86. The vassal had to swear that he would not injure his lord nor betray his secrets. (385)
87. I don’t hardly see what else I could have done. (386)
88. He does not go so deep into details as to bore his students. (387)
89. The new bell sounds harshly. (388)
90. Among the eight instructors which I have are two which I abhor. (389)
Chapter VIII
SENTENCE CLEARNESS
Sentences exist for the purpose of conveying thought from one mind to another. The manner of their expression must, therefore, be such that the thought expressed is obvious and unmistakable. Otherwise, sentences not only fail of their purpose but often lead to confusion, to misunderstanding, and even to disaster. The quality which renders their meaning obvious and unmistakable is called clearness.
400. Definite pronouns (he, she, it, this, that, who, which) must have obvious antecedents.
Insufficient. They say that the timber supply in the United States will soon be exhausted.