Commonly Confused Words Beside and Besides

Although theres some  overlap in meaning  between beside and besides, the two words arent usually interchangeable. Definitions Beside is a preposition meaning next to or in comparison with. As a preposition, besides  means except  or in addition to. As a conjunctive adverb, besides means also or moreover. Examples Rose was too angry to sit beside Sam.  Besides, she preferred to wait outside.Louisa Weed, a pretty girl of nine was looking out the western windows. Her younger brother Henry was standing beside her.(John Cheever, The Country Husband. The New Yorker, 1955)[The] forgotten little house on the  South Side had somehow never been sold or mortgaged. A day came when Albert, the last surviving son, found this piece of property the only thing he owned in the world besides his personal effects.(Willa Cather, Double Birthday. The Forum, 1929)The boy couldnt swim, and [the fisherman]  wasnt going to have him climbing in and out of the skiff anymore than necessary. Besides he was too big.(Lawrence Sargent Hall, The Ledge. The Hudson Review, 1960)The old home had been long and low, and  an enormous willow tree, which had miraculously escaped the fire and still grew, had shaded one corner of the roof.  The new home stood beside the macadamized new road and was high and boxlike, painted y ellow with a roof of glittering tin. Besides the willow tree, the principal barn at the old home had also escaped the fire and it was still used for storing hay and as a shed in which were kept most of the farm implements.(Elizabeth Bishop, The Farmers Children. Harpers Bazaar, 1949) Usage Notes While the two words were once used interchangeably, beside has been reserved as the preposition and besides as the adverb since the late 18th century. But they are still confounded.(Bryan A. Garner, Garners Modern American Usage. Oxford University  Press, 2009)The Potential for AmbiguitySome critics argue that beside and besides should be kept distinct when they are used as prepositions. According to that argument, beside is used only to mean at the side of, as in There was no one in the seat beside me. For the meanings in addition to and except for besides should be used: Besides replacing the back stairs, she fixed the broken banister. No one besides Smitty would say a thing like that. But this distinction is often ignored, even by widely respected writers. While it is true that besides can never mean at the side of, beside regularly appears in print in place of besides. Using beside in this way can be ambiguous, however; the sentence There was no one beside him at the table coul d mean that he had the table to himself or that the seats next to him were not occupied.(The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th ed., 2000)The Use of Beside for BesidesAs a number of commentators remark and all conscientious dictionaries show, there is a certain amount of overlap between these two words. The OED shows that historically there was even more than there is now. . . .The only question arises when beside is used in the preposition sense of besides. Gould [in 1856] disliked this use, and most commentators since his time simply avoid it by not mentioning it at all. Although it is not nearly as frequent as besides, it is well attested. It has been in use since the 14th century and appears in the King James version of the Bible in several places. Our modern evidence for this sense is modestly literary. . . . While this use of beside is not wrong, nor rare, nor nonstandard, besides is the word most people use.(Merriam-Websters Dictionary of English Usage, 1994) Practice (a) Thoreau lived _____ a pond.  Few people _____ his aunt ever visited him.(b)  Mr. Moody took several dollar bills out of his pocket and placed the money _____  his plate.(c)  Nobody _____  me knows the password.(d)  I wasnt in the mood to play tennis, and  besides, I was already late for work. Answers to Practice Exercises:Beside and Besides (a) Thoreau lived  beside  a pond.  Few people  besides  his aunt ever visited him.(b)  Mr. Moody took several dollar bills out of his pocket and placed the money  beside  his plate.(c)  Nobody  besides  me knows the password.(d)  I wasnt in the mood to play tennis, and  besides, I was already late for work. Glossary of Usage: Index of Commonly Confused Words

Classification Theorem Classification Algorithm

J48 Classification Algorithm The J48 classification algorithm considers all the possible tests that can split the data set and selects a test that gives the best information gain. So, whenever it encounters a training set it identifies the attribute that discriminates the various instances in a most clear way. From the possible values, if there is an attribute with unique value and if it has the same value as that of target value then the branch is ended For the other cases, other attribute with the highest gain is considered. This process is continued till we obtain a combination of attributes with the highest information gain or till we do not have any more attributes to test. The scenario in which we do not have any more attributes, the branch is assigned an average value or the value majorly possessed by the items. One Rule Classification Algorithm OneR also known as One Rule is a classification algorithm that generates one rule for each predictor in the data set. The attributes used for classification are known as predictors and the attribute classified is known as the target. After the generation of rule, the rule with the smallest error is considered as the â€Å"one rule.† A frequency table is generated for the creation of rule for a predictor. The results generated with the help of oneR algorithm are easy to interpret and are in easy readable format. Algorithm: For each predictor, For each value of that predictor, evaluate rule by following these steps;Show MoreRelatedClassification Of Data Mining Techniques1512 Words   |  7 Pagestechniques makes easier to predict hidden patterns from the data. The most popular data mining techniques are classification, clustering, regression, association rules, time series analysis and summarization. Classification is a data mining task, examines the features of a newly presented object and assigning it to one of a predefined set of classes. 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Moondance free essay sample

