WRITING AND REWRITING

Wrong. If one wishes to enter a canoe safely, he should grasp both gunwales and lower himself to the seat. You should then push off from the shore.

Better. To enter a canoe safely, grasp both gunwales and lower yourself to the seat before pushing off from the shore.

Wrong. As he stood looking down the river he saw a house-boat plowing along; while behind him a fleet of coal barges sent ripples toward the shore.

Better. As he stood looking down the river he saw a house-boat plowing along. Turning around he noticed a fleet of coal barges sending ripples toward the shore.

Wrong. The taxi driver has an excellent opportunity to observe the life about him. All kinds and conditions of men and women make use of him at all hours of the day and night. Some think him merely a part of the machine he drives, some consider him no better[19] than the dirt under their feet, and some—to be sure they are not many—treat him as if he were a living, breathing human being like themselves.

Better. The taxi driver has an excellent opportunity to observe the life about him. All kinds and conditions of men and women make use of him at all hours during the day and night. He finds that some treat him as if he were no better than the dirt under their feet, and some—to be sure they are not many—as if he were a living, breathing human being like themselves.

Wrong.

The Theater in America

Between the years 1750 and 1814 many events took place which either helped or hindered the establishment of a permanent theater in America.

One of the big events that helped establish the theater in America was the coming of the Hallam company of actors. This company was made up of English actors who came from the West Indies. The company consisted of twelve adult members and three children. Every member of the group had ability as an actor, and, consequently, the company was successful. They first played at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1752. Then, after a season in Philadelphia, they went to New York. After a three months’ stay in New York, they returned to the West Indies, where Mr. Hallam died. Here a Mr. Douglas reorganized the company and with them returned to this country.

Douglas, often called the “theater builder,” did much for the future theater. He was a man of great strength and courage. Besides being a capable manager, he was also a good actor. Douglas built the first theater in America at Williamsburg, Virginia, and the first permanent theater at Philadelphia. He also built theaters at Annapolis and at Newport.

The greatest difficulty which the play companies had to overcome was the increasing opposition of some of[20] the people toward the theater. Throughout the country people were fighting against the theater. Especially was this true of the people of the North. The Southerners were fun-loving and pleasure-seeking, and the theater offered them a place of amusement. In many towns, however, laws were passed against acting. The opposition of the people was not directed so much toward the theater itself as toward the gambling and immorality which accompanied the theater of that day. Folders were distributed among the people explaining why the theater was not approved of and gradually the gambling and immorality disappeared. After this the theater improved and theater-going became better thought of throughout the country.

Better.

An Early Influence in the American Theater

In the year 1752 the theater in America received a great aid through the coming of the Hallam company of actors....

The condition of the theater prior to this time left much to be desired....

The nature of the company was such that its influence was decidedly good....

Naturally the effect of this kind of player was toward the betterment of the theater....

Wrong.

Scoring in Basketball

A score in basketball is made every time a player throws the ball into one of the baskets placed at each end of the court. In the West Branch High School the gymnasium is well equipped with everything the students need for their athletic contests....

[21]

Better. A score is made in basketball every time a player succeeds in throwing the ball into the basket guarded by his opponents. If this goal, as it is called, is made from the field, it counts two points. Sometimes, however, one team is given a free throw at the basket as the result of a foul’s being made. If the ball is caged under this circumstance, the foul goal, as it is called, counts one point.

Wrong. Gypsies are a peculiar, wandering race of people that appeared in eastern Europe in the fourteenth century and that has now spread out into Asia, America, and parts of Africa. These people are easily distinguished from those among whom they rove by appearance, by language, and by behavior. In appearance they are slight, though very strong; in color, somewhat tawny. In language they are thought to resemble some long-lost Hindu tribe. In behavior they are sneaky, and a number of them are not above chicken stealing.

Better. Gypsies are a peculiar, wandering race of people.... In behavior they are untrustworthy, and a number of them are not above petty thievery.

Wrong. Many different types are in evidence around Fitzgerald’s boathouse in the spring. The type most frequently discovered, perhaps, is the lover. He comes, accompanied by his inamorata, in quest of a canoe, in which presently the two are drifting idly upon the ample bosom of Turtle creek. It is strange that lovers should sojourn here, for Turtle creek is anything rather than a background for romance.

[22]

Better. Many different types are in evidence around Fitzgerald’s boathouse in spring.... Muddy water, sand dredges, a railway construction gang at work near at hand, the whole background is unheeded by the lovers—romance needs no setting.

All day long we were happy as a wedding party.... Early in the morning.... When noon came.... At night....

As we entered the garden.... On the right.... On the left.... Directly before us.... Upon going into the house....

Freedom may be defined as the state of being free, but to how many of us is this actually illuminating? Let us take, for example, a man who has just been released from prison, where he has been closely guarded for more than ten years. What would be his idea of freedom?

When once the mania for news gathering claims its victim, everything he sees becomes potential news.

He looks for it on his way down town in the morning....

The restaurant at which he lunches is combed unconsciously for items....

In the lobby of hotels and theaters....

[23]

Even his relatives and close friends become his prey....

Mohammed VI, the Turkish sultan, fled from Constantinople on a British warship, bound for Malta, today. The sultan declared he was not abdicating, but was merely removing himself from immediate danger. He was accompanied by....

Everybody has noticed the way a cat’s claws are incased in tiny sheaths, but how many of us know why they should be? In the first place, the cat is descended from a wild animal whose way of obtaining food was to kill its prey and then tear it to pieces. Naturally when this animal struck into the dead body with its claws, the claws, being hook-like, would tend to remain fast. But nature found a way of overcoming the difficulty by incasing the claws in sheaths so that while the paw of the animal is still inside the carcass, the claw can be withdrawn into the sheath and the paw removed without hindrance. Perfection in nature extends even to such trifles as this.

Now, as always before, it is the custom to give way to great manifestations of joy when the football team wins over a university that is much older and much better established. Just as soon as the report comes in that Drake is gaining, feeling begins to run high; when it is said that Drake is ahead, we begin to hold our breath; but when the report spreads that Drake has won, excitement breaks out like a vast tidal wave and sweeps everything before it.

On a summer evening the shores of Lake Tiberias are thronged with strange and interesting people.

Here are caravans from across the Arabian desert....

Above them a Bedouin drives his flocks....

Not far away a rich Arabian farmer....

Around him, around everyone, in fact, little Arabian boys....

Then, as the last rays of the sun disappear behind the Mountain of Beatitudes, ...

... Thus it is that I came to believe in ghosts.

But ghosts are not all that I came to believe in that summer....

... Guns, horses, motors, men, all thundered along the road, then, like dogs of war let loose at Armageddon.

The hunt was up; the scent was on the air—Germany was unchained....

The most attractive flower to me among all those that grow in my garden is the sweet pea, chiefly, I think, because of the delicacy of its color, form, and fragrance.

Wrong. As the sun climbed higher, the spell of the dawn was broken, and the camp came to life. Soon the surface of the lake was dotted with bobbing heads. Upon the crests of the low hills farmers were seen beginning to plow. Milk carts rattled along the roads toward the creamery. All was in harmony to foretell a perfect day.

Better. As the sun climbed higher, the spell of the dawn was broken, and the camp began to come to life. Soon the surface of the lake was dotted with bobbing heads as the campers splashed about taking their dip before breakfast. There was much laughter and merry shouting; everybody was ready to have as much fun as he could. Across the lake the farmers were commencing to plow. And from the road behind came the rattle of milk carts on their way to the creamery. It was morning; the world was awake.

Wrong. Here and there the long, shiny body of a fish shot out of the water and fell back with a faint splash. The lake changed from the deep blue reflected from the clear sky to all the brilliant colors of the sunset. The sun began to set long before it should have, according to the campers’ ideas. Canoes crept out without a sound from the shore, and the campers enjoyed to the fullest their favorite time of the day. Gulls called back and forth and settled for the night on jutting sand bars.

Better. The sun began to set long before it should have, according to the campers’ ideas. The lake changed in color from the deep blue that had been reflected from the clear sky to all the brilliance of the sunset. Here and there the long, shiny body of a fish shot out of the water and fell back with a gentle splash. Gulls called back and forth to one another and began to settle for the night on jutting sand bars. Now canoes crept from the shore without a sound, and the campers enjoyed to the full this their favorite hour of the day.

... With all these hints of prospective fun, how easy it is to bang the books back upon the table and let the world go hang—on Friday night.

Wrong.

Friday Night

This is the night of all the week to which I looked forward with the most pleasure.

Better.

The Best Night in the Week

There is one night in the week that is, to me, more pleasant than any other. You know which one it is as well as I do, for it is your best friend, too.

Strokes Most Commonly Used in Tennis

Idea to be developed: In order to be a good tennis player one must master certain strokes.

• I. The service stroke
• A. Position of body
• 1. Poised so that weight be added to stroke
• a. Leans away from toss
• b. Follows racket in striking
• B. Tossing ball
• 1. Ball at arm’s length from shoulder
• 2. Held somewhat before body
• 3. Thrown lightly three or four feet in air
• C. Striking ball
• 1. Racket raised to strike as ball descends
• 2. Force necessary
• 3. Accuracy necessary
• a. Ball must strike court within bounds
• I´. Dimensions of receiver’s court.

Etc.

Why Take Boxing?

Boxing is a very interesting sport. When the child of kindergarten age first attends school he has his first experience with fighting. This happens at every meeting of boys and continues into the teens. Nearly every real American boy wants to learn how to protect himself, and a course in boxing is the best way to learn defense. In boxing, the individual learns where the best blows are planted and also how to ward off these blows. If a boy knows these punches he will not be imposed upon by his companions. Even in later life men often become quarrelsome and come to blows, but the man[29] who has learned the fundamentals of boxing always comes out in the lead. If every man knew how to box, robberies would be less frequent because the victims would be less timid and would give battle to the bandits instead of allowing themselves to be held up by highwaymen. Thus, defense is an important element in boxing.

Moreover, boxing, besides aiding in defense, is a healthful sport. The body is developed greatly after one goes out for boxing as is shown by the increase or decrease in weight, as the case may be. The weight decreases if one has been in the habit of taking no exercise as he begins training, but the weight soon increases again as the body makes the proper readjustments. Persons who are fleshy soon lose their superfluous fat. With the adjustment of weight the muscles are developed. The arms and shoulders with their continuous exercise in delivering punches and warding off blows are highly developed. The muscles of the body are developed to a great extent by the continuous twisting and bending of the body. The legs become firmer and carry the body with ease after practice in boxing because of the rapid forward, backward, and side movements necessary.

