The fines inflicted for excess of the legal speed.–Times. (excess of speed: exceeding the legal speed)
Notwithstanding the no inconsiderable distance by sea.–Guernsey Advertiser. (it is no inconsiderable distance: the—or a—not inconsiderable distance)
His whim had been gratified at a trifling cost of ten thousand pounds.–Crawford. (a trifling cost—unspecified: a trifle of ten thousand or so: the trifling cost of ten thousand. So in the next)
Dying at a ripe old age of eighty-three.–Westminster Gazette.
That question is the present solvency or insolvency of the Russian State. The answer to it depends not upon the fact whether Russia has or has not...–Times. (the fact that: the question whether. But depends not upon whether would be best here)
To all those who had thus so self-sacrificingly and energetically promoted the organization of this fund he desired to accord in the name of the diocese their deep obligation.–Guernsey Advertiser. (accord thanks: acknowledge obligation)
The allies frittered away in sieges the force which was ready for an advance into the heart of France until the revolt of the West and South was alike drowned in blood.–Times. (the revolts were alike drowned: the revolt was drowned)
2. Of two distinct idioms the wrong is chosen.
When, too, it was my pleasure to address a public meeting of more than 2,000 at the Royal Theatre the organized opposition numbered less than seven score.–Times.
It is our pleasure to present to you the enclosed notification of the proportion of profits which has been placed to the credit of your account.–Company circular. (I had, we have, the pleasure of—, The form chosen is proper to royal personages expressing their gracious will)
In the face of it the rule appears a most advisable one.–Guernsey Advertiser. (On the face of it means prima facie: the other means in spite of)
3. The form of an idiom is distorted, without confusion with another.
However, towards evening the wind and the waves subsided and the night became quiet and starlight.–Times. (Starlight is a noun, which can be used as an adjective immediately before another noun only; a starlight night)
Russia is now bitterly expiating her share in the infamy then visited upon Japan.–Times. (We visit upon a person his sins, or something for
