Glossary of Usage: N
negative, positive not nice not only nobody 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.
negative, positive: overused as vague substitutes for "bad" or "good." Find more precise words.
nice: overused as a term of mild approval. Find a more exact word.
nobody: the more formal anyone is preferred. The same is true for everyone, no one and someone. Do not mix forms: "Someone told me nobody is home."
not: be careful where you place the adverb not:
MISLEADING: All of us are not honest.
CLEAR: Not all of us are honest.
not only: if you start a not only . . . but also construction, you must complete it. Be careful where you place the not only and the but also:
WRONG: He not only reads Chinese but also French and English.
RIGHT: He reads not only Chinese but also French and English.
RIGHT: He not only reads Chinese but also speaks it fluently.