Again, the body is developed in quickness by the practice of boxing. The boxer’s mind is made more alert by the habitual practice. The muscles of the body also increase in quickness. They respond instantly to the will of the mind and thereby increase the ability to advance and retreat rapidly, to deliver and ward off punches. When the boxer has developed this quickness of sensory and muscular organs, he can grasp the intent of his opponent’s actions more quickly and govern himself accordingly.

Boxing is a very well-known sport. It is widely popular both in Europe and in America. It originated several centuries ago. The main reason for the popularity of boxing is that it is a very interesting sport. The spectator is held by the rapid action of the boxers. In the early days of boxing the men were slow and relied chiefly upon strength, but the modern boxer has developed speed and uses short, quick blows. If the boxer of the past should fight the boxer of the present, the affair would be very one-sided, because the latter would soon tire out his opponent by his quickness.

[30]

Besides being interesting because of the violent action that is a natural part of the sport, it is also interesting from the point of view of the money-maker. Thousands of dollars are spent every year in developing winners. This was shown in our latest match, the Dempsey-Carpentier fight, in which many thousands of dollars were involved. An international spirit also prevails when boxers from two countries meet. This was indicated in the same match when all the Americans yelled for Jack and all the foreigners for Georges.

Boxing has grown in popularity through the ages because of its aid to health and because of its interesting features.

Wrong. At that time they reorganized a girls’ basketball team which had been dropped two years before, and they made me jumping center.

Although our high school was not a large one, we played some very good games, and managed to make a good record for the four years.

[32]

In my last year we had a new superintendent who was interested in athletics, and we then had teams in basketball, football, baseball, and track.

Right. At that time they reorganized a girls’ basketball team which had been dropped two years before, and they made me jumping center. Although our high school was not a large one, we played some very good games, and managed to make a good record for the four years. In my last year we had a new superintendent who was interested in athletics, and we then had teams in basketball, football, baseball, and track.

Wrong. “Shall we go swimming after school tonight?” I asked. “No, I have to work,” John replied. “When can we go, then?” “Tomorrow night after school, or any time Saturday. I don’t have to work next Saturday at all.” “All right; let’s go tomorrow.”

Right. “Shall we go swimming after school tonight?” I asked.

“No, I have to work,” John replied.

“When can we go, then?”

“Tomorrow night after school, or any time Saturday. I don’t have to work next Saturday at all.”

“All right; let’s go tomorrow.”

Wrong. He always has a smile and a kind word for everyone. He tries to lift everyone with whom he comes in contact to a higher plane of living.

Much sorrow has come into his life, but it seems to have made him only kinder and more gentle.

Better. He always has a smile and a kind word for everyone. He tries to lift everyone with whom he comes in contact to a higher plane of living. Much sorrow[33] has come into his life, but it seems to have made him only kinder and more gentle.

Tedious. Just like all children, Charlotte was not perfect, either in school or out. While she was in the second grade, she was sent home for making paper boats during study time, a fascinating pastime which the teacher did not approve of; and while she was in the fourth grade, she and a friend were sent to the superintendent for a lecture because out of curiosity they looked through the window of the school room one evening after closing time to watch a naughty schoolmate get his paddling. The grammar school days arrived at last, and with them came the habit of giggling and playing, at the expense of lessons and the trying of the teacher’s patience and temper. During the first year in high school she calmed down and worked hard to establish a reputation. She was always very enthusiastic over athletics and yelled herself hoarse at basketball or football games. A great deal of her time was spent in reading books of various types and in out-of-doors sports. While she was a junior and also during the last year of her high school career, she helped her father with the book work in his office, thus getting a little experience along that line and also earning for herself some expense money. Commencement finally came, and she was graduated in a class of thirty-three with all the thrills and excitement which usually accompany that occasion.

Better. Just like all children, Charlotte was not perfect, either in school or out. While she was in the second grade, for instance, she was once sent home for making paper boats, a fascinating pastime for her, but one,[34] however, of which the teacher did not approve, especially during study hours. Again, when she was in the fourth grade, one evening after school had closed for the day she and a friend peeped through the school room window out of curiosity to see a naughty schoolmate get his paddling. The result was a lecture from the superintendent the next day.

Grammar school days arrived at last, and with them came the habit of giggling and playing, at the expense of lessons and of trying the teacher’s patience and temper. During her first year in high school, however, she calmed down and worked hard to establish a reputation. She was very enthusiastic over athletics and frequently yelled herself hoarse at basketball or football games. Much of her time at this period of her life was spent in reading books of various types and in out-of-door sports.

Nevertheless, while she was a junior and also during her senior year, she found time to help her father with the book work in his office, and so acquired a little business experience and also earned some expense money. And finally, when commencement came, she was graduated along with thirty-three others amid all the thrills and excitement that usually accompany this memorable occasion.

Wrong. At the age of five I entered the public school. The second day in school began the happiest days of my life with a good whipping. This whipping brought into my life the best friend I ever had. After eight years of the closest friendship he passed out of my life. It was then that the realization of what a mother could be swept over me. Until this time my mother had been a person to go to when in trouble. She now appeared to me in the new light of a pal.

Better. At the age of five I entered the public school. A good whipping, which I received my second day in[35] school, not only ushered in the happiest days of my life, but also brought me one of the best friends I have ever had, Mr. Clark, the superintendent. During my eight years in that school he remained my closest friend, and it was not until I had finished there and Mr. Clark had passed out of my life that I began to realize what a real friend my mother could be.

Until this time my mother had been only a person to whom I could go when I was in trouble; now she appeared more like a pal.

Wrong. When evening comes and his day’s work is completed, he hurries home to his family. He is not extravagant in his home, but has it neatly furnished. If the weather is favorable, he takes them all for a drive in the country, or they go visiting, or do something else which he arranges for the pleasure of those he loves.

Better. When evening comes and his day’s work is completed, he hurries home to his family. If the weather is favorable, he takes them all for a drive in the country, or they go visiting, or do something else which he arranges for the pleasure of those he loves.

Example. Of all the places for summer dreams the best is a California beach. There the blended sights and sounds form a quiet setting for fanciful thoughts. The old Pacific rolls in its oily swells with only a rippling murmur; the droning roar of the surf a half mile down the shoreline rises from the tug of waves on tons of pebbles; the white hull of a launch is dipping, dipping[36] far out upon the water, its regular exhausts sounding faint and thin. These sights and sounds are dreamy and far off; under the mood of them the quiet mind builds sweet, lazy air castles, to be forgotten and renewed.

Example. A fence has been the evil genius of my life. It was not a remarkable fence, either; just a neat picket fence painted white. It surrounded a beautiful, well-kept lawn and guarded an old, pretty house which overflowed with books and toys. But the toys would sometimes become tiresome, and I would look wistfully through the fence at the children playing across the street. I would have liked to join them or to have them come over—but there stood the fence. I learned to read and gradually built up a play world of my own until one day I realized that I liked the fence. I no longer cared to play with the other children, and when I went to school I found that I could not play with them. The fence had followed me. The years outside the fence have changed me somewhat, but still whenever I am in a group of young people I have a feeling that I am not one of them. I want to stand back and watch them play. Some people call my backwardness shyness or timidity, others call it pouting and attribute it to a disagreeable disposition, but I know what it is: it is a neat picket fence painted white.

Example. There is a delicacy about sweet peas that makes them more attractive to me than any other flower in my garden. Notice the way the blossom is joined to the stem. It is poised there with such nice balance that[37] at the least puff of air the flower sways on its long green stalk with the rhythm of the wind. And, too, their delicacy of color is beyond that of most flowers. Really, the only thing I can think of to compare with them is the clouds at sunrise. If you have noticed, the colors then are fresh and vivid from the light behind the clouds, though a faint mist makes them more elusive than the colors of broad day. In the sweet peas the same airy, translucent color is repeated—the wan white, the sober purple blending into lavender, the rose in infinite variety. And there are other things, besides—the dewy freshness that clings to them all day, the coolness of them, the faint perfume—which make me think them different from the rest of the flowers in my garden and which set them apart from all the others in delicacy.

Example. A university is an institution of higher learning. For purposes of ministering the better to the various demands made upon it, it is made up of a number of colleges, as the college of medicine, the college of law, that of engineering, of liberal arts, of commerce, for instance, each college being in charge of an officer called the dean. The colleges, in turn, are composed of various departments, such as the department of Romance languages, of art, and of home economics; these are under the charge of officers called department heads or professors. And finally, each department presents many courses of instruction, like French, rhetoric, European history, and architectural drawing, each course being taught directly by an officer called an instructor or professor. Hence, although from the variety of its interests and the complexity of its activities it would seem that a university is an awkward, ungainly organism, nevertheless, if one examines it closely, one finds that it is a highly organized and smoothly running machine.

Wrong. Here we find what amusements occupy his or her time. This is where their chief characteristics can be pointed out. Then a word here, an oddly written phrase there, or a lack of words gives us a clue to the nature of the student.

Better. Here we find what amusements occupy his time. This is where his chief characteristics can be pointed out. Then a word here, an oddly written phrase there, or a lack of words gives us a clue to the nature of the student.

Wrong. One learns to like some students, of whom there are too few upon the campus. Others I dislike, and of these there are too many.

Better. One learns to like some students, of whom there are too few upon the campus. Others one dislikes, and of these there are too many.

Wrong. My flower garden in June is a most interesting and beautiful sight. On a bright sunny morning one would stop in amazement; the flowers were so happy when the sun reached their faces, still wet with dew, that they fairly sparkled.

Better. My flower garden in June is a most interesting and beautiful sight. On a bright sunny morning one stops in amazement; the flowers are so happy when the sun reaches their faces, still wet with dew, that they fairly sparkle.

Wrong. His directions were brief and to the point. Every question I asked was answered by just the information I desired—no more, no less. When dictating he used only the simplest words. All inquiries in letters were answered plainly.

Better. His directions were brief and to the point. He answered my questions with just the information I desired—no more, no less. When dictating he used only the simplest words and always answered plainly all inquiries in letters.

Wrong. If you were to visit the library on Saturday afternoon, you would find it nearly deserted. The tables would be empty and the reading room very quiet. The students are upon the river or are enjoying themselves upon the campus. Someone, however, who has a paper to get in may be busy at the reference shelves.

