaining.
79. Look at —— assortment of knives.
80. Beware of —— kind of dog.
81. Problems of —— sort are very easy to solve.
82. Young ladies should let —— sort of thing alone.
First, second, secondly, etc.
83. I shall —— show why we should worship God, and —— explain how we should worship him.
84. Adam was formed ——, then Eve.
85. Let us consider —— what the young ruler desired; —— what he had; —— what he lacked.
86. My —— proposition is that the measure is unnecessary; my —— that it is unjust; my —— that it is unconstitutional.
87. I will not lie; I will die ——.
88. I like the old English ballads because, ——, they are very quaint; ——, they show the derivations of many of our words; and, ——, they show different steps which our language has taken in becoming what it is.
Adjective or Adverb. [112] — Illiterate persons often forget that adjectives go with nouns and pronouns, but adverbs with verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Even cultivated persons are sometimes in doubt whether to use an adjective or an adverb after certain verbs, as "grow," "look," "sound," "smell," "taste." If the added word applies to the subject of the verb, it should be an adjective; if to the verb, it should be an adverb. We say "We feel warm" when we mean that we are warm; we say "We feel warmly on this subject," when we mean that our feeling is warm. "As a rule, it is proper to use an adjective whenever some form of the verb 'to be' or 'to seem' may be substituted for the verb, an adverb when no such substitution can be made. "[113] Thus, "He looked angry; he spoke angrily." Sometimes we may use either adjective or adverb with no difference in meaning: as, "We were sitting quiet (quietly) round the fire."
Regarding the form of adverbs, ill-taught pupils often suppose that all words ending in "-ly" are adverbs, and that all adverbs end in "-ly." A glance at the italicized words in the following expressions will remove this delusion: "Come here;" "very pretty;" "he then rose;" "lay it lengthwise;" "he fell backward;" "run fast;" "now it is done;" "a friendly Indian;" "a buzzing fly." Though no comprehensive rule can be given for the form of adverbs, which must be learned for the most part by observation, it may be helpful to know that most "adjectives of quality," like gentle, true, take the suffix "-ly" to make a corresponding adverb; and that the comparative and superlative degrees of adverbs ending in "-ly" usually prefix more and most.
[112] "Foundations," pp. 120-128.
[113] Ibid., p. 121.
Exercise LXIV.
1. Write careful (carefully).
2. His teacher spoke cold (coldly) to him after she found he had acted dishonorable (dishonorably).
3. Speak slow (slowly) and distinct (distinctly).
4. He behaved bad (badly).
5. He is a remarkable (remarkably) good shot.
6. They were in a terrible (terribly) dangerous position.
7. I am only tolerable (tolerably) well, sir.
8. He acted very different (differently) from his brother.
9. It is discouraging to see how bad (badly) the affairs of our nation are sometimes managed.
10. He writes plainer (more plainly) than he once did.
11. You are exceeding (exceedingly) kind.
12. He struggled manful (manfully) against the waves.
13. You have been wrong (wrongly) informed.
14. Sure (surely) he is a fine gentleman.
15. She dresses suitable (suitably) to her station.
16. That part of the work was managed easy (easily) enough.
17. You behaved very proper (properly).
18. I can read easier (more easily) than I can write.
19. She knew her lesson perfect (perfectly) to-day.
20. I live free (freely) from care.
21. Lessons are easiest (most easily) learned in the morning.
22. Walk as quiet (quietly) as you can.
23. He acted independent (independently).
24. He spoke quite decided (decidedly).
25. We ought to value our privileges higher (more highly).
26. He was ill (illy) equipped for the journey. [114]
27. Relative (relatively) to its size, an ant is ten times stronger than a man.
28. That will ill (illy) accord with my notions. [114]
29. He is an exceeding (exceedingly) good boy.
30. One can scarce (scarcely) help smiling at the blindness of this critic.
31. I had studied grammar previous (previously) to his instructing me, but to no purpose.
[114] See page 110.
Exercise LXV.
Distinguish between—
1. We found the way easy (easily).
2. The prunes are boiling soft (softly).
3. He appeared prompt (promptly).
4. It looks good (well).
5. We arrived safe (safely).
Exercise LXVI.
