Revise. The positions were offered to soldiers, athletes, and virile men generally.

424. Repeat the article with each noun in a series.

Confusing. They needed a minister, doctor, and lawyer at once.

Clear. They needed a minister, a doctor, and a lawyer at once.

Revise. I met the merchant and postmaster of the little town as well as the sheriff and justice of the peace.

425. Repeat the possessive with each noun in a series.

Bad. I asked her the names of her sister and puppy.

Better. I asked her the names of her sister and of her puppy.

Revise. He watched his horse, cow, and pig break through into the wheat.