The Words to be Used

Canals, industrial history, wildlife, landscape, cycling and walking

together represent a mixed bag. H ow many o f them can properly be
called aspects? Probably none o f them, so the expression many other
aspects is totally out o f place. The first four o f the items listed are really
cited as topics o f interest for possible study. The other tw o items, cycling
and walking, are activities. The six items cannot be classed together as
aspects. The distinction between them m ust be made: For instance, the
study o f canals, industrial history, wildlife or landscape may appeal to
you, or activities such as cycling or walking the tow paths.
ballot
A ballot is an instance o f the practice o f electing a representative by
voting. We speak o f the ballot paper on w hich voters register their vote
and the ballot box into w hich the papers are consigned. Voters cast
their votes. They do not cast their ballots, a fact w hich ought to be
conveyed to the news writers o f the BBC.
The Israelis are expected to cast their ballot early in the spring.
This should be either: The Israelis are expected to cast their votes or:
The Israelis are expected to hold their ballot.
challenge, challenging
The w ords challenge and challenging have lost whatever overtones
they once had o f knightly encounters in the lists, meetings w ith pistols
at dawn, or any other such desperate situations. Over-use o f the w ord in
business has em ptied the w ord challenging o f resonance.
We provide a challenging, unique environment where those with ability
can realize their ambitions.
The same applies to the w ord challenge. Over-use has rendered it null
and void.
PowerGen has continued to move ahead to new challenges during the year.
This, o f course, is tantam ount to saying nothing at all except that the
firm still exists.
component
Feeling for the right w ord to apply to a bunch o f supposedly related
items, the m ind may throw up such words as aspects, elem ents,