Slips of tongue and pen

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

79050

Title

Slips of tongue and pen

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A comprehensive guide to correcting common linguistic errors, this volume offers precise instructions on grammar, punctuation, and word usage. J. H. Long provides clear distinctions between often-confused terms, ensuring writers and speakers achieve clarity and elegance in their communication.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'Slips of Tongue and Pen,' J. H. Long provides a comprehensive guide to refining written and spoken English, addressing the frequent errors that undermine clarity and style. The text is structured into sections covering common errors, grammatical points, suggestions for composition, and lists of often-confused words. Long meticulously distinguishes between synonyms, opposites, and specific terms, such as clarifying the difference between 'advantage' (a comparative state) and 'benefit' (simple gain), or 'bravery' (a natural quality) versus 'courage' (an acquired quality resulting from reason). He advises against pleonastic phrases, incorrect prepositions, and improper verb tenses, offering corrected alternatives for common misconceptions. For instance, he corrects the phrase 'slips of tongue and pen' to emphasize that 'slip' itself implies a mistake, making the repetition redundant. Long also explores the nuances between conscious agency and unconscious instrumentality, explaining that 'by' denotes conscious agency while 'with' indicates unconscious instrumentality, as seen in the distinction between being killed 'by a man' versus 'with an axe.' The book serves as a practical manual for maintaining logical consistency and adhering to established rules of composition. Through numerous examples, Long demonstrates how to avoid ambiguity, such as distinguishing between 'few' (indicating a small number, often implying scarcity) and 'a few' (indicating some). He further addresses the historical development of language and the importance of appropriate word choice, urging writers to avoid technical slang and pedantry in favor of clear, accessible prose. By providing specific corrections for phrases like 'anticipate' versus 'expect' or 'affable' versus 'kindly,' Long equips readers with the tools to elevate their style, ensuring their communication is precise, elegant, and free from the unconscious errors that plague everyday writing and speech.

LLM editorial rating

4.5/5

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