A all right

30 A all right

all right

All right means “all correct.” (“The answers were all right.”) In formal writing, it should not be used to mean “good” or “acceptable.” It is al- ways written as two words, with no hyphen; alright is nonstandard.

all together / altogether

All together means “all acting together” or “all in one place.” (“The nec- essary instruments were all together on the tray.”) Altogether means “entirely” or “completely.” (“The trip was altogether unnecessary.”)

allude / elude / refer

Allude means to make an indirect reference to something. (“The report simply alluded to the problem, rather than stating it explicitly.”) Elude means to escape notice or detection. (“The leak eluded the inspectors.”) Refer is used to indicate a direct reference to something. (“She referred to the merger during her presentation.”)

allusion / illusion

An allusion is an indirect reference to something not specifically men- tioned. (“The report made an allusion to metal fatigue in the support structures.”) An illusion is a mistaken perception or a false image. (“County officials are under the illusion that the landfill will last in- definitely.”)

allusions

An allusion is an indirect reference to something from past or current events, literature, or other familiar sources. The use of allusion pro- motes economical writing because it is a shorthand way of referring to

a body of material in a few words or of helping to explain a new and unfamiliar process in terms of one that is familiar. In the following ex- ample, the writer sums up a description with an allusion to a well- a body of material in a few words or of helping to explain a new and unfamiliar process in terms of one that is familiar. In the following ex- ample, the writer sums up a description with an allusion to a well-

known story. The allusion, with its implicit reference to “right standing up to might,” concisely emphasizes the writer’s point.

䊳 As it currently exists, the review process involves the consumer’s attorney sitting alone, usually without adequate technical assis-

tance, faced by two or three government attorneys, two or three attorneys from CompuSystems, and large teams of experts who support the government and the corporation. The entire proceed- ing is reminiscent of David versus Goliath.

Be sure, of course, that your reader is familiar with the material to which you allude. Allusions should be used with restraint, especially in international correspondence. If overdone, allusions can lead to af-

fectation or can be viewed merely as clichés. See also technical writing

style.

almost / most

Do not use most as a colloquial substitute for almost in your writing.

almost

䊳 New shipments arrive most every day.

also

Also is an adverb that means “additionally.” (“Two 5,000-gallon tanks are on-site, and several 2,500-gallon tanks are also available.”) Also should not be used as a connective in the sense of “and.”

and

䊳 He brought the reports, the memos, also the director’s

recommendations. Avoid opening sentences with also. It is a weak transitional word that

suggests an afterthought rather than planned writing.