606. Use words that harmonize with the tone of the whole composition.
In ordinary writing avoid such words as said, same, thereby, therein, and hereinbefore.
Bad. Said rule is often broken.
Better. The rule just mentioned is often broken.
Bad. I received the watch and thank you for same.
Better. Thank you for the watch which has just arrived.
607. Avoid poetical words in prose.
Examples are amid, anew, dwelt, ere, eve, hence, hither, morn, ’neath, o’er, oft, ’tis, thrice, ’twas, whither.
608. Use unaffected expressions rather than trite or hackneyed ones.
Avoid: a good time was had by all; bolt from a clear sky; beggars description; beyond description; indescribable; a royal reception; checkered career; discourse sweet music; dull, sickening thud; doomed to disappointment; exception proves the rule; fair maidens; the grim reaper; hungry as bears; last but not least; method in his madness; nipped in the bud; render (a vocal solo); sought his downy couch; stood like sentinels; stage (for anything except a theatrical performance); too full for utterance; took to his heels; wended their way; where ignorance is bliss.