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 Effective English 
 
 AND 
 
 Letter Writing 
 
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 A PRACTICAL DRILL IN THE PRINCIPLES OF GRAMMAR AND THEIR APPU- 
 CATION TO BUSINESS FORMS, CUSTOMS AND USAGES, CONSISTING 
 OF A SERIES OF CAREFULLY GRADED LESSONS THAT 
 TRACE BY EASY STEPS THE NATURAL DEVELOP- 
 MENT OF THE SUBJECTS TREATED. 
 
 1913 EDITION 
 
 ELLIS PUBLISHING COMPANY 
 
 BATTLE CREEK. MICH. 
 

 COPYRIGHT. 1912 
 By ELUS PUBLISHING COMPANY 
 
 ^ri 
 
 ■^y" 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 Lesson Page 
 
 Adjectives and Adverbs 16 30 
 
 Adjective Pronouns 30 67 
 
 Agreements of Parts of Speech 36 71 
 
 Application, Letter of 8 15 
 
 Brevity and Terseness in Letter Writing 19 37 
 
 Business Letter Writing 7 n 
 
 Capital Letters 4 6 
 
 Choice and Use of Words 40 80 
 
 Circular Letters 46 - 89 
 
 Comma, The 32 62 
 
 Comparison of Adjectives and Adverbs 17 , 31 
 
 Complaint, Letter of 43 85 
 
 Correspondence Granting Favors 23 ,46 
 
 Courteously Worded Letters 42 83 
 
 Dunning Letters 39 78 
 
 Enclosures, Letters Containing 13 24 
 
 Errors to be Avoided 41 82 
 
 Infinitive, The — Tense Relations 38 77 
 
 Interrogative Pronouns 29 56 
 
 Invoice, The 34 69 
 
 Miscellaneous Exercises For Letter Writing 47 94 
 
 Modification of the Verb 37 74 
 
 Noun, The 9 17 
 
 Ordering Goods, Letters 14-24 25-47 
 
 Paragraphing 20 38 
 
 Parts of Speech 3 5 
 
 Phrases 15 26 
 
 Possessive Forms of the Noun 26 50 
 
 Preposition, The 21 40 
 
 Pronoun, The 11 2I 
 
 Pronouns Reviewed 27 63 
 
 Properties of the Noun 25 48 
 
 Punctuation 5 7 
 
 Recommendation, Letters of 45 87 
 
 Remitting Money, Methods of 33 66 
 
 Relative Pronouns 28 55 
 
 Sentence, The 6 10 
 
 Sentences, Compound and Complex 31 go 
 
 Soliciting Trade, Letters 44 86 
 
 Some Important Things about Letter Writing 22 44 
 
 Summary of Important Facts in English 49 103 
 
 Supplementary Exercises 48 97 
 
 Superfluous Matter 18 35 
 
 Words Frequently Misused 35 70 
 
 Verb, The 10 18 
 
 Verb Forms 12 22 
 
 M185522 
 
p 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 ^The piirpose of this book is to give a thoroughly practical drill in 
 English and to acquaint the student with its application to business 
 forms, customs, and usages. 
 
 Every one who expects to write good English should master the ele- 
 mentary forms and principles of grammar, and this should be done in con- 
 nection with composition and critical reading. 
 
 Effective English and Letter Writing has been developed by the elim- 
 ination of the non-essential, by the omission of much that is technical, and 
 by emphasizing those things that have a direct bearing on the work of a 
 stenographer, bookkeeper or office worker. 
 
 Much of the material is not new, but a great deal of it is the outcome 
 of the authors' own practice in teaching the subject. 
 
 W. W. Kennedy, 
 T. B. Bridges, 
 
 Autliors. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 LESSON 1— The Parts of Speech 
 
 1. The words of the EngHsh Language have been divided, according to 
 meaning and use, into eight general groups, called Parts of Speech. These 
 are: 
 
 1. Nouns, or names of persons, places, objects, or ideas; as, man, desk, 
 George, truth, opportunity. Proper nouns are names of persons, special 
 places and things, and should always be capitalized; as, Jersey City, 
 Mary, Lake Erie, Dr. A. C. Case. 
 
 2. Pronouns, or words used instead of nouns; and to avoid their 
 repetition; as, he, her, them, who. 
 
 3. Verbs, or words expressing action or being, and used to affirm some- 
 thing of some person or thing; as, run, come, strike, appear. 
 
 4. Adjectives, or words that are used to describe, limit, or modify 
 the meaning of a noun or pronoun; as, good, large, beautiful. Proper ad- 
 jectives are adjectives derived from proper nouns and should usually be 
 capitalized; as, English goods, German exports, Roman letters, but not 
 such words as newfoundland dog, maltese cat, morocco leather, china cups, 
 as constant use has disassociated them from their particular char- 
 acter. 
 
 5. Adverbs, or words used to modify the meaning of verbs, adjectives 
 or other adverbs. They usually tell how, when, or where ; as, quickly, im- 
 mediately. 
 
 6. Prepositions, or words used to show relations between their 
 objects and some word to which the object refers; as, in, by, to, between, 
 among, 
 
 7. Conjunctions, or words used to join words, sentences, or parts of 
 sentences; as, (co-ordinate) and, or, nor, but, (subordinate) if, because, 
 where, when. 
 
 8. Interjections, or words thrown in to express pain, surprise, or 
 other emotions; as, O, oh, hurrah. 
 
6 Effective English aitd Letter Writing 
 
 2. Name the parts of speech in the following sentences: 
 
 1. London is the largest city in the world, and New York is the largest city in 
 the United States. 
 
 2. Cato, the Roman orator, was always repeating, "Carthage must be destroyed." 
 
 3. Duty and pleasure seldom travel on parallel roads. 
 
 4. Street comers are poor colleges, and they produce more loafers than they do 
 business men. 
 
 5. "Gray hairs and wrinkles, too, may come, but a happy heart is always young." 
 
 6. Prefer loss to unjust gain, but hold manfully to the right, 
 
 7. Truth, goodness, and charity of mind are to be obtained only by strenuous 
 self-denial. 
 
 8. Religion is the best armor in the world, but the worst cloak. 
 
 9. It is not how much you do, but how well you do your work, that marks your 
 character. 
 
 10. Cleveland is an important lake port of Ohio on Lake Erie. 
 
 Exercise 1 
 3. Arrange the words in the following sentences in columns; all the 
 nouns in one column, all the verbs in another, and so on according to 
 the use of the word in the sentence: 
 
 1. Mary and James lost their books this morning. 
 
 2. The man, 4s well asVthe boy, was driven from the hall. 
 
 3. The sacredness of the occasion had no influence upon his conduct. 
 
 4. Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania. 
 b. Faith, hope, and charity are the three virtues. 
 
 6. "Our whitest pearl we never find; 
 
 Our ripest fruit we never reach; 
 The flowering moments of the mind 
 Drop half their petals in our speech." 
 
 7. You should set a high price upon your leisure moments, for they are sands 
 of precious gold. 
 
 i'8. On Thursday, June 26, 1909, the Baltic set sail for Liverpool, England. 
 ' 9. Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth. 
 10. Cherish patriotism, it is each citizen's birthright. 
 
 LESSON 2— Capital Letters 
 
 4. Begin with a capital letter: 
 
 1 . Every new sentence. 
 
 2. The first word in every line of poetry; as, 
 
 "Alas, for those who never sing, 
 But die with all their music in them." 
 
 3. The first word in every direct quotation, forming a sentence: as. 
 Did the lady ask, "Where did you get the lilies. Mary?" 
 
 4. All proper nouns. This includes names of persons, countries, 
 cities, towns, streets, geographical divisions, days of the week, and names of 
 
Effective English a>id Letter Writing 7 
 
 the months; as, John Wilson, America, Oakland, Hayward, Maple Avenue, 
 Lake Superior, Wednesday, July, Christmas. 
 
 5. All names of the Deity and all words and pronouns referring to the 
 Deity; as, The Providence of some writers is but God's way of executing 
 His laws. 
 
 6. The pronoun / and the interjection O, but not oh, unless it is the 
 first word in a sentence. 
 
 7. Most abbreviations, and titles of honor and distinction; as, Atty., 
 COD, Hon., LL. D., Rev. 
 
 8. The first word in phrases or clauses separately numbered or para- 
 graphed; as, The complete study of a word involves four things: i. How 
 to pronounce it. 2. How to spell it. 3. What it means. 4. How to use 
 it. If the numbers, however, are enclosed in parentheses, capitals are not 
 used. 
 
 9. Nouns vividly personified; as, Thereupon Fancy began to bestir 
 herself. 
 
 Observe the use of capitals in the following: Southern California. 
 The Daily News. Woman's Christian Temperance Union. The East 
 depends upon the West. He traveled east as far as Denver. If you have 
 a reasonable doubt about the use of a capital, it is better not to use it. 
 
 In this and the following lesson no attempt has been made to treat 
 exhaustively the subjects of Capitalization and Punctuation, but to pre- 
 sent only their more important functions. 
 
 ll^rO^Zi^: 
 
 LESSON 3— Punctuation 
 
 6. Use a Period (.) : 
 
 1. At the end of every declarative or imperative sentence, not used 
 in an exclamatory way; as. Politeness costs nothing and wins everything. 
 Be diligent in your business. 
 
 2. After abbreviations and initials; as, Acct., Dec, J. N. Day, M. D., 
 Rev., Ph. D. 
 
 3. After yes and no when used alone; as, Did you see him? No. 
 6. Use a Comma (,) : 
 
 Note. — Only a few of the most common uses of the .comma are presented here. 
 For a fuller discussion see page 62. 
 
 1. To separate the parts of the "heading of a letter;" as, Oakland, 
 Cal,, February 15, 191 2. 
 
 2. After the parts of a complimentary address of a letter; as, 
 
 Hon. Andrew J. Palm, 
 25 Park St., 
 
 Meadville, Pa. 
 
8 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 3. To set off words of direct address, and explanatory phrases and 
 clauses; as, "Come, Ralph," said Mathew, the old schoolmaster, "and 
 recite your lesson." 
 
 \. To follow the complimentary closing of a letter; as, Very sincerely 
 yours,. 
 
 5. Introductory and intermediate expression; as, However, the law, 
 without fear or favor, must be made to apply to all law breakers. 
 
 6. To separate a series of words, phrases, or clauses when the con- 
 nectives, or any of them, are omitted ; as, Rubies, amethysts, diamonds, and 
 all other precious gems, must be carefully guarded. Men of silence, of 
 force, of action, and of character, are always in demand. 
 
 7. Use an Interrogation Point (?): 
 
 1. At the close of a direct question ; as. Do good letter writers consider 
 punctuation important? 
 
 2. After an interrogative phrase or clause stated in the body of a 
 declarative sentence; as. The question. Who will feed the orphans? is an 
 important one. 
 
 I 8. Use an Exclamation Point ( !) : 
 
 1. After words expressing strong emotion, such as fear, horror, etc. 
 
 2. After a sentence, though interrogative in form, expressing strong 
 emotion; as. Who dares set a limit to God's mercy! "How beautiful! oh, 
 how beautiful the valley of my home!" she exclaimed, ecstatically. 
 
 9. Use a Semicolon ( ;) : 
 
 1. Before such words as namely, as, thus, etc., introducing an illus- 
 tration or an enumeration. See text for examples. 
 
 2. After each item in a series of statements; as. Paid June 10, $350; 
 Sept. 4, $25; May 5, $150. 
 
 3 . To separate the parts of a compound sentence when one or more 
 members contain commas ; as. The wise man wins renown ; the f ooi, notoriety. 
 
 10. Use a Colon (:): 
 
 1. Between figures indicating time; as, 9:45. 
 
 2. After the salutation in a letter; as. Dear Sir:* Gentlemen: 
 
 3. After the word following when used before an enumeration; as. 
 Copy the following: 
 
 4. After the introduction of a formal quotation; as. Grant at once 
 replied: "No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender." 
 
 1 1. Use the Dash (— ) : 
 
 1. When there is a sudden transition in thought; as. He is a model 
 pupil — when the teacher is watching him. 
 
 2. To denote the omission of letters; as, G — ^t was a commander. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing g 
 
 3. To denote a summing up of particulars; as, father, mother, brother, 
 sister — all are dead. 
 
 12. Use the Apostrophe (') : 
 
 1. To form the possessive case; as, The Germans' national policy. 
 Men's apparel. Ladies' hats. 
 
 2. To denote the omission of one or more letters or figures; as, O'er 
 the woodland gay. The year of '76. 
 
 3. To form the pltiral of letters, signs, and figures; as. Dot your i's. 
 Make your t's plainer. 
 
 13. Use a Parenthesis ( ): 
 
 I. To enclose an incidental remark, independent of the grammatical 
 construction of the sentence; as, Water vapor (steam) is only about half 
 the weight of dry air. 
 
 14. Use a Hyphen (-) 
 
 1. Between the parts of a compotmd word; as, boot-box. When the 
 first word indicates the material of which the second is made, do not 
 use the hyphen; as, paperbucket. 
 
 2. After part of a word left at the end of a line. Never separate a 
 word so that a syllable consisting of one letter shall stand alone. 
 
 3. A participial adjective coming before the noun should usually be 
 separated from the noun by a hyphen; as, printing-press, sewing-machine. 
 
 4. Several words united to make up a single expression should be 
 hyphenized; as, a ten-dollar-a- week-man. 
 
 A careful observation of this text will enable you to master the use 
 of the hyphen. Note the following: Twenty-fold, fourfold, snow-shoe, 
 bookkeeper, one-half, half-dollar, twenty-five, sweet-faced girl. When in 
 doubt regarding the use of the hyphen consult the dictionary. 
 
 15. The interrogation mark, the exclamation mark, and the dash may 
 be used to indicate doubt, sarcasm, ridicule, etc. ; as, He made a "truthful?" 
 statement concerning the matter. That man honest! Oh, yes, he's 
 generous — to himself. 
 
 Exercise 3 
 
 16. Ptmctuate and capitalize the following: 
 
 1. 37 Crystal st st keyen Cornwall oct 25 1911. 
 
 2. the yahoos in swifts gvillivers travels are brutes with the shapes of men 
 
 3. dombey florence in dombey and son marries waiter gay 
 
 4. they will without doubt disregard your advice. 
 
 6. young men who are educated who are energetic and who are honest can 
 find employment. 
 
 6. the master saM william present your excuse. 
 
lo Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 * 7. hoo James a garfield 325 vineland ave canton ohio was one of americas 
 greatest statesmen 
 
 8. ■william zealous the faithful student was recommended for the position 
 
 9. we have remitted you money for which we have had no receipts as follows 
 may 15, 1909 $275 sept 12 1909 $350 dec 23 1909 $400 
 
 10. as caesar loved me i weep for him as he was fortunate i rej oiced at it as he 
 was valiant i honor him but as he was ambitious i slew him there are tears for his 
 love joy for his fortune honor for his valor and death for his ambition 
 
 11. fred went fishing John went hunting and george i dont know where he went 
 
 12. dionysius the elder tyrant of Syracuse invited his flatter damocles to a splendid 
 
 LESSON 4— The Sentence 
 
 17. Any arrangement of words that will clearly express a thought 
 is a Sentence, A sentence must contain at least two elements; the person 
 or thing about which something is told, or the subject ; and the word or 
 words that tell something of the subject, or the predicate ; as, The boy is 
 idle. Boy is the subject, and is idle, the predicate. No matter how 
 many other words, or groups of words, relating to the subject and 
 the predicate may be included, if either of these two essential elements 
 is absent it is not a sentence. 
 
 1 . A sentence used to make a statement is called a Declarative sen- 
 tence; as. The path of industry is the path to success. 
 
 2. A sentence used to express a command or a request is an Impera- 
 tive sentence; as, Go where duty calls thee. Bring the book, please. 
 
 3 . A sentence used to ask a question is an Interrogative sentence ; as. 
 Is genuine pleasure ever the outgrowth of idleness? 
 
 4. A sentence used to express strong emotion is an Exclamatory sen- 
 tence; as, See, the house is on fire! 
 
 5. A sentence that makes but one statement is a Simple sentence; as, 
 The dog runs swiftly. A Simple sentence may contain an indefinite 
 number of words or phrases grouped about the subject and the predicate 
 as modifiers of these elements; still, if only one statement is made by 
 the expression it is a simple sentence. 
 
 18. To determine the subject of a sentence, put who or what before 
 the verb to form a question; as in the sentence, The boy studies teleg- 
 raphy. Who studies? Boy. Therefore hoy is the subject. Similarly a 
 question may be formed to ascertain the predicate : What does the boy 
 
 do? Studies. 
 
 Exercise 3 
 
 Separate the following sentences into subject and predicate : 
 
 1. The industrious boy works hard. 
 
 2. The ambitious student is anxious to succeed. 
 
 3. The beautiful flower exhaled an intoxicating fragrance. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 1 1 
 
 4. Notes and checks are negotiable paper. 
 6. English is an important study. 
 
 6. Courtesy pays a large dividend. 
 
 7. Is it good business policy to employ incompetent help? 
 
 8. Down the chimney Santa Claus came. 
 
 9. Up from the Valley of Death, rode the six hundred. 
 10. By the wayside on a mossy stone sat a hoary pilgrim. 
 
 LESSON 6— Business Letter Writing 
 
 1 9. In learning to write easily and accurately there is no substitute 
 for faithful and painstaking practice. One may have at his tongue's end 
 all the rules of grammar and rhetoric, and still be unable to write 
 either accurately or intelligently. As a general rule, people like to do 
 those things that they do well; while the disagreeable things are those 
 they do indifferently. This is one reason why most people find letter 
 writing, or other composition, such an unwelcome task. Another reason 
 is, that they attempt to write without preparation or plan. You should 
 always study your subject before attempting to write. It is hard to write 
 from an empty mind. To know well what one wants to write is more 
 than half the battle. 
 
 A letter that is worth writing at all is worth writing carefully. A 
 slovenly letter is indicative of a slovenly and untrained mind. A poorly 
 constructed letter creates, not on^y an unfavorable impression, but dis- 
 respect for the writer, and often defeats the purpose for which it was 
 written. Do not hesitate to write and rewrite a sentence until it is as 
 nearly perfect as you can make it. This practice will be of great help to 
 you in acquiring skill in composition. Be brief, but do not sacrifice clear- 
 ness for brevity. 
 
 20. On the following page is a model form of a typewritten letter: 
 (To be copied by the student.) 
 
12 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 528-16th Street, 
 
 Oakland, Cal., April 13, 1912. 
 
 Mr. B. A. Student, 
 
 1772-21st Ave., Oakland, Cal. 
 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 Business letters should contain the substance 
 of what one would say were he face to face with the 
 person written to. They should he clear, concise, and 
 explicit. Great care should he taken as to arrange- 
 ment,, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and 
 wording. 
 
 The date and writer's address in full should 
 he written on the right-hand side of the page on the 
 first line commencing in the middle of the paper, as 
 in this letter. A comma should follow each item, and 
 a period should follow the year. 
 
 Leaving a suitable margin on the left-hand 
 side of the page, place the name of the person or 
 persons written to on the line below the heading. On 
 the next line below, and three-fourths of an inch 
 from the margin, place the address. Follow each item 
 by a comma and place a period at the end. 
 
 The formal address or salutation should be 
 either, "Dear Sir:", "Dear Madam: " , or "Gentlemen:". 
 It should be on the next line below the address, 
 starting at the margin end should be followed by a 
 colon. Begin the body of the letter on the line 
 below the salutation, and start directly underneath 
 the colon. 
 
 Make a new paragraph for every distinct thing 
 you wish to impress upon the reader. Capitalize only 
 the first v/ord of the complimentary closing. The 
 words of closing should be followed by a comma, and 
 always written on a line by themselves, starting near 
 the center of the page. 
 
 I hope you will find this explanation suffi- 
 ciently clear and comprehensive..^ 
 
 Yours sincerely, .^ 
 
 G. W. Collins. 
 
Effeaive English and Letter Writing 13 
 
 Exercise 4 
 
 21. The following are model forms for opening and closing letters: 
 
 Oakland, Cal., Jan. 4, 191 2. 
 
 The International Brick Co., 
 
 Boston, Mass. 
 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 ************ 
 
 Yours truly, 
 ^„.-y__ John A. Carless. 
 
 1246 Washington St., 
 
 San Francisco, Cal., 
 
 February 24, 191 2. 
 
 Clara H. Plummer, 
 
 Dayton, Ohio. 
 
 Dear Madam: 
 
 ************ 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 The International Brick Co. 
 
 Per G. B. 
 
 (3) 
 
 Room 214, Pacific Bldg., 
 
 San Jose, Cal.. March i, 191 2. 
 
 Miss Agnes Hanson, 
 
 46 Fremont St., Oakland, Cal. 
 
 Dear Miss Hanson: 
 
 ************* 
 
 Respectfully yours, 
 
 L. M. Jones. 
 
 (4) 
 
 Rooms 1 44-1 46-148 Mohl Bldg., 
 978 Cunningham St., N., 
 
 Chicago, 111., Feb. 6, 191 2. 
 Mr. W. C. Thompson, Gen. Mgr., 
 
 The Protective Insurance Company, 
 Chicago, 111. 
 
 Dear Sir: - 
 
 ************ 
 
 Yours sincerely, 
 
 (Mrs.) Jennie E. Johnson. 
 
