For all intents and purposes vs. for all intensive purposes

While people generally use both for all intents and purposes andfor all intensive purposes to mean “in every practical sense,” ”seeming as if,” or “virtually/almost completely,” the standard form of the idiom is for all intents and purposes.

“For all intents and purposes, Ethereum Classic is a worthless scam.”
Huffington Post

“My mother’s heart would be broken to know her siblings have, for all intents and purposes, cut me out of their lives.”
Chicago Tribune

“Your money, for all intents and purposes, is infinite; there are millions of ways to make money.”
Huffington Post

It may not pass the editorial process but it is not uncommon for you to encounter the use of for all intensive purposes both in speech and in print.

“For all intensive purposes, the Martellus Bennett era in Chicago is officially over.”
FanSided

The confusion may be attributed to the phonetic similarity between these phrases. If spoken aloud, for all intents and purposes and for all intensive purposes would virtually sound the same. This is whyfor all intensive purposes is considered a fairly common eggcorn, a word or phrase that result from a mishearing or misinterpretation of another.

For all intents and purposes, on the other hand, originated from the idiom “to all intents and purposes” which was used in English law in the 1500s. It is a shorter form of the original phrase “to all intents, constructions, and purposes” found in an act adopted by Henry VII in 1547.

The use of “for” in place of “to” eventually gained popularity, hence, the emergence of the idiom’s current form. However, “to all intents and purposes” is still being used by some writers.

“To all intents and purposes, bitcoin is ‘discovered’ by computers that compete globally with one another to gain credit for sealing off the latest block in the chain.”
Forbes

In conclusion, you are advised, for all intents and purposes, to use the correct idiom and avoid using the eggcorn especially in your written work.

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Allusion vs. Illusion vs. Elusion

Despite the obvious differences in spelling, people still misuse the words allusion, illusion, and elusion. This may be attributed to their phonetic similarity. Below are simple tips to avoid mix-ups in the use of these words.

Allusion is word used to refer to “an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly” or “an indirect or passing reference”.

“At the 2016 Olympics Opening Ceremony, the IOC’s Bach made no allusion to Russia”
The Independent

“A birdcage lamp used to rest on a piano that sat in the corner, an allusion to Angelou’s 1969 autobiographical work, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.’”
Forbes

“The allusion did not sit well in a city where lawmakers are often distinguished by being progressive or moderate Democrats, leading at least one supporter of the measure to hold back tears of anger.”
Fortune

On the other hand, an illusion is “something that deceives by producing a false or misleading impression of reality” or “the state or condition of being deceived”. Since illusion is a relatively common word, most people are familiar with it and rarely misuse it.

“Tony Oursler’s Grand Illusions, Science Left at the Door”
New York Times

“This Optical Illusion Hugging Photo Will Make Your Brain Melt”
Huffington Post

“Fish Spawning Aggregations: an illusion of plenty”
National Geographic

Lastly, elusion is a noun which refers to “the act or an instance of eluding or escaping”.

“’Elusion’ Charges Dropped Against Portsmouth Mayor”
The New Journal and Guide

“They might also be considered victims, for having been given the elusion of competency and then asked to keep up with the complex problems around them.”
Huffington Post

“Perhaps Atlanta found inspiration in the Houston Rockets’ elusion of a sweep in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals”
Bleacher Report

This is an allusion to those who give in to the illusion that these three words are interchangeable. Elusion of this mistake is easy as long as you remember their meanings and uses.

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Idioms with D

Here are some idiomatic expressions built around words beginning with letter D.

Damn someone with faint praise

To damn someone with faint praise is to praise them in such a way that it appears you are actually criticizing them.

Put a damper on

To put a damper on something is to make it less enjoyable.

In the dark

When you are in the dark, you are in a state of ignorance.

A shot in the dark

A shot in the dark is a wild guess.

Dash something off

To dash a letter off is to write it hurriedly.

Call it a day

To call it a day is to decide to stop doing an activity.

Day in and day out

When something happens day in and day out, it happens continuously or repeatedly over a long period of time.

Scare the daylights out of someone

To scare the daylights out of someone is to do something that scares them severely.

The dead of night

The dead of night is the darkest and quietest part of the night.

The dead of winter

The dead of winter is the coldest part of winter.

Fall on deaf ears

When something falls on deaf ears, it is ignored.

Turn a deaf ear

To turn a deaf ear is to refuse to listen or respond.

Deal someone a blow

To deal someone a blow is to hit them.

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Expressions with bring

Here is a list of idiomatic expressions with bring.

Bring yourself to do something

To bring yourself to do something is to force yourself to do something unpleasant.

Bring something about

To bring something about is to cause something to happen.

He brought about many reforms.

Bring something forward

To bring something forward is to move an event to an earlier time.

