“Give me the _portion_ of goods that falleth to me.” “We traveled a _part_ of the distance on foot.” _Portion_ is applied to that which is set aside for a special purpose, often as the share or allotment of an individual, as the wife’s _portion,_ the _portion_ of the oldest son, etc. _Part_ is a more general term.
Bryant would not have said, “I will send you a _postal_ by to-morrow’s mail.” _Postal card_ or _post card_ would be better.
These words are sometimes confounded. _Practicable_ means “that may be done or accomplished,” and implies that the means or resources are available; as, a _practicable_ road, a _practicable_ aim. _Practical_ means “capable of being turned to use or account;” as, “The _practical_ man begins by doing; the theorist often ends by thinking.”
This word is sometimes incorrectly used in the sense of _form _or _base;_ as, “He _predicated_ his statement on the information he had just received.” Neither should it be used in the sense of _predict; _as, “The sky is overcast, and I _predicate_ a storm tomorrow.”
“I _prefer_ to walk _than_ to ride.” Say “I prefer walking to riding;” or, “I would rather walk than ride.” “To skate is _preferable than_ to coast.” Say “Skating is preferable to coasting.”
_Amount_ applies to what is thought of in the mass or bulk, as money, wheat, coal. _Number_ is used when we think of the individuals composing the mass, as men, books, horses, vessels.
An _answer_ implies a question. We may _reply_ to a remark or assertion. A _reply_ is more formal than an _answer._
The word _antagonize_ should not be used in the sense of _alienate;_ as, “Your proposition will _antagonize_ many supporters of the measure.” “The Senate _opposed_ the bill which passed the House” is better than “_antagonized_ the bill.”
“The arrival of the President was hourly _anticipated”_ is pompous. Use _expected._
“He was so far from the speaker’s platform that he could not hear _any.”_ Better “that he could not hear,” or “hear at all,” or “hear what was said.”
These words are often used interchangeably. That which is _apparent_ may be what it appears to be, or it may be very different; that which is _evident _admits of no doubt. The same is true of _apparently_ and _evidently._