Page:The king's English (IA kingsenglish00fowlrich).pdf/178

164 and no one below the degree of a metaphysician can pretend to decide between them.

We tamper with, but tinker at, the thing that is to be operated on.

You may hunt the alien from his overcrowded tenement, you may forbid him, if you like, from toiling ten hours a day for a wage of a few shillings.—Times.

His toiling, or him to toil.

His readiness, not only at catching a point, but at making the most of it on a moment's notice, was amazing.—.

On the spur of the moment, but at a moment's notice. The motive was, no doubt, to avoid repeating at; but such devices are sins if they are detected.

Nataly had her sense of safety in acquiescing to such a voice.—.

We acquiesce in, not to, though either phrase is awkward enough with a voice; to is probably accounted for again by the desire to avoid repeating in.

3. After nouns.

There can be no fault found to her manners or sentiments.—.

I find fault with: I find a fault in. Write in or with, as one or the other phrase is meant.

We assume the right of turning, we take the initiative in turning.