1 4 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 (5) 
 
 Reno, Nev., Sept. 4, 191 2. ^r 
 
 Mr W. L. Pearson, Cashier, 
 First National Bank, 
 Stockton, Cal. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 Yours respectfully, 
 
 F. L. Lancaster. 
 
 (6) 
 
 Stockton, Cal., Nov. i, 1912. 
 Mr. L. J. Smith, Secretary, 
 Phoenix Iron Works, 
 Portland, Oregon. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 ************ 
 Respectfully yours, 
 
 T. B. Bridges. 
 
 (7) 
 
 Riverside, Cal., Aug. 6, 191 2. 
 C. P. Weber & Co., 
 365 Market St., 
 
 San Francisco, Cal. 
 Gentlemen: Attention Mr. Fricke. 
 
 ************ 
 
 Yours very truly, 
 
 W. L. Godfrey, (M. D.) 
 It is bad form for a woman to sign her name without putting (Mrs.) 
 or (Miss), as the case may be, before it in parenthesis. 
 
 In signing a firm's name always put your name or your initials follow- 
 ing, as in No. 2 above. 
 
 Always use Mr., Messrs., Mrs., or Miss before any personal name 
 addressed. 
 
 Never use "Dear Sirs." "Gentlemen" is correct. 
 
 (' 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 15 
 
 Mode] form for ordinary superacriptioo. 
 
 Return after .... days to 
 
 Mr. F. 0. Gardiner, 
 
 San Franoisoo, 
 425 McAllister St. California 
 
 22. In folding a letter, fold from bottom to top, so the front part will 
 fall about one-half inch shorter than the back part. Then fold the r ght- 
 hand side over one-third, and the left-hand over one-third. The letter 
 will then xmfold properly when taken from envelope. 
 
 Note. — The teacher will here demonstrate to the class how to fold the paper, 
 place it in the envelope, etc. 
 
 Make a copy of the model letter in this lesson, paying close attention 
 to arrangement, folding of paper, etc. Remember that correct punctua- 
 tion and arrangement are evidences of a careful correspondent. 
 
 LESSON 6 — Letter of Application 
 
 23. The qualifications of an applicant for a position are likely to be 
 judged by the character of his letter of application. Such a letter, there- 
 fore, should be perfect in form, neat in penmanship or typewriting, and 
 straightforward in style. If the letter is written in answer to an advertise- 
 ment, it shotild contain all information called for and any other facts that 
 may be relevant to the desired position. Probably the most important 
 thing, however, is to make sure you possess the qualifications demanded; 
 then you should have little trouble in mentioning them with that directness 
 and modest frankness which will win recognition. 
 
 Following is an outline for a letter of application which, if followed, 
 will generally produce good results: 
 
i6 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 (a) Application. Examples: i. "In answer to your advertisement 
 in to-day's Call, please consider me an applicant for the position." 2. 
 "In compliance with your request, I hereby submit this as my formal 
 application for a position in your office." 3. "I desire to see you in re- 
 gard to the position as bookkeeper in your office, as I think I have the 
 qualifications you desire." 
 
 Follow with (b) Age. (c) Education, (d) Experience, (e) References. 
 (f) Salary. Nothing should be said of salary, however, unless such state- 
 ment is asked for. A stamp should not be enclosed for reply. 
 
 If testimonials are requested, copies should be made and enclosed. 
 The originals should not be sent. Copies should be marked "copy," and 
 the word (Signedy in parentheses should be placed before the signature. 
 The following is a good form for a letter of application : 
 
 Oakland, Cal., Sept. 29, 1912. 
 Mr. James Wilson, 
 San Jose, Cal. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 In answer to your advertisement for an assistant bookkeeper, 
 as published in the Oakland Enquirer of Sept. 28, please consider 
 me an applicant for the position. 
 
 I am twenty years old, a graduate of high school, and of 
 Heald's Business College of this city. 
 
 I have had about nine months' experience in the office of 
 Clark & Williams, wholesale grocers of San Francisco, my present 
 employers. In regard to my character and ability, you may refer 
 to the manager of the above firm, Mr. C. P. Williams, and to Dr. 
 L. J. Crane of 246 Linden St., Oakland, Cal. 
 
 My relations with my employers are very pleasant, but I wish 
 to secure a position where I shall have a better chance for ad- 
 vancement, as a bookkeeper. 
 
 I trust my application will have your favorable consideration. 
 .-- Yours sincerely. 
 
 Observe carefully the following in the above letter: 
 
 1. That the word "advertisement" in the first line is not abbre- 
 viated. 
 
 2. That "bookkeeper" is spelled without a hyphen and that it is not 
 capitalized. 
 
 3. That "th" is not after "Sept. 29," nor "Sept. 28." 
 
 4 . That the possessive sign is used in the words ' ' Heald' s' ' and ' 'months ' . ' ' 
 
 5. That the words "high school" are not capitalized. 
 
 6. That an applicant should not give the names of too many former 
 employers. Why ? 
 
 7. That closing remarks, like the one at the end of the above letter, 
 should always be paragraphed. / 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 17 
 
 24. Write a letter of application in answer to the following advertise- 
 ment: Pay close attention to arrangement, punctuation, folding of paper, 
 etc. Place in properly directed envelope and hand to teacher. 
 
 STENOGRAPHER WANTED— Bright young man or woman who can 
 take ordinary dictation; accuracy more desired than rapidity; must be 
 good speller and not addicted to the habit of erasing. Give qualifications 
 fully with reference as to character, ability, etc. Address Watson & 
 Hooker, 736 Stevens St., San Francisco. 
 
 25. The student should dispense entirely with the following and 
 other similar meaningless words and expressions: 
 
 1. We hereby acknowledge receipt of your esteemed favor. 
 
 2. Your favor of the 3d inst. came duly to hand. 
 
 3. Replying to the same would say. 
 
 4. We beg to advise. We beg to suggest. 
 
 5. We beg permission to call attention to the fact. 
 
 6. Enclosed please find. 
 
 7. Trusting we may be favored with your valued order. 
 
 8. Contents have been carefully noted. 
 
 9. Hoping this will meet with, etc. 
 
 10. Your esteemed favor of the 15th ult. received and contents duly 
 noted. 
 
 Do not approach the subject by means of a silly apology or request 
 for permission to write to the person. The person who gets up a 
 letter that means something approaches each subject without beating 
 about the bush. 
 
 LESSON 7-The Noun 
 
 26. A Noun is the name of anything. Nouns maybe classified as 
 Common, Proper, Collective, Abstract, and Concrete. 
 
 1. A Common Noun is a name common to whole classes of objects; 
 as, horses, trees, desks. 
 
 2. A Proper Noun is a particular name given to one of a class; as, 
 Tom broke out of the pasture. 
 
 3. A Collective Noun is the name of a number of living objects of the 
 same kind taken together; as army, jury, flock. 
 
 4. An Abstract Noun is the name of anything that does not occupy 
 space; as, truth, virtue. 
 
 5. A Concrete Notm is the name of anything that does occupy space; 
 
 as, cow, desk, man. 
 
 Exercise 5 
 
 27 Place each of the following nouns under as many of the five classes 
 as possible: 
 
 Example: Army; common, collective, concrete. 
 
i8 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 Desk, laughter, goodness, tree, Cleveland, child, health, clouds, sky, 
 Idora Park, cruelty, February, Charter Oak, truth, herd, sun, cow, mirth, 
 Chicago, duty, Denver, wood, winds, earth, idleness, smoke, manhood, 
 beauty, color, Henry, sea, Wednesday, mob, wisdom, sleep. 
 
 LESSON 8-The Yerb 
 
 28. A Verb is a word vised to assert something of some other word, 
 or group of words, called its subject. Verbs are of two kinds, Transitive and 
 Intransitive. 
 
 1. A Transitive Verb requires some word, or group of words, to in- 
 dicate the receiver of the action, or the thing possessed. When the re- 
 ceiver of the action is part of the predicate, it is called the object; as, 
 The man struck the boy. May has a new hat. Boy is the receiver of the 
 action expressed by the verb struck. Hat is the thing possessed. 
 
 2. An Intransitive Verb does not require a word or group of words 
 to indicate the receiver of the action. An intransitive verb, or verb of 
 complete predication, needs no word to complete its meaning; as, The 
 birds sing. The horse runs. 
 
 3. A Copulative Verb is an intransitive verb that is followed by a 
 word that describes or identifies the subject; as, She is good. The horse 
 is a useful animal. Good is a predicate adjective, and animal, a predicate 
 noun, and both are called Attribute Complements. Copulative verbs 
 take an attribute complement; they never take an object. The most com- 
 mon coptdative verbs are be, been, being, is, am, are, was, and were. Some 
 other coptdative verbs are become, smell, seem, appear, look, and taste. 
 
 4. Verbs may be transitive or intransitive according to their use 
 in the sentence; as. The snow melts rapidly. The sun melts the snow 
 on tjie hillside. 
 
 5. The noun or pronoun following any form of the verb be takes the 
 same case as the noun or pronoun before be, to which it refers; as, It is lie. 
 We knew it to be him. {It, objective case before to be; him, objective 
 after to be). I should like to be he. He in this sentence refers to /, and 
 is in the nominative case. - 
 
 6. If a noun completes the meaning of a verb as the receiver of the 
 action expressed by the verb it is an object, and the verb is transitive; as, 
 Heck kicked the cat. Cat is the receiver of the action, and kicked is a tran- 
 sitive verb. 
 
 7. If a noun completes the meaning of the verb and identifies or 
 modifies the subject, the noun is an attribute and the verb is copulative; 
 as, John is an intelligent student. Student identifies John, and is an at- 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 1 9 
 
 tribute, and ts is a copulative verb. If no word is needed to complete the 
 meaning, the verb is intransitive; as, It rains. 
 
 8. To determine whether the noun following the verb is an object or 
 an attribute read the subject and predicate and put who or what after; the 
 answer to the question thus formed will be an attribute if it names the 
 same person or thing as the subject, otherwise, it will be an object; as John 
 is a good boy. John is what ? Boy. Now boy meaning the same as John 
 is an attribute. The hunter killed the bear. The hunter killed what? 
 Bear. Bear not meaning the same as hunter is an object. 
 
 29. A simple method of diagraming sentences is effective in showing 
 the position and relation of subject, predicate, object, and attribute. 
 When the pupil can see the result of his mental efforts, his mind is stimu- 
 lated to greater activity. Enough diagram forms have been introduced 
 to show the pupil how to analyze a sentence by this method. 
 
 1. She taught him. 
 
 She I taught | him 5;^^^ subject; taught, predicate; him, object. 
 
 2. It is he. 
 
 It i is \ he Hg^ attribute complement. 
 
 3. I thought it to be him. 
 
 it I to be \ him. 
 
 I f thought 
 
 It to he him, phrase object. 
 
 4. She knew it was he. 
 
 it I was \ he 
 
 She I knew 
 
 It was he, ckiuse of object. 
 
 6. He sold me the book. 
 He I sold I book. 
 
 the 
 
 Me, indirect object 
 
20 
 
 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 6. The angry bear fiercely attacked the hunter, 
 bear I attacked I hunter 
 
 The 
 
 angry 
 
 fiercely 
 
 the 
 
 The and angry, adjectives ; 
 fiercely, and verb. 
 
 7. The house on the bank was destroyed by the river, 
 house I was destroyed 
 
 [The_ 
 
 on I bank 
 
 On the hank, adjective prepo- 
 by I river sitional phrase; hy the river, ad- 
 
 verbial prepositional phrase. 
 
 the 
 
 the 
 
 8. This is the man whom you seek. 
 This 1 isV man 
 
 the 
 
 Whom you seek, adjective clause; whom, 
 relative pronoun. 
 
 you 
 
 I seek I whom ^^ 
 
 9 The birds sing sweetly when morning dawns, 
 birds I sing 
 
 The 
 
 sweetly ^ ^■^<5 
 
 mommg 
 
 ^ 
 
 When morning dawns, adverbial 
 clause; when, conjunctive adverb. 
 
 dawns 
 
 10. "Come to me, Bruce, "said his mother. 
 
 
 Bruce 
 
 (You) 1 
 
 Come 
 
 mother | said 
 
 1 
 
 to 1 me 
 
 
 
 his 
 
 
 
 
 ( You) come to 
 me, noun clause; 
 Bruce, nominative 
 of address. 
 
EjfecHve English and Letter Writing 2 1 
 
 Exercise 6 
 30. Diagram the following sentences and determine whether the verbs 
 are transitive, intransitive, or copulative, and whether the nouns follow- 
 ing the verbs are attributes or objects: 
 
 1. The clerk sold the goods. 
 
 2. "Washington was President. 
 
 3. His friend bought a horse. 
 
 4. Tom is a good horse. 
 
 5. Bring the book. 
 
 6. The wind blew fiercely. 
 
 7. The man paid the debt. 
 
 8. The bear attacked the hunter. 
 
 9. Grant was a famous general. 
 
 10. Idleness brings no reward. 
 
 11. The young lady became a famous musician. 
 
 12. The child overturned the kettle. 
 
 13. The man was a philosopher. 
 
 14. Peter is the man. 
 
 15. Knowledge is power. 
 
 16. Merit wins recognition. 
 
 17. Mountain sheep run swiftly and fearlessly. 
 
 18. Slow and steady wins the race. 
 
 19. Longfellow is the children*s poet. 
 
 20. We should improve our time faithfully. 
 
 21. Mr. Barber is my neighbor. 
 
 22. Mary has a new book. 
 
 23. That is he. 
 
 24. The htmter shot the eagle. 
 
 25. She was my teacher. 
 
 LESSON 9— The Pronoun 
 
 31. A Pronoun is a word used instead of a noun. 
 
 1. The principal pronouns are: /, me, my, mine, we, us, our, ours, 
 you, your, yours, he, him, his, she, her, hers, it, its, they, them, theirs, who, 
 whom, which, what, that, and sometimes as and but. 
 
 2. The following are the nominative forms, and are used only as 
 subjects or attributes, never as objects : /, we, she, he, it, they, who. 
 
 3. The following are the objective forms, and are used as the objects 
 of transitive verbs or prepositions : me, us, him, her, them, whom. The 
 others are used as subjects or objects without change of form. 
 
 4. The following are the possessive forms, and are used to denote pos- 
 session: our, ours, his, hers, yours, theirs, whose. You, it and that may 
 be used without change of form, in either nominative or objective relation. 
 Never use an apostrophe with a personal pronoun. Yours truly, not 
 Your's truly. 
 
a2 Effective English and Letter ' Writing 
 
 Exercise 7 
 32. Study the following sentences until you become familiar with the 
 correct forms of the pronouns: Diagram. 
 
 1. It was 1. 
 
 2. It seems to be he. 
 
 3. The stick is his. 
 
 4. She handed, a note to hijn. 
 
 5. The man gave me a book. 
 
 6. The young man was given a lemon by 'her. 
 
 7. He woiild like to be president. 
 
 8. There come Tom and Mary to visit him and me. 
 
 9. We beheve it to b him. " "~ "" 
 
 10. I am a man who am a Jew. 
 
 11. John, he who was hurt, is better. 
 
 12. His being tardy caused the delay. 
 
 13. He being tardy, the meeting adjourned. 
 
 14. They invited my sister and me. 
 
 15. I thought it was they. 
 
 16. It could not have been he. 
 
 17. "Shut the door, Tom," said he. 
 
 18. I had heard of your and your sister's being promoted. 
 
 19. Their signing the treaty made the people rejoice. 
 
 20. Mary, give me the book. 
 
 21. She invited Tom and me. 
 
 22. He and I go to the same school. 
 
 23. That is he and she. 
 
 24. They named the boy Carl. 
 
 25. Wouldn't you like to be I? 
 
 26. "Success is the measure of effort," she told me. 
 
 33. Repeat the following expressions until they become so familiar 
 that you will use them from force of habit: 
 
 It is I. It was I. It wasn't I. 
 
 It is she. It was he. It wasn't he. 
 
 It is he It was she. It wasn't she. 
 
 It is we. It was we. It wasn't we. 
 
 It is they. It was they. It wasn't they. 
 
 Was it I? It isn't I. Was it not I? 
 
 Was it she? It isn't we. Was it not we? 
 
 Was it they? It isn't they. Was it not they? 
 
 Could it have been we ? It was not we. 
 
 It proved not to be they. It might have been he. y 
 
 y 
 
 LESSON lO-Verbs Forms 
 
 34. Regular Verbs form the past tense and past participle by adding 
 ed (or d) to the present form of the verb ; thus : 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 23 
 
 Present Tense (time) 
 Love 
 End 
 Form 
 Turn 
 
 Past Tense 
 loved 
 ended 
 formed 
 turned 
 
 Past Participle 
 loved 
 ended 
 formed 
 turned 
 
 Present Tense 
 See 
 Teach 
 Ride 
 Write 
 
 35. Irregular Verbs form the past tense and the past participle in 
 some other way; thus: 
 
 Past Tense Past Participle 
 
 saw seen 
 
 taught taught 
 
 rode ridden 
 
 wrote written 
 
 36. Many errors in English arise from using the incorrect form of the 
 irregular verb. Say, "/ have seen," not "/ have saw." "I saw," not 
 "/ seen." "I did the work" not "/ done the work." "7 have done the work," 
 not "7 have did the work." 
 
 37. An Auxiliary is a word used with a verb to help in expressing 
 its meaning. The auxiliaries are: do, does, did, be, been, being, is, am, are, 
 was, were, have, has, had, shall, should, will, would, may, might, can, could, 
 and must. 
 
 38. Partial list of irregular verbs. 
 
 Present 
 
 Past 
 
 Past Par. 
 
 Present 
 
 Past 
 
 Past Par 
 
 Be (am) 
 
 was 
 
 been 
 
 eat 
 
 ate 
 
 eaten 
 
 Begin 
 
 began 
 
 begun 
 
 fly 
 
 flew 
 
 flown 
 
 Do 
 
 did 
 
 done 
 
 flee 
 
 fled 
 
 fled 
 
 Go 
 
 went 
 
 gone 
 
 ring 
 
 rang 
 
 rung 
 
 Lose 
 
 lost 
 
 lost 
 
 sing 
 
 sang 
 
 sung 
 
 Lay 
 
 laid 
 
 laid 
 
 come 
 
 came 
 
 come 
 
 Lie 
 
 lay 
 
 lain 
 
 shrink 
 
 shrank 
 
 shrunk 
 
 Rise 
 
 rose 
 
 risen 
 
 write 
 
 wrote 
 
 written 
 
 Sit 
 
 sat 
 
 C^/ 
 
 buy 
 
 bought 
 
 bought 
 
 Set 
 
 set 
 
 set 
 
 bid 
 
 bade 
 
 bidden 
 
 FaU 
 
 feU 
 
 fallen 
 
 bite 
 
 bit 
 
 bitten 
 
 Know 
 
 knew 
 
 known 
 
 break 
 
 broke 
 
 broken 
 
 Hide 
 
 hid 
 
 hidden 
 
 blow 
 
 blew 
 
 blown 
 
 Grow 
 
 grew 
 
 grown 
 
 swear 
 
 swore 
 
 sworn 
 
 Shine , 
 
 shone 
 
 shone 
 
 swim 
 
 swam 
 
 swum 
 
 Let.c^'< let 
 
 let 
 
 . break 
 
 broke 
 
 broken 
 
 For a mbre/e^tensiya^list of irregular verbs see some more compre- 
 hensive work. Q_^^\^M:i^ 
 
 Exercise 8 
 39. Write original sentences showing the correct use of the present, 
 the past and the past participle of the following verbs: 
 
24 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 Example : Mary comes quietly into the room. Mary came home yester- 
 day. Mary has come to visit us. 
 
 See, am, arise, eat, begin, beseech, bid, bite, blow, bring, catch, choose, 
 crow, drive, do, fly, freeze, give, know, lie, lay, ride, rise, raise, feel, fall, 
 sit, set, throw, go, wear, teach, win, write, slay. 
 
 LESSON 11— Letters Containing Enclosures 
 
 40. Checks, drafts, receipts, bills, etc., are often enclosed with a letter. 
 The enclosure should be placed, face upward, across the face of the letter 
 and folded with it. (Teacher should here give a demonstration.) Papers 
 enclosed in this way are not Hkely to be overlooked when the letter is 
 removed from the envelope. 
 
 Enclosures should be carefully preserved until the letters are written, 
 then pinned to the letters they are to go with. 
 
 Another way is to put them in properly directed envelopes before the 
 letters themselves are written. 
 
 In order to be sure of the number of enclosures that go with a letter, 
 the ntmiber should be specified on the lower left hand comer of the letter 
 itself. See model letter below. 
 
 When writing this kind of a letter, the amount of the enclosure (if 
 it is a paper representing money) should be stated in figures, but not in 
 writing. 
 
 The following is good form for a letter containing an enclosure : 
 Cunningham, Curtis & Welch, Oakland, Cal., July i8, 191 2. 
 
 San Francisco, Cal. 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 Enclosed find check No. 78 for $400, the amount required to balance 
 my account to date. 
 
 Please receipt and return enclosed statement. 
 
 ^ Yours truly, 
 
 (2 enc.) R. V. Dixon. 
 
 41. Write to W. B, Holmes at Denver, Colo., informing him that you 
 have leased his farm near Hayward, Cal., to S. J. Cooper for a yearly 
 rental of $600, Say that you believe Mr. Cooper is a competent and re- 
 liable man (state some reason for your belief). Enclose certified check 
 for the first quarter's rent, less your commission of 2% on the year's rental, 
 and less $50, which was paid for repairs on the house. State that you 
 enclose the bill of L. P. Lewis, the contractor who did the repairing. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 25 
 
 LESSON 12-letter8 Ordering Goods 
 
 42. In a letter ordering goods, the various items of the order shotdd 
 be in tabular form, all beginning at the regular paragraph point. In busi- 
 ness letters it is customary to use figures instead of writing numbers in 
 words. In ordering from a catalogue where goods are represented by num- 
 ber, this number should always be given, the article specified, and the 
 particular catalogue mentioned. 
 