Which of the italicized words is preferable? Give the reason: —
1. Velvet feels smooth (smoothly).
2. Clouds sail slow (slowly) through the air.
3. This carriage rides easy (easily).
4. How sweet (sweetly) these roses smell!
5. They felt very bad (badly) at being beaten. [115]
6. Your piano sounds different (differently) from ours.
7. The storm is raging furious (furiously).
8. This milk tastes sour (sourly).
9. The soldiers fought gallant (gallantly).
10. She looked cold (coldly) on his offer of marriage.
11. Ethel looks sweet (sweetly) in a white gown.
12. How beautiful (beautifully) the stars appear to-night!
13. This coat goes on easy (easily).
14. How beautiful (beautifully) Katharine looks this morning.
15. Luther stood firm (firmly) in spite of abuse.
16. It looks strange (strangely) to see you here.
17. Deal gentle (gently) with them.
18. The cry sounded shrill (shrilly).
19. Larks sing sweet (sweetly).
20. He felt awkward (awkwardly) in the presence of ladies.
21. He has acted strange (strangely).
22. The water feels warm (warmly).
23. We feel warm (warmly) on that subject.
24. The dead warrior looked fierce (fiercely).
25. The wind blows very cold (coldly) to-day.
26. War clouds rolling dim (dimly).
27. The shutters are painted green (greenly).
28. She works good (well) and neat (neatly).
29. Protestants believe that the bread of the Lord's supper is not real (really) changed, but remains real (really) bread.
30. Homer says the blood of the gods is not real (really) blood, but only something like it.
31. Real (really) kings hide away their crowns in their wardrobes, and affect a plain and poor exterior.
Alone, only. — "In the Bible and earlier English alone is often used for the adverb only, but it is now becoming restricted to its own sense of 'solitary,' 'unaccompanied by other persons or things';"[116] as, "He rode all unarmed, and he rode all alone." Only is both adjective and adverb.
[115] See "Foundations," p. 121.
[116] The Century Dictionary.
Exercise LXVII.
Fill each blank with the proper word ("only," "alone"): —
1. She —— of all the family had courage to go —— into that darkened room.
2. These books are sold in sets ——.
3. Man cannot live on bread ——.
4. This fault —— is enough to make her disagreeable.
5. By chance —— did he escape the gallows.
6. Not —— at Ephesus, but throughout all Asia, Paul persuaded many people.
7. To be successful a school paper must be supported, not —— with subscriptions, but also with contributions.
Omitted Adverbs. [117] — Adverbs necessary to the sense should not be omitted. This fault is especially common after so, too, and very—words which, as they express degree, properly qualify adjectives or adverbs, and not verbs or participles; also after behave, which, like the noun "behavior," requires a qualifying word to determine the meaning.
[117] "Foundations," p. 123.
Exercise LXVIII.
Supply the omitted adverbs: —
1. He was very struck by what she said.
2. I wish you would behave.
3. The king was very dissatisfied with his wife.
4. I have too trusted to my own wild wants.
5. If you cannot behave yourself, you had better stay at home.
6. We are very pleased to see you.
Redundant Adjectives and Adverbs. [118] — A word that is not needed is said to be "redundant." Redundant expressions should be carefully avoided.
[118] Ibid., pp. 123-125.
Exercise LXIX.
