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Apr 25

Consider the clever idea accepted

Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2010 in Misused words and expressions

Clever. This word has been greatly overused; it is best restricted to ingenuity displayed in small matters.

Consider. Not followed by as when it means, “believe to be.” “I consider him thoroughly competent.” Compare, “The lecturer considered Cromwell first as soldier and second as administrator,” where “considered” means “examined” or “discussed.”

From: William Strunk, Jr., The Elements of Style, 1918.

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