Better. If you were to visit the library on Saturday afternoon, you would find it nearly deserted. The tables would be empty and the reading room very quiet. The students would be upon the river or enjoying themselves about the campus. Someone, however, who had a paper to get in might be busy at the reference shelves.

Example. Far as he could see through the gathering dark there was quiet, the reaction after tremendous exertion. Shapes of men surrounded him. Here lay one flat upon his back, his features sketched in sharp focus by the fading light. Three yards to one side sat two bodies leaning back to back, heads upon breasts, helmets over eyes. Beyond them huddled an indistinguishable mass. On the other side, so close he could have touched them, an arm and a leg strung along in a line—no[40] torso within a rod of them. The world lay desolate and silent except for the yellowing moon and the far off, intermittent firing.

Example. My one worry and regret, however, was the fact that my father was the president of the school board. Part of my teachers gave me good grades because they were afraid they would lose their positions if they did otherwise, and the rest of them tried to flunk me because they thought they were not being paid highly enough. Among them all I managed to make about a B average, and the problem which now remains for the university to solve is, did I receive more or less than I deserved while in high school.

Example. Since man’s progress through the ages is a passage from the undeveloped to the highly developed, one wonders what the buildings of a thousand years from now will be like. From that day in the remote past, when the first cliff dweller conceived the idea of enlarging his home by carving out another terrace in the rock above it, to this day when we have a skyscraper 750 feet high, man’s building has approached nearer and nearer to the clouds. As the little two-story terrace grew, the cliff dwellers wondered and doubted. Likewise, when a four-story building was a fact accomplished by our great-grandfathers, to live in a ten-story building would have been considered extremely hazardous. And now since we have the forty-story Singer building, will man continue to aspire to the clouds or will he remain satisfied with his achievement?

Perhaps it was from her father that she got her restlessness. Accidentally she put her finger on the label of what looked to be the top of an ordinary hat, and the flat shape she held immediately took the form of a hat. Her only ideas regarding him came through an incident that happened when she was about fourteen.

She had never seen him, and her mother never mentioned his name. Her father lived in her mind as an ideal. She rushed, filled with questions, to her mother, for as long as she could remember there had never been a man in the house, and she had never seen such a hat except in pictures. Her mother was anything but romantic. She and her mother had been giving their house its fall cleaning, and she had found, wrapped up in an old silk comforter, what she took to be a hat—it was shaped like one except that it had no crown. “Your father’s,” had been the mother’s laconic answer, her lips drawing into a hard, straight line that forbade further questioning.

The tide rises.

The sun shone.

I bought a book.

The box is small.

The moon will rise.

The moon is rising.

The moon has risen.

He may light the lamp.

He is going to light the lamp.

The lamp at last was lighted.

The lamp has been lighted.

The lamp may have been lighted.

He may have been going to light the lamp.

The door opened.

He opened the door.

The club elected Frank president.

I gave Frank an apple.

She bought Frank an apple.

I told him a story.

The sky is red.

The dark shape was a house.

The car looks cheap.

He is in the house.

Home is where the heart is.

Heavy automobiles run smoothly.

Very heavy automobiles run much more smoothly.

Heavy automobiles with large tires run smoothly over rough roads.

Heavy automobiles which carry large loads run smoothly.

The cherries tasted sweeter than they looked.

He sawed the plank as carefully as he could.

We traveled so slowly that I despaired of reaching our destination.

The rising sun awakened me.

The fallen tree lay across the ravine.

The wind, howling a gale, swept the sea.

Twisting out of my hands, he escaped in the darkness.

The tree, twisted and broken, rotted away.

Time and tide wait for no man.

The flag is colored red and blue.

Time came and went.

Men and women laughed and cried.

The rains descended, and the floods came.

The automobile is fast, but the airplane is faster.

We heard that the train was wrecked.

He came because I called him.

He remained though he wanted to go.

If it rains I shall stay at home.

Though moving slowly, the train was gaining.

Though faithful to his master, the dog was shot.

Time flies.

Time came and went.

Time and tide wait for no man.

Men and women laughed and cried.

The rain descended, and the floods came.

The automobile is fast, but the airplane is faster.

I saw that he had finished.

Heavy automobiles which carry large loads run smoothly.

[53]

The weather will be what fate determines.

He broke the stone that he might find a fossil.

This action, it is expected, will produce results.

Wrong. Him and I graduated last year.

Right. He and I graduated last year.

Revise. Us and her went by ourselves.

Wrong. She was the teacher whom we thought had seen us.

Right. She was the teacher who we thought had seen us.

Revise. He whom everybody thought would win the prize came out second.

Wrong. I shall believe whomever has the best argument.

Right. I shall believe whoever has the best argument.

Wrong. A reward was offered to whomever returned the lost book.

Right. A reward was offered to whoever returned the lost book.

Revise. The decision as to whom should be punished no longer rests with me.

Wrong. It was me.

Right. It was I.

Wrong. The best friends I have are her and him.

Right. The best friends I have are she and he.

Revise. It is not whom you think it is.

Wrong. Let’s you and I go.

Right. Let’s you and me go.

Wrong. The principal called in several pupils, Jack and Mary and I.

Right. The principal called in several pupils, Jack and Mary and me.

Revise. For whom did you ask—they and she?

Wrong. He swims better than me.

Right. He swims better than I.

Wrong. She is as rich as him.

Right. She is as rich as he.

[60]

Wrong. It improved him more than I.

Right. It improved him more than me.

Right. He is a student than whom there is none better.

Revise. I like him better than she.

Wrong. I am tired of you going away like this.

Right. I am tired of your going away like this.

Wrong. Had you not heard of him being ill?

Right. Had you not heard of his being ill?

Revise. I will not consider Henry leaving.

Revise. Too much attention was paid to Ethel being rewarded.

Wrong. Biography is history’s most interesting part.

Right. Biography is the most interesting part of history.

Revise. His striking appearance held the class’s attention.

Wrong. My father decided that the farm was the best place for my brother and I.

Right. My father decided that the farm was the best place for my brother and me.

Revise. Most of we girls are studying household art.

Wrong. Our parents let my sister and I drive the horse.

Right. Our parents let my sister and me drive the horse.

Revise. Who do you want to be captain?

Wrong. He thought it to be we.

Right. He thought it to be us.

Wrong. They believed her to have been I.

Right. They believed her to have been me.

Revise. We wished it to be they.

Wrong. You cannot use those sort of films.

Right. You cannot use that sort of films.

Revise. Did you ever see these kind of instruments?

Wrong. He carefully crated and boxed the seed to stand weathering, and shipped them to India.

Right. He carefully crated and boxed the seed to stand weathering, and shipped it to India.

Wrong. Everyone did justice to their appetite.

Right. Everyone did justice to his appetite.

Revise. One can tell when they come to these villages because of the smell of the cod.

Wrong. The first five years of my life was spent here.

Right. The first five years of my life were spent here.

Revise. Magazines, especially the American, is what I enjoy reading.

Wrong. Neither of these treat the subject thoroughly.

Right. Neither of these treats the subject thoroughly.

Wrong. Oh, how I wanted a bicycle. Everyone either got one or were going to get one.

Right. Oh, how I wanted a bicycle. Everyone either got one or was going to get one.

Revise. For that reason almost everybody there get sleepy.

Wrong. Across the street is the engineering building and the university heating plant.

Right. Across the street are the engineering building and the university heating plant.

Revise. Both the plot and the style was very good.

Wrong. Clarabell or Sue are going.

Right. Clarabell or Sue is going.

Wrong. Neither Henry nor Herbert were well treated.

Right. Neither Henry nor Herbert was well treated.

Revise. Either the captain or the sergeant have made a mistake.

Wrong. She drills us on a lesson until she is sure the class are familiar with everything in each assignment.

Right. She drills us on a lesson until she is sure the class is familiar with everything in each assignment.

[63]

Wrong. Sometimes when some member of the class makes a mistake in his speech, the rest of the class laugh and talk about it.

Right. Sometimes when some member of the class makes a mistake in his speech, the rest of the class laughs and talks about it.

Revise. Another committee, known as the advisory committee, is composed of one member from each district, and are chosen by the board of the district bank represented.

Wrong. The number of bearings in a car vary.

Right. The number of bearings in a car varies.

Wrong. The grounds upon which the building stands consists of half a city block.

Right. The grounds upon which the building stands consist of half a city block.

Revise. A copy of the orders are also sent to the checker.

Wrong. There is always a few minutes now and then for reading newspapers.

Right. There are always a few minutes now and then for reading newspapers.

Revise. As I think of my subject there seems to be many phases open for investigation.

Wrong. The major, as well as all the lieutenants, were soon out in the open.

Right. The major, as well as all the lieutenants, was soon out in the open.

Wrong. Mary, together with Florence, Mabel, and Pearl, are going to be there.

Right. Mary, together with Florence, Mabel, and Pearl, is going to be there.

Revise. The whole army, including the Fifth and Seventh corps, have received orders to entrain.

Wrong. Neither the directors nor the president are in sympathy with the proposal.

Right. Neither the directors nor the president is in sympathy with the proposal.

Revise. The rodmill or the furnaces goes on double turn today.

Wrong. Each man and woman who were present came away disgruntled.

Right. Each man and woman who was present came away disgruntled.

Revise. These horses that stands here are not for sale.

Wrong. The type of literature I enjoy are books of travel.

Right. The type of literature I enjoy is books of travel.

[65]

Revise. Another group of novels I have read are Main Street, The Bright Shawl, and If Winter Comes.

Wrong. He don’t seem to know us.

Right. He doesn’t seem to know us.

Revise. The majority don’t think.

Revise.

I wonder what he has did?

Have you saw him?

He has ran the car into the ditch.

Revise.

What has she ate.

I drug it three yards.

I drawed him out.

He drownded last week.

Wrong. He laid in the hammock all morning.

Right. He lay in the hammock all morning.

Wrong. All right, set there, then.

Right. All right, sit there, then.

Wrong. We all raised up and shouted.

Right. We all rose up and shouted.

Revise. I laid on the couch while the rest of them set around waiting for me to raise up and tell them to go home.

Wrong. I feel that I have had more military training than I will get here in the university.

Right. I feel that I have had more military training than I shall get here in the university.

Wrong. You shall fail unless you get to work.

