- All of-Except with pronouns, ‘of’ is unnecessary (e.g., ‘all the shoes,’ but ‘all of them’).
- As to whether-whether or not-Whether is usually sufficient.
- Commence or initiate-Use ‘begin’ or ‘start’ instead.
- Currently, presently-Currently means it is happening now-Presently means it will happen soon.
- Data takes a plural verb. Datum is singular and takes a singular verb.
- Due to the fact that-Use ‘because’ instead.
- Etc.-Means ‘and so forth’ and should be used at the end of a list that makes clear exactly what kinds of other things are implied. It is not correct when it is used at the end of a list introduced by ‘such as,’ ‘for example,’ or ‘e.g.’
- ‘Irregardless’ is incorrect. Use ‘regardless’ instead.
- A knot is 1 nautical mile (6,076.1 ft. or 1852 m) per hour. The expression ‘knots per hour’ is redundant.
- Majority/Minority-Use only when referring to numbers of things, not to size.
- Only-‘Only’ goes next to the word it modifies. The same rule applies to primarily, largely, principally, mainly, partly, and completely.
- Since-Implies the passage of time; use ‘because’ when meaning ‘the reason for.’
- Subsequent to-Use ‘after.’
- Under way is two words.
- Unique means without equal. There can be no degrees of uniqueness. Thus almost unique, totally unique, partially unique, etc., are incorrect.
- Via-Means by way of in a geographical sense, not by means of.