Exercise:
- The scientist discovered a bird in a tree.
- Our hostess set before us many good things to eat.
- The sailor was carving queer figures on a piece of soft wood.
- The night watchman heard something that made him suspicious.
- I stood at the door of the shop to watch the astonishing things the blacksmith was doing.
[Sound]
64. Avoid the frequent repetition of a sound, especially if it be harsh or unpleasant.
- Bad: He is an exceedingly orderly secretary.
- Better: As a secretary he is very systematic. [Or] The secretary is very systematic.
- Bad: Immediately the squirrel hid himself behind the hickory tree.
- Better: Immediately the squirrel dodged behind the hickory tree.
- Unfortunate rime: Bert did not dare to go home with wet hair.
- Better: Bert did not dare to go home with his hair wet. [Or] Bert was afraid to go home with wet hair.
Exercise:
- That Christmas happened to be unusually happy.
- I fear we must sit near the rear of the room.
- The Jackies went clambering and scurrying up the rigging.
- The ship slips anchor while the idlers sip tea on the deck.
- The third treasure-seeker heard a thud. His pick had struck an obstruction.
[Subtle Violations of Good Use: Faulty Idioms, Colloquialisms]
65. Avoid subtle violations of good use, particularly (a) faulty idioms and (b) colloquialisms.
[a.] Make your expression conform to English idiom. A faulty idiom is an expression which, though correct in grammar and general meaning, combines words in a manner contrary to usage. Idioms are established by custom, and cannot be explained by logical rules. "I enjoy to read" is wrong, not because the words offend logic or grammar, but merely because people do not instinctively make that combination of words. "I like to read" and "I enjoy reading" are good idioms.