Right. You will fail unless you get to work.

Revise. He shall never be found if we do not hurry.

Wrong. I would like to give it to you.

Right. I should like to give it to you.

Wrong. He should be glad to help you, I’m sure.

Right. He would be glad to help you, I’m sure.

Revise. You shouldn’t do that, should you?

Wrong. Will I help you?

Right. Shall I help you?

Wrong. Will you be at home tonight?

Right. Shall you be at home tonight?

Revise. Shall she be asked?

Wrong. He will tell you; I am determined.

Right. He shall tell you; I am determined.

Wrong. You will go; I have decided.

Right. You shall go; I have decided.

Revise. I shall do it; nobody can prevent me.

Wrong. I would go down to the library every Saturday and there I got a book about radio.

Right. I would go down to the library every Saturday and there I would get a book about radio.

Revise. I traveled all over the state until I had seen everything or until I became tired.

Wrong. Mars was the most nearly red of all the planets.

Right. Mars is the most nearly red of all the planets.

Revise. The earth was eight thousand miles in diameter.

Wrong. I also read new, popular novels that I would find in the public library.

Right. I also read new, popular novels that I found in the public library.

Revise. I probably would never have read such low, vulgar stuff if it were not for the war.

Wrong. It was wrong for you to have gone.

Right. It was wrong for you to go.

Wrong. I ought to answer before that had happened.

Right. I ought to have answered before that had happened.

Revise. I intended to have told you.

Wrong. The reason for the fertility of Iowa farm land is that an ice sheet spread over almost the entire area of the state.

Right. The reason for the fertility of Iowa farm land is that an ice sheet once spread over almost the entire area of the state.

Revise. One little corner of Iowa contains many steep hills because the ice did not reach it.

Wrong. If I was you, I should not do that.

Right. If I were you, I should not do that.

Revise. If he was not ill, he might win today.

Wrong. You should of seen him run.

Right. You should have seen him run.

Revise. If it had not rained today, we might of gone away.

Wrong. You hadn’t ought to have come so soon.

Right. You ought not to have come so soon.

Revise. I had ought to have told you but I didn’t have the courage.

Wrong. I took time to make friends and eventually enjoyed myself in the same way as any other little girl. My favorite sport being skating.

Right. I took time to make friends and eventually enjoyed myself in the same way as any other little girl. My favorite sport was skating.

Revise. At seven o’clock every morning I hear the faint tinkling of a bell which soon becomes an insistent ring, and another day has begun. Then a dash down the cold stairs followed by a hurried wash, then down to breakfast.

Wrong. This was placed in a chemical solution, called developer, for fifteen or twenty minutes. Sometimes even longer.

Right. This was placed in a chemical solution, called developer, for fifteen or twenty minutes, and sometimes even longer.

Revise. My office hours were unlimited during the summer months. Usually from seven in the morning until after six o’clock at night on week days.

Wrong. We arrived on the peak before sunrise. This being the best time to arrive.

Right. We arrived on the peak before sunrise, this being the best time.

Revise. Asher won the mile in 4:32. Thus breaking the record.

Wrong. Soon after it is plowed. It should be harrowed several times in order to crush out all the lumps of dirt.

Right. Soon after it is plowed it should be harrowed several times in order to crush out all the lumps of dirt.

Revise. When the grain is dry enough to be threshed. The owner issues invitations for a threshing bee.

Wrong. John, wearing a straw hat. Then his brother, garbed in a dress suit, entered the hall.

Right. John, wearing a straw hat, followed by his brother, garbed in a dress suit, entered the hall.

Revise. The memorial stadium and the chemistry building. The new administration building and the women’s gymnasium have all been built since 1910.

Wrong. The beacon flared. And lighted up the darkness for miles.

Right. The beacon flared and lighted up the darkness for miles.

Revise. Who has ever heard of Dolliver? Much less has ever been there.

Wrong. They rediscount notes which arise out of and the proceeds of which are employed for agricultural, industrial, and commercial purposes.

[72]

Right. They rediscount notes which arise out of agricultural, industrial, and commercial transactions and employ the proceeds in similar transactions.

Revise. Anybody who could design an engine like that, the largest automobile manufacturers in the country would compete for his services.

Wrong. It has been about fifteen months since I left high school, and have not done any studying since.

Right. It has been about fifteen months since I left high school, and I have not done any studying since.

Revise. The town has not yet built a very large high school building, because there are not enough citizens to defray the expense and have not yet been able to obtain the co-operation of the farmers.

Wrong. Their complexion is a reddish color.

Right. Their complexion is of a reddish color.

Wrong. Hundreds of small creeks were constructed by the association, for the benefit of an individual.

Right. Hundreds of small creeks were constructed by the association, each for the benefit of an individual.

Revise. I consider him my favorite poet not because of his style but of the feeling in his verse.

Wrong. Mr. T.’s method of teaching is stimulating, but his lack of the English language makes him an undesirable instructor.

Right. Mr. T.’s method of teaching is stimulating, but his lack of knowledge of the English language makes him an undesirable instructor.

Revise. Douglas Fairbanks is truer to life than the book.

Wrong. In my American literature class the instructor thought that it was essential for us to study, at least once a week, that had to do with current happenings.

Right. In my American literature class the instructor thought that it was essential for us to study, at least once a week, something that had to do with current happenings.

Revise. You should select the ears that have medium-sized kernels and filled out well at each end.

Wrong. I have decided the topic for my long theme will be Prehistoric Man.

Right. I have decided that the topic for my long theme will be Prehistoric Man.

Revise. Father felt a secondhand car was beneath our dignity.

Wrong. Our condition is far better than the students of the East.

Right. Our condition is far better than that of the students of the East.

Revise. The history of the Book of Mormon is very much like the Bible.

Wrong. I am at least as tall or a little taller than anyone in the first squad.

Right. I am at least as tall as, or a little taller than, anyone in the first squad.

Revise. I enjoy biography as well if not better than fiction.

Wrong. I was very disappointed.

Right. I was very much disappointed.

Revise. His table manners showed that they had been very neglected up to the time we took him in hand.

Wrong. Either he or I goes.

Right. Either he goes or I go.

Revise. If he or I win the pole vault, Petersham will finish among the first three in the meet.

Wrong. Whether you or Jim is elected makes no difference to me.

Right. Whether you are elected or Jim is, makes no difference to me.

Revise. If you or any other student is caught cheating it means just one thing—expulsion of the guilty person.

Wrong. Their government was rude and founded solely upon custom.

[75]

Right. Their government was rude and was founded solely upon custom.

Revise. Our house is small and built to live in.

Wrong. I have always and always shall like cowboy stories.

Right. I have always liked and always shall like cowboy stories.

Revise. I hope I may in the future, as I have always in the past, play fair, whatever may be the provocation to do otherwise.

Wrong. Immediately I received the telegram I went home.

Right. As soon as I received the telegram I went home.

Wrong. It was in the latter part of my high school days when I did most of my reading.

Right. It was in the latter part of my high school days that I did most of my reading.

Revise. I had not gone to school long until it burned down.

Wrong. I wanted to be popular; how could I start?

Right. I wanted to be popular, but the question was, how could I start.

Revise. Officers will be elected, and a good attendance is desired.

Wrong. Consider the football season just ended, Merrill did more for the success of the team than any other captain Ohio ever had.

[76]

Right. In the football season just ended Merrill did more for the success of the team than any other captain Ohio ever had.

Revise. I enjoyed the freshman year with its essays and themes, since it proved to be a subject which I did not find difficult.

Wrong. It was one of the slowest if not the slowest game ever played on the Oval.

Right. It was one of the slowest games, if not the slowest, ever played on the Oval.

Revise. As a statesman he deserves to rank as one of the most, if not the most, contemptible figures in our history.

Wrong. Mr. Swinnerton’s novel, Nocturne, takes place in one night.

Right. The action in Mr. Swinnerton’s novel, Nocturne, takes place in one night.

Revise. The character of Mr. Pickwick is a funny creature.

Wrong. Only one hour of relaxation existed for the noon meal.

Right. Only one hour of relaxation was allowed for the noon meal.

Revise. The freshman lecture last week consisted of four speakers.

Wrong. I went to the library in search for material.

Right. I went to the library in search of material.

Revise. His personality is one of the greatest factors for his success.

Wrong. Am I included or excluded from this list?

Right. Am I included in or excluded from this list?

Revise. American literature is dependent or at least derived from English literature.

Wrong. I have often had the desire of some day taking a vacation into the Rocky Mountains of the West.

Right. I have often wanted some time to spend a vacation among the Rocky Mountains in the West.

Revise. Carrie Stevens from Wilton passed three days visiting the parental home last week.

Revise. I spoke with him for something more than ten minutes.

Wrong. Dr. Otto’s automobile was badly damaged in the collision, but Mrs. Otto, driving, was unhurt, fortunately.

Right. Dr. Otto’s automobile was badly damaged in the collision, but Mrs. Otto, who was driving, was fortunately unhurt.

Revise. During my senior year I had some experience in dramatics by taking part in the class play.

Wrong. A B.A. is where you are graduated in a liberal arts course.

[78]

Right. A B.A. is a degree given to graduates of a liberal arts course.

Revise. Golf is where you try to get the ball into the hole in the fewest possible number of strokes.

Wrong. The reason I have not read more is due to the fact that I have had no time.

Right. The reason I have not read more is that I have had no time.

Revise. My reason for reading this book was because I had previously seen the same story in the movies.

Wrong. Since you insist forces me to yield.

Right. The fact that you insist forces me to yield.

Revise. Because he looked so weak made me offer him a ride.

Wrong. This question is very difficult to answer due to the small amount of information available.

Right. The difficulty about answering this question is caused by the scarcity of information available.

Right. This question is very difficult to answer because little information is available.

Revise. Owing to the high wind Porter’s punts in the second half averaged only twenty-eight yards.

Wrong. Purdue’s victory was because of the wet field.

Right. Purdue won because of the wet field.

[79]

Right. Purdue’s victory was due to the wet field.

Revise. His kindness to me was on account of his friendship for my father.

Wrong. The village priests were of a lower class and lived like peasants, and preaching only to the peasants.

Right. The village priests were of a lower class and lived like peasants, preaching only to the peasants.

Revise. The study of musical appreciation is very interesting, and especially when one begins to find out how little he knows about it.

Wrong. We arrived in Boston before noon, and the corn was fully six inches high.