Strike out the useless adjectives and adverbs: —
1. From thence they marched twenty miles.
2. Which do you prefer most, apples or oranges?
3. Whenever I meet him he always stops me.
4. Celia wished to accompany Rosalind; therefore they both set out together.
5. The view from the top is simply beautiful.
6. Finally Rosalind disclosed her true identity.
7. The exercises are appointed for 2 P.M. to-morrow afternoon.
8. There are numerous mountain streams all throughout this region which abound in brook trout.
9. The central pith of the report is as follows.
10. Secluded and alone, he now partook of his solitary repast, which he entirely consumed.
11. Out of the second term I took out the factor x.
12. Right in behind East Rock we have a beautiful lake.
13. When everything was all ready they started off.
14. He was a boy of eighteen years old.
15. If the ground is uneven they just level it off with a shovel.
16. Once the two twins were shipwrecked while on a sailing voyage.
17. The purple bird was once a royal king named Picus.
18. A large search-light will show a sail at a distance of three or four miles away.
19. Each of the provinces was ruled over by a duke.
20. When he returned he entered into the printing business.
21. He had a good chance to shift off the sky to the shoulders of Hercules.
22. The mud falls off from the wheels and makes the street dirty.
23. An old merchant of Syracuse, named AEgeon, had two twin sons.
24. He was almost universally admired and respected by all who knew him.
25. Pretty soon the man's hands began to get all blistered.
26. Before you go you must first finish your work.
27. He did it equally as well as his friends.
28. It must be ten years ago since he left town.
29. Collect together all the fragments.
30. The play opens up with a scene in a forest.
31. He has the universal good-will of everybody.
32. Please raise up the window.
33. The story ends up happily.
34. They always entered school together every morning.
35. Out of the entire pack only two dogs remained.
36. He went away, but soon reappeared again.
37. A monstrous large snake crawled out from under the identical stone on which you are this very minute sitting.
38. I was deceived by false misrepresentations.
39. This question opened up the whole subject.
40. Let us, however, endeavor to trace up some of this hearsay evidence as far towards its source as we are able.
41. I will see you later on.
Misused Adjectives and Adverbs. [119] — See the remarks under "Misused Nouns." An amusing illustration of misused adjectives was furnished by an illiterate man who introduced his second wife to a friend as "My late wife."
I.
Aggravating, irritating. — In good use aggravating means "making heavier, more grave, worse in some way." It is often misused for irritating, exasperating, or provoking.
All, the whole. — See page 120.
Apt, likely, liable. — Apt implies a natural predisposition, an habitual tendency. "Likely implies a probability of whatever character; liable, an unpleasant probability. "[120] One is apt to speak quickly, likely to hear good news, liable to be hurt.
Both, each, every. — Both, meaning "the two, and not merely one of them," groups objects, as, "Both were men of hot temper." Each means "all of any number, considered one by one," as, "Each boy recited in his turn." Every means "all of any number, considered as composing a group or class," as, "Every pupil should have a dictionary and use it freely." "Every directs attention chiefly to the totality, each chiefly to the individuals composing it. It may also be observed that each usually refers to a numerically definite group Thus, 'Each theory is open to objection' relates to an understood enumeration of theories, but 'Every theory is open to objection' refers to all theories that may exist." [121]
Many, much. — Many refers to number, much to quantity.
Mutual, common. — Mutual properly means "reciprocal," "interchanged." It is often misused for common in the sense of "belonging equally to both or all," especially in the phrase, "A mutual friend."
Partly, partially. — "Partly, in the sense of 'in part,' is preferable to partially, since partially also means 'with partiality. '"[122]
Quite, very. — Quite properly means "entirely"; in the sense of "very" or "to a considerable degree" it is not in good use.
So-as, as-as. — Both so and as are used as adverbs of degree correlative with the conjunction "as": unless there is a negative in the clause as is generally used; with a negative so is preferable to as. We say "It is as cold as ice," "It is not so good as it looks."
[119] "Foundations," p. 125.
[120] Ibid., p. 128.
[121] Murray's Dictionary.
[122] A.S. Hill: Principles of Rhetoric, revised edition, p. 19.
Exercise LXX.
Tell the difference in meaning between—
1. The circumstances of the offense are aggravating (exasperating).
2. She gave an orange to both (each) of them.
3. Each (every) man has his faults.
4. I had a call from both (each) of the boys.
5. He is apt (likely) to win the race.
6. A mutual (common) friendship.
7. The weekly reports are partially (partly) made out.
Exercise LXXI.
Insert the proper word in each blank: —
Aggravating, irritating.
1. Some of his remarks were ——.
2. The prisoner said his wife's conduct had been very ——.
3. He has an —— manner.
4. He was too —— by half.
5. The murder was committed under —— circumstances.
All, the whole.
6. —— (of) the boys were sent off at a day's notice to their homes.
[For additional exercises, see page 125].
Apt, likely, liable.
