(the) deeper meaning	disinterested
descriptive words/phrases/language	disrespect
dictionary	distrust, mistrust
different from, than	dubious, doubtful

 

G1: write the rule. Do not just write "G" or "Glossary of usage" in your corrections. Find the appropriate section in the alphabetized list below, read it, write the rule (or a short version of the rule), and correct the error.

(the) deeper meaning: when you write about literature, avoid phrases like "deeper meaning" and "hidden meaning." They sound like boasting, and they give the false impression that writers set out to deceive readers.

Be more objective. Sometimes students who write "deeper" or "hidden meaning" are really talking about the difference between figurative and literal meanings.

BOASTFUL: Although Frost's poem seems on the surface to be about two roads, on a deeper level it is really about choices in life.

OBJECTIVE: The roads in Frost's poem are symbols of the choices everyone faces in life.

descriptive words/phrases/language: too vague to be of use in analyzing the style of a work of literature. Often people who write descriptive words mean "imagery" or "concrete diction." They should describe the imagery or diction and its effect on the reader:

VAGUE: The poet uses many descriptive words to describe the scene.

BETTER: The poet uses images of ripening fruit to evoke the quality of autumn.

dictionary: avoid quoting the dictionary, especially as a formula to open essays. It is overused, and it insults the intelligence of readers, who can look up words if they wish.

different from, than: different from is correct usage, but it must be followed by a noun or pronoun phrase ("different from the last one").

Although purists object to different than, it is commonly used to introduce a clause ("different than it used to be") and is simpler than saying "different from what it used to be."

disinterested: means "unbiased, impartial." Different from uninterested (meaning "bored").

disrespect: a noun. Not used as a verb in standard English.

WRONG: They disrespected him.

RIGHT: They treated him with disrespect.

distrust, mistrust: both are used as nouns and verbs.

dubious, doubtful: doubtful is better to describe a person feeling doubt. Both words can describe things (interpretations, conclusions, outcomes), but doubtful often implies worthlessness ("My chances of qualifying for the Olympics are doubtful") while dubious suggests "uncertain" and even "worthy of suspicion" ("persons of dubious reputation").

Their dubious qualifications made me feel doubtful of their success.

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