 If you are not ordering from a catalogue always give sizes, styles, and 
 all other details you possibly can, unless you are sure the shipper knows 
 precisely what you want. If terms of payment have not been previously 
 arranged, state how you wish to make payment. 
 
 All orders should be acknowledged, as the acknowledgment com- 
 pletes the contract. It also pleases the customer to be assured of the re- 
 ceipt of his order, and the attention it is receiving. 
 
 Definite directions shotdd always be given, stating how and when, 
 goods should be shipped. The following letter is a good form : 
 
 Oakland,^:ial., Oct. 16, 1912. 
 ElHs PubHshing Co., -tyn^nytAyo-^njJuvtc^rry • 
 
 Battle Creek, Mich. 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 Please ship us by fast freight the following: 
 
 100 sets New Tablet Method of Teaching Bookkeeping. 
 
 150 Model Arithmetics. 
 
 1000 Order Tickets. Cat. No. 150. 
 
 150 Effective English and Letter Writing. 
 
 50 sets Bank Accounting. 
 
 25 sets Corporation and Voucher Accounting. 
 
 500 Checks Books, 50-page, Merchants Bank. Cat. No. 287. 
 
 We will remit on receipt of goods. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 43. The above arrangement gives clearness to the letter, inasmuch 
 as it enables the concern filling the order from it, to check off conveniently 
 the items as they are supplied. 
 
 Notice that the figures in each line of the order begin on the paragraph 
 margin and that the figures of each part of the order Une up to the left 
 instead of the right. 
 
 Why is the colon used after "the following?" 
 
 Why is, "New Tablet Method of Teaching Bookkeeping" capital- 
 ized, while "sets" is^not begun with a capital? 
 
 44. Write a letter to the Ackley Pub. Co., Chicago, 111., enclosing 
 a New York draft for $75.50 in payment of their bill (specify the date). 
 
a6 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 Also include in the body of your letter an order for the following: 
 loo copies Ackley Shorthand; 50 Progressive Exercises; 140 copies New- 
 Speller; 25 copies National Typewriter Instructor.^ 
 
 45. Write answers to the following questions and submit to your 
 teacher: 
 
 1. In writing to a stranger do you close with ^'I am" or "I remain?" 
 
 2. Do you close with" Yours sincerely" to a stranger? 
 
 3. Do you write an order for goods in the body of the letter or on 
 a separate sheet? 
 
 4. In writing a date do "st," "d," or "th" come after the figures in- 
 dicating the day of the month? Thus "Mar. 5^!;, 1907." 
 
 5. How should a married woman sign her name to a letter? 
 
 6. Do you use "Messrs." before "Company?" 
 
 7. Do you capitalize "st." and "ave."? 
 
 8. Are contracted words always followed by periods? ) ' < 
 
 9. What does "pp 27-31" mean? 
 
 10. Is the sign # any longer properly used on an envelope to indicate 
 the number of the house on the street? 
 
 *~ II. What do "i. e.", "e. g.", "viz.", and "via" mean? 
 
 12. Do you hyphenate "one third," fifty fotir," etc? 
 
 13. Do you write sums of money in figures or spell them out? 
 
 14. Do you write a business letter on both sides of the paper? 
 
 15. Should names of streets and cities be abbreviated? 
 
 16. Why should information about another person be treated con- 
 fidentially? 
 
 17. Should all letters be called "your favor?" 
 
 18. If a letter is directed to a small town is it advisable to put the name 
 of the county in the superscription? Where? 
 
 19. What is wrong with the following envelope address? 
 
 Mr. H. R. Mauser, 
 City. 
 
 LESSON 13-Phrase8. 
 
 46. A Phrase is a group of words, not containing a predicate verb, 
 that performs the ofRce of a single word; as, A man of honor will not com- 
 promise his conscience. Of honor is a phrase equivalent to the word honor- 
 able, an adjective modifying man. 
 
 Phrases are classified as to structure into Prepositional, Infinitive, 
 and Participial. 
 
 I. A Prepositional Phrase consists of a preposition and, usually, a 
 notm or pronoun used as its object. In the sentence in paragraph 46 "of 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 27 
 
 honor** is the phrase, "of" being the preposition, and "honor " its object. 
 2. An Infinitive Phrase consists of some verb form always preceded by 
 to, expressed or understood, and used to name an action or state of being 
 without asserting it of a subject; as, The boy tries to learn English. To 
 learn English is the infinitive phrase, to learn being the infinitive verb, and 
 English its object. 
 
 boy ^ tries 
 
 to learn | English 
 
 The 
 
 3. A Participle is a form of the verb that may be used as a noun or an 
 adjective. It may be modified by an adjective, or by an adverb, and it 
 may take an object. 
 
 There are two participial forms, — the Present and the Past. 
 
 I. The Present Participle ends in ing: as, playing, running, jumping, 
 swimming. The present participle may be used as a noun or as an adjective. 
 
 Example: His preparing the thesis so carefully secured him the cap 
 having the red plume. 
 
 
 preparing | 
 
 thesis 
 
 secured | 
 
 cap 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 His 
 
 carefully 
 
 the 
 
 
 
 
 so 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 X j him 
 
 the 
 
 having 
 
 olume 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 the 
 red 
 
 Preparing is a participle used as a noun and limited by the possessive 
 pronoun his, it is also limited by the adverb carefully, and has tliesis 
 as its object. Having is a participle used as an adjecti\^e limiting cap, 
 and having plume for its object. 
 
a8 
 
 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 2. The Past Participle generally ends in d, ed, t, n, or en. It may 
 be used as an adjective, never as a noun: as She, loved by all, died early. 
 
 She I died 
 
 loved 
 
 early. 
 
 by I all 
 
 Loved is a past participle modifying s^ie, and it, in turn, is limited by 
 by all, a prepositional phrase used as an adverb. 
 
 The participle used as an adjective usually follows the noun it 
 modifies; as. The man standing by the door is my brother. Sometimes it 
 precedes the noun, and when it does it is separated from its noun by a 
 hyphen; as. The printing-press is out of order. 
 
 Prepositional phrases are used only as adjectival or adverbial modifiers. 
 The infinitive and participial phrase may be used as the subject, the object, 
 the attribute, the adverb, or the adjective. 
 
 The participial phrase used as the subject is never set off by a 
 comma: as. His coming late delayed the meeting. 
 
 
 coming 
 
 delayed | 
 
 
 
 His 
 
 late 
 
 
 
 
 meeting. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 the 
 
 The participial phrase, used in an absolute sense, is always set 
 off by a comma ; as, He failing to appear, the citizens were exasperated. 
 
 citizens 
 
 were exasperated 
 
 the 
 
 He 
 
 (because) 
 
 failing 
 
 to appear 
 
 He is the assumed subject of failing, failing, a participle, is the as- 
 sumed predicate of he. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 
 We wanted him to study English. 
 
 him I to study | English 
 
 29 
 
 We 
 
 wanted 
 
 Him is the assumed subject of the infinitive to study. 
 
 Exercise 9. 
 47. Name the class to which each of the following phrases belongs, 
 and where it is in a sentence, tell how it is used: 
 
 1. on the hill. 
 
 2. to secure a job. 
 
 3. Having shot the deer, Mr. Decker was elated. 
 
 4. honored by all. 
 
 5. in the office. 
 
 6. to do -well. 
 
 7. having finished his work. 
 
 8. Her displeasing the teacher caused the trouble. 
 
 9. of the company. 
 
 C,<d 
 
 10. thrown from his horse. r' -r^ ^ 
 
 11. The horse ran away. j V 
 
 12. of courtesy. 
 
 13. to spend money. 
 
 14. from bur college. 
 
 15. out of order. 
 
 16. A man of prudence was chosen 
 
 17. He went in haste. 
 
 18. He came to mock the minister. 
 
 19. Our telephone is out of order. 
 
 20. The flowers in the garden are blooming. 
 
 21. The papers are deUvered in the evening. 
 
 22. The students, stirred by emulation, did their best. 
 
 23. The history of words is an interesting study. 
 
 24. By constant practice she has learned to write with ease. 
 
 25. They tried to teach him mathematics. 
 
 26. He came to visit Lucy and me. 
 
 27. The politician, despised by all, took a bribe. 
 
 28. Letters of recommendation will be helpful to you. 
 
 29. His garden, surrounded by a high fence, was not molested. 
 
 The young man wasting his time, is a pitiable object. 
 
 Their leaving the gate open caused the trouble. 
 
 They not completing the course, the merchants doubt their qualifications. 
 
 His being first in class secured him the position. 
 
 They, studying diligently, passed a brilliant examination. 
 
30 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 LESSON 14— Adjectives and Adyerbs 
 
 48. An Adjective is a word used to modify the meaning of a noun or 
 pronoun, usually showing what kind, which one, how many; as, 
 
 Beautiful rose. What kind of a rose? Beautiful. 
 
 The third book. Which one of the books? Third. 
 
 One dozen of eggs. How many dozens? One. 
 
 An Adverb is a word used to modify the meaning of a verb, an adjec- 
 tive, or another adverb, usually by showing how, when, where, why, how 
 long, how often, sometimes how much, but never how many. 
 
 Tell which of the above questions the adverbs in the following sentences 
 answer: 
 
 1. The trains run rapidly. 
 
 2 . The girl studies in the morning. 
 
 3. The rain falls on the roof. Phrase as an adverb. 
 
 4. The slave fought for his freedom. 
 
 5. The flight continued indefinitely. 
 
 6. She skipped the rope twenty times. 
 
 7 . He paid twenty dollars for the suit. 
 
 8 He flew easily and siviftly in his aeroplane from St. Louis to Chicago. 
 
 It is a common error to complete a verb used to assert an attribute 
 of its subject with an adverb instead of an adjective. 
 
 When the condition of the subject is to be expressed use the adject- 
 ive; as, She looks sad. 
 
 When the manner of the action is to be expressed use an adverb; as, 
 The bird flew rapidly. 
 
 Thus people say, "She looks badly," when they should say, "She 
 looks bad," and "He arrived safely, instead of "He arrived safe." 
 
 Exercise 10 
 
 49. Write the following sentences, choosing the proper word: 
 
 1. They walked (slow, slowly). - - -- ^ ' ' 
 
 2. You look {sad, sadly). , - 
 
 3. He stood {silent, silently). 
 
 4. He sings {bad, badly). ^r^xJO-i--'^ 
 
 5. Please remain {quiet, quietly). ^■"" 
 
 6. His voice sounds {harsh, harshly). 
 
 7. The vessel broke {easy, easily). 
 
 8. He crept {silent, silently) into the room. 
 
 9. The garment looks {nice, nicely). 
 
 10. He looks {suspicious, suspiciously). 
 
 11. The river runs {rapid, rapidly). 
 
 12. My father speaks {low, lowly). 
 1.?. Mary sings {sweet, sweetly). 
 
 14. How {sad, sadly) she must feel. 
 
Effectwe English aitd Letter Writing 31 
 
 15. Come here {quick, quickly). 
 
 16. The rose he sent me smells {{fragrant, fragrantly). 
 
 17. He sounded the bugle {loud, loudly). 
 
 1 8. She remained {helpless, helplessly) at home. 
 
 19. He tiied {hard, hardly) to win the prize. 
 2). He looked {angry, angrily) at us. 
 
 21. Didn't she smile {sweet, sweetly)! 
 
 22. He stood {defiant , defiantly) . 
 
 23. His promises do not ring {true, truly). 
 
 24. Draw the string {tight, tightly). 
 
 25. The string was wrapped {tight, tightly) around his finger. 
 
 26. The fruit tastes {sweet, sweetly). 
 
 27. He stood {idle, idly) watching the men at work. 
 
 28. She walks {graceful, gracefully). 
 
 29. He spoke so {eloquently, eloquent) upon the subject of "Man's Responsibility" 
 that many persons in the audience wept {bitter, bitterly) . 
 
 30. She looked {real, really) angry. 
 
 LESSON 1 5— Comparison of Adjectives and Adverbs 
 
 50. Adjectives and adverbs admit a change of form to express quality 
 or modification in different degrees; namely: 
 
 The Positive degree which is expressed by the ordinary form of the 
 word; as high, small. 
 
 The Comparative degree, which indicates a higher or lower degree 
 than the positive; as, higher, smaller. 
 
 The Superlative degree, which indicates the highest or lowest degree; 
 as, largest, smallest. 
 
 Words of one syllable and many words of two syllables are compared 
 by adding er to the positive to form the comparative, and est to the posi- 
 tive to form the superlative. 
 
 Most words of two syllables or more are compared by prefixing more 
 for the comparative and most for the superlative ; as, plentiful, more plenti- 
 ful, most plentiful. 
 
 Some words are compared irregularly; as good, better, best; little, less, 
 least. 
 
 Double comparison is incorrect and should not be used. Say, "He is 
 the more honest of the two," not "the more honester man." 
 
 Double negatives are incorrect and should never be used. Say, "I 
 have no money," or, "I haven't any money;" never, "I haven't w<3money," 
 or similar expressions. 
 
 It is a common error to use the superlative degree to compare two 
 objects. Use the comparative form to compare two objects; the superla- 
 
32 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 tive to compare three or more objects. Say, "James is the taller of the 
 two boys," not "the tallest.' 
 
 In making comparisons in the positive or comparative neither of the 
 terms compared should include the other. You should not say "Iron is 
 more useful than any metal," but "Iron is more useful than any other 
 metal." 
 
 Some words from their meaning do not admit of comparison; such as, 
 perfect, sqtiare, round, horizontal, vertical. Say, "This line is more nearly 
 vertical than that," not "more vertical." 
 
 Repeat a, an, and the when necessary to prevent ambiguity when 
 adjectives of equal rank refer to the same object. Say, "The red and 
 white cow," when one cow is meant; say, "The red and the white cow," 
 when more than one cow is meant. Say, "He received the title of earl," 
 not "of an earl." 
 
 ^Adjectives that express the idea of number must be used with nouns 
 of the same number J Say, "This kind of apples," not "these kind."" That 
 sort of people," not "those sort." Say, "those kinds," "these sorts." 
 
 A pronoun in the possessive case has the force of an adjective. 
 
 Adverbs have two uses: They may modify, or they may modify and 
 connect. 
 
 When they are used only to modify they are simple adverbs. Adverbs 
 express time, place, manner and degree; as, He is going tomorrow. Where 
 is Boston? He talks slaivly. It was cold enough to freeze. 
 
 When they both modify and connect they are called conjunctive ad- 
 verbs. A conjunctive adverb usually introduces a clause used as an ad- 
 verbial modifier, and modifies the verb in each clause. 
 
 The principal conjunctive adverbs are: as, after, before, where, when, 
 since, while, and why. 
 
 61. An adjective pronoun must agree in number with the noun it 
 limits. 
 
 Exercise 11 
 
 52. Write the following sentences, choosing the proper word: 
 
 1. Where do they raise (titose, that) kind of oranges? 
 
 2. I like {these, this) kind of gloves better than {those, that). 
 
 3. What (does, do) {that, those) sort of people do for a living? 
 
 4. {This, these) sort of hats {are, is) more fashionable than {those, that) kind. 
 
 5. He has been deacon in our church {these, this) thirty years. 
 
 6. That man is seven {foot, feet) tall. 
 
 7. {These, that) kind of apples no one likes. 
 
 8. {These, that) class of goods {is, are) not profitable. 
 
 9. I dislike {that, those) sort of berries. 
 
 63. Care should be taken not to use the pronoun them for the adjective 
 tliose. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 33 
 
 Exercise 12 
 
 5 4. Rewrite and correct the following : 
 
 1. Them boys is noisy. 
 
 2. Them books you loaned me is lost. 
 
 3. Why did you buy them kind. 
 
 4. He bought them goods in New York. 
 
 5. I wrote them sentences two times. 
 
 6. Them shoes are too large. 
 
 7. Where do they raise them kind of oranges? 
 
 8. I like them kind of gloves better than those. 
 
 9. Them sort of hats are more fashionable than those kind. 
 
 55. In comparing two objects use the comparative degree of the ad- 
 jective; in comparing three or more use the superlative. 
 
 Exercise 13 
 
 56. Choose the correct word in the following sentences: 
 
 1. James is the (tallest, taller) of the two boys. 
 
 2. Father was the (elder, eldest) of five brothers. 
 
 3. I can't tell which I like the (best, better) of the two books. 
 
 4. The (smallest, smaller) of the two diamonds is the (more, most) expensive. 
 
 5. Mary was the (prettiest, prettier) of the twins; but James was the (smartest, 
 smarter). 
 
 6. He is the (swa//g5t, 5Wo/Z^) of the two. 'f f\ 'V 
 
 Review Exercise 14 -^ 
 
 67. Rewrite and correct the following: 
 
 1. Which is the sharpest end of this stick? 
 
 2. This is a more quicker way. 
 
 3. This store sells more goods than any, store in this city. 
 
 4. They bought a more cheaper kind. 
 
 5. Of the two machines, that one cost the i^ost, but it is the easiest sold. 
 
 6. This was more universal than that. 
 
 7. Which is the oldest, you or John? C^'^'' '"'• 
 
 8. A more happier pair you never met. 
 
 9. China has a greater population than any nation on earth. 
 
 10. A more agreeable companion you cannot find. 
 
 11. That ship is larger than any of its class. 
 
 12. He has a most spotless reputation. 
 
 13. Them books were sold for a lesser price than they cost. 
 
 14. These kind of books can hardly be obtained. 
 
 15. We offer to immediately send a letter to our subscribers. '^WC- ' - - ' 
 
 16. The jury' disagreeing was a surprise to me. 
 v^l7. He is one of these kind of fellows. 
 
 18. They told us about the cashier taking the money. 
 
 19. All the teachers knew about me being late. 
 
 20. Teacher, them books do not belong to me. 
 
 21. We was disappointed at your not being there. 
 
 22. The Martins went to Florida (to, too, two) year ago. 
 
34 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 58. Adverbs, not adjectives, should be used to modify adjectives. 
 
 Exercise 15 
 
 69. Correct the following: 
 
 1. It is real pretty. 
 
 2. He is not much hurt. 
 
 3. She was terrible angry. 
 
 4. She was a real good stenographer. 
 
 5. It was uncommon cold. 
 
 6. The ceremony was performed in a pretty arranged parlor. 
 
 7. It was an awful cold day. 
 
 8. It was an odd shaped affair. 
 
 9. It was a tolerable cold day. 
 
 10. She was an unusual good stenographer. 
 
 11. It was a splendid arranged affair. 
 
 12. I feel remarkable well. 
 
 13. It was an exceeding dark night. 
 
 14. He was very near successful. 
 
 60. The words no, not, none, nobody, neither, nor, never, and nothing 
 f are called negatives because their use changes an affirmative sentence to 
 \ a negative one. 
 
 ^' Exercise 16 
 
 61. Review "Comparison of Adjectives and Adverbs," and correct 
 the following: 
 
 1. I didn't ha-'^e no cake and I ain't got no money to buy none. 
 
 2. ,He doesn't know nothing about it. 
 
 3. Abraham Lincoln never went to no college. 
 
 4. One can't never tell what is going to happen, 
 6. I'm afraid I won't never learn to write good. 
 
 6. Neither Frank nor nobody else passed the examination. 
 
 7. In spelling them words you cannot have but one trial. 
 
 8. John said to the teacher, "I hain't got no merchandise." 
 
 9. Didn't nobody tell you what to do? 
 
 10. There wasn't none of the senators that voted for the bill. 
 
 11. I can't see no difference between these pictures. 
 
 12. She don't seem to use no judgment in such matters. 
 
 13. You can't scarcely tell them boys apart. 
 
 14. I never took no writing lessons. 
 
 15. He never done nothing too them. 
 
 Exercise 17 — Review of Previous Lessoni 
 
 62. Rewrite and correct the following sentences: 
 
 1. I did not object to him helping me. 
 
 2. He rode past me so quick I scarcely seen him. 
 
 3. He is older than her, but she is the smartest. 
 
 4. That is easier said than done. 
 
 6. Of two methods adopt the shortest. 
 6. I think that it is him. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 35 
 
 7. I have wrote for the books, but they have not came. 
 
 8. They have began the building. 
 
 9. There were a crowd of boys in the room. 
 
 10. One of you are mistaken. 
 
 11. They have went away. 
 
 12. Where was you last night ? 
 
 13. You are stronger than me. 
 
 14. I blowed the light out. 
 
 15. He likes these kind of apples. 
 
 16. I seen him today. 
 
 17. Who did you invite? 
 
 18. I never knew a more happier man. 
 
 19. William has did his work well. 
 
 20. The blame is their's not your's. 
 
 21. John went with James and I. 
 
 22. Sense and honor wins esteem. 
 
 23. I can build a house easier than I can write an essay. 
 
 24. You do not write good. 
 
 25. My pen does not write good. 
 
 26. The boy came back as quickly as he could. 
 
 27. I would study bookkeeping if I was you. 
 
 28. Would that everybody was honest. 
 
 29. Who did Charhe go to see? 
 
 30. How sadly she must feel. 
 
 31. You have went over that lesson a dozen times. 
 
 32. Between you and I that work was did good enough. 
 
 33. There are none of us left now but you and me. 
 
 34. Between you and I , he is the most deserving of the two. 
 
 35. One of those days fall on Sunday. 
 
 LESSON 16— Superfluons MaUer 
 
 63. As a rule, whatever does not add to the thought, detracts just so 
 
 much from its clearness and force. Name the unnecessary words in the 
 following expressions: 
 
 It cannot be possible. Future prospects. 
 