7. An industrious man is —— to succeed.
8. The ship was —— to founder at any moment.
9. Bad books are —— to corrupt the reader,
10. If a man does not care for himself, he is not —— to care much for other people.
11. Youth is —— to err.
12. Any kind of taxation is —— to be looked on as a grievance.
13. We are constantly —— to accidents.
14. Men are —— to think well of themselves, their nation, their courage, and their strength.
Both, each, every.
15. —— of them has (have) taken a different course.
16. —— went his way.
17. He told me to invite —— brother and sister.
18. He gave his hand to —— of them.
19. In —— cheek (cheeks) appears a pretty dimple.
20. I am feeling better in —— way.
21. The oak and the elm have —— a distinct character.
22. He'll be hanged yet, though —— drop of water swear against it.
23. —— soldier has a musket, and —— one fires as fast as he can.
24. —— inhabitant, male or female, young or old, was there.
25. In —— ten women that the gods make, the devils mar five.
26. There is a row of beautiful elm-trees on —— side(s) of the road.
Many, much.
27. We saw as —— as twenty tramps.
28. He blames his uncle for —— of his misfortune.
29. I found that —— of the accidents on this railroad are caused by negligence.
30. How —— of your peaches have you sold?
Mutual, common.
31. Charles and his wife were happy in their —— love.
32. They parted with —— good feeling.
33. We have a —— friend in Mr. Phelps.
34. I find, Miss Vernon, that we have some —— friends.
Partly, partially.
35. Beware of acting ——.
36. All men are —— buried in the grave of custom.
37. This is —— true.
38. The city of York is —— surrounded by a wall.
Quite, very.
39. The country is —— open.
40. The snow has —— covered the ground.
41. Books —— worthless are —— harmless.
42. The island is —— close to the mainland.
43. He was —— dead when they found him.
44. You are —— mistaken.
45. He is —— ill.
So-as, as-as.
46. She is —— amiable as she is beautiful.
47. He is —— tall as his brother, but not —— tall as I.
48. You have never —— much as answered my letter.
49. Come —— quickly as you can.
50. No other country suffered —— much as England.
II.
Apparently, evidently, manifestly. — "Apparently is properly used of that which seems, but may not be, real; evidently, of that which both seems and is real."[123] Manifestly is stronger than evidently.
Average, ordinary. — Average implies an arithmetical computation; if four persons lose respectively $10, $20, $30, and $40, the average loss is $25. The word is used figuratively by Dr. O.W. Holmes in "The average intellect of five hundred persons, taken as they come, is not very high." In the sense of "usual," "common in occurrence," "of the usual standard," ordinary is preferable to average.
Bound, determined. — Bound properly means "obliged," "fated," or "under necessity": as, "A man is bound by his word;" "We hold ourselves in gratitude bound to receive ... all such persons." In the sense of "determined" hound is not in good use. In the sense of "sure" it is in colloquial, but not in literary, use.
Continual, continuous. — "Continual is used of frequently repeated acts, as, 'Continual dropping wears away a stone;' continuous, of uninterrupted action, as, 'the continuous flowing of a river.'" [125]
Deadly, deathly. — "Deathly, in the sense of 'resembling death,' as, 'She was deathly pale,' is preferable to deadly, since deadly also means 'inflicting death.'" [124]
Decided, decisive. — "A decided opinion is a strong opinion, which perhaps decides nothing; a decisive opinion settles the question at issue. A lawyer may have decided views on a case; the judgment of a court is decisive." [125]
Dumb, stupid. — Dumb properly means "mute," "silent." Its misuse for stupid is partly due, especially in Pennsylvania, to its resemblance to the German dumm.
Existing, extant. — That is extant which has escaped the ravages of time (used chiefly of books, manuscripts, etc.); that is existing which has existence.
Funny, odd. — Funny means "comical;" in the sense of "strange" or "odd" it is not in good use.
Healthy, healthful, wholesome. — That is healthy which is in good health; that is healthful or wholesome which produces health. Wholesome commonly applies to food.
Human, humane. — Human denotes what pertains to man as man; as, "human nature," "human sacrifices." Humane means "compassionate."
Latest, last. — Latest, like the word "late," contains a distinct reference to time; that is latest which comes after all others in time: as, "The latest news;" "The latest fashion." Last, which was originally a contraction of "latest," is now used without any distinct reference to time, and denotes that which comes after all others in space or in a series: as, "The last house on the street;" "The Last of the Mohicans."
