Putnam’s Phrase Book

An Aid to Social Letter Writing and to Ready and Effective Conversation, with Over 100 Model Social Letters and 6000 of the World’s Best English Phrases

Compiled and Arranged by

Edwin Hamlin Carr

G. P. Putnam’s Sons

New York and London

The Knickerbocker Press

1921

EDWIN HAMLIN CARR

Printed in the United States of America

FOREWORD

Since we talk in phrases as well as in words every home needs a phrase book as well as a dictionary.

This book has been prepared to meet that need, and contains a dictionary of six thousand choice phrases arranged synonymously for general use; many polite expressions, phrases of charm and courtesy, for use in letter writing; one hundred sample social letters, including instruction concerning the method of their preparation by the use of the dictionary of phrases; a guide to choice phrases for social letter writing; and finally, a handy index, very helpful, even though the phrases have been arranged in dictionary form.

I have made an effort to emphasize phrases of commendation, optimism, and courtesy. Also many for use in letter writing——especially phrases suitable for letters of condolence. There is perhaps no more difficult letter to write than one of condolence, hence a considerable number under this designation in order to assist in this necessary and yet most blessed task.

The primary purpose of this book is that it may serve as a synonymous phrase dictionary, yet I have so planned it that it can also be used as a social letter writer. The dictionary of phrases is to be used in letter writing in connection with the sample letters. In case the sample letters are not desirable, the instructions and guide, upon pp. [275-81] will show how to use the book when one desires to write his own social letters.

Some of the social letters were written by using the phrases in the dictionary section of the book; others were suggested by the perusal of the same.

The very fact that one keeps his eyes open for new expressions tends to make him more careful of his own phraseology, and to encourage the constant improvement of his own style either by the addition of old phrases, new to him, or by the coining of new ones.

Whenever and wherever I have found in any volume, magazine, newspaper, or in conversation, a usable phrase I have made note of it. This method has given me the material for the book. As far as possible I have endeavored to collect phrases which are the common speech of all, phrases which are not quotations, and are the property of all.

I am very greatly indebted to all I have heard and read, especially to the standard authors.

I have included and located a goodly number of phrases from Shakespeare and the Bible.

E. H. C.

	PAGE
I.—A Dictionary of Six Thousand Expressions and General Phrases for Use in Conversation, Social Letter Writing, and Public Speaking	[1]
II.—A Sample Letter Showing how this Book may be Used in Preparation of Social Letters	[275]
III.—A Guide to Phrases for Use in Preparing One’s Own Letters if the Sample Letters are not Satisfactory	[279]
IV.—One Hundred Social Letters	[283]
Of Condolence	[285]
Of Congratulation	[298]
Of Friendly Appreciation	[300]
With Gifts	[301]
Of Introduction	[301]
Of Invitation	[302]
Of Recommendation	[304]
Of Resignation	[305]
Of Thanks	[306]
Replies	[308]
V.—Index	[313]

I

DICTIONARY OF 6000 EXPRESSIONS AND GENERAL PHRASES FOR USE IN CONVERSATION, SOCIAL LETTER WRITING, AND PUBLIC SPEAKING

ACTIVE

Alive Alert

As full of fight as ever

Eager for the fray

Full of business

Teeming with life

Alive as never before

Working like mad

Full of high spirits

Up and doing

As lively as a thrush

Step lively

Quick in every part

Keenly alive to——

Ready in a trice

With a fine swinging step

With more than a languid interest

On a furious march with sealed orders

Nobody wants to be caught napping

No whit behind——

A project tinglingly alive

Putnam’s Phrase Book

FOREWORD

CONTENTS

I

ACTIVE