 Finally settled. , Gather together. 
 
 Full complement. Practical benefit. 
 
 First of all. In the city of Oakland. 
 
 The last end. First began. 
 
 Over again. A grove of trees. 
 
 Both of them. They seemed to be good. 
 
 New beginner. Red colored. 
 
 In the year 1908. Most perfect. 
 
 A charming and attractive girl. Up to the usual average. 
 
 Later on. A little small one. 
 
 Throughout the whole book. Returned back again. 
 
36 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 Universal everywhere. My esteemed and respected hearers. 
 
 An estimable widow woman. 2 P. M. Saturday afternoon. 
 
 Erase it out. A false wig. 
 
 An exact fac-simile. They conversed together. 
 
 He walked on foot. Our forefathers who came before us. 
 
 Exercise 18 
 
 64- Point out the unnecessary words in the following sentences: 
 
 1. He resides in a little small house in the suburbs of the city. 
 
 2. Souvenirs were given away free gratis for nothing. 
 
 3. I do not wish for any at all. 
 
 4. I shall soon have it finally completed. 
 
 5. This is the universal opinion of all men. 
 
 6. It is all right so far as that is concerned. 
 
 7. They have no other object but to come. 
 
 8. Iron sinks down in water, but cork floats on top of the water. 
 
 9. I wish to inform you that I have leased your farm to Wm. R. Thomas. 
 
 10. I can do it equally as well as he. 
 
 11. As we looked at the sky, a very unusual phenomenon took place. 
 
 12. Later on they intend to open up a real estate office. 
 
 13. He did not depart this life until he had reached the advanced age of four 
 score years and ten. 
 
 14. I have still got my money and expect to keep it always and forever. 
 
 15. The Remington is used in most all business schools. 
 
 16. You do very well for a new beginner. 
 
 17. He may possibly go, but he cannot possibly succeed. 
 
 18. They returned back again to their first and former starting place. 
 
 19. I am writing in answer to your advertisement which I saw in last night's 
 Bulletin. 
 
 20. I will send you the remainder of the money in the near future. 
 
 21. Enclosed please find my check amounting to $75.00. 
 
 22. She was a charming and attractive girl. 
 
 23. His habit of talking to himself had become habitual. 
 
 24. Errors are to be found throughout the whole book. 
 
 25. He was a stout, fleshy man and had formed the curious and singular habit 
 of walking with both of his two hands tightly closed. 
 
 "Speak properly and in as few words as you can, but always 
 plainly; for the end of speech is not ostentation, but to be under- 
 stood," 
 
 LESSON 17— Brevity and Terseness in Letter Writing 
 
 65. While a majority of letter writers are inclined to the use of super- 
 fluous matter, there are some who have the notion that the important 
 features of business letters are usually manifested in such expressions as, 
 "Yours received," "I saw your ad.," "Gents," "Yours respect.," "Rec'd 
 yours and would say," "Will return," etc. They mistake abbreviated 
 words, and curt and uncouth phrases for brevity. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 37 
 
 It is not sufl&cient to state what is meant in a bare, disconnected 
 fashion. The writer must be stire that the reader will understand fully, 
 and for that purpose he must add, by way of explanation, illustration, 
 or expansion, whatever details are necessary to make his whole meaning 
 clear. Of course, brief letters are desirable, when they are in order, but 
 clearness must not be sacrificed for brevity. 
 
 The writer of a business letter should have a clear idea of what he 
 wants to say and then express it in the simplest and most direct manner 
 consistent with cotirtesy and grace. While there should not be the con- 
 ciseness that lacks precision, yet, on the other hand, there should not be 
 the expansion that produces confusion. Not only superfluous matter, 
 such as unnecessary words, etc., but statements and information of no 
 interest to the reader should be avoided. 
 
 The extreme brevity in the following letter is undesirable: 
 Mr. F. O. Gardiner, July 27, 1912. 
 
 San Francisco, Cal. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 Yours at hand. Have placed amount to your credit. Will expect 
 bal. in 30 days. 
 
 Yours resp., 
 
 Geo. W. Collins. 
 
 66. Terseness, while it implies conciseness, has the additional quality 
 of grace or finish. Compare the following letter with the foregoing : 
 
 Mr. F. O. Gardiner, July 27, 1912. 
 
 425 McAllister St. 
 
 San Francisco, Cal. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 Your letter of July 24, enclosing check No. 187 for $224.50, in part 
 payment of yotir account of $424 . 50, was received. This amount has been 
 placed to your credit, and receipt is herewith enclosed. 
 
 I thank you for the remittance, and trust you may favor me with the 
 remainder soon. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 Geo. W. Collins. 
 
 The first letter conveys nothing definite and is decidedly lacking in 
 that quality of the business letter which commands respect. On the 
 other hand, the second letter, while it is terse, is a complete record, and 
 if read years after by any one it would be clearly understood. 
 
 67. You have just received a letter from Mr. A. T. Lee, Boston, Mass., 
 asking information about your city, the country surrounding it, the climate, 
 etc. He seeks this information in view of coming to your place to estab- 
 
38 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 lish himself in some line of business, and to make a home for his family. 
 Write a letter giving such information as you think would interest him. 
 
 X6^' You have a prospect of being employed in the estabHshment of 
 R. V. Dixon & Co., of 928 Montgomery St., San Francisco. You have had 
 an inter^dew with these gentlemen, and, being asked for a reference, took 
 the liberty of giving the name of F. E. Madden, of 618 Manila St., Oakland, 
 Cal., by whom you were formerly employed for two years. Write a letter 
 to Mr. Madden stating these facts, and adding that you trust he will give 
 a favorable report, inasmuch as he expressed satisfaction with your con- 
 duct and ability while in his employ. 
 
 LESSON 18— Paragraphing 
 
 69. Paragraph all sentences referring to the same topic. When a new 
 subject is introduced the mechanical arrangement of the letter should 
 prepare the reader for the change. Always indent the first word of each 
 paragraph. 
 
 It is very important that the several topics of a letter should be in- 
 troduced in a natural order, and that each shotdd be completed before 
 another is taken up. Nothing is more confusing or annoying than to re- 
 ceive a letter in which sentences in nowise related are thrown together 
 at random, just as they came into the mind of the writer, and with no 
 attempt at logical arrangement. However, it may sometimes be advisable 
 to put several short statements which concern different topics into one 
 paragraph rather than have a number of very short paragraphs of a line 
 or a part of a line each. Care and common sense must be exercised in 
 paragraphing, and extremes avoided. 
 
 Study the method of paragraphing in the following letter: 
 Dear Mr. Benson: 
 
 You believe in protecting your home from fire, don't you? But 
 how about protecting it from the other elements? 
 
 The next time it rains, your shingle roof may leak, your ceilings may 
 "be water soaked, and some of the choicest and most valued contents of 
 your home damaged beyond repair. 
 
 Sooner or later, shingles are bound to warp and curl, pulling out 
 nails and allowing the rain to beat in. Furthermore, they rot quickly 
 when shaded, and even though they may look firm, they allow the water 
 to soak through. 
 
 But it isn't necessary for you to run this risk. For at no more than 
 ■what ordinary shingles cost, you can get absolute protection — in Neponoid. 
 Here at last is a roofing that will withstand, year in and year out, the most 
 severe weather. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 39 
 
 Neponoid is made of the very best of raw materials. It is laid in three 
 layers over the entire surface. Over that goes a red coating that oxidizes 
 after a short exposure and makes a surface solid as slate and absolutely 
 unaffected by heat, cold, or dampness. 
 
 Just sit down for a moment and figure up how long it has been since 
 your roof was put on. Can you trust longer to its doubtful protective 
 qualities? Neponoid can be laid right over the old roof, as the booklet 
 shows. The cost includes nails and cement — ^and we pay the freight. 
 
 Simply fill in the dimensions of your roof on the enclosed order blank, 
 sign and mail to-day. 
 
 Yours very truly, 
 
 70. In the foregoing letter, it was necessary to have seven paragraphs, 
 I. Necessity of protection, 2. Inferior roof and therefore damage, 3. In- 
 ferior material, 4. No risk with Neponoid, 5. What it is and how used, 6. 
 The cost, 7. Request for order. 
 
 Exercise 19 
 
 71. Copy the following letters, arranging, punctuating, and capitaliz- 
 ing properly, and using your best judgment in paragraphing: 
 
 Enclose in envelopes properly directed. 
 
 dear mr burke you wouldnt think of throwing away your fountain pen simply 
 because the ink is exhausted then why throw away your duplicating machine 
 ribbons we can reink them as well as you can fill your fountain p>en if you will 
 examine one of your apparently worthless ribbons you will find that the fabric is 
 scarcely worn at all we take these treat them with our special process refill them 
 with ink and return them to you practically new and for only one half the cost 
 of new ribbons read the enclosed folder it explains our proposition fully but a trial 
 will convince you and the sooner you send them the more youll save why not pack them 
 up put on the enclosed shipping label and send them along right now yours very truly, 
 
 west coast business college delphos California feby 7 1912 hon s e marlow 326 saunders 
 st manderel texas dear sir your inquiries in letter of jan 10 as to the standard required 
 for graduation of pupils by this college and the probability of the graduates securing 
 a lucrative position are both timely and pertinent it has been almost impossible to 
 impress your son with the necessity of close application to fit him for a position it is 
 difficult to deal with a young man or woman who looks at things from a childs view 
 point in order to be graduated by this college in stenography it is required of a pupil 
 that he can satisfy the faculty of the following facts that he can write a letter in 
 correct english spell all words correctly punctuate properly type 45 words a minute 
 and write 100 words a minute of new matter in shorthand for conmiercial work 
 pupils are expected to have the same knowledge of english as in the stenographic 
 course he must be able to make all necessary business calculations in fractions decimals 
 percentage interest etc he must have a thorough knowledge of debit and credit as 
 applied to all forms of accounting such as wholesaling retailing manufacturing bank- 
 ing etc in all kinds of office work he must be thorough accurate and reasonably rapid 
 we have had but little trouble in placing all our graduates in lucrative positions we 
 
40 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 should have none whatever if there were not so many places filled by incompetent 
 persons who have never covered any complete course in any good college we hope 
 this will give you desired information and secure your assistance in convincing your 
 son that this is not a place of amusement but a workshop where he may receive a 
 training for a successful business career very sincerely yours a m masters 
 
 Box 482 san francisco cal gentlemen in reply to your advertisement in todays 
 call for an experienced salesman in the boot and shoe line i wish to submit 
 my application i am 26 years of age and have had six years experience as a salesman 
 of boots and shoes i am at present with the firm of b f martin & co 425 mc allister 
 street san francisco but as i prefer an outside position i am desirous of making a change 
 i can furnish good references and trust that i may be granted an interview enclosed 
 find testimonial from walker & bennett 2426 market street for whom i traveled for 
 two years very truly charles t hobson 1 enc, 
 
 LESSON 19-The Preposition 
 
 72. A Preposition shows the relation of its object to some preceding 
 word to which that object refers. 
 
 The word that completes the relation of a preposition is in the objec- 
 tive case, and when that word is a personal or relative pronoun it must have 
 the objective form. The man told the story to my sister and me. 
 
 Precision and elegance in language are very largely due to the cor- 
 rect use of prepositions. Skill in the use of prepositions can be acquired 
 only by close observation and careful practice. 
 
 When a word has a prefix, it should be followed by a preposition that 
 means the same as the prefix. Com means with; hence, combat with, 
 compare with, comply with. De means from; hence deduct from, deduce 
 from. 
 
 Use between when speaking of two objects; among when speaking of 
 more than two. Between John and James. Among the children. 
 
 Use with to indicate the instrument, and by the actor; as, The grain 
 was cut by the farmer, with a reaper. 
 
 Use in when speaking of a large city; as, Mr. Bridges lives in Oakland. 
 Use at when speaking of a village or hotel ; as Mr. Dixon was at Com- 
 ing last week and put up at the Maywood Inn. 
 
 7 3. A careful study of the following list of words and the prepositions 
 that should follow them will be found helpful in choosing the correct prep- 
 osition : 
 
 The oration abounda.tn wit. ■] 
 
 Accommodated by a friend, with a loan. 
 Accommodate yourself to your surroundings. 
 Accused by a person, of a crime, (j ' - ' \ 
 
 Acquaintance of a. person with another, or with a subject. 
 Acquaintance between two persons. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 41 
 
 Agent of a company for selling goods. 
 Alarm in the village; among the people; at the news- 
 Aliens among the people; to our laws; in our country. 
 
 Allegiance of t\ie citizen; to the country ;/r<?m the citizens; to the laws. 
 
 Acquitted by the jury, of the charge. 
 
 Adapted /f>r a purpose; to a calling; /ro»n a source. 
 
 Adequate /or a purpose; to a demand. 
 
 Advantage of a. circumstance; advantage over an opponent. 
 
 Advocate of a principle ; advocate for a person. 
 
 Agree with a person; on a subject; tn his views. 
 
 Agree between or among ourselves; agree to a proposal. 
 
 Allied to something of the same class; vinth a friend or ally. 
 
 Alliance of one person with another, for a purpose, against an enemy. 
 
 Anger at an insult ; toward a p>erson ; angry u/t^/t a person ; a/ a thing. 
 
 Annovmce by telegraph, to a person. 
 
 Arrested by an oflBcer, on suspicion, for a crime, upon a warrant, in executtoa. 
 
 Ask cf or from a person, for a thing. 
 
 Awkward in the use q/" a tool; awkward at emplojnnent. 
 
 Beat into insensibility, ivith a stick. 
 
 Bound by a contract ; bound with a cord ; bound into a bundle ; bound over to court ; 
 under a penalty. 
 
 Careful about an affair ;/<?r the future; of one's money; in one's habits or business. 
 
 Cause of an accident ; cause for anger. 
 
 Compare this apple with that ; compare the brave man to a lion. 
 
 Complain of or against a person, for taking a book; complain to a teacher; com- 
 plain before a court; in a newspaper; about the violation of a law. 
 
 Converse with a teacher about a course of study. , 
 
 Die of a disease; with a comrade; 6y accident; /or a friend. 
 
 Differ an/Zi a person (friendly contention) ; /rom a person (in anger). 
 
 Friendship between or among friends; of one for or toward another. 
 
 Give to a person /or a cause. 
 
 Help against an enemy; to success; with money; in work. 
 
 Injury to a person; through negligence. 
 
 Love q/" one's country ; /or one's friends or family; to or toward God. 
 
 Neglect of duty, by a person. 
 
 Part /rom a frifflid; part -with money. 
 
 Patience iwif/f offenders; in sixffering, under aflSiction. 
 
 Plead /or an offender; with an officer; plead against injustice; to an indictment, 
 at a bar; before a judge; in court. 
 
 Prejudice against a |>erson; in one's favor. 
 
 Purchase at a price or at a. sale; of ot from a person; /or cash; w»<A money; on 
 a note, or on time. 
 
 Recover /rom an illness; damages /rom or of a. defendant. 
 
 Speak to a friend of an event ; on a subject. 
 
 Exercise 20 
 
 /if 4. Select the right preposition in the following: 
 1. He and his wife quarreled {among, between) themselves and {at, with) their 
 aeighbors. 
 
42 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 2. They live (in, at) Chicago and stayed (at, in) the St. Marks while (in, at) 
 San Francisco. 
 
 3. The lake abounds (in, with) fish and they can easily be caught (with, by) a 
 hook (with, fej^)' a little child. 
 
 4. He was accused (by, with) an officer (with, for, of) a crime. 
 
 ■^5. The country demands allegiance (by, of, from) every citizen (to, for) the laws. / 
 oT The money sent us was adequate (to, for) the purpose, and it came (from, by) 
 a source to cause us to be grateful (with, to) the giver. 
 
 7. The boy was accused (with, of) a crime (by, through) the officer. 
 
 8. He was awkward (in, at, with) the punching bag. 
 
 9. They asked (from, of) us the use (for, of) the bicycle. 
 
 10. The fracas (between, among) the five students caused them to be arrested, 
 and each (between, among) two officers they were marched to the station house. 
 
 Exercise 21 — Choice of Words 
 
 75. In the following sentences choose the correct word: 
 
 1. He (addressed, ^directed) the package to his friend. 
 
 2. The farmer divided his property (among, between) his four children. 
 
 3. It is not (liable, apt, .likely) to occur soon. 
 
 4. He has chosen teaching as his (avocation, vocation). 
 
 5. The (palance^f.emainder) of the man's money was in the bank. 
 
 6. I am (bound, determined) to go. 
 
 7. Go and (fetch, bring) me the book. 
 
 8. (can,may) I borrow your pencil? 
 
 9. They (calculate, intend) to go soon. 
 
 10. The matter is of no (consequence, importance). 
 
 11. I did not do well as I am but a (novice^ beginner ^ am,ateur). 
 
 12. You dropped your purse, (lady, madam). 
 
 13. (A majority, most) of the machines were new. 
 /14. We met a (party, person) named Wilson. 
 
 ' 15. The grocer now has many (patrons, customers). 
 
 16. He made (statements, assertions) about his partner which were untrue. 
 
 17. We do not (consider, think) that it is our place to do this. 
 
 18. I (respectfully, respectively) decline the offer. 
 
 19. I (expect, suspect) he is the (party, person) that stole the money. 
 
 20. He has (less, fewer) friends than I. 
 
 76. Lie (intransitive) means to rest, to recline. Lay (transitive) 
 means to place a person or thing in position. The principal forms are: 
 lie, lies, lay, lays, lam, laid, lying, laying. 
 
 1. He lies (or lay, or was lying, or has lain) on the couch. 
 
 2. They laid (or will lay, or have laid) him on the couch. 
 
 3. Set (transitive). Sit (intransitive). Rise (intransitive). Rats* 
 
 (transitive). ^^l^-^^o^^^ ^^-v^x-A^/f^ ^T 
 
 Exercise 23 _,yL,-''-^ — ^ . ^ 
 
 77. Correct the following: ^^^i^^c-x^^-C^—i.^^ -^ct^. -^^»a2?t^vn,« 
 
 1. The book lays on the table. --^^3^'^^tA^ --^1^ "y^'-'UScc^ ■'<'^^P^ 
 
 2. I have lain the book on the table. ^ _ ^ . > J-» ^ • 
 
 3. It has laid upon the table. * — '<■^^A..,^^•^-^\y^<'^■.^^)''''^^■■^'^^^^,^ n • 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 43 
 
 4. The ship lays at the wharf. 
 
 5. The old lady has gone to lay down. 
 
 6. The check is laying on the desk. 
 
 7. He has laid there all day. 
 
 8. A narrow valley lays between the two ridges. 
 
 9. Please lie that book on the desk. 
 
 10. He was lying on the floor of the hall. 
 
 11. I saw the pencil laying on the desk. 
 
 12. The money was laying there. 
 
 13. The poor man had laid in bed for three days. 
 
 14. I found my hat laying on the floor. 
 
 15. He should lay down at once. 
 
 16. The child was laying on the grass. 
 
 17. I left my watch laying on the desk. 
 
 18. He had laid there for two days. 
 
 19. The thief ran away, but the detective is laying for him. 
 
 20. We must lay low if we would capture the beast. 
 
 21. We laid down to rest. 
 
 22. He has laiS' there a long time. A-**T 
 
 23. She lay the book on the table and it is lajring there yet- 
 
 24. Now I {lie, lay) me down to sleep. 
 
 25. I {sat] set) mjrself down on a chair. 
 
 26. The masons are {laving^ lying) the stone. 
 
 27. She {sat, set, sit) the hen and she s {setting, sitting) {alr-^hi, ail right). 
 
 28. She {laid, lay) in bed till 9 o'clock. 
 
 29. Fred {lies, lays) on the sofa most of the time. 
 
 30. The balloon had {rose, risen) before I came. 
 
 31. Will the fog {rise, raise) when the sun {sets, sits)? 
 
 32. The shower has {laid,(lain) the dust. 
 
 33. Where have you been {laying J lying) so long? 
 
 34. The hen has {laid, lain) an egg. 
 
 35. Has she, {set, sat) on the steps long? 
 
 36. The little girl is {setting, sitting) the table. 
 
 37. The {setting, sitting) hen is away from her nest. 
 
 38. She can {raise, rise) more money than I. 
 
 39. The river {raised, rose) two feet last night. 
 
 40. The sun had {rose, risen) an hour ago. 
 
 Exercise 23 — Homophonous Words 
 
 78. In the following sentences, choose the correct word. 
 
 1. He gave his {assent, ascent) to his son's marriage. 
 
 2. The great ship sailed {straight, strait) through the {strait, straight). 
 
 3. We are going for a trip to the {beach, beech). 
 
 4. The buggy soon {past, passed) from {sight, site). 
 
 5. He was {formally, formerly) a foreman in this factory. 
 
 6. The {patience, patients) were all frightened at the fire alarm. 
 ^. The legislature is now in {session) cession). 
 
 8. It was very {plane/plain) that he did not buy a good( plain^plane). 
 
44 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 9. When a man puts (principal, principle) before money, he should be com- 
 mended. 
 
 10. I must have some (assistance, assistants) if I get this work out in time. 
 
 11. He has never been able to (find, fined) his watch. 
 Q^ The (attendance, attendants) was very large this year. 
 
 13. You should inform yourself about (current, currant) events. 
 
 14. He seemed (bored, board) because he had to (sit, set) on a (board, bored). 
 
 15. He said he could not (except, accept) the position. 
 
 16. The (bridal, bridle) pair seemed much annoyed. 
 
 17. He was found (dying, dyeing). 
 
 ^ The (ejfect, affect) of the fire was very noticeable. 
 