Lengthy, long. — Lengthy is said to have originated in the United States, but the earliest quotations found are from British authors. In the introduction to the second series of The Biglow Papers, Mr. Lowell wrote:
"We have given back to England the excellent adjective lengthy... thus enabling their journalists to characterize our President's messages by a word civilly compromising between long and tedious, so as not to endanger the peace of the two countries by wounding our national sensitiveness to British criticism." Lengthy is used chiefly of discourses or writings, and implies tediousness. Long is used of anything that has length.
Mad, angry. — Mad means "insane;" in the sense of "angry" it is not in good use.
New, novel. — That is new which is not old; that is novel which is both new and strange.
Oral, verbal. — "Oral, in the sense of 'in spoken words,' is preferable to verbal, since verbal means 'in words' whether spoken or written." [126]
Pitiable, pitiful. — "Pitiable, in the sense of 'deserving pity,' is preferable to pitiful, since pitiful also means 'compassionate,' as, 'The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.'" [126]
Practicable, practical. — That is practicable which can be done; that is practical which is not theoretical only: as, "a practicable plan," "a practical electrician."
Prominent, eminent. — Prominent means "conspicuous," "standing out so as to be easily seen;" eminent means "distinguished in character or rank."
Real, really, very. — Real is properly an adjective, meaning "not imaginary or counterfeit," as, "real diamonds." Its misuse for the adverbs really and very, as, "This is real pretty," is a vulgarism.
Scared, afraid. — The participle scared means "frightened;" afraid is an adjective meaning "in fear." Before "of," the proper word is afraid: as, "She is afraid of horses." Scared of is not in good use.
Grand, gorgeous, awful, splendid, elegant, lovely, magnificent. — Grand properly implies "grandeur;" gorgeous, "splendid colors;" awful, "awe;" elegant, "elegance;" splendid, "splendor;" lovely, "surpassing loveliness;" magnificent, "magnificence."
"We talk, sometimes, with people whose conversation would lead you to suppose that they had lived in a museum, where all the objects were monsters and extremes They use the superlative of grammar: 'most perfect,' 'most exquisite,' 'most horrible.' Like the French, they are enchanted, they are desolate, because you have got or have not got a shoestring or a wafer you happen to want—not perceiving that superlatives are diminutives and weaken All this comes of poverty. We are unskilful definers. From want of skill to convey quality, we hope to move admiration by quantity. Language should aim to describe the fact 'Tis very wearisome, this straining talk, these experiences all exquisite, intense, and tremendous." [127]
[123] A.S. Hill: Principles of Rhetoric, revised edition, p. 39.
[124] Ibid., p. 18.
[125] Ibid., p. 38.
[ 126] A.S. Hill: Principles of Rhetoric, revised edition, p. 19.
[127] R.W. Emerson; The Superlative.
Exercise LXXII.
Tell the difference in meaning between—
1. The average (ordinary) yield of wheat.
2. He is bound (determined) to come.
3. There was continual (continuous) fighting for three days.
4. It was deadly (deathly) cold in the cave.
5. A decided (decisive) victory.
6. The boy is dumb (stupid).
7. His story is apparently (evidently, manifestly) true.
8. The existing (extant) portraits of Milton.
9. His actions were very funny (odd).
10. This is a healthy (wholesome) plant.
11. A human (humane) being.
12. His latest (last) attempt.
13. Long (lengthy) explanations.
14. She became mad (angry).
15. A new (novel) style.
16. An oral (verbal) message.
17. A pitiable (pitiful) man.
18. Your purpose seems practical (practicable).
19. A prominent (an eminent) man.
20. He was really (very) glad to see us.
Exercise LXXIII.
Insert the proper word in each blank: —
Apparently, evidently, manifestly.
1. The motion which—- belongs to the sun, really belongs to the earth.
2. The stranger was—- in the prime of manhood.
3. The apparent (evident) discrepancy between the two narratives is not real.
4. Our country is—- growing in wealth.
5. A straight line is—- the shortest distance between two points.
Average, ordinary.
6. To be excited is not the—- state of the mind.
7. This picture has only—- merit.
8. —- conversation is not instructive.
