Prefer—­than

“I prefer to walk than to ride.”  Say “I prefer walking to riding;” or,
“I would rather walk than
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ride.”  “To skate is preferable than to coast.”  Say “Skating is preferable to coasting.”

Amount, Number

Amount applies to what is thought of in the mass or bulk, as money, wheat, coal.  Number is used when we think of the individuals composing the mass, as men, books, horses, vessels.

Answer, Reply

An answer implies a question.  We may reply to a remark or assertion.  A reply is more formal than an answer.

Antagonize, Alienate, Oppose

The word antagonize should not be used in the sense of alienate; as, “Your proposition will antagonize many supporters of the measure.”  “The Senate opposed the bill which passed the House” is better than “antagonized the bill.”

Anticipate, Expect

“The arrival of the President was hourly anticipated” is pompous.  Use expected.

Any, At all

“He was so far from the speaker’s platform that he could not hear any.”  Better “that he could not hear,” or “hear at all,” or “hear what was said.”
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Apparent, Evident

These words are often used interchangeably.  That which is apparent may be what it appears to be, or it may be very different; that which is evident admits of no doubt.  The same is true of apparently and evidently.

Prejudice

“He is not the best person for the position, but his many kindnesses to me prejudice me in his favor.”  We may be prejudiced against a person or thing, but cannot be prejudiced in favor.  Use predispose.

Presume

This word is often employed when think, believe, or daresay would be better.

Pretend, Profess

“I do not pretend to be an orator.”  Pretend means to feign, to sham; as, “He pretends to be asleep,” and should not be used when claim or profess would better suit the purpose.

Preventative

The correct form of the word is preventive, not preventative.

Previous, Previously

The adjective previous is often incorrectly used for the adverb previously; as, “Previous to his imprisonment he made a confession of his crime.”
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Promise, Assure

“I promise you we had a good time yesterday.”  Promise relates to the future, hence “I assure you,” etc., would be better.

Propose, Purpose

To propose is to set before the mind for consideration; to purpose is to intend.  “I propose sending my son to college” should be “I purpose,” etc.  “I propose that you go to college, my son.”  “Thank you, father, I accept the proposal.”