 19. The ship was found several miles off its (course, coarse). 
 
 20. It was simply a matter of (pride, pried) with him. 
 
 21. The (minor, miner) was killed by an explosion. 
 /^C2y I am (confident, confidant) that you will disappoint me. 
 
 23. A (piece, peace) of the bullet was found. 
 <^. The (statue, stature,' statute) was of bronze. 
 
 25. They decided not to (alter, altar) the building. 
 
 26. The (calendar, calender) was out of date. 
 
 27. He bought twenty yards of (canvas, canvass). 
 
 28. An (impassible, impassable) barrier was found. 
 
 29. The (desert, dessert) was not served properly. 
 
 30. The object of the discussion was to (elicit, illicit) the truth. 
 
 31. He was (feared, afraid) it would establish a bad (precedent, president). 
 
 32. He always carried everything to (access, excess). 
 
 ©. The (affect, effect) of the earthquake could not be seen. 
 
 34. I am always glad to receive (advice, advise). 
 
 35. His excellent conduct was a (complement, compliment) to his fine character. 
 
 36. The (peddle, pedal) was broken. 
 
 j^. The enterprise required considerable (capitaljitapitol) . 
 
 38. I thought their (allegations, alligations) unreasonable. 
 
 39. The (ceiling, sealing) was not very high. / 
 
 40. I shall be (their [ there) at noon. 
 
 \ 
 
 LESSON so—Some Important Things About Letter Writing 
 
 79. In arranging the matter throughout a letter take pains to avoid 
 extreme compactness. If you typewrite a full sheet with lines close 
 together the matter will be more or less confusing to the reader. Double 
 spacing between paragraphs is desirable, especially in long letters. 
 Never crowd matter at bottom of sheet. 
 
 When commencing a second sheet, always number it. If the letter 
 is directed to the Phoenix Hardware Company have the second sheet num- 
 bered at the top in the left hand corner, as follows: P. H. Co., No. 2, and 
 so on numbering consecutively each additional sheet in the same manner. 
 
 A majority of our best letter writers have the initials of the dicjtator 
 and of the stenographer put at the lower left-hand comer of tfa^ietter. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 45 
 
 If the dictator's name is L. W. Peart and the stenographer's name is Stella 
 Swenson, it should appear as follows: LWP-SS., thus causing the letter 
 to show at all times who dictated it and who typed it. 
 
 All letters, if possible, should have a personal ring, and it therefore 
 stands to reason that the word deserving of considerable prominence 
 throughout a good letter is you, meaning the recipient of the letter. Be 
 careful to avoid the repetition of we and / in your letter, as they are gener- 
 ally of little interest to the reader. His concern lies in what you can do 
 for him. 
 
 A copy should be kept of every communication that leaves the office. 
 Either a carbon copy may be made at the time the letter is written or a 
 letter-press copy should be made from the sheet after it is signed. 
 
 The following is an example of a good business letter: 
 
 Riverside, Calif., July 5, 1912. 
 Mr. B. F. Martin, 
 
 425 McAllister St., 
 
 San Francisco, Cal. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 Please pardon us for reminding you that your January account of 
 $205.00 has not yet been paid. We regret having to call your attention 
 to this, but receiving no explanation from you as to the cause of the delay, 
 and having heavy obligations to meet during the coming month, we hope 
 you can favor us with a remittance at this time. 
 
 Owing to a change in our business we find it necessary to increase 
 our working capital. This makes it necessary for us to request our cus- 
 tomers to settle at once all overdue accounts. 
 
 We trust that our pleasant relations will in no way be changed by 
 this request and believe that we can depend upon you to send us your check 
 in settlement. 
 
 Yours sincerely, 
 ALL-DJ A. L. Lesseman. 
 
 80. If you were Mr. Martin and had received the above letter, wouldn't 
 you feel like paying the amount if you possibly could? The letter is fair, 
 friendly and courteous, and therefore deserving of your careful attention. 
 Assume that you are Mr. Martin and write to Mr. Lesseman, enclosing your 
 certified check for the amount due. Explain why you did not pay the 
 amount sooner. Possibly the bookkeeper was careless and neglected it. 
 See if you can think of some legitimate excuse for not having paid it. 
 Make out the check, using the form on page 65 as a model, and have it 
 certified at the College National Bank. 
 
46 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 LESSON 21— Correspondence Granting Fayors- 
 
 Santa Cruz, Cal., Aug. 29, 1912. 
 Mr. R. H. Hankins, 
 
 Fresno, Cal. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 Enclosed find check No. 185 for $78.50 to apply on my account of 
 $178.50, I had hoped to send you the full amount at this time, but cir- 
 cumstances prevent my doing so. If you can see your way clear to grant 
 me an extension of thirty days on the remainder, I shall appreciate it. 
 Kindly send receipt for the amount enclosed. 
 
 Yours sincerely, 
 DCA-RS— (i enc.) D. C. Ahlers. 
 
 81. Assume that you are Mr. R. H. Hankins, and that you received 
 the above letter. Mr. Ahlers has shown his good intentions by paying a 
 part of his account, therefore you can hardly refuse him the extension of 
 time asked for. Write a suitable answer to the letter enclosing a receipt 
 for the $78.50. 
 
 82. Write answers to the following questions and submit them to 
 your teacher: 
 
 1. Which is correct, Messrs. Wilson and Sumpter, meaning a firm 
 name, or Messrs Wilson & Sumpter 1 Should the sign (5*. ever be used to 
 connect parts of a sentence? 
 
 2. Is this correct, Wilson & Sumpter were members of the committee? 
 Why not? 
 
 3. Should the width of the margin depend upon the length of a letter? 
 
 4. How much margin would you judge to be right in typing a letter 
 of say, 100 words on a regvilar letter head? ,. -v^.<5.^Y>^'^ \ 
 
 5. What is the difference in meaning between wc^05^ and enclose', 
 indorse and endorse} 
 
 6. Is it good business to acknowledge receipt of an order for goods? 
 
 Why? /-.^''. 
 
 7. Why is it not proper to sayi K will)be pleased? 
 
 8. When a married woman write^ to a stranger, how should she indi- 
 cate whether she is married or single. ^ ' ■^' 
 
 9. Tell how you would divide the following words: other, restrictive, 
 whether, indicate, shortened, period, insurance, temporary. 
 
 10. Why is it necessary to give all details in regard to an order when 
 
 writing to inquire about it? 
 
 — — — Exercise 34. 
 
 83. Words should be used in accordance with their established mean- 
 ing. Correct the errors in the following sentences: 
 
Ejfectwe English and Letter Writing 47 
 
 1. It is an awful nice day. 
 
 2. I am migh^ glad he lias come. 
 
 3. This is a splendid cup of coffee. 
 
 4. I am in a terrible hurry. I ■ 
 
 5. I disremember who was chairman. '^ ' .^^^^ ■ 
 
 6. The music was splendid and the supper was immense. — /v'^vvT^.^ 
 
 7. He has a good character in that neighborhood- "^ 
 
 8. He asked for a raise in salary, v . 
 
 9. He gave a good recommend. 
 
 ;^10. They formed a combine last month. 
 
 11. He sent me an invite to the party. 
 
 12. They make a deal with our £11% 
 
 13. He learned me to write. ^ • 
 
 14. Onions are said to be health^ food. 
 
 15. I shall try and do what you say. 
 
 16. I sent you a p>ostal. ^ -. 
 
 17. We saw a couple of men on the sidewalk. 
 
 18. We have every confidence in the man. 
 
 19. He agreed to foot the bill. y^ ^^ ^-^ ^ ^ /t/t 
 ^^ The days are growing shorter. /^/^ J^Cy^J^ /t*J(A^^^^] * 
 
 LESSON 22— Letters Ordering Goods 
 
 B. A. Student & Co., Reno, Nevada, August 27, 1912. 
 
 San Francisco, Cal. 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 Please ship to us by freight the following: 
 600 lbs. Bacon. 
 300 lbs. Santa Clara Prunes. 
 20c lbs. Navy Beans. 
 200 lbs. Evaporated Apples. 
 150 sks. Oregon Burbanks. 
 Please get shipment started as soon as possible, billing as usual. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 L. P. Sullivan & Co. 
 Per J. 
 
 84. You are bookkeeper and correspondent for B.A. Student & Co. 
 Write a letter to L. P. Sullivan & Co., acknowledging receipt of the above 
 order and enclose an invoice (or bill) of the goods. Consult the daily 
 market report for prices. Your regular terms to this firm are 20% and 
 5% in 60 days. 
 
 85. Write answers to the following questions and submit to your 
 teacher : 
 
 I . Why is the order for goods arranged as it is in the foregoing 
 letter? 
 
48 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 2. What is most necessary when giving an order for goods? 
 
 3. What should be said about payment? 
 
 4. What shoiild be said about shipment? 
 
 5. Why is the colon (:) used after "the following?" 
 
 6. Where do you place a money order or check when enclosing it ia 
 a letter? 
 
 7. What is the principal objection to sending a private check to a 
 person in a city where the maker is unknown? 
 
 8. Do you use the salutation "Dear Sirs?" 
 
 9. Why should letters not be signed on the typewriter? 
 
 10. In transcribing from shorthand notes should you try to have the 
 transcription make sense or should you write it just as you read it? 
 
 LESSON 23-Properties of the Noun 
 
 86. Nouns are classified as Masculine, Feminine, or Neuter, as they 
 indicate males, females, or objects whose sex is unknown or disregarded. 
 
 A knowledge of Gender is important to the extent that it involves a 
 knowledge of the correct use of the pronouns he, she, and it. 
 Example: Every pupil must carefully prepare his lesson. 
 Nouns in the singular number, representing individuals whose sex 
 can not be determined from the word are represented by the masculine, he. 
 Nouns denoting strength, power, sublimity, etc., when personified, 
 are represented by the pronouns he, his, or him. 
 
 Nouns denoting gentleness, beauty, grace, peace, etc., when personi- 
 fied, are represented by the pronouns she, her, or hers. 
 
 Truth, crushed to earth, shall rise again. 
 
 The eternal years of God are hers; 
 While error, wounded, writhes in pain 
 And dies amidst his worshipers. 
 Nouns denoting objects without sex, names of animals whose sex is 
 disregarded, and collective nouns of unity are represented by the pro- 
 noun it. 
 
 87. Nouns, are classified as First person. Second person, and Third 
 person, according as they represent the person speaking, spoken to, or 
 spoken of; as. We gtrls will go. I, John, will do it. Girls and John first 
 person. (A proper noun in the first person is always set off by the comma) . 
 Will you boys be quiet? Boys second person. Nouns naming things 
 spoken of are in the third person; as, Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves. 
 
 88. Nouns have, with few exceptions, two number forms, the Singular 
 and the Plural. 
 
Effective English' and Letter Writing 49 
 
 /'' Notins that denote but one object are singular; more than one, 
 plural. 
 
 Most nouns form their plural by affixing 5 or es to the singular; as, 
 horse, horses; witch, witches. 
 
 The following nouns (coiint them) form their plurals by a change of 
 the word itself : Ox, oxen; child, children; brother, brethren (of a society) ; 
 cow, kine (in poetry) ; man, men; foot, feet; tooth, teeth ; mouse, mice; goose, 
 geese; woman, women; louse, lice. 
 
 Eleven words ending in / and three in fe change the f or fe to ves. 
 They are: Beef, elf, leaf, self, shelf, sheaf, loaf, calf, wolf, half, thief, kwife, 
 wife, life. Write their plurals. 
 
 The plurals of all other nouns ending in / or fe are formed regularly 
 by adding s. 
 
 All common nouns ending in y preceded by a vowel form their plurals 
 regularly by adding s ; as, boy, boys. 
 
 All common nouns ending in y preceded by a consonant drop y and 
 add ies; as daisy, daisies; colloquy, colloquies (u after q is a consonant). 
 
 Names of persons add s only; as, the two Henrys. 
 
 Nouns ending in o preceded by a vowel add 5 only; as cameo, cameos. 
 
 All musical terms ending in o add s only; as, banjo, banjos. 
 
 Nearly all nouns ending in o preceded by a consonant add es; as, 
 negro, negroes. 
 
 Exercise 35 
 
 89. Write the plurals of the following: 
 
 Journey, city, alley, joy, liberty, ally, fly, Mary, broncho, buffalo, 
 hero, motto, alto, solo, domino, mulatto, grotto, soprano, zero, canto, 
 arm, half, puppy, cargo, radius, ratio, fairy, fife, mouse, charity, 
 chimney, chief, key, watch, attorney, echo, turkey, rr ney, lasso, tor- 
 nado, chair, tray, buoy, essay. 
 
 90. Letters, signs, and figures are made plural by adding the apostrophe 
 and s; as, t's, Ys, 5*5. 
 
 Compound nouns usually form the plural by adding 5 to the principal 
 part of the compounds; as fathers-in-law. 
 
 A few compounds have both parts made plural; as, man-child, men- 
 children; man-servant, men-servants. 
 
 Some noims are always singular both in form and meaning; as, wisdom, 
 music, courage, gold, platinum, patience, pride. Others are generally singu- 
 lar; as, rhetoric, lead, copper, wine, sugar, rye, wheat. 
 
 Some are plural in form but singular in meaning; as, news, pains, 
 (care), amends, measles, gallows, and all nouns ending in ics except athletics. 
 
 Some nouns are always plural both in form and meaning; as, Umgs, 
 
5© Effective English mid Letter Writing 
 
 thanks, pincers, mumps, seeds, tidings, riches, trousers, ashes, goods, scissors^ 
 bitters, victuals, vitals. 
 
 ' - - . Exercise 36 
 
 91. Write the following nouns in a column, then beside them in 
 another column write the plurals of those that have a plural form. 
 
 Chair, fife, class, inch, pass, table, dish, salmon, shelf, wife, frame, 
 draft, dash, wrench, cashier, window, sky, alley, grass, enemy, towel, hose, 
 hoe, roof, heathen, boy, soprano, neighbor, ship, mumps, shoe, loaf, girl, 
 sheaf, tax, cargo, tomato, theory, molasses, chimney, handful, wages, 
 artery, spoonful, woman-servant, son-in-law, t, 7, cupful, veto, alto, 
 Mexican, Frenchman, German, victuals, measles. Miss Allen. 
 
 LESSON 24— Possessiye Forms of the Noun 
 
 93. A knowledge of Case as applied to nouns is important only in the 
 use of the posessive sign. 
 
 The possessive Case of most nouns is formed by adding an apostrophe 
 (') and 5. 
 
 If, however, the noun ends in s the apostrophe only may be used. 
 The apostrophe follows the last letter of the word in all cases, and s follows 
 the apostrophe ; as boy's, boys' , man's, men's. In writing the plural possessive 
 first write the plural form then attach the sign. 
 
 In general, only nouns representing animate or living objects have 
 the sign attached. However, when euphony demands it, the sign may be 
 used with inanimate objects; as, "Night's shadow falls athwart otir path- 
 way." Also in using nouns referring to time as, a day's wages, today's papers. 
 
 Possession may be denoted by a prepositional construction: as. 
 The leg of the chair was broken. (Not chair's leg). 
 
 When two or more nouns indicate joint possession of some object, 
 the sign is attached to the last word only: as, Morgan, Beaty & Brown's 
 Banking House. If, however, the object is not possessed in common the 
 sign is attached to each ; as. Grant's and Lee's armies met at Appomattox. 
 
 Write the singular possessive and the plural possessive of the fol- 
 lowing words: 
 
 Girl, wife, child, deputy, soprano, ox. Englishman, German, son-in- 
 law, boy, tailor, ally. Miss Allen, Mr. Barnes, doctor, mouse, fairy. 
 
 (German, Ottoman, Tukoman, talisman, Mussulman, and some 
 others are not compounds of man; they form their plurals with s). 
 
 Insert the apostrophe in the proper place in the following: 
 
 That girls books. Those girls books. Those childrens eyesight. 
 My only sons daughters husband. These witnesses testimony. That 
 witness statement. A mans enemies. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 51 
 
 Supply possessive sign: Mason and Dixon line. Jefferson and 
 Roosevelts administration. Mens and boys clothing. Orr & Co.s store. 
 
 In an expression consisting of a noun and explanatory words 
 the sign is attached to the word immediately preceding the object pos- 
 sessed; as, Tiffany, the jeweler's store. At Tiffany's store, the jeweler. 
 
 Exercise 27 
 
 93. Write the following nouns in a column.then beside them in another 
 column, write the pltirals of those that have a plural form. Write in 
 other columns the singular possessive and the plural possessive of those 
 words that can be made to show possession by use of the sign. 
 
 Chair, fife, class, inch, pass, table, dish, salmon, shelf, wife, frame, draft, dash, 
 wrench, cashier, window, shy, alley, ally, deputy, toy, woman, grass, enemy, towel, 
 hose, roof, heathen, bay, soprano, neighbor, ship, mumps, shoe, loaf, girl, sheaf, tax, 
 cargo, tomato, theory, molasses, chimney, handful, wages, artery, spoonful, veto, 
 Mexican, victuals, measles. Miss Allen. 
 
 Exercise 28 — Possessive and Gender Forms 
 
 94. Write in correct form and be prepared to tell why the following 
 are incorrect : ^ f2^ i/vZU ^ ; . . 
 
 1. We could see the precipice's edge. ' " "' ' 
 
 2. I did not know the book was your'S. 
 
 3. Both Lee and Grant's armys were large. 
 
 4. The child took it's nap in the afternoon. 
 
 5. The desk's top had been cut by a careless boy. 
 
 6. The pencil's point was blunt. 
 
 7. This is your's but our's ife yet to come. 
 
 8. We do not like their's. 
 
 9. This is John's my schoolmate's books. 
 
 10. His writing is bad, but its much better than her's. 
 
 11. They sell women's and men's coats. 
 
 12. He asked for two day's pay. 
 
 13. The ship's crew were starving. 
 
 14. The lady's gloves were returned to her./ 
 
 15. The ladle's bonnets were alike. 
 
 16. Another day's work is done. 
 
 17. The soldiers' arm was broken. 
 
 18. Six month's interest is due. 
 
 19. He would not take his fathers' advice. 
 
 20. Todays paper is just out. 
 
 21 Have you read Keats poems. 
 
 22- The clerks salaries have been paid. 
 
 23. Boys hats are sold here. 
 
 24. Henrys slate was broken. 
 
 25. The chair's leg was broken. 
 
52 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 Exercise <s9 
 
 95 Rewrite the following sentences using the possessive sign with the 
 words requiring it: 
 
 1. Are you reading Johns book? 
 
 2. 1 have just bought a new set of Dickens'woiks. 
 
 3. Here is the payment for the first months lent. 
 
 4. I took a four years 'course at Harvard, 
 
 5. We are sure the doctors advice is good. 
 
 6. The goods came from Taft & Pennoyers' store. 
 
 7. Mens, youths, and boys clothing for sale here. 
 
 8. The witness testimony was not true. 
 
 9. The boys hat was lost. 
 
 10. The Teachers Journal is published here. 
 
 1 1. The presidents message was published. 
 
 12. The judges decision was not satisfactory. 
 
 13. I have had two years experience. 
 
 14. She had paid for eight months tuition. 
 
 15. A years' time has gone. 
 
 16. Has your weeks wages been earned? 
 
 17. Please send me twenty-five Robinsons' arithmetics. 
 
 18. The mans money was gone. 
 
 19. The secretary's books were examined. 
 
 20. Thi? womans club meets tonight. 
 
 96. "When the present participle is used as a noun and is preceded by 
 a noun or pronoun^; that noun or pronoun usually takes the possessive form ; 
 as, I had not heard of his and his brother's tramping across the continent. 
 I was^ not sure of his having gone away. 
 
 If, however, the sense of the sentence refers to the individual rather 
 than his action^ the objective form is used; as, Whoever heard of a fat man 
 heading a riot? Who would ever have thought of him becoming a fgrger? 
 
 In the last two sentences, the participle is used as an adjective. 
 
 Exercise 30 
 
 97. Correct the following sentences and point out the participles: 
 
 1. I am opposed to your going. 
 
 2. They heard of him haying gone. ^ \ 
 
 3. I heard of you and yourlbrother/being'iH/ 
 
 4. He did not know of me b^ing there. ' l\-.^ 
 
 5. She told me about Mr. Sim peon g'oing away. 
 
 6. The train being late was a disappointment. 
 '(. He told us about the,jcar being oS. the t^ack. 
 
 8. I did not know of ^ him looking so badly. 
 
 9. There is no necessity for the firm going in debt 
 
 10. The president failing to come caused the delay. 
 
 1 1. I did not object to him helping me 
 
 12. He had no knowledge of his wife being ther«j. 
 
 13. They have hope of John being elected sheriflF- 
 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 53 
 
 14. Instead of the man coining quickly, he loitered on the way. 
 
 15. The reason for us going to Florida was generally understood. 
 
 16. It was him having gone away so suddenly that distressed her. 
 
 17. She thought it was the steamer rolling and pitching that made bet seasick. 
 
 18. What is your opinion of me becoming an ai'chitect? 
 
 19. The family were greatly opposed to him becoming an actor. 
 
 20. What troubled him mostly was the boy Ijong to him. 
 
 21. I depend upon you keeping your promise. 
 
 22. I am surprised at it costing so much money. 
 
 23. A person's success depends, to a large extent, upon him keeping at work^ v 
 
 24. Do you approve of us going into the grocery business? J W /^ A a 
 
 25. What do you think of me turning over a new leaf? T '!"1 'l."tjyN- .." ^T^'^-^i'''^ 
 
 98. Do not place any word or words between the parts of an infinitive. 
 
 Exercise 31 
 
 99. Correct the following: 
 
 /l. He was able to beautifully write a letter. 
 
