ALONE

is another word which creates ambiguity and alters meaning. If we
substitute it for only in the preceding example the meaning of the
sentence will depend upon the arrangement. Thus "I _alone_ struck him at
that time" signifies that I and no other struck him. When the sentence
reads "I struck him _alone_ at that time" it must be interpreted that he
was the only person that received a blow. Again if it is made to read "I
struck him at that time _alone_" the sense conveyed is that that was the
only occasion on which I struck him. The rule which governs the correct
use of _only_ is also applicable to _alone_.


OTHER AND ANOTHER

These are words which often give to expressions a meaning far from that
intended. Thus, "I have _nothing_ to do with that _other_ rascal across
the street," certainly means that I am a rascal myself. "I sent the
despatch to my friend, but another villain intercepted it," clearly
signifies that my friend is a villain.

A good plan is to omit these words when they can be readily done without,
as in the above examples, but when it is necessary to use them make your
meaning clear. You can do this by making each sentence or phrase in which
they occur independent of contextual aid.


AND WITH THE RELATIVE