Right. We arrived in Boston before noon.

Revise. Hugh Walpole is an Englishman, but Poe wrote The Raven.

Wrong. I really think that upon investigation that we are shown the shallowness of the objections.

Right. I really think that upon investigation we are shown the shallowness of the objections.

Revise. I knew that if I did not read some of my outside readings before Christmas that I probably should not be up with my work in time to pass the course.

Wrong. Leaving home before breakfast, we arrived at our destination in time for dinner.

Right. We left home before breakfast and arrived at our destination in time for dinner.

Revise. He is thirty-six, being born in 1887.

Wrong. Lincoln’s shooting is one of the most tragic events in American history.

Right. The shooting of Lincoln is one of the most tragic events in American history.

Revise. One-eyed Pete’s converting firmly established the new minister in the eyes of the whole community.

Wrong. The legislators viewed protection only as a policy for the fostering industry.

Right. The legislators viewed protection only as a policy for the fostering of industry.

Revise. The giving examinations is overdone here.

Wrong. The fireless cooker that I made consisted of an outer wooden box which contained a fairly good-sized metal pail, the box was large enough to allow for at least five inches of packing.

Right. The fireless cooker that I made consisted of an outer wooden box which contained a fairly good-sized metal pail. The box was large enough to allow for at least five inches of packing.

[81]

Wrong. Nine months of the year I went to school the other three I worked at home on the farm.

Right. Nine months of the year I went to school and the other three I worked at home on the farm.

Wrong. Next, you apply one coat of paint it can be put on rather thick as you have to rub most of it off later.

Right. Next, you apply one coat of paint, which can be put on rather thick, as you have to rub most of it off later.

Revise. The senior English class is required to do some work in dramatics, this is done by giving the annual class play.

Wrong. The Navajoes have large herds of cattle, also many fine horses.

Right. The Navajoes have large herds of cattle and many fine horses.

Revise. The pitcher made a home run, also two singles.

Wrong. I have no favorite kinds of books, however, I do read a great deal.

Right. I have no favorite kinds of books, but I do read a great deal.

Wrong. I had to run to supper both nights so I decided I would quit.

Right. After I had had to run to supper both nights I decided I would quit.

Revise. Before school and on Saturdays I worked either in a restaurant or in a clothing store, so my reading has been limited for the last two years.

Wrong. We saw an old house painted white.

Right. We saw an old white house.

Revise. He had a stern face, forbidding and ugly.

Wrong. You haven’t seen nothing yet.

Right. You have seen nothing yet.

Right. You haven’t seen anything yet.

Revise. She had not gone no farther than the post office when she heard a shot.

Wrong. Some seeds do not need to be very deep in the ground nor very far apart.

Right. Some seeds do not need to be very deep in the ground or very far apart.

Revise. A favorite son is not necessarily known throughout the whole country, nor even in the neighboring states.

Wrong. I can’t scarcely realize it yet.

Right. I can scarcely realize it yet.

Revise. I do not like but two kinds of reading matter: novels and short stories.

Wrong. I worked steady all vacation.

Right. I worked steadily all vacation.

Revise. I never expect to become a real proficient student in this subject.

Wrong. This orange tastes sweetly.

Right. This orange tastes sweet.

Revise. His speech rings falsely.

Wrong. I once worked for a farmer which worked from sunrise to sunset.

Right. I once worked for a farmer who worked from sunrise to sunset.

Revise. I have a dog who is almost as intelligent as a man.

Insufficient. They say that the timber supply in the United States will soon be exhausted.

Better. Forest experts say that the timber supply in the United States will soon be exhausted.

Revise. Yesterday I saw Mr. Jonathan Oldcastle. She has just returned from Europe, you know.

Confusing. Father told us of a meadow near his old home, which was now under water.

Unmistakable. Father told us that near his old home there used to be a meadow which is now under water.

Revise. In order to succeed at football one must be willing to live up to all the rules of training, to refrain from smoking, to shun society, and to put one’s whole soul into it.

Equivocal. Clark told Andrews he had made an error.

Clear. Clark said, “Andrews, you made an error.”

Revise. George, talking with Bill, said that he ought to be ashamed of himself.

Wrong. John told Tom that he (John) had not made the team.

Right. John said to Tom, “I have not made the team.”

Revise. John told Tom that he (Tom) had not made the team.

Not good. I felt sure that the parade would not be ready to start for an hour yet, as there were no soldiers about, and it was only one o’clock; so I decided to walk out toward the edge of town, taking care, however, to remain upon the street along which I knew it would pass.

Better. I felt sure that the parade would not be ready to start for an hour yet, as there were no soldiers about, and it was only one o’clock; so I decided to walk out toward the edge of town, taking care, however, to remain upon the street along which I knew the parade would pass.

Revise. The men in my company who had dissipated before entering the army found, during the long marches necessary in the Argonne Forest, that it was hard to keep up with it.

Unimpressive. Yesterday I saw Mrs. Hamlin in a new car designed by the Fisher company. Almost all cars designed by them are distinctive.

Better. Yesterday I saw Mrs. Hamlin in a new car designed by the Fisher company. Almost all cars designed by that company are distinctive.

Revise. Silos made of concrete are of greater value than any other kind because they last longer. This is easy to use and is cheaper in the end than any other material.

Misleading. He would only lend me five dollars.

Accurate. He would lend me only five dollars.

Revise. I don’t ever want to see him again.

Untaught. Everybody has not read the Bible.

Better. Not everybody has read the Bible.

Revise. All men were not born to be hanged.

Wrong. I knew I would be compelled either to salute him or he would have me put in the guard house.

Right. I knew I would be compelled either to salute him or to spend a week in the guard house.

Revise. It was not only necessary for me to save all the money I could, but I knew I should have to earn more than I had ever earned before.

Faulty. He was not only an expert marksman but he also was a skilled horseman.

Improved. He was not only an expert marksman but also a skilled horseman.

Revise. Military training both teaches a man to think quickly and to command others.

Uncertain. He knew when the time came what he would do.

Certain. When the time came he knew what he would do.

Revise. Someone I knew would come in.

Doubtful. A man came up and spoke to my brother whom I had never seen before.

Plain. A man whom I had never seen before came up and spoke to my brother.

Revise. The ship flew a strange flag that came in yesterday.

Absurd. The horse snorted as Jackson spoke and kicked up his heels.

Correct. As Jackson spoke, the horse snorted and kicked up his heels.

Revise. The wind stormed across the desert where the corpse lay and whistled.

Misleading. The captain says that if your rifles are not clean day after tomorrow he will put every one of you in the guard house.

[92]

Clear. The captain says that if day after tomorrow your rifles are not clean he will put every one of you in the guard house.

Revise. When he took his seat much to his chagrin the lights went out.

Halting. Even though he had never seen you before, he would let you know who he was if he liked your appearance.

Secure. Even though he had never seen you before, if he liked your appearance he would let you know who he was.

Revise. If Friday is a holiday, I shall drive home if the roads are good.

Ludicrous. Standing upon the dome of Old Capitol, Iowa avenue presents an unusual view.

Better. Standing upon the dome of Old Capitol, one gets an unusual view of Iowa avenue.

Better. If one stands upon the dome of Old Capitol, one gets an unusual view of Iowa avenue.

Revise. Coming out on the train Pike’s Peak is seen.

Wrong. She had to wait until everybody else in the room was served, thus causing her to be late.

Right. She had to wait until everybody else in the room was served, and the delay caused her to be late.

Revise. The bridges were all down between Storm Lake and Altoona, thus making all the trains late.

Ridiculous. Tuesday, when wearing my new hat, a rainstorm came up and ruined it.

Correct. Tuesday, when I was wearing my new hat, a rainstorm came up and ruined it.

Revise. While eating my supper last night, one of the calves got out and ran into the corn field.

Wrong. He was ill, due to overeating.

Right. His illness was due to overeating.

Revise. The train stopped, due to boiler trouble.

Ludicrous. In speaking to Sparks yesterday, he told me that the team was in excellent condition.

Clear. In speaking to Sparks yesterday, I learned that the team was in excellent condition.

Revise. In trying to show Helen how to start her motor, she almost ran over me.

Unequal. She had heard that her mother had died suddenly after a short but violent illness, and her father had struck oil.

Accurate. She had heard that her mother had died suddenly after a short but violent illness, and that her father had struck oil.

[94]

Revise. Although the water rose steadily during the spring thaw, and the dam was on the point of giving way under the pressure, the engineer obstinately insisted that there was no danger.

Improper co-ordination. We shall have to leave town and need an automobile.

Improved. We shall have to leave town and shall need an automobile.

Revise. A quarterback must see where the hole in the line is and take advantage of it.

Not co-ordinate. He came to see the house, bargain for it, and buy it if terms could be agreed upon.

Co-ordinate. He came to see the house, to bargain for it, and to buy it if terms could be agreed upon.

Revise. Not only was it necessary for us to read the book, remember what was in it, and be able to recite upon it, but also write a paper upon it, and read the paper before the class.

Obscure. She went to Chicago and the capital of the state.

Better. She went to Chicago and to the capital of the state.

Revise. The positions were offered to soldiers, athletes, and virile men generally.

Confusing. They needed a minister, doctor, and lawyer at once.

Clear. They needed a minister, a doctor, and a lawyer at once.

Revise. I met the merchant and postmaster of the little town as well as the sheriff and justice of the peace.

Bad. I asked her the names of her sister and puppy.

Better. I asked her the names of her sister and of her puppy.

Revise. He watched his horse, cow, and pig break through into the wheat.

Misleading. Golf is a game that requires skill, poise, good temper, and clubs that exactly suit you.

Better. Golf is a game that requires skill, poise, and good temper. These qualities, however, will avail little unless one has clubs that exactly suit him.

Revise. The new hospital was erected to the memory of John Shuler and for the benefit of crippled children.

Inadequate. To live uprightly, to be amiable always, and to be considerate of others even to the point of inconvenience are the essentials of gentleness.

Better. To live uprightly, to be amiable always, and to be considerate of others even to the point of inconvenience—these are the essentials of gentleness.

Revise. O wise and upright judge, O learned in the law, O guide, philosopher, and friend, be my rock and refuge.

Bad. We then studied chemistry, a subject much more interesting than history, and which I enjoyed thoroughly.

Better. We then studied chemistry, a subject much more interesting than history, and one which I enjoyed thoroughly.

