by
D. Michelle Adkerson
tact;
tack
If someone has tact, he is able to appreciate the delicacy of
a situation and to do or say the most fitting thing. Tact means
"diplomacy." Tact is "a course of action meant
to minimize opposition to the attainment of a goal." It is an approach,
especially one of a series of changing approaches.
Lise
tactfully passed the handkerchief to the widower.
Look,
if he doesn't respond to your hint, change your tack: offer him cash
outright.
tactics
See strategy.
than
See then.
that;
which
Clauses essential to the meaning of the sentence begin with that
and are not set off with commas. Nonessential clauses begin with which
and are set off by commas (or dashes or parentheses).
then;
than
Then refers to time. Than is part of a phrase that compares
something to something else.
Tip:
Then is akin to when.
I'd
rather go now than later.
Then
we can get back to the city in time for a late show.
I
thought you wanted to stay more than to leave.
We
could stop for coffee then go to the movies.
Would
you rather have tea than coffee?
till;
until
Either word is correct.
translucent;
transparent; opaque
A translucent object permits light to be transmitted but so diffusely
that images from the other side can't be seen. A transparent
object permits light to be transmitted and the images from the other
side are visible. An opaque object is impervious to light.
In
an abstract sense, transparent means "frank, clear, and open."
Opaque means "obtuse or stupid."
undue;
unduly
The first means "unnecessary." The second means
"excessively"; a comparison
must be implied in the sentence.
Not: There is no need for undue fear. (redundant)
But:
The situation warrants undue concern.
The
film is unduly long considering its failure to develop the characters.
unique
Unique means "one of a kind." It has an absolute meaning, so it's
incorrect to say that one thing is "more unique" than another.
When you mean interesting, unusual, or novel, prefer that
more precise word.
United
States
Abbreviate United States if it is used as a descriptive word
but not if it stands alone.
The
United States was well represented at the October meeting.
The
U.S. delegation met at the World's End for lunch
until
See till.
upon
Use on unless the word introduces a condition or event. Then
use upon.
usage
A specialized term meaning a customary way of doing something.
English grammar usage dictates that a singular pronoun refer to a singular
noun.
utilize
Avoid this silly replacement for use. (And prefer the noun use
to the multisyllabic utilization.)
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