Bring the house down

When you bring the house down, you make your audience applaud or laugh enthusiastically.

Bring something off

To bring something off is to achieve something.

Bring something on

To bring something on is to cause something unpleasant to occur.

Bring something out

To bring something out is to launch a new publication or product.

They are bringing out a revised version of this book.

Bring someone round

To bring someone round is to make them conscious again.

They sprinkled some water on her face to bring her round.

Bring something to bear

Bring something to bear is to apply influence or pressure.

Bring someone up

To bring someone up is to look after a child until s/he is an adult.

She has to work hard to bring up her children.

Bring something up

To bring something up is to raise a matter for discussion.

You shouldn’t have brought up the topic of his alcohol addiction.

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Conjunctions exercise

Complete the following sentences using appropriate conjunctions.

1. I will not come …………………….. you need me. (unless / except)

2. ………………… you apologize, I shall punish you. (unless / except)

3. I will not go ……………… you do. (unless / without)

4. I will not go ………………… you. (unless / except / without)

5. He speaks ………………… his father does. (as / like)

6. Scarcely had he gone ……………….. a policeman knocked at the door. (when / than)

7. If I do not speak of them it is …………………. they do not come within my subject. (because / that)

8. Such goods are made for export and are …………………….. used in the country. (seldom or never / seldom or ever)

9. He lost ……………….. his ticket, but also his bag. (not / not only)

Answers

1. I will not come unless you need me.

2. Unless you apologize, I shall punish you.

3. I will not go unless you do.

4. I will not go without you. (Here without is a preposition, not a conjunction.)

5. He speaks as his father does.

6. Scarcely had he gone when a policeman knocked at the door.

7. If I do not speak of them it is because they do not come within my subject.

8. Such goods are made for export and are seldom or never used in the country.

9. He lost not only his ticket, but also his bag.

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How to write a thank-you letter?

Somebody has just offered you a good job or sent you a nice gift. Writing a ‘Thank you letter’ is the best way to show your appreciation. Here are a few tips to write a courteous thank-you letter.

Address your letter to a specific person

Whether you are writing a thank-you letter or some other letter, it is always a good idea to address your letter to a specific person.

Be sincere

Do not send a thank-you letter just for the sake of sending it. The tone of your letter must be sincere. Most people can easily sense it when are being dishonest.

The purpose of a thank-you letter is to express your gratitude. And hence stick to that point. Avoid the temptation to discuss other things in a thank-you letter.

Close the letter appropriately. For example, you may reaffirm the gratitude. Or you can indicate your intention to continue contact.

Send it as soon as possible

Write the letter as soon as possible. For example, somebody has sent you a gift. Ideally, you should write a thank-you letter within 24 hours of receiving the gift. A thank-you letter sent two or three weeks later doesn’t have much value.

Be concise

Keep it short and simple. A thank-you letter has to be short. You must still be able to convey the message clearly. Choose the right words that would remind the person of your appreciation.

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Changing rules of formal and informal writing

Writing has generally been more formal and speech more informal. However, these distinctions are beginning to change.

In fact, English used in business situations has started becoming less formal. Many forms (for example, the use of personal pronouns) that were once considered inappropriate in formal writing are now considered perfectly acceptable. Similar changes are being witnessed in the academic field too.

Here is a look at some features that are slowly but steadily making their presence felt in formal writing.

The use of personal letters

The personal pronouns I and we are now quite acceptable in business letters. In fact, businesses are actively promoting this trend because they believe that the use of personal letters will help them personalize the message. The use of I in personal letters is an indication that the writer is willing to take responsibility. We, on the other hand, is used to refer to the company.

Split infinitives

A split infinitive is an expression where an adverb is placed between ‘to’ and the ‘verb’. Some writers still avoid them, but they are also gaining acceptance.

Beginning a sentence with and or but

In the olden days beginning a sentence with the conjunction and orbut was considered a serious crime; now they have become acceptable too. However, you must not begin a sentence with a conjunction just for the sake of it. Avoid it if it is possible, but if the situation demands it, don’t hesitate to use it.

Contractions

Contractions should be avoided in academic writing. However they are perfectly acceptable in emails and personal business correspondence.

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Adverb clause of time

An adverb clause is a subordinate clause. It must be attached to a main clause. Adverb clauses of time are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions while, after, whenever, before, since, as, till, until etc.

While you were playing I was working.

Don’t use the cell phone while you are driving.

As I was walking down the street, I saw James driving a Porsche.

He went to work after he fed the cats.

He went abroad after he finished his studies.

After you have finished your work, you may go home.

Don’t talk while she is singing.

Do it before you forget.

Bring me some water before you go.

I have not been keeping well since I returned from Kerala.

