05 June 2009

More solecisms

Alibi: an alibi is the proven fact of being elsewhere, not a false explanation.

Alternative: strictly, this is one of two, not one of three, four, five or more (which may be options).

Anarchy means the complete absence of law or government. It may be harmonious or chaotic.

Cartel. A cartel is a group that restricts supply in order to drive up prices. Do not use it to describe any old syndicate or association of producers—especially of drugs.

Compound does not mean make worse. It may mean combine or, intransitively, it may mean to agree or come to terms. To compound a felony means to agree for a consideration not to prosecute.

Confectionary: a sweet. Confectionery: sweets in general.

Crescendo. This is not an acme, apogee, peak, summit or zenith but a passage of increasing loudness. You cannot therefore build to a crescendo.

The above are selections from the Style Guide of the Economist.com. Many more at the link.

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