Page:A Desk-Book of Errors in English.djvu/122

have heir "I meant to have visited Paris and to have returned to London before my father arrived from America," the past infinitive in the dependent clause is necessary for the expression of the completion of the acts purposed. "I meant to visit Paris and to return to London before my father arrived from America," may convey suggestively the thought intended, but does not express it.

have seen, seen, saw: In combining words that denote time always observe the order and fitness of time. Do not say "I have seen him last month; say, rather, "I saw him last month." Nor say, "I seen him this week"—a common error in grammar among the careless; say, rather, "I have seen him this week," a form that should be used also, instead of "I saw him this week."

he, she, her, him, etc.: Pronouns often used incorrectly; inexcusable errors in the educated, which are illustrated by such expressions as "If I were him (or her), I would," etc. It should be "If I were he (or she), I would," etc.

healthful, healthy: Discriminate carefully between these words. A healthful thing is one efficacious in promoting or causing health; healthy denotes condition or characteristics; as "a healthy child"; "a healthful climate."

heap: A word sometimes used to designate a "large number." A heap is "a collection of things