Words and Phrases.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20260, 21 March 1934, Page 6

Words and Phrases.

'J'HE SUBSTITUTION of one word for another is sometimes justified for the sake of variety. It avoids ungainly repetition, but where that is not necessary' it has the air of cheap ornament, even if it does not create ambiguity'. Very simple instances of faulty variation occur daily in the newspapers. A report on tramway finance to-day says:—‘‘The Sumner line shows an increase of 55,521 in passengers, but a decrease of £129 in revenue; New Brighton an extra 57,999, and £IOO more in revenue, and North Beach an increase of 15,441 travellers but a decreased taking of £119.” Here “decrease” and “increase” should have been persisted in. Sporting writers are frequent offenders. From a contemporary one notes that: “ Jewel Pointer has been a brilliant performer over all distances but it would be expecting too much for the son of Logan Pointer to down such a high-class field.” And again: “Bell Dial has recovered from the injury she sustained prior to the last Auckland meeting and the bay mare is working along in satisfactory style at Epsom.” These are mild instances of the general disinclination to repeat a simple word or name. Gold becomes “ the precious metal,” Sir Charles Kingsford Smith becomes “ the famous airman,” Archbishop Julius becomes “ that venerable dignitary,” and so on. TOUCHSTONE.