9. The—- American is not wealthy.
10. The—- expenses per man of the Yale class of '95 during Freshman year were $912.
11. The life of the—- man is safer and more comfortable than it was a century ago.
12. The—- age of the signers of the Declaration of Independence was nearly forty- four.
13. Their—- duties were easy.
Bound, determined.
14. He worked hard at his piece, for he was—- to speak it well.
15. We have promised, therefore we are—- to go.
16. I am—- to win, if I can.
They were—- that they would see the end of the play, even though they should miss their train.
Continual, Continuous.
18. He was exposed to—- interruptions.
19. A—- line in space.
20. —— victory makes leaders insolent.
21. A —— siege of six months.
22. The power of abstract study or of —— thought is rare.
Deadly, deathly.
23. A —— stillness.
24. The —— bite of the rattlesnake.
25. My wound is ——.
26. Her hands were —— cold.
27. She, poor thing, was looking —— pale.
28. Many savages have seen a musket kill small animals and yet have not known how —— an instrument it is.
Decided, decisive.
29. He felt a —— aversion to company.
30. Smith spoke out boldly in a —— tone.
31. Creasy's "Fifteen —— Battles of the World."
32. The nature of lightning was not known until Franklin made his —— experiment.
Dumb, stupid
33. A man who cannot write with wit on a proper subject is dull and ——.
34. A deaf and —— person.
35. I was struck —— with astonishment.
36. Judging from his recitations, I should say that John is either lazy or ——.
Extant, existing.
37. God created all —— things.
38. Only two authentic portraits of Shakespeare are ——.
39. There are —— seven hundred and sixty-five of Cicero's letters.
40. Every citizen should exert himself to remove —— evils.
Funny, odd.
41. It is —— he never told me of his marriage.
42. He made the boys laugh by drawing —— pictures on his slate.
43. You must have thought it —— we didn't send for you.
44. He amused us with —— stories.
Healthy, healthful, wholesome.
45. Tomatoes are said to be a very —— food.
46. If a —— body contributes to the health of the mind, so also a —— mind keeps the body well.
47. Gardening is a —— recreation for a man of study or business.
48. —— food in a —— climate makes a —— man.
49. A —— situation. A —— constitution.- ——diet.
Human, humane.
50. A—- disposition is not cruel.
51. To err is—-; to forgive, divine.
52. In the time of Abraham—- sacrifices were common among his heathen neighbors.
53. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a —— organization.
Latest, last.
54. The—- men in the procession.
55. The—- news.
56. The—- of the Incas.
57. Have you read the—- novel?
58. The—- foot-ball game of the season will be played with the Yale Freshmen.
Lengthy, long.
59. Cotton Mather wrote many—- dissertations.
60. It is a—- ride from Ellen's Isle to Stirling.
61. A—- line of ancestors.
63. We were wearied by his—- explanations.
Mad, angry.
63. His sarcastic manner makes me—-.
64. That is nothing to get—- at.
65. I have heard my grandsire say full oft,
Extremity of griefs would make men —-.
New, novel.
66. We have a—- horse.
67. A—- feature of the entertainment was the "Broom Drill."
68. At the World's Fair we saw many—- sights, especially in the Midway Plaisance.
69. Alice had many—- experiences in Wonder Land.
Oral, verbal.
70. Some slight—- changes have been made in the new edition of this book.
71. Were your instructions—- or written.
Pitiable, pitiful.
72. The condition of the poor in our great cities is—-.
73. Be gentle unto griefs and needs,
Be —- as woman should.
74. The wretched girl was in a—- plight.
75. A—- sight.
Practicable, practical.
76. We have hired a —— gardener.
77. This plan of campaign is not ——.
78. We found the road not —— because of the heavy rains.
79. A victory may be a —— defeat.
Prominent, eminent.
80. Censure is the tax a man pays to the public for being ——.
81. The figure of a man is —— in the picture.
82. Frogs have —— eyes.
83. Washington was a (an) —— man.
84. John Quincy Adams was the —— son of a (an) —— father.
Real, really, very.