[96]

Revise. Jacob Sturm was a man of much wealth, and who came to this country twenty years ago.

Bad. I started into high school resolved to make the most of my opportunities, but in no long time deciding to have all the fun I could.

Better. I started into high school resolved to make the most of my opportunities, but in no long time I decided to have all the fun I could.

Revise. The colonel issued an order about mounts, but which nobody could understand.

Wrong. Platinum is more valuable than any metal.

Right. Platinum is more valuable than any other metal.

Revise. Morvich was swifter than any racehorse of his day.

Wrong. Shakespeare is the greatest of any other poet.

Right. Shakespeare is the greatest of all poets.

Revise. A slave is the most miserable of all other men.

Wrong. You can lead a horse to water, but nobody can make him drink.

Right. You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink.

[97]

Revise. I have done the best I could, and I do not think a person should be required to do more.

Wrong. Tillie, Margaret, and Ann each took their seats.

Right. Tillie, Margaret, and Ann each took her seat.

Revise. Everybody should save their money while they are young.

Wrong. As soon as the train came in, he hurries home.

Right. As soon as the train came in, he hurried home.

Revise. No matter what he tries, things never came out as he expected them to.

Wrong. Unless it is too hard and take too much time I can finish by noon.

Right. Unless it is too hard and takes too much time I can finish by noon.

Revise. Sand is all right in the back yard, but keep it out of the front yard.

Wrong. The troops were taken up in trucks but came back on the train.

Right. The troops went up in trucks but came back on the train.

Revise. A month ago I was listened to with all courtesy, but now not even a dog will listen.

Unemphatic. The city council is determined to stop jaywalking at the east entrance of the campus, and to attain this end has adopted a plan that calls for restricting pedestrians to clearly marked lanes that cross Clinton street at right angles.

Emphatic. The city council is determined to stop jaywalking at the east entrance to the campus. To attain this end, the council has adopted a plan that calls for restricting pedestrians to clearly marked lanes that cross Clinton street at right angles.

Revise. I used to think that sleeping accommodations at fraternity houses were inadequate, but I don’t now.

Repellant. The collections at the museum, which is the most important in the world, are in two divisions, one for the public and the other for the use of specialists, some of whom come from great distances to avail themselves of the unequalled collections set apart for their use.

[101]

Attractive. The collections at the museum, which is the most important in the world, are in two divisions, one for the public and the other for the use of specialists. Some specialists come from great distances to avail themselves of the unequalled collections set apart for their use.

Revise. That there will be no tolerance of laxity on the part of the freshmen concerning the observance of this decree was assured by the strong language of the order, which first pointed out that the wearing of the green cap by first year men was a college tradition and must be upheld, then explained that the wearing of the cap was left to the honor of every freshman, who was expected to purchase one and use it according to the rules of the past two years, which state that the cap must be worn every day until six o’clock at night, when it may be changed for the more common headgear.

Meandering. At a recent meeting of the men’s glee club, it was decided to increase the membership of the organization from thirty-two men to forty men.

Succinct. The men’s glee club recently decided to increase its membership from thirty-two to forty.

Revise. The names of the candidates for class offices were announced Wednesday by the election committee. There are thirty-six candidates for office.

Jerky. The annual interfraternity pajama race was run on Sheridan road Monday night. The event took place at eleven o’clock. It was hotly contested by five fraternities. The Sig Alphs won a shivering victory.

Smooth. The Sig Alphs won a shivering victory on Sheridan road at eleven o’clock Monday night, when they defeated four rival teams in the annual interfraternity pajama race.

[102]

Revise. The natives boil the chopped leaves to a syrup. This is poured into a monkey skin. The liquid is then allowed to cool and harden.

Monotonous. Around the sides of the armory on the floor were booths separated by curtains. In each one of the booths was suspended a small red incandescent light. Around the hall at various places were jars containing burning incense.

Pleasing. Around the sides of the armory on the floor were booths separated by curtains. A small red incandescent light was suspended in each booth. Incense burned in jars at various places around the hall.

Revise. The oldest book in the university library, to the best knowledge of the librarians, was printed in 1511. The book was written by Johannes von Kaiserberg Geiler, a preacher of the reformation who was born about the middle of the fifteenth century. This old work is entitled Navicula Sive Speculum Fatuorum, which translated means, The Ship or Mirror of Fools. It is written in Latin and contains many curious and interesting wood cuts. The book is made up largely of sermons.

Dreary. D is the minimum standard for a passing grade. D students compose approximately the lowest twenty-five per cent of every class. D work is that work which is not up to average, and yet is clearly above failure.

Pleasing. D is the minimum standard for a passing grade. Students who are marked D compose approximately the lowest twenty-five per cent of every class. The grade D means that a student’s work is not up to the average, and yet is clearly above failure.

Revise. The military carnival was the largest exhibition of its kind ever attempted at the college. The seats[103] were all filled, and the crowd was kept at a high point of interest throughout the entire show. The whole program was arranged in such a manner that at no time was there a lull in the activities. The opening number was a concert by the military band. The physical training exercises which followed were of the type in which the regiment itself gives the commands and then executes them. The most spectacular feature of the program was the advance to attack.

Monotonous. The new building being erected south of the engineering building will be occupied Monday for the first time. Partition siding has held up the work to some extent. Fifteen hundred feet of partition material is still to be laid. Painting is progressing steadily. The steam fitters’ work is nearly completed. Work done after Monday will be carried on by a night shift. Some work on the halls can be done during class hours. Workmen say that the building was erected in record breaking time. It has taken less than a month to complete the job.

Pleasing. The new building being erected south of the engineering building will be occupied Monday for the first time. Partition siding has held up the work to some extent, and fifteen hundred feet of partition material is still to be laid. Painting is progressing steadily, and the steam fitters’ work is nearly completed. Work done after Monday will be carried on by a night shift, although some work on the halls can be done during class hours. Workmen say that the building was erected in record breaking time. It has taken less than a month to complete the job.

Revise. The seven-hundred-word sentence used by the legislature, however, is merely an example of the prevalent tendency of people to disregard the elementary principles of composition and grammar. Everyone may have a faint recollection of having studied, at some remote period of his career, the important rules[104] of “unity, mass, and coherence.” But in actual practice one too often falls into the habit of expressing thoughts in a rambling and unconnected flow of words, with the expressions embellished by slang and colloquial terms. Individuals use many words, but they usually say little, and the small germ of thought is often hard to find.

Feeble. The new engine will replace the present engine in case of necessity.

Forceful. In case of necessity, the new engine will replace the present engine.

Revise. This is not a student organization although the majority of its members are federal board students.

Lifeless. Bring along a team that will be able to force these boys to their utmost as no team has yet been able to do.

Striking. Bring along a team that will do what no other team has yet been able to do, force these boys to their utmost.

Revise. We should win Saturday’s game whether Minot can play or not.

Bungling. I have been so often reformed, regenerated, reborn, amended, and corrected that only with difficulty can I look an honest sinner in the face.

Brilliant. I have been so often amended, corrected, reformed, regenerated, and reborn that only with difficulty can I look an honest sinner in the face.

Revise. Their clothing is not sufficient for bodily comfort and is also far from presentable.

Weak. The first speaker on the program was Dean Willard L. Sperry, who gave a short talk.

Strong. Dean Willard L. Sperry opened the program with a short talk.

Revise. There are more than six hundred courses offered to students in the college of liberal arts.

Awkward. Cards will be distributed from eight to eleven this morning by members of the registrar’s staff at the east entrance of the natural science building to the hundreds of students who have returned during the past few days.

Well-knit. From eight to eleven this morning, members of the registrar’s staff, stationed at the east entrance of the natural science building, will distribute cards to the hundreds of students who have returned during the past few days.

Revise. This will, it is hoped, help the voter to select the men and women who are real leaders on the campus.

Revise. I want to most emphatically state that I do not believe a Union of South America is possible.

Revise. Appointment of George Hanby and Walter G. Phillips to confer with the president concerning the loan that is being made by the trustees to aid worthy students in meeting their necessary college expenses was made Wednesday.

Characterless. The first talk of the series was given Tuesday morning, in which he made the point that it is man’s nature to pray.

Animated. Tuesday morning in the first talk of the series he made the point that it is man’s nature to pray.

[106]

Revise. He had saved $1,500,000 when one day his office boy ushered in a man who showed him a diamond of great value.

Ungainly. Peet took Mead’s place at halfback last night and scored two touchdowns.

Graphic. After taking Mead’s place at halfback last night Peet scored two touchdowns.

Revise. Great stress will be laid upon the application of these tests in the future; the people of this country spend millions of dollars each year in giving musical training to children who have no talent for music.

Affected. Suffice it, that I am saving the best for the last.

Natural. I am saving the best for the last.

Revise. The river is too cold for careless plunges, and death-dealing cramps and chills may lead to drownings for those who beware not the perils that lie in April waters.

Silly. Fraternities can be a great force for the good of the college and for the good of the Greek letter man.

Natural. Fraternities can be a great force for the good of the college and for the good of the fraternity man.

Revise. More interest is being shown in the manly art this year than has been shown in any past season.

Colorless. Many booklets were sent to freshmen before they came to college.

Vivid. Fifteen hundred copies of the Freshman Handbook were sent during July to as many prospective freshmen.

[107]

Revise. Last year several fraternities were put on probation.

Jumbled. The speaker compared college students in their search for an education to the processes used by a tree to gain its food.

Clear-cut. The speaker compared a college student in search of an education to a tree in search of food.

Revise. To be narrow is to be a helpless journalist.

Weak. Farsighted citizens of the town are realizing more than ever the possibility of the university’s becoming one of the first universities in America, not only in enrollment but also in scholastic standing.

Strong. Farsighted citizens of the town are realizing more than ever the possibility of the university’s becoming one of the first universities in America, first not only in enrollment but first also in scholastic standing.

Revise. The progress in French affairs has always been slow—sometimes too much so.

Flat. The stiff collars that are being shown for formal evening wear are the wing collars.

Skilful. Stiff wing collars are being shown for formal evening wear.

Revise. In the senior class the race for president will be a close one, as Burgess, Elwood, and Sampson are expected to run a close race.

Revise. The county superintendents who will gather here for the conference will in part comprise the group of participants in the huge birthday party of the college of education.

Uncouth. These concerts are open to the public, and everyone is invited.

Pithy. These concerts are open to the public.