 2. She had just begun to carefully study her lesson . 
 
 3. I desire you to-kiEt^y:.send me a new writing desk. 
 
 ^. One must xinderstand the forms of a language in order to properly speak it 
 
 5. I am prepared to promptly serve you. 
 
 6. Do you expect to always have your own way? 
 
 7. We were told to go quietly through the house. 
 
 8. The teacher asked us to quickly respond when called upon. 
 
 9. He was told to immediately leave the room. 
 
 10. It will be my duty to faithfully record these events. 
 
 LESSON 25— Prononns Refiewed 
 
 100. A Pronoun (pro. for) is a word that stands for a noun, and is 
 used to avoid an awkward repetition of that noun.) John struck John. 
 John struck himself. Pronoxins may be divided into four classes: Personal, 
 Relative, Interrogative, and Adjective Pronouns. 
 
 A Personal Pronoun is one whose form indicates the person speakingly 
 as. We will go; the peii-son spoken to; as, You must study diligently; the 
 person or thing spoken) of ; as. He is honest. 
 
 The simple personal pronoims of the first person, singular number, 
 are: /, me, mine; plural number, we, us, our, ours; second person alike in 
 both numbers ; third person, singular mmiber, he, him, his, she, her, hers, it 
 its; plural, they, them, their, theirs. 
 
 101. Most of these pronouns, and also the relative who, have a dis- 
 tinct form to indicate the case relation in the sentence,) 
 
 The forms, /, we, he, she, they and who, are used only in the nomina- 
 tive relation as subjects or attributes, never to complete the objective 
 relation of transitive verbs or prepositions. 
 
 The forms, W, m5, Aim, her, them, and whom, are used only in the 
 
54 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 objective relation to complete the meaning of transitive verbs (includ- 
 ing infinitives and participles) and prepositions. 
 
 A pronoun must be of the same person, gender, and number, as the 
 noun (antecedent) for which it stands. AXmaw'shows his character by 
 his actions. 
 
 When a pronoun refers to two or more words taken together, the 
 plural form of the pronoun should be used; as, My son and his friend have 
 done their duty. If the words referrred to by the pronoun are of different 
 persons, the first person is preferred to the second or third, and the second 
 person to the third; as, John, you and / will do our duty. John and you 
 must do your duty. Either you or / anj, wanted. 
 
 Pronouns follow practically the same rule in agreement with antece- 
 dents that the verb does in relation to subjects or subject; as. Each of us 
 has forfeited his inheritance. The antecedent of his is each, not us, just 
 as the subject of has forfeited is each not us. 
 
 102. Compound Personal Pronouns are formed by adding self to the 
 singular and selves to the plural form of the pronoun ; himself, themselves, never 
 hisself, theirselves. /li the antecedent is of indeterminate gender, singular 
 number, the masculine third singular pronoun is used to represent it; 
 Every student must prepare his lesson, i 
 
 Exercise 33 
 
 103. In the following sentences supply the correct personal pronouns: 
 
 1. A person's success in life depends on-^-^ — -r exertions; if aims at nothing 
 
 — will achieve nothing. 
 
 2. ^ach'of us should do as '• — '■ — would be done by. 
 
 3. Let every boy answer for 
 
 4. Each of us has lost ""^^^ • hat. ^ 
 
 5. You and John should take care of health. 
 
 6. I am the man who told you '• ^ ' / story. ^ . 
 
 7. Not one of you saw — -^ "mistake. '-r^ 
 
 8. A teacher should consult the interest of '•^:^ — ^'pupils. 
 
 9. whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth. 
 
 10. John or James will favor us with — ^ — company. 
 
 11. One or the other of us must relinquish claim. 
 
 12. Each must answer for . 
 
 13. Each one of them /expressed opinion volubly. 
 
 14. Each of the boys cheerfully does — — — part of the work. 
 
 15. The boy, and not his father, broke - — - arm. 
 
 16. Neither of the boys saved • ■ ' ■ ' ■ money. 
 
 17. Neither of the boys is willing to apologize for rudeness. 
 
 18. The cabinet seemed to be divided in sentiments. 
 
 I9'i The committee will soon sujamit ^ - ^ *' report. 
 
 20. The jury has agreed upon <— *-^ verdict.' ^ 
 
 21. Each of them in '-- turn will receive the reward to which he is entitled. 
 
/// 104. 
 
 Ejfective English and Letter Writing 55 
 
 LESSON 26— Kelatire rronouns 
 
 A Relative Pronoun is a word that stands for a noun, and in- 
 ( Z^ /troduces a clause, or connects clauses. They are sometimes called con- 
 nective pronouns. 
 
 The simple relatives are who, which, what, that, and as. 
 
 That is a relative when who or which may be substituted for it in the 
 construction; as is a relative when it is used after such, many, and same. 
 
 Who is appUed to persons; as, The man who learned. Which is ap- 
 plied to animals and things; as, This is the book which was spoiled. What 
 may be resolved into that which or thing which; as, This is what he asked 
 for, the thing which he asked for. 
 
 The relative pronotin is of the same person, gender, and number as the 
 noun it stands for, but its case depends upon its relation to other words 
 in the sentence; as. We found the boys who were lost. Boys is in the objec- 
 tive case, while who is in the nominative case, and both are third person, 
 plural number, masculine gender. 
 
 That, as a relative, should be used when there is a joint reference to 
 persons and things; as. The boy and dog that were lost have been found. 
 After an adjective in the superlative degree; as. This is the sweetest apple 
 that I ever tasted. After the words, very, same, and all, and after the 
 interrogative who; as. Who that knew him could behave the story? That 
 should also be used to introduce a restrictive clause, one necessary to make 
 the meaning clear; as, The soldiers that were wounded were left on the field. 
 
 Who and which are used before clauses that add some thoughts not 
 absolutely necessary to the meaning; as, My father, who is in good health, 
 is sixty years old. 
 
 105. Many errors arise from an incorrect use of the relative pronoun. 
 Study carefully the foregoing, and render the following sentences cor- 
 rect, and diagram them: 
 
 Exercise 33 
 
 1. He is a man (who\ whom) loves the truth. 
 
 2. He is the man {who\ whom) I love,. ^« 
 
 3. He knows (who, whom) we mean. 
 
 5. I wonder {who, whom) he thinks we are. 
 
 6. This is a young lady (who, whom) I think is competent. 
 
 7. This is a young man (who, whom) I believe to be qualified for the position. 
 
 8. Do you know (who, whom) it is? 
 
 9. (Who, whom) did you invite? 
 
 10. He is the man to (who, whom) I refer. 
 
 11. I wonder (who, whom) will be chosen. 
 
 12. (Who, whom) do you take him to be? 
 
 13. If I cannot believe him (who, whom) can I believe? 
 
/lO^. 
 
 56 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 14. (Who, whom) do you think went with us? / fyl''^'^^-^\J>^ * 
 
 15. We have full information as to {who, whom) he is. ' > ^ ' 
 
 16. The man and his horse (who, whom,, that) went down with the bridge hav« 
 beea rescued. 
 
 17. The man (who, that) does wrong through fear of public opinion is a cowafxL 
 
 18. The black horse (which'fthat) is ten years old won the race. J— >7 %—-> 
 
 19. He is the bravest man (who, whom, that) I ever saw. v^y OS'' ^ * 
 
 20. He is the same man (who, whom, that) we met on the bridge. 
 
 21. This is the very man (who, whom, that) the policeman arrested yesterday. 
 
 22. That is the man and the boat (which, tthai) went over the falls. 
 
 23. The lady and the lapdog (that, whic}t) we saw at the window, (haxf«, Aas) 
 disappeared. 
 
 24. (Who, whom) do you think I am ? 
 
 25. A lady [who, whom) I expected to meet here has not come. 
 
 26. He is a man (who, whom) I think is all right. / 
 \1^7. (Who, whom) do you say thatX-am' _ ^^^y^ IT)' 
 
 XESSON 2 7— InterrogatiTe Pronouns 
 
 106. Who, which, and what may be used as Interrogative Pronouns i« 
 a^ing questions. In such cases whether the verb that agrees with them 
 be singular or plural depends upon the answer to thft question; as, Wh» 
 knocks? Ans. John. Who have done this ignoble deed? The hirelings of 
 the enemy. 
 
 Which and what may be used as interrogative adjectives; as, WhfU 
 book do you want? Which boy was to blame? 
 
 Exercise 34 
 
 107. Rewrite the following sentences choosing the right word: 
 
 1. I wonder («;/«?, whom,) will be chosen. 
 
 2. (Who, whom) do you say is to be selected? 
 
 3. (Who, whom) did you sell it to? 
 
 4. (Who, whom) can it be but Frank? 
 
 5. (Who, whom) do you believe it to be? 
 
 6. I have no idea (whom, who) it was. 
 
 7. Do you know (who, whom) he meant? 
 
 8. (Who, whom) was it given to? 
 
 9. (Who, whom) will it be? 
 
 10. You may go with (whoever, whomever) you are acquainted. 
 
 11. My friend (who, whom) I invited, will arrive on Monday. 
 
 Review Exercise 35 
 
 108. Select the proper word: 
 
 1. I had no thought of if its being (she, her). 
 
 2. (Who, whom) do you think has gone to London? 
 
 3. (Whom, who) do you think we met in New York.? 
 
 4. I met a lady (who, tvhom) all agree is beautiful. 
 
 6. I am not sure but (what, that) he deserves to be punished. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 5y 
 
 6. The man {that, who) we met came running rapidly back to us. 
 
 7. Let you and {me, I) go fishing. 
 
 8. {Who, whom) do you suppose threw that rock? 
 
 9. Let Mary and (/, me) go home early, teacher. 
 10. {Who, whom) would you thank if not (/, me). 
 Correct the following: 
 
 1. Here is the man who we sent for. * 
 
 2. I am sure he is the man who we saw. 
 
 3. Who is it for? 
 
 4. I wonder whom he thinks we are? 
 
 5. He has some friends who I know. 
 
 6. You may give the book to whoever you wish. 
 
 7. Whom is it that you invited? 
 
 8. Do you know who it is? 
 
 9. He is the man to who I refer. 
 
 10. Just between you and I, he did wrong. 
 
 11. It was me that made the noise but they thought it was her. 
 
 12. Who did you hear? 
 
 13. Who can I believe if not my friend? 
 
 14. Who do you take it to be? 
 
 109, Much ambiguity arises from misplacing the relative. Make 
 the meaning clear in the following sentences: 
 
 1. The pupil will receive a reward from the teacher who is diligent. 
 
 2. He should not keep a horse who can not ride. 
 
 3. The dog fell into the well that was hurt. 
 
 4. A purse was picked up by a lady that was made of leather. 
 
 5. A balloon is wanted by a young man that is full of hot air. 
 
 6. The house was sold to a lady with a brick foundation. 
 
 7. Chairs . were furnished the visitors that were beautifully carved and up- 
 kolstered. 
 
 8. A lunch was served on wooden plates which we ate hurriedly. 
 
 9. The boy was punished by the teacher that is the numskull of the school 
 10. We sent Mr. Boyd a basket of peaches with our thanks some of which weighed 
 
 mearly a pound. 
 
 LESSON 28-AdjectiTe Pronouns 
 
 110. An Adjective Pronoun is an adjective that may take the place 
 of the noun it modifies ; as, Each person gave all he was able to give. Each 
 is an adjective modifying person. Each of them gave all he was able. 
 Each is an adjective pronoun, representing person understood.' The 
 jiumber of the adjective pronoun depends upon the number of the word it 
 modifies; as. More than one were htirt. More persons were hurt than one. 
 
 The words most commonly used as adjective pronouns are: all, any, 
 both, each, either, neither, few, many, much, such, none, one, some, this, that, 
 these, those, former, latter, other, some. 
 
 Some of these have a possessive form and also a plural form; as, One's 
 right is as good as another's. The smaller ones are less desirable. 
 
/r 
 
 
 58 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 None has no plural form though sometimes used in a plural sense; 
 as None of us were present. 
 
 111. Never use but what to introduce a noun clause, use but that. Wh« 
 knows but that you will get the prize. But meaning except, is a preposition. 
 All of the firemen escaped but him. 
 
 Exercise 36 
 
 112. Write the following sentences, choosing the correct pronoum, 
 and diagram them: 
 
 1. I did not know it was (her, she). 
 
 2. (He, him) and Harry thought it was (us) we). 
 
 3. He is not so tall as (nte}iy 
 
 4. It wasn't (me, I). 
 
 5. (Us, we) four were there on time. 
 
 6. We saw Harry and (she, her). 
 
 7. We are sure it was (they, them). 
 
 8. Yes, itis indeed (hi)fi} he). 
 
 9. Just between you and (/, me), it is my opinion that (he, him) and George 
 will disagree. 
 
 10. I did not allude to either you or (her^ she). 
 
 11. They supposed it to be (/; me). ^ 
 
 12. Neither Charles nor {}ier, she) was to blame. 
 
 13. He thought it was (us, we) but it was (he, him) and Walter. , ^ 
 
 14. It was through Frank and (she, her) that word was sent to Max and (/, me). 
 
 15. I have always thought that it was (him, he). 
 
 16. We are not sure of (it, its) being (she) her). 
 
 17. It was Henry and (me, I) who did it. 
 
 18. It will be (her, she) not (we, us) who will win. 
 
 19. Just between you and (7, me) I think he did wrong. 
 
 20. He sent his regards to you and (her, she). 
 
 21. I would like to be (she) her^^,.^ 
 
 «^:^5^113. It is a common error to use the conjunctions thari and as 
 before objective pronouns in sentences like "She is older than we." "She is 
 AS tall as him.'' We should say, "She is older than 7." "She is as tall as 
 he." 
 
 In such sentences the second clause is contracted by the omission 
 of the verb. By supplying the verb, the reason for using the nominative 
 
 form becomes evident. 
 
 Exercise 37 
 
 114. In the following sentences choose the proper pronoun, and 
 
 diagram them: 
 
 1. John studies harder than (/t«^ him). , 
 
 2. I admire it as much as (him,' he). 
 
 3. I care more for you than (she, her). 
 
 4. We are older than (them, they). 
 
 5. I can walk as fast as (him, he). 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 59 
 
 6. Are you stronger than (Jiitn, he) ? 
 
 7. They are richer than {us, we), but we are just as happy as {they, them). 
 
 8. He is not so tall as (7, me). 
 
 9. Mary studies harder than {her, she). 
 
 10. "We shall be there as soon as {them, they). 
 
 11. They walk faster than {us, we). 
 
 12. Everyone is giving attention to this lesson but {him, he). 
 
 115, In asserting equality of comparison, use as . . . . as. In denying 
 the equality of comparison use so as. 
 
 Examples : He is as tall as his brother. (Equality) . He is not so tall 
 as his brother. (InequaUty). 
 
 It is a common error to use the adverb as instead of 50 in sentences 
 like the last. 
 
 In a relative clause the verb must agree in number with the antecedent 
 of the relative. But when, who, which, or what is used in asking a ques- 
 tion, the nuniber form of the verb will depend upon the number of the 
 antecedent formed in the answer to the question. Who comes here? A 
 friend. Who come here? Men from the mines. 
 
 Exercise 38 
 
 116. Rewrite the following sentences making necessary corrections: 
 
 1. I do not enjoy fishing as well as him. 
 
 2. No one^w it but him. 
 
 3. I do not like you as well as them. 
 
 4. Harry pays closer attention to the lesson than him. 
 
 5. Had you studied harder you might not be as deficient as you are, 
 
 6. The horse knew more than him. 
 
 7. Business is not as good this year as last. 
 
 8. They are all here but her. 
 
 9. This book is not as expensive as the other. 
 
 10. I told you it was they. 
 
 11. I am not so well as I was yesterday. 
 
 12. John is not as smart as him. 
 
 13. He is not as particular now. 
 
 14. We have done far more than them. 
 
 15. Paris is not as large as London. 
 
 16. Who does more for him than us? 
 
 17. Harry could not write as well as James. 
 
 18. I like you as well as them. 
 
 19. These oranges are not as sweet as the other ones. 
 
 20. They have more confidence in you than me.'^. 
 
 21. Shorthand is not as difficult as typewriting. 
 
 22. The weather is not as good as it was yesterday. 
 
 23. This ink is not as good as that. 
 
 24. That envelope is not as large as this one. 
 
 25. I am not as. good at typewriting as her. 
 
 26. He was not as well prepared as his brother. 
 
6o Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 27. The first speaker was not as fluent as the second one. 
 
 28. He is not as wealthy as he was ten years ago. 
 
 29. The fruit crop is not as large this year. 
 
 117, Nor should be used as the correlative of neither, and or as the 
 correlative of either. Rewrite and correct the following: 
 
 1 . He could neither read or write. / r ' " ''-'^ ' 
 
 2. We have neither food or shelter. J^t^^ <^^f • ^ 
 
 3. He was neither too fast or too slow. ' ' f 
 
 4. It was neither too warm or too cold. 
 
 5. I will neither go or allow you to go. 
 
 6. Our position is such that we can neither accept or reject your proposition. 
 
 7. He could neither solve the problem or find anyone who could. 
 
 8. The box was neither large enough or strong enough. 
 
 9. His handwriting was neither legible or rapid. 
 
 10. The check was neither signed or dated. 
 
 11. He neither acts like a child or chews gum during school. 
 
 12. She should neither study her lesson or go to the classroom. 
 
 13. They could not get the car to go either backward or forward. 
 
 14. The paper was neither black or white. 
 
 15. Neither you or your brother is eligible. 
 
 16. The safe was neither closed or locked. 
 
 17. The men could neither push or pull the car that was off the track. 
 
 ^-s. LESSON 29— Sentences, Compound and Complex 
 
 118, A Compound Sentence is formed by uniting two or more simple 
 sentences, relating to the same subject, by means of ^co-ordinate conjunc- 
 tions, into one expression. Note the following two simple sentences : 
 I slept and dreamed that life is beauty. I awoke from a dream and found 
 that life is duty. 
 
 When combined into a compound sentence these would read: I 
 slept and dreamed that life is beauty, but I awoke and found that life is 
 duty. .. 
 
 The principal co-ordinate conjunctions axel and, or, nor, and hut. There 
 are many other words, usually adverbs, that may be used with these, or 
 substituted for them in uniting the parts of a compound sentence. The 
 most common ones are, also, accordingly, consequently, besides, else, further- 
 moref hence, however, yet, so, nevertheless, therefore, still, then. 
 
 John must obey the rules, else he will be punished. 
 
 John must obey the rules or he will be punished. 
 
 Washington crossed the Delaware and Lincoln freed the slaves, 
 would not form a compound sentence, as the most important element, 
 related ideas, is absent. The parts of a compound sentence, when short 
 and closely connected in thought, should not be separated by a comma. 
 
 ^^A 
 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 6i 
 
 When the parts are long and involved, or not closely united in thought, 
 they should be separated by a comma. 
 
 119. A Clause is an expression, containing a subject and predicate, 
 but which does not express a complete thought.' 
 
 A Complex Sentence is formed by uniting a clause to a simple sentence 
 by means of a subordinate conjunction in such a way as to express a com- 
 plete thought; as, The man who stole the /u?rse has been captured. The 
 man has been captured, is the simple sentence; who stole the horse, is the 
 subordinate clause. "^^^^^Iizrm:^^^^ 
 
 The principal subordinate connectives are the relative pronoims, 
 who, which, and that. They usually introduce adjectival clauses. The 
 conjunctive adverbs, when, where, while, why, and how usually introduce 
 adverbial clauses, and the subordinate conjtmctions ihat^ since, because, if, 
 etc., usually introduce noun clauses. 
 
 Noun clauses may be used as the subject; as. That he deceived you is 
 evident. As the attribute complement; as, The general belief is that the 
 man is guilty. As the object; as. He told me that you would pay the debt. 
 
 Clauses are restrictive or non-restrictive. 
 
 A restrictive clause is one that is necessary to make clear the writer's 
 primary meaning; as; Words that stand for nouns are called pronotms. 
 That stand for nouns is a restrictive clause. 
 
 A non-restrictive clause is one that is not absolutely necessary to 
 make clear the meaning, but is used to add a new idea or emphasize one 
 already expressed in the sentence^, as, Words, which are signs of ideas, are 
 divided into classes, called parts of speech. Whi^h are signs of ideas is a 
 non-restrictive clause. 
 
 Restrictive adjectival^ clauses are usually introduced by ^Aa/;^ non- 
 restrictive, by who or which.) --" 
 
 Restrictive clauses should never be set off by commas; non-restrictive 
 clauses should always be set offj ^ 
 
 Restrictive and non-restrictive expressions may consist of words, or 
 phrases, as well as clauses. 
 
 The most conmion words used in a non-restrictive sense are called 
 appositive modifiers. 
 
 Nearly all appositive modifiers, consisting of more than two words, 
 are parenthetical or non-restrictive, and shoidd be set off by commas. 
 
 The following contain restrictive expressions: 
 
 Our president Lincoln was a statesman. 
 
 The Greek philosopher Diogenes sought in vain for an honest man. 
 
 Peter the Hermit preached the first crusade. 
 
 The bo3" running so rapidly is my nephew. 
 
