alytical practical grammar - Toronto Public Library

COMPOSITION. 289
PROPRIETY.
1152. Propriet.y consists in the use of such words as are best adapted
to express our meaning.
1. Avoid low and provincial expressions; as, .. To get into a scrape."
2. In writing prose, reject words that are merely poetical' as "This
morn "-" The cel~,tial orbs:' ' ,
8. A void technical terms. unless you write to those who perfectly under.
Etand them.
4. Do not use the same word too frequently, or in different senses; as
"The king commrnicated his intention to the minister, who disclosed it to
the secretary, who made it known to the public."-" His own reason might
bave suggested belter reasolls."
5. Supply words that are wanting, Rnd necessary to complete the sense.
Thus, imtead of "This action increased hiS furmer services" say, "This
action increased tbe merit of his former services."
6. Avoid equivocal or ambiguous expressions; as, "His memory shall be
lost on the earth."
'1. Avoid unintelligible and inconsistent expressions; as, "I have nn
opaque idea of what you mean."
PRECISION.
1153. Precision rejects superfluous words.
1. Avoid tautology; as," His faitfifalne88 and fiJelity were unequalled."
z. Obsel've the exact meaning of words nccoulltc,1 synonymous. 1 hUB,
instead of "Thougb his actions and intentions \\'tr" g"od, he lost his char.
acter," say, " He lost his reputation."
II. With respcct to sentences, clearness, unil!l, strength, !md a proper
application of the figures of speech, are necessary.
CLEARNESS.
1154. Clearness demands a proper arrangement of words.
1. Adverbs, relative pronouns, and explanatory phrases, must be placed
as near as pOEsible to the words whicb they affect, and in such a situation
as the sense requires.
2. In prose, a poetic cullocation must be a voided.
8. Pronouns must be so used as clearly to indicate the word for which
they stand.
UlIITY.
1155. Unity retains one predominant object through a '~eDteDce, or a
series of clauses.
1. Separate ioto distinct senteoc€s such clauses as have r.o immediate
connection.