Everyone rose to their feet when he walked into the room.

They were told to wait till the signal was given.

I will wait here until you arrive.

Whenever I go to London, I try to see Mathew.

Whenever I see him, I feel nervous.

As soon as he heard the news, he called me.

Just as he entered the room the clock struck.

No sooner did he see us than he disappeared.

An adverb clause can come before or after the main clause. When it comes at the beginning it is usually separated with a comma.

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Antonyms exercise

Against each key word are given five suggested meanings. Choose the word or phrase which is opposite in meaning to the key word.

1. Discrepancy

a) inconsistency
b) consistency
c) inappropriate
d) variance
e) vagary

2. Disdain

a) attitude
b) honesty
c) admiration
d) zeal
e) disgust

3. Disheveled

a) tidy
b) clumsy
c) unkempt
d) long
e) exasperated

4. Disingenuous

a) sincere
b) sophisticated
c) trained
d) experienced
e) uncomfortable

5. Dismal

a) remarkable
b) trivial
c) reserved
d) puzzled
e) dislocated

6. Dismay

a) intimidate
b) mitigate
c) soothe
d) hearten
e) mystify

7. Dispel

a) scatter
b) gather
c) dissipate
d) refract
e) agonize

8. Disposition

a) sparking
b) watchfulness
c) inclination
d) unwillingness
e) temperament

9. Dissipate

a) vanish
b) unite
c) dispel
d) disappear
e) contemplate

10. Disburse

a) collect
b) gather
c) pay out
d) discard
e) distinguish

11. Keen

a) dull
b) sharp
c) brilliant
d) focused
e) unnecessary

12. Keep

a) protect
b) discard
c) convert
d) celebrate
e) avert

13. Kemp

a) professional
b) successor
c) brave
d) loser
e) atheist

14. Kill

a) murder
b) execute
c) animate
d) slay
e) throw

15. Kindle

a) invoke
b) infuriate
c) put off
d) awaken
e) lavish

Answers

1. consistency

2. admiration

3. tidy

4. sincere

5. remarkable

6. hearten

7. gather

8. unwillingness

9. unite

10. pay out

11. dull

12. discard

13. loser

14. animate

15. put off

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How to make your writing more formal?

While communicating with business people, the language you use must be consistently appropriate in style and tone.

The following are the basic features of formal writing.

Write all verbs in full. Do not use contracted forms like don’t or can’t.

Do not use abbreviations such as info (for information) and asap(for as soon as possible).

Limit the use of passive voice. However, there are some situations where passive verb forms are preferred to active forms. For example, active verb forms used with the first person singular are not considered appropriate in formal or academic writing. Write ‘A copy of the document will be mailed to you as soon as possible’instead of ‘I will mail you a copy of the document asap’.

Watch your vocabulary. Certain words are considered informal. Examples are: fix, begin, start, OK, thanks etc. Avoid them in formal writing. Instead use words like repair (for fix), commence (for start / begin), in order / all right (for OK) and thank you (for thanks).

Avoid informal intensifiers like really and so. Instead use more sophisticated ones such as extremely, highly, entirely etc.

Limit the use of phrasal verbs. As far as possible avoid using them, but if that is not possible limit their use. It is usually possible to express the same idea using standard verb forms.

Certain discourse markers are considered informal. Avoid using them. For example, write incidentally instead of by the way.

Do not leave out words. Ellipsis is not acceptable in formal writing. Write ‘I hope to see you soon’ instead of ‘Hope to see you soon.’

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Uses of have

The auxiliary have has three forms – have, has and had.

Uses of have

In the simple present tense have indicates ideas such as possession, relationships etc.

I have a car.
She has a brother.

Have is used to form the perfect tenses.

We have received the parcel.
She has gone to the market.
We had forgotten to take our umbrellas.
He has left for his native place.

Have can be used to express ideas such as obligation and compulsion.

You have to be there before six.
She has to leave now.
You have to work hard.
He has to face the consequences of his action.

Have + had

This structure is often confused. In ‘have had’ have is the auxiliary verb whereas had is the past participle form of the verb have.

I have had my breakfast. (= I have eaten my breakfast.)
She has had a wash. (= She has taken a wash.)

Complete the following sentences using an appropriate form of have.

1. We …………………. not heard anything from them.

2. You …………………. not paid the fee.

3. She ………………….. not passed the test.

4. I ………………… to apply for that job.

5. He ………………. lost his memory.

6. She ………………. applied for that job.

Answers

1. We have not heard anything from them.

2. You have not paid the fee.

3. She has not passed the test.

4. I have to apply for that job.

5. He has lost his memory.

6. She has applied for that job.

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Grammar

For all intents and purposes vs. for all intensive purposes

For all intents and purposes vs. for all intensive purposes