The date of my great epiphany eludes me, but even now, six months later, the fateful quote still resounds perfectly in my ears: â€Å"Hey Helen, Rachel’s gonna stretch ‘em today, okay?† This sentence, however insignificant it seemed, struck me in the core of my being and brought tears of shock to my eyes. I glanced at Jessica with sudden loathing, stepped off the podium and trudged to the back of the room in humiliation. If I continued to be robbed of opportunities to prove my competence as a potential color guard captain, how would Ms. Dede ever see how fervently I desired the position? She had informed us that she would be filling three leadership posts: flag captain, rifle captain, or the coveted overall captain. There were five of us trying out for these; I could only hope for the part of flag captain—overall guard captain was extremely difficult to obtain. Guard had been the pinnacle of my existence for the past two years. The program was an essential, irreplaceable part of me; color guard was my â€Å"escape† from all the trivial problems of conventional life. Even during the off season, I practiced rifle, hoping to get ahead before tryouts resumed in March. I loved guard more than anything in the world. Somewhere in the catacombs of my soul, I knew that I could better the guard’s reputation with phenomenal leadership. As I watched Rachel go through the routine stretches, I felt a steel wire of determination begin to form in these catacombs. This feeling blazed through my veins like a violent fever, and the tears resurfaced, threatening to fall. I looked around at the new aspiring guard girls. I could easily empathize with those who appeared nervous; I had been very intimidated at my first audition practice as a newcomer. I felt positive that I knew what these girls were experiencing, and I wished that I had the authori ty to comfort them, to help them realize that the terrifically high standards of Ms. Dede were not impossible to achieve, even to transcend, with extraordinary devotion and hard work. A guard member who had begun with very little raw talent but instead possessed exceptional determination, I was proof that even the most awkward, clumsy girl could create the exquisite beauty of color guard if she was willing to practice. Of course, I could always pass on this knowledge and earn respect as a senior member, but I believed that the girls would truly appreciate my advice if it came from one of their leaders. That evening, with the wire of determination still pulsating through my veins, I decided to take action. I drove the vehicles out of the garage, swept the floor, and closed myself in with only my rifle, flag, and a portable stereo. I had been preparing a potential routine in secret for several months, although I did not have any real intention of trying out for captain. As a junior, I had only been a member of the line for two years; Mom had prohibited me from trying out as an eighth grader, instead insisting that I march with my saxophone through my first year. The other prospective captains had been color guard members every year of high school. This gave them a competitive vantage, but I no longer cared. I wanted the position so intensely, with every fiber of my being. My shortcomings in experience only prompted me to practice in every spare second of time, regardless of fatigue and in lieu of social pastimes. I wasted no time warming up or stretching; instead, I immediately dove into redesigning my routine. I kept some of the work, but I quickly realized that my original plan was far too easy. I wanted to come up with something grand, something spectacular. Simply standing in one place and doing drop spins on rifle was not enough. Ms. Dede would appreciate intricate work; my performance must be one that showcased not only my skill in handling equipment, but also my ability to turn those skills into a living work of art. I switched out various moves for hours, writing down each new set of counts as I added them in. Finally, I ascertained that I had enough material to at least cover a good introduction, so I plugged in the stereo to see how my progress fit with Van Morrison’s â€Å"Moondance,† my designated song. The first part of the routine fit with the music perfectly, to my astonishment. I had to fix a few kinks in timing, as well as add a few high tosses, but I could tell that the overall effect would be quite remarkable when performed well. The work complimented swells and dips in the tune so closely that it seemed formulated singularly for â€Å"Moondance.† I had invented rifle moves that were especially challenging; intense practice would be essential to ensure consistent perfection. I was more than willing to practice intensely. I carved out specific time in my schedule to polish the routine; on days that m y last block class did not meet, I went home to practice until I had to leave to pick up my sister from school. When I came back, I finished any homework, and then went to work until nine or ten. As soon as I arrived home again, into the garage I went, picking up my rifle and gloves along the way. Often, I would rehearse until very late in the night, and then a little bit in the morning before school. Although I knew the other girls trying out for captain were receiving help from older members, I refused to let anyone besides my family observe my progression. This was not out of spite; rather, I felt that even if I did not make captain, I would be proud to say that I had toiled through the routine’s creation on my own. Months and weeks flew by, as they tend to do; on the eve of auditions, I practiced only until dark, and then went inside to get some sleep. Altogether, I thought the routine looked good, but I had been forced to make some adjustments within the past two weeks that had still thrown me off occasionally during practice. I went through the entire song only once