85. She came home looking —— well after her long visit.
86. Protestants believe that the bread of the Lord's supper is not —— changed, but remains —— bread.
87. Homer tells us that the blood of the gods is not —— blood, but only something like it.
88. I am —— glad you have come.
89. He is —— dead.
90. It was —— kind in you to send me flowers.
91. Yes, I am —— old; I am sixty.
92. He speaks —— well, doesn't he?
93. —— kings hide away their crowns in their wardrobes, and affect a plain and poor exterior.
94. This is —— pretty.
95. We came on a —— fast train.
96. She seemed —— glad to see us.
97. The hotel is situated —— near the sea.
Scared, afraid.
98. She was badly —— when her horse ran away.
99. Harry is —— of tramps.
100. Helen was —— of the cows in the meadow.
Exercise LXXIV. [128]
Illustrate by original sentences the correct use of each of these words: —Both, each, every, aggravating, liable, likely, apt, mutual, partially, quite, average, bound, continual, continuous, deadly, deathly, decided, decisive, dumb, apparently, evidently, extant, funny, healthy, healthful, wholesome, human, humane, latest, last, lengthy, mad, novel, verbal, pitiable, pitiful, practicable, practical, prominent, eminent, real, really, scared, grand, gorgeous, awful, splendid, elegant, lovely, magnificent.
Use of the Comparative and Superlative. — The comparative degree is preferable when two things or sets of things are compared, the superlative when three or more are compared.
To say "Iron is more useful than any metal" is clearly incorrect, because iron is included in "any metal," and of course iron is not more useful than itself. We must in thought set iron off in a class by itself, which we can do by inserting "other" after "any." "Iron is more useful than any other metal" is correct. After comparatives accompanied by "than," the words "any" and "all" should be followed by "other."
To say "Iron is the most useful of any (or, any other) metal" is also clearly incorrect, because we mean that iron is the most useful, not of "one metal (no
matter which)" or of "some metals (no matter which)," but of all metals. We should therefore omit the word "any," saying simply "Iron is the most useful of (all) metals." It is also incorrect to say "Iron is the most useful of all other metals," for iron is not one of the "other metals." Beware of using "any" or "other" with superlatives followed by "of."
[128] See note To the Teacher, p. 41.
Exercise LXXV.
Which of the italicized forms is preferable? —
1. Of London and Paris, London is the wealthier (wealthiest).
2. Of two evils, choose the less (least).
3. The older (oldest) of the three boys was sent to college.
4. Which can run the faster (fastest), your horse or mine?
5. Of the two Latin poets, Virgil and Horace, the first (former) is the better (best) known.
6. Which is the better (best) of the two?
7. Which is the farther (farthest) east, Boston New York, or Philadelphia?
8. There is no doubt about him (his) being the better (best) in the little group of friends.
9. Which is the larger (largest) number, the minuend or the subtrahend?
Exercise LXXVI.
Explain and correct the errors in the following sentences: —
1. This picture is, of all others, the one I like best.
2. This engraving of mine I like better than any picture I have.
3. London is more crowded than any city in Great Britain.
4. London is the most crowded of any city in Great Britain.
5. She of all other girls ought to be the last to complain.
6. Our grammar lessons are the hardest of any we have.
7. St. Peter's is larger than any church in the world.
8. St. Peter's is the largest of any church in the world.
9. Noah and his family outlived all the people who lived before the flood.
10. Solomon was wiser than all men.
11. This State exports more cotton than all the states.
12. A cowboy is the most picturesque of any men.
13. Tabby has the worst temper of any cat I know.
14. He thinks Gettysburg has the prettiest girls of any town of its size.
15. The proposed method of Mr. F.G. Jackson, the English arctic explorer, appears to be the most practical and business-like of any yet undertaken for exploring the polar regions.
Exercise LXXVII.
Construct sentences comparing the following things, using first a comparative, then a superlative form: —
1. The large population of China; the smaller populations of other countries. EXAMPLE. — China has a larger population than any other country. Of all countries, China has the largest population in the world.
