[39. EXERCISE IN CLEARNESS OF THOUGHT]
[A. Parallel Structure]

Give parallel structure to elements which are parallel in thought.

  1. Baskets are of practical value as well as being used for ornaments.
  2. The Book of Job ought to be interesting to a student, or for anybody.
  3. The important considerations are whether the soil is sandy, and if it is well drained, and that it shall be easily cultivated.
  4. A flower garden is a source of profit—profit not measured in money but in pleasure.
  5. He was successful in business, and also attained success in the political world.
  6. Whether his object was writing for pastime, or to please a friend, or money, we do not know.
  7. Always praise your enemy, because if you whip him your glory is increased, and if he whips you it lets you down easy.
  8. Either the ship will sink in the rough sea or go to pieces on the shore.
  9. An athlete must possess strength, nerve, and be able to think quickly.
  10. We were interested in buying some dry-goods, and at the same time see the sights of the great city.
  11. Some people talk foolishness, and others on serious subjects, and some keep still.
  12. Not only she noticed my condition, but commented on it.
  13. He abides by neither the laws of God nor man. He spoke both to Harry and Tom.
  14. It is good for the health of one's mind to get new ideas every day, and expressing them clearly in writing.
  15. Everyone who is capable of understanding the tax laws should know them and how they are abused.
  16. I began by making applications at federal, state, and city employment bureaus for a position as cost accountant, salesman, or clerical work.
  17. The damage to the trunk was caused by rough handling and not from faults in construction.
  18. Pope, Swift, Addison, and Defoe were four satirists, but differing greatly in their work.
  19. The occupants of these buildings are engaged in various kinds of business, namely: shoe-shining, shoe repair shops, cleaning and pressing clothes, confectionery stores, and restaurants.
  20. I sing of geese: of the Biblical goose, that blew his bugle from the roof of Noah's Ark; the classical goose that picked his livelihood along the shores of the Ægean; of the historical goose, that squawked to save old Rome; the mercenary goose, laying the golden egg; and, finally, of the roast goose.
[B. Shift in Subject or Voice]

Rewrite the following sentences, avoiding all unnecessary shift in construction.

  1. After you decide on the plan of the house, your attention is turned to the materials of construction.
  2. Editors are careful to use words that are exact, yet simple, and the use of technical terms is not generally considered to be good.
  3. Bank accounts should be balanced once a month in order that you may know your exact standing.
  4. We should have our athletic contest between the weakest students, and in that way they will become physically strong.
  5. When one is making a long-distance run, several cautions should be borne in mind by him.
  6. In melody the poem is good, but the author's ideas are eccentric.
  7. Lincoln's sentences are plain, blunt, and to the point. He lacks the ornate eloquence of Jefferson.
  8. The operator places a large shovelful of concrete in the mold, and the mixture is made solid by tamping.
  9. He might become angry, but it was over in a few minutes.
  10. The pauper chanced to gain entrance to the royal palace, and while there the young prince is met by him.
  11. When the weather is hot, plowing is accomplished very slowly with horses, while on the tractor the heat has no effect.
  12. First, one should mix one-half cup of corn syrup and one cup of brown sugar; then one cup of cream and the flavoring are added.
  13. In the college situated in a small town there are dormitories for the student, but in the cities they usually room where they please.
  14. An education should enable us to tell the valuable from the cheap book, and by it we should be able to tell the true from the counterfeit man.
  15. Moisten the sand thoroughly and set the box in a warm place, and in about a week's time it can readily be seen by the way the grains have sprouted which ears of seed corn have greatest vitality.
[C. Shift in Number, Person, or Tense]

Rewrite the following sentences, removing all inconsistency in grammatical form.

  1. Every one has a right to their own opinion.
  2. Bryant rushed to the window and shouts at the postman.
  3. The life of the honey bee has been studied, and their activities found to be remarkable.
  4. He says to me, "Are you ready?" And I answered, "No."
  5. When a person keeps a store, you should remember the names and faces of your customers.
  6. An automobile is expensive, and they are liable to become an elephant on your hands.
  7. If one studies the market, he would find that prices rise every year.
  8. If one went to Europe, he will find everything different.
  9. Since these tires were different in construction, the method of repairing will vary.
  10. Contentment is a state of mind in which one is satisfied with themselves and their surroundings.
  11. It is easy to catch 'possums if you can find the rascal.
  12. The writer of a theme should not waste time on a long introduction, and get to the facts of your subject as quickly as possible.
  13. Shakespeare's comedies are great fun. I prefer it to tragedy.
  14. Often a man will knock at the door, and finds no one at home.
  15. Too much attention will spoil a child. They should not be entertained every minute.