Missing Words: Unto

Unlike in skiing, in human interaction we do not gain the capacity to generate from within the appropriate actions and responses until maturity.  23 words

Error:  Unlike in skiing

This error is based on the incorrect use of ‘like’.  ‘Like’ is an adjective.  It modifies a noun.  Being an adjective, it can be modified (think ‘decorated’) by an adverb as in “very like”, or it can be modified by an adverb prepositional phrase as in ‘like unto a horse’.  Now, we would never say ‘like unto a horse’; ‘unto’ has become a forgotten word.  

But you can still find “unto” in the Bible.  The Golden Rule is “Do unto others as ye would have them do unto you.” Luke 6:31

Psalm 119:105  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Correction:  Unlike the way it is in skiing

‘Unlike’ is an adjective.  Where is the noun that it modifies? Let’s re-arrange the given sentence.  The intent of the sentence is to give a Definition (N+LV+N).

Why don’t we write the full sentence?  First, we are familiar with the preposition and the writer expects us to fill in the missing words automatically as we often do.  We are told to keep the words in a sentence to 20 words or less to facilitate reading ease.  Finally, we leave out words because we are rushing to say the idea and don’t take the time to be absolutely certain that we are saying what we mean.