Revise. Dean Smith is a native of Ohio and was born in Central City.

Revise. Classes in folk dancing will start Monday morning at nine A.M.

Revise. The coeducation of both sexes is making remarkable headway in this country.

Revise. She is the widow of the late Colonel Ralph H. Robinson.

Revise. Let’s us go.

Stupid. As I enter on this famed profession I see the mistakes of others.

Terse. As I enter this famed profession I see the mistakes of others.

Revise. There is an average of 55,000 kilowats used monthly.

Clumsy. Because there is no school available, school will be dismissed next week.

Graceful. Because no building is available, school will be dismissed next week.

Revise. The girls may survive whacks with hockey clubs and yet not be able to stand the severe test of initiation into M. C. club.

Lame. Mrs. Mondell had the edge in the race until circumstances forced her to show her hand.

Sprightly. Mrs. Mondell had the game won until circumstances forced her to show her hand.

[109]

Revise. Pronouncements against the League of Nations suddenly lose their cloak of virile Americanism and savor only of party politics when the state department places the stamp of its approval on the Chester oil concessions.

Absurd. The two hundred freshmen took their new places after the first melee was staged.

Picturesque. The two hundred freshmen took their new places after the resounding blows of the first melee ceased.

Revise. Walter Scannell, sporting editor of the News, will act as referee.

Crude. Such a critic fails to consider the fraternity spirit of the group—the avowed aim of the group.

Rhythmical. Such a critic fails to consider the avowed aim of the group, its fraternal spirit.

Revise. Neither is it always wrong, be it remembered.

Unskilful. The essential things in life are the ones that count, and the essential thing in education is to find that.

Adroit. The essential thing in education is to find the essential things in life.

Revise. Tenure here depends not upon the quality of fur in your coat but upon the quality of your thinking apparatus.

Dull. He was found circling a piece of furniture in the center of the room.

[110]

Lively. When found he was circling a piece of furniture in the center of the room.

Revise. They went home, stumbling from one side of the street to the other.

Spiritless. The glucose was heated and then applied to the blindfolded freshmen.

Stirring. The sophomores heated the glucose and applied it to the blindfolded freshmen.

Revise. The article appearing in the Firing Line column last Sunday above my name was not written by me.

Involved. What he said about the work was favorable, he being a man who leans to censure rather than to praise.

Straightforward. What he said about the work was favorable, for he is a man who leans to censure rather than to praise.

Revise. His work having been done he stopped.

Revise. It being his first visit to the city, he was interested in the many large houses.

Awkward. I have an economics instructor who is a middle-aged man who has had ten years’ experience as vice-president of a bank in New York City.

Smooth. I have an economics instructor who is a middle-aged man with ten years’ experience as vice-president of a bank in New York City.

Revise. He eventually tired of the life of a mere henchman of the political boss of the Sixteenth ward.

Jerky. But when I had gone about a mile I thought I could go no farther, but I kept on.

Smooth. When I had gone about a mile I thought I could go no farther, but I kept on.

Revise. I wanted to leave town, for I was disgusted with the place, for I had not made a single friend.

Instead of the word say, for instance, consider talk, utter, claim, affirm, shout, whisper, stammer, speak, lisp, giggle, maintain, state, answer, argue, laugh, preach, reply, respond.

Walk is not the only word to express locomotion under one’s own power. Consider, for instance, amble, fall, gambol, glide, leap, pace, prance, promenade, ramble, run, slink, slouch, steal, stagger, stride, stroll, stumble.

Bad. “Thank you for the ride in your auto.” “You bet.”

Better. “Thank you for the ride in your automobile.” “Don’t mention it.”

Bad. Said rule is often broken.

Better. The rule just mentioned is often broken.

Bad. I received the watch and thank you for same.

Better. Thank you for the watch which has just arrived.

Examples are amid, anew, dwelt, ere, eve, hence, hither, morn, ’neath, o’er, oft, ’tis, thrice, ’twas, whither.

Avoid: a good time was had by all; bolt from a clear sky; beggars description; beyond description; indescribable; a royal reception; checkered career; discourse sweet music; dull, sickening thud; doomed to disappointment; exception proves the rule; fair maidens; the grim reaper; hungry as bears; last but not least; method in his madness; nipped in the bud; render (a vocal solo); sought his downy couch; stood like sentinels; stage (for anything except a theatrical performance); too full for utterance; took to his heels; wended their way; where ignorance is bliss.

Conversational. I can’t and won’t go.

Dignified. I cannot and will not go.

Insufferably modest. In the opinion of the present writer Locke should win.

Direct. Locke should win.

Direct. I think Locke should win.

Affected. You would confer a great favor on my wife and myself if you would come.

Natural. You would confer a great favor on my wife and me if you would come.

Affected. Myself and brother are both members of the Capen debating society.

Natural. My brother and I both belong to the Capen debating society.

Affected. These tickets will admit self and guests.

Natural. These tickets will admit you and your guests.

Vulgar. You will have to see Mr. about renting the garage.

Better. You will have to see my husband about renting the garage.

Vulgar. The dinner was in honor of J. A. Smith and wife.

Better. The dinner was in honor of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Smith.

Vulgar. Among the guests were Mrs. Capt. Johnson, Mrs. Prof. Healy, Mrs. Rev. Shaw, and Mrs. President Ford.

Better. Among the guests were Mrs. Ralph G. Johnson, Mrs. Lionel F. Healy, Mrs. Harry L. Shaw, and Mrs. Ferdinand L. Ford.

Vulgar. After John had been married two years, she left him.

Better. After John had been married two years, his wife left him.

Wrong. He asks four and five dollars for a straw hat.

Right. He asks four or five dollars for a straw hat.

Bad. I could not go to the game as I had to get the dinner.

Better. I could not go to the game because I had to get the dinner.

Bad. He is not as bad as he is painted.

Better. He is not so bad as he is painted.

Bad. He talked as though he had a potato in his mouth.

Better. He talked as if he had a potato in his mouth.

Bad. He left at about six o’clock.

Better. He left about six o’clock.

Bad. I will certainly be there.

Better. I will be there.

Wrong. I didn’t see him yet.

Right. I haven’t seen him yet.

Wrong. You cook first-rate.

Right. You are a first-rate cook.

Bad. Our fraternity held initiation for eight men.

Better. Our fraternity initiated eight men.

Bad. The meeting was held in Robinson hall.

Better. The meeting was in Robinson hall.

Wrong. I don’t know if I can.

Right. I don’t know whether I can.

Bad. He went in the house.

Better. He went into the house.

Bad. He is liable to pass the course.

Better. It is likely that he will pass the course.

Better. He will probably pass the course.

Wrong. Do it like I do.

Right. Do it as I do.

Wrong. You look like you were cold.

Right. You look as if you were cold.

Loose. What line are you in?

Exact. What business are you in?

Bad. He can do anything in the line of athletics.

Better. He can do anything in athletics.

[121]

Atrocious. Would you like something in the line of music?

Better. Would you like some music?

Wrong. His salary is $5,000 per year.

Right. His salary is $5,000 a year.

Right. His salary is $5,000 per annum.

Wrong. He paid me Monday as per our agreement.

Right. He paid me Monday in accordance with our agreement.

Wrong. What per cent will go to college?

Right. What percentage will go to college?

Wrong. I like him real well.

Right. I like him very well.

Wrong. Reverend Folsom offered prayer.

Right. The Reverend Mr. Folsom offered prayer.

Right. The Reverend Haskell J. Folsom offered prayer.

Wrong. The Reverend Sanders presided.

Right. The Reverend R. E. Sanders presided.

[122]

Wrong. I met Reverend Barlow on the street.

Right. I met the Reverend Dr. Barlow on the street.

Wrong. The new high school principal is Professor Jones.

Right. The new high school principal is Mr. Jones.

Wrong. Professor Smith’s orchestra played.

Right. Smith’s orchestra played.

Wrong. I want the money so I can go home.

Right. I want the money so that I can go home.

Bad. College life is so stimulating.

Better. College life is the most stimulating life of all.

Bad. I’ll tend to your case, young man, after school.

Better. I’ll attend to your case, young man, after school.

Bad. It is hard for me to write while tending the baby.

Better. It is hard for me to write while taking care of the baby.

Wrong. Hardly had he fired than the burglar fell.

Right. Hardly had he fired when the burglar fell.

Wrong. She had scarcely spoken until we arrived.

Right. She had scarcely spoken when we arrived.

Wrong. France and United States have always been good friends.

Right. France and the United States have always been good friends.

Good. While I was gone the house burned.

Good. While what you say may be true, it will not affect my action.

Bad. The men sit on one side while the women sit on the other.

Better. The men sit on one side; the women on the other.

Wrong. This is all the farther I will go.

Right. This is as far as I will go.

Wrong. We started early in the A.M.

Right. We started early in the morning.

Wrong. We bought flags, handkerchiefs, and etc.

Right. We bought flags, handkerchiefs, etc.

Wrong. I wanted it badly.

Right. I wanted it very much.

Wrong. We expect company for supper.

Right. We expect a guest for supper.

Wrong. He is light complected.

Right. He has a light complexion.

Wrong. We have had considerable trouble lately.

Right. We have had a great deal of trouble lately.

Wrong. There were considerable people there.

Right. There were many persons there.

Wrong. I am going to visit the folks this week.

Right. I am going to visit my family this week.

Wrong. More than one thousand folks saw the accident.

Right. More than one thousand persons saw the accident.

Wrong. Did you ever see such a get-up?

Right. Did you ever see such a costume?

Wrong. We are getting up a straw ride for Thursday evening.

Right. We are planning a straw ride for Thursday evening.

Wrong. Have you got a pencil?

Right. Have you a pencil?

Wrong. I absolutely refuse to hear to it.

Right. I absolutely refuse to consider it.

Wrong. Humans are in many ways like animals.

Right. Men and women are in many ways like animals.

Right. Human beings are in many ways like animals.

Wrong. We fought in back of the barn.

Right. We fought behind the barn.

Wrong. He went inside of the house.

Right. He went inside the house.

Wrong. Inside of ten minutes not a trace remained.

Right. Within ten minutes not a trace remained.

Wrong. It was kind of cold.

Right. It was fairly cold.

Wrong. Leave go of my hat.

Right. Let go my hat.

[126]

Wrong. Leave me have it.

Right. Let me have it.

Wrong. We had lots of time.