2. John, who is very mischievous; other boys, who are less mischievous.
3. Eve, who was exceedingly fair; her daughters (female descendants), who are less fair.
4. Smith, the best athlete; the other boys in the school.
5. Mary's recitations; the poorer recitations of her classmates.
6. The population of London; the population of the other cities in the world.
7. The circulation of the "Star;" the smaller circulation of other newspapers in the county.
8. Ethel's eyes; the eyes of her playmates, which are not so bright.
9. The examination papers of Professor A.; the easier papers set by other teachers.
10. Philip; his classmates, who are less bright.
11. Solomon, the wisest king; other kings.
12. Samson, the strongest man; other men.
13. Jacob's love for Joseph; his love for his other children.
14. Youth; the other periods of life, which are less important.
15. Demosthenes; the other and inferior orators of Greece.
16. The books read by Fannie; the fewer books read by her classmates.
17. This shady grove; other groves I know, which are less shady.
18. The reign of Louis XIV.; the shorter reigns of other French kings.
19. Shakespeare; other English poets, all of whom are inferior to him.
20. The Falls of Niagara; other falls in the United States.
Adjectives and Adverbs incapable of Comparison. [129] —
Some adjectives and adverbs have meanings which do not vary in degree: as, dead, perfect, wooden. Such adjectives cannot properly be compared or modified by the words "more," "most," "so," "too," and "very."
[129] "Foundations," p. 135.
Exercise LXXVIII.
Which of the following adjectives and adverbs do not vary in degree? — Absolutely, brave, cloudless, cold, conclusively, continually, entirely, essentially, extreme, faultless, French, fundamental, golden, happy, impregnable, inaudible, incessant, incredible, indispensable, insatiate, inseparable, intangible, intolerable, invariable, long, masterly, round, sharp, square, sufficient, unanimous, unbearable, unbounded, unerring, unique, universally, unparalleled, unprecedented.
Misplaced Adjectives and Adverbs. [130] — A word, a phrase, or a clause used as an adjective or an adverb should come next to the word, or words, which it modifies.
The word only requires special care. Observe how the position of only affects the meaning in the following sentences: "Only he lost his hat;" "He only lost his hat;" "He lost only his hat," or "He lost his hat only;" "He lost his only hat."
[130] "Foundations," p. 136.
Exercise LXXIX.
Correct the errors of position in the following sentences: —
1. Metal reflectors are only used now for cheap search-lights.
2. I will only mention some of the best.
3. I only had time to read "King Lear."
4. He only spoke to me, not to you.
5. Coons are only killed with the help of dogs. The coon only comes out in the night-time.
6. Lost, a Scotch terrier, by a gentleman, with his ears cut close.
7. Canteens were issued to the soldiers with short necks.
8. We all went to the sea-shore for a little fresh air from the city.
9. At one time Franklin was seen bringing some paper to his printing-office from the place where he had purchased it in a wheelbarrow.
10. He went to Germany to patronize the people in the little German villages from which he came with his great wealth.
11. The three young men set out and finally arrived at the college dressed in girls' clothes.
12. The maskers were nearly dressed alike.
13. Erected to the memory of John Smith accidentally shot as a mark of affection by his brother.
14. Lost, an umbrella by a gentleman with an ivory head.
15. A piano for sale by a lady about to cross the channel in an oak case with carved legs.
16. He blew out his brains after bidding his wife good-bye with a gun.
17. The Moor, seizing a bolster, full of rage and jealousy, smothered Desdemona.
18. Wanted, a handsome Shetland pony suitable for a child with a long mane and tail.
19. Wolsey left many buildings which he had begun at his death in an unfinished state.
20. My cousin caught a crab and took it home in a pail of water which we had for our tea.
21. I scarcely ever remember to have had a rougher walk.
Adverbs between To and The Infinitive. — "A careful writer will do well to avoid the construction which places the adverb between to and the infinitive. It is true that the construction is a common one; but it is also true that those who are most addicted to the practice are not those who count most as authorities on questions of good usage." [131]
[131] "Foundations," p. 140.
Exercise LXXX.
Improve the arrangement in the following sentences —
1. Hermes caused the milk pitcher of the old couple to never be empty.
2. His political enemies tried to in this way impeach the courage of the President.
3. He promises to earnestly try to do better.
4. To really know the man we must read his books.
5. Another project is to in some way modify the power of the House of Lords.
6. She dwelt upon what was comforting, though conscious that there was little to veritably console.
7. He proposed to either largely decrease the appropriation or to wholly do away with it.