Common Mistakes : Aspect

 noun

.BAD: From a biological aspect, the two plants are very similar

.GOOD: From a biological point of view, the two plants are very similar

.BAD: History can be studied in many different aspects

.GOOD: History can be studied from many different points of view

aspect = one of the parts or features of a situation, idea, problem, etc

.Modern technology affects all aspects of our daily lives

.The book concentrates on the cruel aspects of war

point of view = a particular way of looking at a situation, event, problem, etc

From a vegetarian’s point of view, these new controls on meat preparation are of little interest

?What does the process of getting old mean from a medical point of view

.I wish you’d try and see things from my point of view for a change

BAD: Another function of newspapers is to shape public opinion and in this aspect the Guardian is very influential indeed

GOOD: Another function of newspapers is to shape public opinion and in this respect the Guardian is very influential indeed

(To refer back to something that you have just said, use in this respect (NOT in this aspect

Mr Jones has far more experience than the other applicants, and in this respect I’d say that he is the strongest candidate

.BAD: At one time it seemed as if men were stronger than women in every aspect

.GOOD: At one time it seemed as if men were stronger than women in every respect

When you wish to control the strength of a statement, use in some/ several/ certain/ many/ all respects or in one/ this/ every respect

.In many respects she is the best teacher I’ve ever had

.In some respects the two cultures are very similar