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Many errors in English are perpetrated and perpetuated by people misusing words beginning with "per," "pre" and "pro." See whether you can choose the correct word in each sentence:
No. 1: Taking English 101 is a (prerequisite, perquisite) for admission to "Eulogistics of the Diochromatical Metaphysics of Shakespearian Semiotics."
No. 2: One of the (prerequisites, perquisites) of teaching Shakespeare is a reserved parking space in university lot 2B (or not 2B).
No. 3: The teacher (proscribed, prescribed) the use of cell phones and BlackBerry devices in class
No. 4: When the grizzly bear became ill from eating too many black berries, the veterinarian (proscribed, prescribed) a soothing stomach medication.
No. 5: The district attorney pledged to (persecute, prosecute) all scofflaws.
No. 6: The Puritans used harassment, intimidation and even violence to (persecute, prosecute) Quakers.
No. 7: Regular examinations can help detect cancer of the (prostate, prostrate) gland.
No. 8: The sycophants lay (prostate, prostrate) before the emperor.
No. 9: When Danny lied about his income, he (perpetuated, perpetrated) fraud.
No. 10: Class reunions help to (perpetuate, perpetrate) friendships.
No. 11: Art students usually practice (perspective, prospective) drawing.
No. 12: Most colleges offer tours for (perspective, prospective) students.
No. 13: Alan's spending sprees earned him a reputation for (prodigality, profligacy).
No. 14: Art's licentiousness earned him a reputation for (prodigality, profligacy).
Bonus Question:
No. 15: Was legendary Yankees and Mets baseball manager Casey Stengel known as "The Old Professor" or "The Ol' Perfessor"?
Answers:
No. 1: prerequisite (something required in advance) No. 2: perquisite (privilege, benefit) No. 3: proscribed (prohibited) No. 4: prescribed (directed, imposed with authority)
No. 5: prosecute (to bring legal action against) No. 6. persecute (to oppress, coerce, treat unfairly) No. 7: prostate (gland in male mammals) No. 8: prostrate (to lie flat, often in submission)
No. 9: perpetrated (committed, brought about) No. 10: perpetuate (to sustain, continue) No. 11: perspective (representation in which lines converge to give the illusion of depth and distance) No. 12: prospective (likely to become)
No. 13: prodigality (lavishness) No. 14: profligacy (dissipation, salaciousness) No. 15: Either nickname is correct. Stengel is believed to have acquired this moniker in 1914 while coaching baseball at the University of Mississippi, where he was officially designated as an assistant professor, even though he was unpaid.
Rob Kyff, a teacher and writer in West Hartford, Conn., invites your language sightings. His book, "Mark My Words," is available on Amazon.com for $9.99. Send your reports of misuse and abuse, as well as examples of good writing, via e-mail to [email protected] or by regular mail to Rob Kyff, Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.
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