Glossary of Usage: O

of, have one
often times only

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.


of, have: imprecise pronunciation leads to a common error:

WRONG: could of might of should of would of
RIGHT: could have might have should have would have

often times: a redundancy for often.


one: stilted as an indefinite pronoun. Sometimes writers resort to one to avoid the second-person you or the clumsy he or she. Find alternatives:

AWKWARD: One should not swim after eating.

BETTER: Swimming after eating is dangerous.

 

AWKWARD: If one is qualified, one should be hired.

BETTER: Qualified candidates should be hired.


only: locate this adverb with care.

MISLEADING: She only likes me.

CLEAR: She likes only me.


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