Page:A Desk-Book of Errors in English.djvu/120

hanger have hanger on: A colloquialism for "a dependent or parasite:" the term is inelegant and therefore undesirable.

hangs on: As a substitute for "remains," the expression finds no favor.

happen. Compare.

happen in, to: A colloquialism often met in rural districts and used for "to make a chance social call," or "to drop in casually" as one passes by.

happiness. Compare.

hard case: An American colloquialism for a person of pronounced or curious type.

hardly. Compare.

hardy. Compare.

hasten, hurry: Although both words imply a celerity of action, the former presupposes consideration and is not opposed to good order, whereas the latter is indicative of perturbation and a measure of irregularity. Therefore these terms are not synonymous. Phelps in his "English Style in Public Discourse," says "the first does not imply confusion; the second does." Lexicographers do not restrict the meaning of hurry to "to confuse by undue haste or suddenness," but define it as "to cause to be done rapidly or more rapidly; accelerate." You hasten to congratulate but hurry to catch a train.

have: On the use of this word the says: Used in the past tense following