Page:A Desk-Book of Errors in English.djvu/28

already amid use was condemned. One may say of a task that it is "almost completed" or that it is "about completed" meaning that it is nearly accomplished or approaches closely to a completed state.

already: Although this word consists of two elements "all" and "ready," it is not correctly spelled with two "l's" but already.

also, likewise: According to some writers also merely denotes addition, and likewise denotes connection with some person or thing that has previously been referred to. Likewise, which means "in like manner," of necessity refers to states and conditions which are susceptible of manner, and should not be used indiscriminately for also, which properly connects facts and qualities. There is, for example, a considerable difference between the expressions "He spoke also" and "He spoke likewise." In the second case, the matter of speech may be considered to have been to the same effect as the speech first alluded to. Lexicographers do not recognize this difference.

In practise, the choice between these words is largely to secure euphony and avoid repetition. Also and likewise affirm that what is added is like that to which it is added. —, p.59.

alternative: "This word means a choice — one choice — between two things. Yet popular usage has