Right. We had ample time.

Bad. He met with the committee.

Better. He met the committee.

Wrong. The military confiscated all coal in the town.

Right. The military authorities confiscated all coal in the town.

Wrong. I could of won if I had of been willing to lie.

Right. I could have won if I had been willing to lie.

Wrong. She stepped backwards off of the car.

Right. She stepped backwards off the car.

Wrong. I would not be where I am today only for my wife.

Right. I would not be where I am today except for my wife.

Wrong. The concert was over with at ten o’clock.

Right. The concert was over at ten o’clock.

Wrong. I think he is not overly particular.

Right. I think he is not very particular.

Bad. Thirty people applied for the position.

Better. Thirty persons applied for the position.

Wrong. Keep me posted on what happens while I am gone.

Right. Keep me informed of what happens while I am gone.

Wrong. I can go providing it does not rain.

Right. I can go if it does not rain.

Wrong. I put in two years at college.

Right. I spent two years at college.

Wrong. He put me up for the night.

Right. He lodged me for the night.

Wrong. I do not remember of meeting him.

Right. I do not remember meeting him.

Wrong. He is in bad shape.

Right. He is ill. Or, He is in bad condition.

Wrong. It was the best show of the year.

Right. It was the best musical comedy of the year.

Wrong. He is sort of short for a high jumper.

Right. He is hardly tall enough for a high jumper.

Wrong. We are stopping at the hotel.

Right. We are staying at the hotel.

Wrong. I should sure like to go.

Right. I should surely like to go.

Wrong. Sure I’ll come.

Right. Surely I’ll come. Or, I’ll be glad to come.

Wrong. That is a tasty pudding.

Right. That is a delicious pudding.

Wrong. I was through the examination at quarter of nine.

Right. I finished the examination at quarter of nine.

Wrong. Try and do better.

Right. Try to do better.

Wrong. It took the firemen an hour after the house burned up to finish up their work.

[129]

Right. It took the firemen an hour after the house burned to finish their work.

Wrong. My mother is visiting with relatives.

Right. My mother is visiting relatives.

Wrong. Did you see in the paper where the minister has resigned?

Right. Did you see in the paper that the minister had resigned?

Wrong. Without I say so, you will not be elected.

Right. Unless I say so, you will not be elected.

Wrong. I cannot see but what you are right.

Right. I cannot see but that you are right.

Wrong. I cannot help but think he is innocent.

Right. I cannot help thinking he is innocent.

Wrong. Mabel looks different than Alice.

Right. Mabel looks different from Alice.

Bad. The forenoon session began at eight.

Better. The morning session began at eight.

Wrong. I am sorry, but I did not get to go.

Right. I am sorry, but I was unable to go.

Bad. He is six years old, going on seven.

Better. He is nearly seven years old.

Bad. He carried a gun in his belt.

Better. He carried a revolver in his belt.

Wrong. You say George is in Boston. How does he like?

Right. You say George is in Boston. How does he like it there?

Bad. When Oscar came to town all the girls made of him.

Better. When Oscar came to town all the girls paid him much attention.

Bad. I was raised in the South.

Better. I was reared in the South.

Bad. He is a smart boy.

Better. He is a bright boy.

Bad. Father feels some better.

Better. Father feels somewhat better.

Bad. I fell down the stair steps.

Better. I fell down the stairs.

Bad. Every evening we sit on the stoop.

Better. Every evening we sit on the porch.

Bad. He was toting a barrel of flour on his shoulder.

Better. He was carrying a barrel of flour on his shoulder.

Bad. If Mr. Brown will be back within an hour I shall wait on him.

Better. If Mr. Brown will be back within an hour I shall wait for him.

Bad. Do you want in?

Better. Do you want to come in?

Bad. I want that you should go.

Better. I want you to go.

Wrong. His preparations for the examination were inadequate.

Right. His preparation for the examination was inadequate.

Wrong. Anyone suspected of cowardice was killed by tortures.

Right. Anyone suspected of cowardice was killed by torture.

Right. Mr. C. S. McIntyre of the C. R. I. and P. Ry. Co. received a ten per cent increase.

Right. The editors, reporters, feature writers, etc., and the printers, advertising solicitors, circulation men, etc., of the Springfield (Mass.) Republican are all able men.

Illiterate. After the sun had set. We went home.

Correct. After the sun had set, we went home.

Right. In the year 1596 (?) he was sent to Italy.

Wrong. I asked him what he intended to do?

Right. I asked him what he intended to do.

Right. What a terrible experience!

Wrong. He began as office boy, but in no long time he became timekeeper.

Right. He began as office boy but in no long time he became timekeeper.

Wrong. He began as office boy but in no long time they made him timekeeper.

Right. He began as office boy, but in no long time they made him timekeeper.

Wrong. He went into the house for his automobile needed water.

Right. He went into the house, for his automobile needed water.

The horse neighed, the pig grunted, the dog barked.

When he speaks, we all listen.

Abraham Lincoln, who was born in a log cabin, became one of the greatest presidents.

They, reading the newspaper, did not hear me come in.

Each one carried a red, white, and blue flag.

He sent me two books, a drum, and a small wagon.

Seeing the dark sky, feeling the sharp wind, and knowing that my family would be worried, I hurried home.

If he had not been ill, if the bank had not failed, and if my credit had not been exhausted, you would never have found me here.

Wrong. He ordered bread and butter, ham and eggs, cucumbers and milk.

Right. He ordered bread and butter, ham and eggs, cucumbers, and milk.

Wrong. Not long before he had bought the horse.

Right. Not long before, he had bought the horse.

Wrong. We drove up to the house, and the motor stopped allowing us to complete the trip without disaster along the road.

Right. We drove up to the house, and the motor stopped,[142] allowing us to complete the trip without disaster along the road.

Confusing. Which of the men to choose from among all those who applied would be a difficult matter to decide.

Better. Which of the men to choose from among all those who applied, would be a difficult matter to decide.

Here, Jim, let me do that.

Hilda Kasper, the cateress, served the luncheon.

He lived in Birmingham, Alabama, before he came here.

In April, 1923, he went home.

The letter was dated February 2, 1910.

The soldiers having rested, Hannibal ordered the army to start.

It was, alas, too late.

Yes, I shall be glad to go.

No, I am sure that is not correct.

It was, therefore, his duty to accept.

I never met him, you know.

He said, “I am going home.”

He answered “yes” to my question.

Wrong. A blue, white, and red, flag hung from the window.

Right. A blue, white, and red flag hung from the window.

Wrong. All men, who do this, should be hanged.

Right. All men who do this should be hanged.

Wrong. Any woman, desiring to try for the team, should report immediately.

Right. Any woman desiring to try for the team should report immediately.

Wrong. He wore an old, black, felt hat.

Right. He wore an old black felt hat.

Wrong. Through the window, jumped the cat.

Right. Through the window jumped the cat.

He said that he would go tomorrow.

He asked me what I was going to do.

[144]

She inquired how they were to go.

They asked why their salaries had been decreased.

Wrong. Tomorrow is Tuesday, you must come then.

Right. Tomorrow is Tuesday. You must come then.

Wrong. He went to South America, I stayed at home.

Right. He went to South America; I stayed at home.

She could not come; so there was no meeting.

I did not see him; nevertheless I knew he was there.

The men were none too sure of their next move; their doubt, however, only tended to heighten their excitement.

Slowly the huge grey transport that had been waiting at the dock since midnight got under way; and slowly the throng that had gathered for one last glimpse of relatives and friends made its way up the long street.

If we can find no other way, you may be sure we shall follow your advice; but you must not expect us to relinquish any more of our profit than we can help, especially at this late date.

Wrong. Since they came; we have not had a moment’s peace.

[145]

Right. Since they came, we have not had a moment’s peace.

Wrong. Dear Sir;

We are glad that you approve our action.

Right. Dear Sir:

We are glad that you approve our action.

There was but one thing to do: retreat.

I was advised to see these men: C. R. Wright, A. W. Henderson, and B. L. Noojin.

The following will report in uniform tomorrow:

• Butler
• Doolittle
• Thomas
• Williams

The question then arose: What should we do with him?

What troubled us was this: The ammunition was running low.

This is the first sentence in Poe’s Fall of the House of Usher: “During the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary tract of country; and at length found myself, as the shades of evening drew on, within view of the melancholy House of Usher.”

Three-fifths, twenty-one, thirty-seconds.

Thirty-seven, ninety-nine.

Lieutenant-colonel, alderman-at-large, editor-in-chief.

Light-blue, 70-horsepower, six-cylinder, seven-passenger, ill-advised.

Co-operation, anti-Christian, re-creation.

Just then the telephone rang—I wish I could remember who was calling.

He offered me—imagine it—twenty dollars a week.

After the wheat is all in, after the horses are put up, and after the chores have been done—then you may use the car.

Wrong. Come tomorrow—everybody will be here then—

Right. Come tomorrow. Everybody will be here then.

Wrong. Tom came in yesterday—and Jim was glad to see him.

[147]

Right. Tom came in yesterday, and Jim was glad to see him.

He said, “Let me try.”

According to John Keats “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”

The man said, “John said to me, ‘You hold him; I’m busy.’”

She said, “Jane replied, ‘Jim’s remark, “Iowa has a hard schedule next year,” does not mean what you think it means.’”

George Eliot’s Silas Marner has been read by thousands.

Wrong. Dont, cant, its (for it is), Ive, doesnt.

Right. Don’t, can’t, it’s, I’ve, doesn’t.

Wrong. Fathers house has just been painted.

Right. Father’s house has just been painted.

Wrong. They sell boys clothing.

Wrong. They sell boy’s clothing.

Right. They sell boys’ clothing.

Wrong. Their’s are black.

Right. Theirs are black.

Right. They will (I saw the order myself) withdraw the Second battalion tomorrow.

Wrong. He offered to sell me (5) five mules.

Right. He offered to sell me five (5) mules.

Wrong. Next week the (whether) weather will be warm.

Right. Next week the whether weather will be warm.

The speaker said, “He [Washington] was above everything else an American gentleman.”

Russia, Bible, Pike’s Peak, English, Christian, Napoleonic.

Sigma Delta Chi, Democratic party, Unitarian church.

Colonel Morrison, Professor Hunt, Secretary McAdoo.

Ninety-nine, fifty thousand, one million.

Fifty-fifth street.

She bought six-dollar gloves.