62 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 The following sentences contain non-restrictive expressions: 
 
 Mr. Luckey, the well-known school superintendent, has been elected to 
 the legislature. 
 
 Washington, the first president of the U. S., was first in war, first in 
 peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen. 
 
 The diamond, which is pure carbon, is produced b> intense heat, and 
 under great pressure. 
 
 The deer, lifting its head, saw us on the bank of the stream. 
 
 Exercise 40 
 
 1 20, Determine which of the following clauses are restrictive and 
 which are non-restrictive, select the proper connective, and supply the 
 proper punctuation: 
 
 \1. He (that, who) plods will reach the goal. 
 
 2. Cherish patriotism (which, that) is each citizen's birthright. 
 
 3. Pittsburg (which, that) is a very busy city is known everywhere as "the 
 smoky city." 
 
 4. The smile (that, which) lit up her face was a revelation to me. 
 
 5. He says my horse (which, that) is a Hambletonian is a very valuable animal. 
 
 6. Stop at the house (that, which) is next to the bridge. 
 
 "7. People (that, who) live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. t 
 
 8. Washington (who) that) was born in Virgini^ is called the father of his country, n ^ '■■''■ 
 
 9. His hair (which, that) was soft, yellow, and silky, hung in ringlets. 
 
 10. His writing (which, that) is very small is beautiful. 
 
 11. Happy is the man (who, that) findeth wisdom. 
 
 12. The man (wlio, that) fell overboard was drowned. 
 
 13. Maize (which, that) is another name for Indian com grows in America. 
 
 14. I had a dream (that, which) was not all a dream. 
 
 15. Columbus (who, that) was a Genoese discovered America. 
 
 16. A fierce spirit of rivalry (that, which) is at all times a dangerous passion had 
 now taken full possession of him. 
 
 lij?. They ascended to the platform (which, that) fell with a crash. « 
 
 18. The horse (which, that) is prized for his beauty is a valuable animal. 
 
 19. The fish (which, that) were small were caught in large numbers. 
 
 20. The ruby (that, which) he found, belongs to my sister. 
 
 Note. — The relative in a non-restrictive clause is generally equivalent to and 
 he, and they, and it. 
 
 Many reputable writers use who and which to introduce restrictive 
 
 clauses, especially when their use adds to the euphony of the sentence. 
 
 LESSON 3a-The Comma 
 
 121, The comma indicates the slightest degree of separation between 
 the parts of the sentence. 
 
 The comma should be used: 
 
 I. Whenever the sense would not be clear without it, and only then; as. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 63 
 
 He has four yoke of oxen, and horses. They landed, and killed ten Indians. 
 
 2. To set off introductory words or expressions not used directly to 
 modify some partictdar word in the sentence; as, However, I will keep my 
 promise. However strenuously he may strive, he cannot undo the past. 
 However in the last sentence modifies strenuously. 
 
 3. To set off intermediate expressions; as, We are, in fact, only the 
 advance agents of civilization. 
 
 4. To set off parenthetical expressions; i. e. expressions not necessarj 
 to make the primary meaning of the sentence clear; as, EngUsh is, be- 
 yond question, the most important subject of the course. 
 
 5. To set off appositive modifiers, when they consist of more than 
 two words; as, Washington, or the ''Father of his Country" as he is familiarly 
 known, executed one of the most masterly retreats recorded in history. 
 
 If the comma, however, is necessary to make the meaning clear, 
 though the appositive consists of only one word, it should be inserted; 
 as, Elizabeth's favorite, Raleigh, was beheaded. Without the comma it 
 may seem that of several Raleighs, the favorite Raleigh was beheaded. I, 
 Paul, say these things to you. 
 
 6. When an explanatory expression is introduced by or or as it should 
 be set off; as. The puma, or American lion^ is a native of South America. 
 He, 03 a statesman, showed great ability. 
 
 7. Nouns repeated for emphasis, or rhetorical effect, should be set off 
 from the rest of the sentence. I met a fool, a cros)/ /oo/. ''Treason, treason, 
 treason, came from every part of the house. 
 
 8. Words, phrases, or clauses, used in a series without connection, 
 should be separated by commas. When a conjunction is used between 
 the last two words of a series a comma should be inserted before it; 
 Honesty, truthfulness, and loyalty constitute an invincible equipment. 
 Men of prudence, of intelligence, and of integrity, are always in demand. 
 
 9. When no conjunction joins the last two words of a series forming 
 a compound subject or predicate, a conmia should follow the last word 
 also; as. Attention, application, loyalty, make for success. 
 
 10. A participle used as an adjective, unless used in a restrictive 
 sense, should be set off by conmias; as, The deer, suddenly lifting its head, 
 detected our presence. The man standing nearest the door is watching us. 
 Standing is restrictive. 
 
 A participial phrase is restrictive when the relative pronoun that and 
 a finite verb can be substituted without injury to the sense; as, A man re- 
 taining moral integrity under trying circumstances, deserv'-es great honor. 
 Equivalent to that retains, and is, therefore, restrictive. 
 
 11. A non-restrictive clause should be set off from the rest of the 
 
64 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 '' i 
 sentence. Maize, which is another name for Indian corn, grows in America. 
 
 A non-restrictive clause is not necessary to give the primary meaning, 
 but adds some new thought to the sentence. 
 
 The relative in a non-restrictive clause is generally equivalent to and 
 he, and it, and they, etc. I had a dream, which {and it) was not all a dream. 
 
 The relative that should be used only in restrictive clauses; who or 
 which, in non-restrictive. Many reputable authors, however, use who 
 or which in restrictive clauses. 
 
 When the relative has several antecedents that are themselves separated 
 by commas, it should be set off by a comma, even though the clause be 
 restrictive. There were present laborers, mechanics, and merchants, who 
 listened patiently to his arguments. 
 
 If the comma after merchants were omitted the sentence might be 
 held to mean that the merchants, only, listened patiently. 
 
 12. In a compound sentence, if the last clause follows as a consequence 
 of the condition expressed in the first, they should be separated by a comma; 
 as, The policeman ran rapidly, but the thief finally escaped. 
 
 13. When the members of a compound sentence are long or differently 
 modified, they should be separated by a comma ; as, I love not the womaa 
 that is vain of her beauty, or the man that prides himself on his wisdom. 
 
 /'1 4. The members of a compound sentence where one part presents 
 an affirmation and the other a negative, should be separated by a comma; 
 as. Assurance may secure you a job, but it will not hold it for you. 
 
 When the members of a compound sentence or either of them are 
 divided by a comma, they should usually be separated by a semicolon; as, 
 Gentlemen, are you ready for action; have you fully counted the cost? 
 
 15. When words or phrases are used in pairs, a comma should be used 
 
 after each pair; as, "Sink or swirh, live or die, survive or perish, I am for the 
 
 Declaration." 
 
 Review Exercise 41 
 
 122. Punctuate and capitalize the following: 
 
 1. (^hiojindand.ulvjvere part of the northwest territory. 
 
 2. general ti.s grant was unquestionably the ablest military commander the 
 united states has produced 
 
 3. newton^the great mathematician discovered the law of gravitation ; 
 
 4. the following indorsements were made on the notejjuly 1^ $300 *ept J7^ $600 ' 
 Dec f^ $150.- J. 
 
 5. 'now, John said the teachei^how is a speculative property account closed^ 
 
 6. to greece we are indebted for the three principal orders of architectui%^vi«_, 
 thedoric the ionian and the corinthian , 
 
 7. the connective is sometimes omitted 'as^ the miser grows rich by seeming 
 pooAhe extravagant man poor by seeming rich > 
 
Effectii/e English and Letter Writing ^ 6$ 
 
 8. mary began her high school course at Stockton ^ut completed it at the oak- 
 land high school 
 
 9. we may live without poetry^ music^nd art^we may live without conscience 
 and live without heart, we may live without freinds we may live without books but 
 civilized man cannot Uve>without cooks ♦ 
 
 10. John w barrows lid william Wallace dd the rev henry harlow and the hon 
 William calvin were of the party who visited tne worlds fair at paris. 
 
 11. waiter the penniless was an incompetent leader, 
 
 12. the teacher being absent the pupils had a holiday , 
 
 13. the teacher's being absent was a great^disappointment to the pupils , 
 
 14. the girl as well as her escort was caught in the storm. 
 
 15. of all odr senses sight is the most perfect and delightful. 
 
 16. have you read the Uves of the hunted «> 
 
 17. although we seldom follow advice we ar5 all ready to ask it ^ 
 
 18. the romans who conquered greece were brave men 
 
 19. punctuality is no doubt a quality of great importance 
 
 20.' now siivl^hy do kites rise? -~ 
 
 2irindustry honesty frugality and temperance are among the cardinal virtues 
 
 22. gen burgoyne who was a renowned soldier surrendered his army at Saratoga 
 
 23. one could not help looking at the childs sweet bright happy face 
 
 24. he came from Stockton yesterday and today i took him driving 
 
 25. the long green com tassels were waving in profusion 
 
 26. in the first place said the witness i do not know john higgins 
 
 27. however i should not advise you to accept the proposition for I believe 
 you win regret it if you do 
 
 28. he is the man who did the work but not the man who presented the bill 
 
 29. gen grant who afterward became president captured vicksburg 
 
 30. he shouted and frightened the child into convulsions 
 
 31. we must however pay some deference to the opinions of the wise 
 
 32. if you would be revenged on your enemies let your life be blameless 
 
 33. honesty is the best policy but he is not an honest man who acts on that 
 principle 
 
 34. do not insult a poor man his misery entitles him to pity 
 
 35. well it takes more than muscle to make a man * 
 
 36. was that wonderful instrument the hand made to be idle 
 
 37. do not squander time for that is the stuff that life is made of 
 
 38. John qviincy adams last words were this is the end of life 
 
 39. he began by saying the old proverb well begun is half done contains an im- 
 portant truth 
 
 40. his question how are we to prove it was not out of place 
 
 41. please ship us by freight via the b & o rr the following goods 
 
 42. what one dies for not his dying glorifies him 
 
 43. knowing that you have no agent at this end of the line we offer our services 
 
 44. the word knowledge strictly employed implies three things namely truth 
 proof and conviction. 
 
 45. apples pears peaches plums and cherries are commercial commodities 
 
 46. the reason for the failure as will be seen later was the lack of application 
 
 47. the boy that idles away his time wiU probably become a vagrant 
 
 48. no book could have been chosen that would be more suitable 
 
66 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 49. in the interest of humanity i appeal to all the citizens of our country to resist 
 the encroachments of wealth upon individual liberty 
 
 50. the strike being at an end work was resumed without delay. 
 
 51. iron the most useful of metals is fortunately the cheapest 
 
 62. milton the poet was blind and his temper was execrable 
 i^---53. they told the sexton and the sexton tolled the bell, 
 
 54, pure thoughts good deeds and noble aspirations elevate a man 
 
 55. when a man ceases to go up he begins to go down 
 
 .^^^6. he who jhesitates between duty and desire,is lost to honor ^-l 
 57. it is the worst wheel of the cart that makes the most noise 
 ;'. 58. the south was in a turmoil and the north was in a rage ^ 
 
 59. do your best no one could expect more of you and in justice to yourself 
 you can do no less 
 
 60. be good sweet maid and let who will be clever 
 
 61. the commander riding ahead encouraged the troops 
 ^-^2. turning our horse ;we rode back to the fort 
 
 63. the soldier wounded by a shell was carried to the rear 
 
 64. to be candid I have but little confidence in the plan 
 
 65. education figuratively speaking is the key to success 
 
 66. having been late many times he hesitated to enter 
 
 67. The venerable orator rising slowly addressed the audience 
 
 68. striving industriously for an hour he finally effected his escape 
 
 69. the deer standing nearest the lake is looking toward us 
 
 70. the deer suddenly lifting its head detected our presence 
 
 71. we will despite your opposition sir pass this bill 
 
 72. one of these sentences does not need a comma which one 
 %^iZ. to try things oft, and never give over doth wonders JBacon « 
 
 74. law is powerful necessity more so Goethe 
 
 75. the more we do the more we can do the more busy we are the more leisure 
 we have Hazlit 
 
 76. time wasted is existence used is life Young 
 
 X-77. tis better not to know so much than to know so much that isnt true declared 
 the speaker^ ' 
 
 78. far better to know everything of a little than a little of everything Pickering 
 
 79. make your calculations to live forever but be prepared to die at any time 
 Kennedy 
 
 80. it is good to begin well but better to end well 
 
 81. the noblest question in the world is what good may I do in it 
 
 82. keep thy shop and thy shop will keep thee Franklin 
 
 83. Three may keep a secret if two of them are dead Franklin 
 
 84. nothng is denied to well directed labor nothing is ever to be attained with- 
 out it selected 
 
 85. do your duty come what may 
 
 LESSON 31-Methods of Remitting Monej 
 
 123. There are many substitutes for money in the commercial world. 
 Goods are bought and sold, debts settled, collections made, and remittances 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 67 
 
 forwarded by means of checks, bank and personal drafts, postal and ex- 
 press money orders, telegraph orders, etc. 
 
 The most common form of commercial paper is the personal check. 
 Money is deposited in the bank, and the check is an order upon the bank 
 to pay a certain person a certain sum of money. The following is a com- 
 mon form: 
 
 
 Checks should be presented promptly for payment or deposit, as 
 delay might cause the payee (the one who is to receive the money) to lose 
 his right to coUect. 
 
 When your own checks are returned to you from the bank, file them 
 in order of their datings and keep them as vouchers or receipts for the 
 payments. Remember a cancelled check is the best kind of a receipt 
 for the payment of an obligation. 
 
 Before checks, or any other kind of commercial paper, can be cashed 
 or deposited they must first be endorsed, i. e., the payee must sign his 
 name on the back exactly as it is written on the face of the paper. The 
 usual custom is for the payee to write his name across the check about one 
 inch from the left hand end. If the name appears on the face of the paper 
 "John W. Cadman," as payee, most banks would not accept it with the 
 endorsement "J. Winters Cadman." 
 
 Care should be exercised when filling in the amount to see that the 
 sum shown by figures agrees with that in writing, and also to see that no 
 opportunity is afforded dishonest persons to increase the amount by in- 
 serting more figures or writing, or in another manner to alter it. (Teacher 
 should here demonstrate.) 
 
 124. After reading instructions on page 24 write a letter to Mr. 
 L. W. Zinn, Riverside, Cal., enclosing 3'^our check for $961.45, the amount 
 of your note of $900.00 and interest to date. Ask him kindly to return the 
 cancelled note. 
 
 Write an answer to your letter to Mr. Zinn, acknowledging receipt of 
 the check. State that you are enclosing the cancelled note, etc. Write 
 
68 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 the note (see form below), and cancel it with red ink. (Teacher will demon- 
 strate) . 
 
 02 ^^-^ (SL^ y^h-^/ 
 
 125, A large percentage of the monetary exchanges of the world is 
 effected by means of bank drafts. Banks which do a general banking 
 business usually keep funds on deposit with other banks in the larger 
 cities, against which they issue drafts in favor of persons who wish to buy 
 what is called "exchange" on these cities. While the banks generally 
 charge a low rate of exchange for these drafts, yet they often issue them to 
 regular depositors without exchange charge. 
 
 Drafts on large cities are usually received as cash by banks throughotit 
 the country, but the person presenting them must be properly identified. 
 
 A draft or check used for the purpose of making a remittance by mail 
 should never be made payable to bearer, either on its face or by blank en- 
 dorsement, as such paper may then be cashed by any person whether he 
 has a right to the money or not. 
 
 Following is a common form of Bank Draft: 
 
 dnlbge Natotial Sank 
 
 
 cou.eoc cumWNcr 
 
 
 SBrnMl^Cd.- 
 
 ^ 
 
//'' ^^JI^^i^lS.^ective English and Letter Writing 
 LESSON 32— The Inyoice 
 
 69 
 
 126, An Invoice is a written statement in detail of articles sold. (See 
 model following). It should give the name of the place from where the 
 goods were sold or shipped, the date of the sale, the names of the buyer 
 and seller, the terms of payment, the name, quantity and price of the 
 articles, and the total amoimt. The invoice is said to be receipted when 
 the words "Received payment" or the word "Paid," and the seller's sig- 
 nature have been written at the bottom. It is common for the seller of 
 the goods to call it a Bill, while the buyer properly refers to it as an Invoice. 
 
 -Hoc^xt. R.W. DECKER ®> CO. 
 
 Sou to 
 
 
 T€nM/^.A;£^^l^^?^:3^ 
 
 lurrAi, 
 
 -i»i^ 
 
 127. When L.W. Peart & Co. bought the goods of R.W. Decker & Co., 
 as shown above, the latter firm mailed the biU to the buyers at the time of 
 sale. 
 
 Asstmie that you are bookkeeper for L. W. Peart & Co., and that this 
 invoice has not run the 60 days according to the terms of the sale, and 
 should be paid with the discotmts of 10% and 5%. Obtain a bank draft 
 (according to instructions from your teacher) for the amount of the in- 
 voice less the discount. Also make a copy of this invoice (with the ex- 
 ception of the acknowledgment of payment). 
 
 Write a letter to R.W. Decker & Co., enclosing the bank draft and the 
 invoice. Ask them to receipt the invoice and return it to you. Sign the 
 letter, per your initials. 
 
 128, Some time ago the commission firm of J. E. Cox & Co., of 42 5 Mc- 
 Allister St., San Francisco, Cal., shipped you some goods to be sold on 
 commission. The last of the goods have been sold and you are to remit for 
 
70 
 
 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 the proceeds which amount to $ Obtain a bank draft as previously 
 
 instructed, make out account sales according to the following form and 
 enclose the two papers in your letter. Request that a receipt be sent for 
 the payment. 
 
 p^,^yyh>y Z'^^^^^^ l^.^ r-t^ 
 
 OUNT SALES 
 
 Tq. 
 
 
 For Merchandise Received, 
 Consignment ^e. //>,, 
 
 ^^cy ^^JU<^ ^.<^-zz^..zL^ 
 
 r^. i!;p^ , ?/(^ _. 
 
 i^ ^i^ 
 
 7^^ 
 
 J:^^L^ 
 
 Dray»ge %//P^^^ Storage % -Z, ^"^ 
 
 \ / 1 ~ 
 
 Insurance % z)^ ^ Commission i/4^ ^ 
 
 Inspection % 
 
 Other Charges t 
 
 Total Charges 
 
 129, Write answers to the following questions and submit to your 
 teacher : 
 
 1. Which is preferable, "Your letter of the 25th inst.," or, "Your 
 letter of June 25?" 
 
 2. Which of the following words should be capitalized? college 
 of physicians and surgeons, texas is a state in the south, he speaks both 
 latin and Spanish fluently, we spoke of the art department, 
 
 3. What is wrong with the following expressions? Four cow's for 
 sale. Men's and Children's shoes. He has five years' experience. The 
 merchant's picnic, 
 
 4. Why are 2d and 3d better than 2nd and 3rd? , .. , 
 
 5. What are meanings of pages 4, 7, 12, and pag^s 38-64? 
 
 6. Should the first word of a sentence begin with figures? 
 
 7. May a word of one syllable be divided? V 
 
 8. Why is a hypen required in high-colored and not in highly colored"^ J 
 
 LESSON 33— Words Frequently Misused 
 
 130, Advise, Advice, Say, I want yo\ir advice in the matter, not 
 advise. Advice is a noun; advise is a verb. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 71 
 
 Combine, Combination. Say, A combination was formed. Combine is 
 a verb. 
 
 Postal, Postal Card. Do not say, I received a postal. Postal is an 
 adjective. 
 
 Raise, Increase. Say, He got an increase in salary. Raise is a 
 verb. 
 
 Bound, Determined. Do not say, I am bound to win. Bound 
 refers to obligation. 
 
 Allowed, Thought. Do not say, I allowed he would do that; thought 
 is the proper word. 
 
 Beg to say, Wotdd say. You are not a beggar. I would say, is 
 correct. 
 
 Calculate, Intend. To calculate means to arrive at mathematically. 
 Say, I intend to finish my course. 
 
 Graduated from, Was graduated at. Say, I was graduated from 
 Berkeley. The school does the graduating, not the student. 
 
 Help, Avoid. Do not say, I could not help crying. Help means 
 assistance. 
 
 Posted, Informed. Do not say. He is well posted. People are in- 
 formed but not posted. 
 
 Try and, Try to. Say, I shall try to see you tomorrow. 
 
 Exceptionable, Exceptional. Exceptionable means that to which 
 we may take exception. Do not say. This city has exceptionable advan- 
 tages. 
 
 Healthy, Healthful, Wholesome. Do not say. Com bread is healthy. 
 Wholesome is the proper word when referring to food. Healthful means 
 anything that tends to produce health. 
 
 Practicable, Practical. Do not say. It is not a practical plan. 
 Practical means having skill or practice, while practicable means capable, 
 
 of being carried out or practiced. 1 1; ^~^\ t ^. . /V I r>v ;"( ft '-L 
 
 — ■ ij 
 
 LESSON 34— Agreements of Parts of Speech 
 
 131, A verb must agree with its subject in person and in number; 
 as. The boy was hurt. Both are singular. The boys love their mother. 
 Both are plural. All verbs in present tense that end in s are singular. 
 Remember if the subject is singvdar in sense the verb is singular, and vice 
 versa. 
 
 2. A verb agrees with its subject in sense rather than in form. As 
 much as twenty inches of snow hQsJ^en in Florida this winter. 
 
 3. If the subject expresses number the verb follows the first statement. 
 As many as five silver dollars w^ picj^ed up in the street after the accident. 
 
