419. Make a gerund prepositional phrase modify the noun or pronoun which it ought obviously to modify; or change the construction.
Ludicrous. In speaking to Sparks yesterday, he told me that the team was in excellent condition.
Clear. In speaking to Sparks yesterday, I learned that the team was in excellent condition.
Revise. In trying to show Helen how to start her motor, she almost ran over me.
420. In parallel subordinate clauses repeat the subordinating conjunction with each clause after the first.
Unequal. She had heard that her mother had died suddenly after a short but violent illness, and her father had struck oil.
Accurate. She had heard that her mother had died suddenly after a short but violent illness, and that her father had struck oil.
Revise. Although the water rose steadily during the spring thaw, and the dam was on the point of giving way under the pressure, the engineer obstinately insisted that there was no danger.
421. Repeat auxiliary verb forms with their principals.