Diction Exercise (394)

Answers and Explanations

1.
Original: The by-laws will stand as amended if no one has any objections.
Correct : The by-laws will stand as amended if no one objects.

2.
Original: If my cousins need a new air conditioning unit, I’ll make the recommendation that they call your firm.
Correct : If my cousins need a new air conditioning unit, I’ll recommend that they call your firm.

3.
Original: I won’t sign this because I have reservations about your ability to follow through.
Correct : I won’t sign this because I doubt your ability to follow through.

4.
Original: I’d like to make the proposal that we invite the Simpsons to join our writing group.
Correct : I’d like to propose that we invite the Simpsons to join our writing group.
Alterna.: I propose that we invite the Simpsons to join our writing group.

5.
Original: I don’t know how you can make a distinction between this coat and the one you returned.
Correct : I don’t know how you can distinguish between this coat and the one you returned.
Alterna.: I don't know how you can differentiate between this coat and the one you returned.

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