Page 178 - How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper, 8th Edition 8th Edition

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each/every. If I had a dollar for every mistake I have made, how much would I have? The answer is one dollar. If I
had a dollar for each mistake I have made, I would be a millionaire.

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it. This common, useful pronoun can cause a problem if the antecedent is not clear, as in the sign which read: "Free
information about VD. To get it, call 555-7000."

like. Often used incorrectly as a conjunction. Should be used only as a preposition. When a conjunction is needed,
substitute "as." Like I just said, this sentence should have started with "As."

only. Many sentences are only partially comprehensible because the word only is positioned correctly in the sentence
only some of the time. Consider this sentence: "I hit him in the eye yesterday." The word only can be added at the
start of the sentence, at the end of the sentence, or between any two words within the sentence, but look at the
differences in meaning that result.

quite. This word is often used in scientific writing. Next time you notice it in one of your manuscripts, delete the word
and read the sentence again. You will notice that, without exception, quite is quite unnecessary.

varying. The word "varying" means "changing." Often used erroneously when "various" is meant. "Various
concentrations'' are defined concentrations that do not vary.
which. Although "which" and "that" can often be used interchangeably, sometimes they cannot. The word "which" is
properly used in a "nonrestrictive" sense, to introduce a clause that is not essential to the rest of the sentence; "that"
introduces an essential clause. Examine these two sentences: "CetB mutants, which are tolerant to colicin E2, also
have an altered. . . ." "CetB mutants that are tolerant to colicin E2 also have an altered. . . ." Note the substantial
difference in meaning. The first sentence indicates that all CetB mutants are tolerant to colicin; the second sentence
indicates that only some of the CetB mutants are tolerant to colicin.

while. When a time relationship exists, "while" is correct; otherwise, "whereas" would be a better choice. "Nero
fiddled while Rome burned" is fine. "Nero fiddled while I wrote a book on scientific writing" is not.
Misuse of words can sometimes be entertaining, if not enlightening. I have always enjoyed the word "thunderstruck,"
although I have never had the pleasure of meeting anyone who has been struck by thunder. Jimmy Durante built his
comedy style around malapropisms. We all enjoy them, but seldom do they contribute to comprehension. Rarely, you
might use a malapropism by design, to add picturesque interest to

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your speaking or writing. One that I have used several times is the classic "I'm really nostalgic about the future."

This reminds me of the story about a graduate student who had recently arrived in this country from one of the more
remote countries of the world. He had a massive English vocabulary, developed by many years of assiduous study.
Unfortunately, he had had few opportunities to speak the language. Soon after his arrival in this country, the dean of
the school invited a number of the students and faculty to an afternoon tea. Some of the faculty members soon
engaged the new foreign student in conversation. One of the first questions asked was "Are you married?" The student
said, "Oh, yes, I am most entrancingly married to one of the most exquisite belles of my country, who will soon be
arriving here in the United States, ending our temporary bifurcation." The faculty members exchanged questioning
glances—then came the next question: "Do you have children?'' The student answered "No." After some thought, the
student decided this answer needed some amplification, so he said, "You see, my wife is inconceivable." At this, his

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