Enquire within upon everything by Robert Kemp Philp

161. Errors in Speaking.

There are several kinds of errors in speaking. The most objectionable of them are those in which words are employed that are unsuitable to convey the meaning intended. Thus, a person wishing to express his intention of going to a given place, says, "I _propose_ going," when, in fact, he _purposes_ going. The following affords an amusing illustration of this class of error:--A venerable matron was speaking of her son, who, she said, was quite stage-struck. "In fact," remarked the old lady, "he is going to a _premature_ performance this evening!" Considering that most _amateur_ performances are _premature_, it cannot be said that this word was altogether misapplied; though, evidently, the maternal intention was to convey quite another meaning.