It is rather interesting to notice the adoption, more or less gradually, of expressions and words used by some writer, perhaps one who is a bit more original than others. Just recently the expression "heading up the work" in a certain mission or conference, seems to be obtaining favor, and is used by one after another in lieu of a better, more accurate designation. Of course such an expression cannot be printed, but must give place to "in charge of," or "taking the lead in," or some other more acceptable form.
"Splendid" is another term just now usurping the place of several more accurate descriptive words, This word holds primarily the meaning of brilliant, shining, and might sometimes be used of a very spectacular exploit, but hardly of a canvasser's record of sales or of a church's reaching its goal.
Perhaps you have heard someone who might be expected to be a good grammarian, say "between you and I," and because it sounded familiar, you have been using it too. But there is no grammar to sanction this use. 'Between" is a preposition, and the object of a preposition must always be in the objective case. "Between you and me" is the correct form, many public speakers to the contrary notwithstanding. The English translators of our Bible put the correct form, "It is I," into our Saviour's lips when His disciples saw Him walking on the water, and we should remember this when we are tempted to say, "It is me."
It is astonishing to hear our radio announcers promising to present some future program in terms of "shall" instead of "will." Many people are puzzled over the use of these two little words, but there is an old rhyme that states it very clearly:
"In the first person, simply shall foretells;
In will a threat or else a promise dwells.
Shall in the second and third doth threat;
Will simply then foretells the future feat."
Another example sticks in the mind, and will prevent anyone from being misled:
"I will drown; nobody shall help me."
That is, I am determined to drown;
I will not let anyone help me.
Whereas what the drowning one meant to say was:
"I shall drown; nobody will help me."
In the first person, shall predicts and will determines;
in the second and third persons, will predicts and shall determines.
Mary A. Steward.