before school the next morning. My hands were already so clammy that I was worried I might drop and break my rifle before I had the chance to audition. Classes had never seemed so slow, or so mundane. I felt feverish throughout the day, and my head ached from worry. Would Ms. Dede finally see how badly I wanted this? Had I practiced enough? I walked to the band room mechanically upon hearing the three o’ clock bell, yet I had the strangest sensation that I was floating instead. I was knocked out of my trance immediately upon entering the band room. Chaos had ensued among the auditioning girls—red lipsticks and hair ribbons flew around in the blitz. Mr. Tate, the head band director, looked disgruntled; he sent us all outside after we had changed into our khaki shorts and white shirts, and told us not to return until Ms. Dede had arrived. I situated myself in a corner to work on my rifle tosses and review the main tryout routine. I was oblivious to my surroundings until I heard a voice behind me. â€Å"Hey, uh, can we ask you something?† I turned around. Two â€Å"new† girls stood behind me, flags in hand . They both looked frightened. â€Å"Can you watch this and tell us what we’re doing wrong?† I put down my rifle, surprised that they had come to me for assistance. â€Å"Yeah, absolutely,† I said, feeling a smile cross my face. â€Å"Where do we need to start?† I helped the two with their routine until their audition numbers were called. They thanked me, beaming, and ran off to the gym. I resumed my rifle practice, feeling much less apprehensive than before. After the main auditions were complete, captain tryouts were held. Some of the stress from earlier in the day began to resurface. Moments now passed as quickly as bullets; terror began to rise in my chest. The anxiety between the potential captains was tangible, almost suffocating. I escaped into the guard room until my name was called. I handed my music to Ms. Dede. â€Å"First song on the disc, and I’m trying out for flag captain,† I murmured breathlessly. I sauntered down the steps to the gym floor, hearing nothing but my own muffled heartbeat, as if my ears had been plugged with cotton balls. I put down my flag and stood with my rifle, waiting. I was now overly aware of everything around me; my senses had become poignant, so that the air itself felt somehow alive. â€Å"Ready?† asked Ms. Dede A thousand thoughts raced through my head in a single instant, but for the second time that day, an unconscious smile made its way over my lips. â€Å"Ready,† I replied with sudden confidence. As â€Å"Moondance† began to play, everything else disappeared. Before, I had thought that such moments, the ones where the rest of the world seems to slide away, existed only in movies and cliche romance novels. But there on that gym floor, for less than two minutes, I truly felt as though I were the only being in existence. I forgot about Ms. Dede, about the other girls watching, about the possibility that I had worked for months to gain nothing, if being r ejected for captain was considered â€Å"nothing.† All that mattered was creating the beauty of color guard that makes it an art all its own. I hit my final pose, and the world melted back into view. Relief poured over me in torrents. No more late night practices, at least not for a while. No more stressful rifle tosses or complicated count structures. I was finally done. The leadership positions for the next season would not be announced until the band banquet, a week after auditions were held. For a few days, I was comforted by the notion that I had done everything possible to prove my merit, but soon I dreaded the coming announcement. I often caught myself writing YOU DID NOT GET CAPTAIN along the edge of my chemistry notes, determined to prepare for disappointment. To actually achieve the position seemed unfathomable. Friday night, the night of the banquet, came rather quickly. Throughout the dinner, I could barely speak from trembling. I picked absently at my food, too s olicitous to eat. I was certain that if I ate at all I would throw up. Finally, Mr. Tate stepped up to the podium. â€Å"Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the 2007-2008 Gibson County High School Band Banquet. I hope you all have enjoyed the meal so far†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I put my head down on the table. The boundless formalities only made me more nauseous. I was about to run to the bathroom when Mr. Tate reached the crux of his speech: â€Å"We will now reveal next year’s band leaders. As I call your name, please step up to the front of the stage.† My heart fluttered behind my ribcage. He unfolded a sheet of paper and began to read from a list of names and titles. I crossed my fingers on both hands, not daring to breathe. â€Å"Percussion captains, Liz S and Darren W. This year, for our color guard, we will have three captain positions to accommodate the growing number of color guard members—overall captain, flag captain, and rifle captain,† announced Mr. Tate. â€Å"Overall captain†¦Helen F,† he read monotonously. For an instant, I thought I had finally worried myself into insanity. I simply sat at the table, gaping stupidly at Mr. Tate. A few seconds passed, and I stood slowly, mouth still hanging open, and practically bounded to the front of the room to join the other new leaders. After feeling so much emotion for the past few months, I could feel nothing at all. The numbness was quite welcome. After a meeting with Mr. Tate about next year’s leadership, we were dismissed. The chilly May air swirled around me as I walked out to the car, still stupefied. I thought briefly about what I would bring my—my!—guard girls as a welcome gift at Freshman Orientation. Brownies, perhaps? Cupcakes? I turned on the car, ready for some heat. As I drove out of the parking lot, I turned up the volume on the CD player. I had forgotten that I had left â€Å"Moondance† on repeat as I was coming to the banque t. Van Morrison’s timeless voice brought an eruption of joyous tears to my eyes and unencumbered exultation to my soul. â€Å"It’s a marvelous night for a Moondance†¦Ã¢â‚¬ 