72 Effective English and Letter Writing ^ 
 
 4. If quantity is expressed the verb will be singular; as, Three hun- 
 dred dollars was paid for a substitute. Three thousand bushels of wheat was 
 raised on the ranch. 
 
 5. The pronoun I except when it is used with was or am, requires the 
 plural verb, though it stands for a singular antecedent; as, I have heard 
 the news. 
 
 6. The pronoun you always requires a plural verb even though it 
 represents a singular antecedent; as, You are the person wanted. 
 
 7. Nouns that have but one form for both numbers require the singu- 
 lar or the plural verb according to the sense in which they are used; as, 
 Many deer were shot by the hunters. A large deer was caught in the corral. 
 
 8. When the construction represents the members of a collective noun 
 as acting in unison the verb to agree with it must be singular; as, The 
 jury has agreed upon its verdict. When the construction represents the 
 members of the collective noun as acting independently of each other, 
 the verb to agree with it must be plural. The jury have not agreed upon 
 a verdict. The congregation love their pastor. The congregation has 
 increased the pastor's salary. 
 
 9. Singular subjects connected by and require a plural verb ; as, The 
 man and his son have gone home. 
 
 10. When subjects are connected by or, or nor, the verb agrees with 
 the subject nearest to the verb ; as, John or his sisters have won the prize. 
 Neither John nor his sister has won a prize. Neither the sailors nor the 
 captain was to blame. 
 
 11. When subjects are connected by and too, and also, and not, but 
 not, if not, and as well as, the verb agrees with the subject first mentioned 
 and is understood to the other. Such expressions are awkward and should, 
 when practicable, be avoided. Examples illustrating the rule: The 
 sailors, as well as the captain, have earned the reward. The captain, and 
 the sailors, too, has earned the reward. John, and his sister also, has gone 
 home. Note the use of the comma in these and similar constructions. 
 
 12. When subjects connected by afid are preceded by each, every, or 
 no the verb must be singular; as. Each tree and each leaf proclaims the 
 wisdom of its Creator, No tyrant and no traitor breathes our mountain air. 
 
 13. When subjects connected by and refer to the saftie object, the verb 
 should be singular; as, My friend and teacher has done this for me. 
 
 14. When the subject is a partitive word and is followed by of the 
 number of the verb is determined by the number of the noun following 
 of. Three-fourths of the words were mispelled. Three-fourths of the crop 
 has been sold. 
 
 15. When the subject is a noun like variety, abundance, plenty, and 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 73 
 
 number, followed by of, the ntunber of the verb is determined by that 
 of the noun following of; as, A ntunber of deserters were captured. An 
 abundance of water was found. An abundance of apples were raised on 
 the fann. 
 
 Exception: When the word number is preceded by the, the verb is 
 always singvdar; as, The number of fatal cases is daily growing smaller. 
 
 16. Do not mistake an apparent for an actual subject; as. An ex- 
 ploration of the chambers was at once begun. Exploration is the subject, 
 act chambers. 
 
 Exercise 43 
 
 132. Select the correct word in the following sentences: 
 
 1. A number of price lists {have, has) been printed. 
 
 2. Three-fourths of the soil {isAare) unfit for cultivation. 
 
 3. A profusion of wild flowers (was, were) used to decorate her grave. 
 
 4. An abundance of material for a thrilling novel {is, are) at hand. 
 
 5. An abundance of peaches {was, were) raised in that orchard. 
 
 6. A variety of pleasing airs {was^^ere) sting by the composer. 
 
 7. Two- thirds of the men {jvas, were) employed. 
 
 8. The number of pupils absent {wasl\were) small. 
 
 9. This is one of the best apples that {has,)have) been placed on exhibition. 
 
 10. This is the only; one of the horses that {is ^ are) available. 
 
 11. One of the cities which {wa,s, were) built still {retnain\remains) . 
 
 12. In virtue and charity, C*^) j^*) found happiness. 
 
 13. To praise goodness and to "act evilly {mark)mark/) a base mind. 
 
 14. Here {cotne; comes) Mary and Jane, but where {have^ftas) Tom and Harry gone. 
 
 15. A number of boys {was, were) rewarded for bravery. 
 
 16. Each of the men {claim, claims) that {he, they) {is, are) iimocent. 
 
 17. What sounds {have, \has) each of the vowels? 
 
 18. Mary, when {was, vjgre) you given that flower? 
 
 19. There {are, is) several reasons why you should improve your time. 
 
 20. {Was, were) either of the young men considered guilty? 
 
 21. Will one of you young men lend me {his} their, (your) watch? 
 
 22. Plenty of nuts {are, is) to be found under the trees. 
 
 23. She is one of three young ladies {who, whom!) I believe {is, are) sure to suit you. 
 
 24. There {are^ is) more than one error in his work. 
 
 25. Neither of the young ladies {haveAias) been excused. 
 
 133, An expression consisting of an asserting word followed by an 
 adjective complement or by a participle used as an adjective may be mis- 
 taken for a verb in the passive voice; as, The hat was torn by the dog. 
 Was torn, passive voice. The coat was badly torn. Torn, adjective 
 complement. 
 
 To determine whether such words are verbs or complements, see 
 whether the verb may be followed by by before the name of the agent with- 
 out changing the sense. If so the word is part of the verb. The man 
 was kicked by what? The horse. The horse was tired. By what? No agent. 
 
74 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 Exercise 43 
 134. Tell which of the following completed predicates may be treated 
 as verbs and which as followed by aa. attribute : 
 
 1. The lady i^ accomplished. 
 
 2. The task was accomplished in an hour. 
 
 3. Are you\determined to go? A- /.^x '■"'"' 
 
 4. Dinner was soon served. Q 
 
 5. You areVnistaken. 
 
 6. A shadow was mistaken for a foot-bridge. 
 
 7. The man was drunk before the wine was drunl 
 
 8. The boy was hurt. 
 
 9. He is writing a letter. 
 
 10. Stars have disappeared. 
 
 11. Suns have been discovered. 
 
 12. Spring has come. 
 
 13. The danger might have been avoided. 
 
 14. She is singing. 
 
 15. Has it been decided? 
 
 ^ LESSON 35-Modiflcalion of the Verb 
 
 ^^^35, Voice is that form of expression in the use of the transitive verb 
 which shows whether the subject of the verb is acting or is the thing acted 
 upon. 
 
 1. The Active Voice shows the subject as acting; as, John struck the 
 dog. 
 
 2. The Passive Voice shows that the subject is acted upon; as, The 
 dog was struck by John. 
 
 When a verb in the active voice is changed to the passive voice, the 
 object becomes the subject, and the subject becomestheobjectof a prepo- 
 sition. Willie threw the ball. — (Active.) The ball was thrown by 
 Willie. — (Passive.) 
 
 The verb is rendered passive by the use of some form of the verb be. 
 
 Passive verbs, like copulative verbs, have the same case after them as 
 before them when both words refer to the same thing; as. The child was 
 named Wesley. 
 
 Exercise 44 
 
 136, Change the voice in the following without changing the mean- 
 ing, then diagram the sentence; 
 
 1. That tribunal pronounced Charles a tyrant. 
 
 2. The town nicknamed him "Beau Seymour." 
 
 3. Even silent night proclaims my soul immortal. 
 
 4. He was refused admittance by the porter. 
 
 5. They were refused protection by the officers. 
 
 6. He told me to leave the room. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 75 
 
 7. I taught the child to read, 
 
 8. The ship was wrecked. 
 
 9. I offered him money. 
 
 10. The eagle caught the fish. 
 
 11. The bird was shot by the hunter. 
 
 12. The man bought the horse. 
 
 13. The man has caught the bear. 
 
 14. The village master taught his little school. 
 
 15. We named him John. 
 
 137, Mode is the manner in which the verb in the sentence asserts the 
 action or being. 
 
 1. The Indicative Mode asserts the action or being as a fact. The 
 assertion may be in the form of a declaration or an interrogation; as, The 
 wise boy carefully prepares his English lesson. Does the preparation of 
 the lesson benefit the boy? 
 
 2. The Potential Mode denotes power, possibility, liberty, etc.; as, 
 He can learn. He may learn, 
 
 3. The Subjunctive Mode is rapidly going out of use, but a few of 
 its original forms are retained. A certain prominent author has this to 
 say of it: "The subjunctive mode is a tmiversal stumbling block." No- 
 body seems to understand it although almost ever^-body pretends to use it. 
 At the best it gives a sentence an air of pedantry, if not of affectation. 
 A few of the most commonly accepted forms are quoted below: 
 
 If the earth were flat, (it is not) men could not have sailed around it. 
 Used to imply that the contrary of the statement tnade in the sentence is 
 true, not the statement itself. If I were you. — \JI could not be.) If he 
 were living. — (He isn't), etc. 
 
 138 Tense is the time of the action or being expressed by the verb. 
 
 I. The tenses of the indicative mode are the present, the past, the 
 future, the present perfect, the past perfect, and the futtu-e perfect. 
 
 The tenses of this mode are formed: 
 
 By using the simple form of the verb for the present tense; as, He 
 learns. He sees. 
 
 By using the past form of the verb for the past tense ; as. He learned. 
 He saw. 
 
 By using the present form of the verb with shall or will for the future 
 tense; as. He will learn. He will see. 
 
 By using the past partciple of the verb with have or has for the 
 present perfect : as, He has learned. He lias seen. 
 
 By using past participle of the verb had for the past perfect tense ; 
 as, He had learned. He had seen. 
 
 By using the past participle of the verb with shall have or will have for 
 the future perfect tense; as, He unll liave learned. He wUl have seen. 
 
76 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 2. The potential mode has four tenses. The present, the past, the 
 present perfect and the past perfect. 
 
 Use may, can, or must with the present form of the verb for the present 
 tense. 
 
 Use might, could, would or should with the present form of the verb 
 for the past tense. 
 
 Use may have, must have, or can have with the past participle of the 
 verb for the present perfect tense. 
 
 Use might have, could have, would have or should have with the past 
 participle of the verb for the past perfect tense. 
 
 139, Synopsis: 
 
 Indicative Mode Potential Mode 
 
 Present tense He loves He can love. 
 
 Past tense He loved. He could lave. 
 Future tense • He will love. 
 
 Present perfect tense He has loved He can have loved 
 
 Past perfect tense He had loved He could have loved. 
 Future perfect tense He will have loved. 
 
 140, Use shall with the first person, and will with the second and 
 third person to express something that is probable to happen. 
 
 Use will with the first person, and shall with the second and third 
 person to express a determination or a promise. 
 
 Determination Probability 
 
 I will I shall 
 
 We will We shall 
 
 He shall He will 
 
 She shall She will 
 
 They shall They will 
 
 In asking a question shall should always be used with the subjects 
 / and we. With other subjects use the auxiliary expected in the answer. 
 Justify use of shall and will in the following conversation: 
 He. "Shall you visit the city today?" 
 She. "I shall go this afternoon." 
 
 He. "It looks like rain. Perhaps you would better defer your visit to some 
 other time." 
 
 She. "I have~an important engagement, and I will go rain or shine." 
 
 He. "Shall you go alone?" 
 
 She. "No. I shall take Murill with me." 
 
 He. "Will you promise to take a taxicab if it rains?" 
 
 She. "I will." 
 
 Exercise 45 
 
 141, Select the proper auxiliary in the following sentences: 
 1. I (shall, will) never speak to him again, never. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 77 
 
 2. "He {shall, will) pick up that paper or I {shall, will) punish hitn." said the 
 teacher. 
 
 3. Help ! The boat {shall, will) upset, no one {shall, will) help us, and we {shall, 
 wiU) be drowned. 
 
 4. I think it {shall, will) rain soon. 
 
 5. {Shall, will) I get the book for you? If you {will, shall) be so kind. 
 
 6. You {will, shall) be in London then. 
 
 7. He {shall, will) do as he pleases anyhow. 
 
 8. Oh Dear! I {shall, will) never see him again. 
 
 9. He {will, shall) not strike the dog; I promise you. 
 
 10. They {shall, will) go to school; I {will, shall) not allow them to grow up i» 
 ignorance. 
 
 11. We {shall, will) endeavor to do all we can. 
 
 12. He thinks he {shall, will) be admitted to the bar. 
 
 13. She {shall, will) not attend the wedding on account of ill health. 
 
 14. The boat {shall, will) upset and we {shall, will) be drowned. 
 
 15. No one {shall, will) help me, I {shall, will) be drowned. 
 
 16. They {shall, will) be punished. 
 
 17. My friends {shall, will) be present. 
 
 18. I {shall, will) be pleased to lend you the book. I am sure you {shall, will) 
 find it interesting. ^_^ t, _ <. /^ <- / 
 
 nc K 
 
 LESSON 36— The Inflnitiye— Tense Relations 
 
 142. The Infinitive has two tenses — the present, and the past. 
 
 The present infinitive by means of adverbial modifiers may be made to 
 express present, past or future time; as, He ought to go now. He was 
 obliged to go yesterday. I advised him to go tomorrow. 
 
 The present perfect infinitive denotes past time only. 
 
 Care should be taken that the tense of the infinitive corresponds to 
 the time of action expressed by the principal verb in the sentence. 
 
 Caution : Do not use the past tense of the infinitive in correspondence 
 with the perfect tense of the principal verb. Say, I should have liked to 
 see you; or, I should like to have seen you. Do not say, I should have liked 
 to have seen you unless some specific time is stated. 
 
 Correct the form of the infinitive where necessary in the following 
 sentences : 
 
 1. He wished to have seen you. 
 
 2. She appeared to be happy. '.^^:^-'-- 
 
 3. I was thankful to be bom in America. ' (-?>. i\ 
 
 4. This notice ought to have been published tomorrow.^ Q^^^-t/^^ 
 
 5. This poem ought to have appeared yesterday. 
 
 6. We should like to have seen the "Newsboys' Feast." 
 
 7. I should like to have met you before my brother's departure, 
 
 8. We believe the box tooe Opened by the wrong person. 
 
 9. They would have liked to have been at the social. 
 10. We had hoped to have seen you before we left. 
 
78 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 Review Exercise 46 
 
 143, Select the correct word from those in the parenthesis and make 
 all other necessary corrections in the following sentences: 
 
 1. There (come, comes) John and Prof. Arnold his instructor to visit my sister 
 and (7, me). 
 
 2. John is older than (7, me) but I can run fastest. 
 
 3. Mary is not {so, as) large as her sister^but she is the (best, better) reader. 
 
 4. John is not (as, so) old as Tom but he is taller than (he, him). 
 
 5. Twenty thousand bushels of wheat (wa's^ were) destroyed and twenty lives 
 (was, were) lost (in, by) that fire. 
 
 6. The boys as well as their mother (was, were) hurt in the wreck. 
 
 7. Neither/ the mother (nor, or) her daughters (were, was) satisfied that it was 
 my brother and (mei I) who assisted them. 
 
 8. Mary Brown and her motheT(have, has) invited my brother and (7, me) to 
 attend the party but neither my brother (or, nor) (I, me) can go. 
 
 9. We (saw, seen) mayor "t-m brown^ chairman of the republican committee at 
 the reception of the visiting members. 
 
 LESSON 37-Duniiing-Letters 
 
 144-. These are letters requesting the payment of money or the ad- 
 justing of accounts^ They require the exercise of great care and good 
 judgment, for they should be written in such form that they will accom- 
 plish their purpose without giving offense. Circumstances may require 
 that dunning-letters be rather severe in their terms, but they never should 
 be discourteous nor offensive. The character of a dunning-letter will, of course, 
 depend upon the nature of the case. Remember you can best appeal to 
 an honest man or woman who is short of money, by sympathetic argument. 
 
 When the payment is not made at the proper time, three or four letters 
 are generally used, the first a simple, brief request, the second a longer 
 and stronger letter, and third a threat to place the account in the hands 
 of an attorney or collection agency. 
 
 Demands for settlement of accounts should not be written upon 
 postal cards, as it might render the writer liable for damages. The postal 
 laws prohibit the writing of anything upon a postal card or upon an en- 
 velope that reflects injuriously upon the character or conduct of another. 
 
 The following is a terse and somewhat discourteous form of dunning- 
 letter. 
 Mr. W. H. Harvey, Berkeley, Cal., May 2, 191 2. 
 
 Oakland, Cal. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 Your account is now long past due. We cannot allow accounts to 
 run longer than sixty days, and yours has gone beyond the limit. Please 
 remit by return mail. Yours truly, 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 7^ 
 
 The foregoing letter might secure payment of the account, but it would 
 be liable to give offense. Compare this letter with the following form: 
 
 861 Canal St., Sacramento, Cal., June 16, 1912. 
 Mr, Wilson Barnes, 
 
 Chico, Cal. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 You will please pardon us for calling your attention to the balance 
 due on your account, Si 8 5. 00, which is now past due. We regret exceed- 
 ingly to be compelled to tirge you to make a settlement at the earliest 
 possible date. 
 
 The goods were sold you on 60 days' time, and as our terms are in- 
 flexible, and as the account is now somewhat overdue, we must insist 
 upon an immediate settlement. 
 
 I believe you will appreciate the situation, and will favor us with a 
 prompt remittance. 
 
 Yours respectfully. 
 
 Notice that the wording of first letter is so curt as to offend the reader, 
 instead of persuading him to pay the amount, while the second is cour- 
 teous throughout, and yet firm enough to get the money in many cases. 
 
 Notice that the writer of the first letter did not mention the amount 
 due. It is important that the amount be named in a letter of this kind. 
 
 Manly, dignified, and unlabored courtesy is the quality which gives 
 finish to the business letter and commands respect. 
 
 Write a letter to Mr. R. D. Norton, 531 High St., Sonera, Cal. Call 
 his attention to the fact that his account amounting to $125.00 has been 
 due for four months. Remind him of your having sent him several state- 
 ments which seem to have been overlooked by him. Tell him that you 
 have a number of heavy bills falling due the first of the month, which you 
 will be unable to meet unless your outstanding accounts are paid promptly. 
 Say that if he finds it inconvenient to pa,y it all just now, you would be 
 glad to receive half the amount at once, and the remainder as soon as 
 possible. Express the hope that he may realize the seriousness of your 
 financial condition and that he may make a complete settlement soon. 
 
 Assume that you are R. D. Norton. Write a letter in answer to the 
 letter written in Subject No. i. You have found that you can pay a part 
 of the amount you owe, $25.00. Enclose your check for the amount you 
 can pay at this time. Say when you will pay the remainder. Remember 
 that your are assuming that your creditor will grant to you the exten- 
 sion of time asked for, and therefore you should not fail to express appre- 
 ciation of the expected favor. 
 
8o Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 145, Answer the following questions in writing and submit to yotir 
 teacher : 
 
 1. On what occasion is it allowable to sign a business letter Yours 
 cordially? 
 
 2. When, Yours sincerely? 
 
 3. Why is Remington Typewriter capitalized? 
 • 4. Why not capitalize shift key? 
 
 5. Which is correct, The Turner Mfg. Co. or The Turjier Manufac- 
 turing Company? 
 
 6. Why is no period required after Feb'y? What is this called? 
 
 7. Why is the apostrophe required? 
 
 8. Is it proper to begin a sentence with figures? 
 
 9. If a word of slang is used in a sentence, how is it indicated? 
 
 10. Should a stenographer leave her employer's private letters lying 
 around where the inquisitive may have a chance to read them? 
 
 1 1 . Does the stenographer have the right to take her note-book from 
 the office and divulge its contents to an outsider? 
 
 12. Should the stenographer use an expensive letterhead for carboa 
 copy or second sheet? 
 
 13. When letters are left on the dictator's desk, how should they be 
 placed? — — — , .— — — ~^. -^ 
 
 LESSON 38-Choice and Use of Words 
 
 1 46. To become proficient in language a person must, first of all, 
 have at command a good working vocabulary. Therefore, a painstaking 
 effort to select and use the best words to express ideas should be our aim. 
 
 From words of equal meaning and propriety, always select the shortest, 
 
 if you would express yourself with the greatest simplicity, directness, and 
 
 force. 
 
 We quote from Isaac Pitman & Sons' "Style Book of Business English" 
 
 the following letter which is a genuine advertisement and a remarkable 
 
 illustration of the use and strength of short words : 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 If we could get you to try on a pair of our shoes we wouldn't 
 have to talk to you any more. 
 
 Here's a shoe that your feet want. There is no rubber shoe dis- 
 comfort — there can be no perspiring and chafing of the feet ; it is 
 easy to wear because it is light — and it never makes a sore joint. 
 
 You get complete protection where you want it — over the sole 
 and the seam between sole and upper. No useless rubber to carry 
 and to make an air-tight case for your feet to perspire in. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 8i 
 
 Stick to the shoe? Of course, more tightly than any old-style 
 rubber ever made. 
 
 Now look at the fit of it — that means you have a stylish shoe, 
 something no one ever claimed for the old rubber. 
 
 They are made for men and women. 
 
 Every good shoeman carries them. If you cannot get a pair, 
 write us and we will send you our booklet, "Good News for Your 
 Feet," and tell you how to get a pair. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 147. Study the following pairs of synonyms: 
 
 led 
 
 induced 
 
 agent 
 
 representative 
 
 got' 
 
 obtained 
 
 sad 
 
 melancholy 
 
 done 
 
 effected 
 
 very 
 
 exceedingly 
 
 hard 
 
 difficult 
 
 leave 
 
 permission 
 
 wish 
 
 desire 
 
 talk 
 
 conversation 
 
 fine 
 
 excellent 
 
 think 
 
 contemplate 
 
 do^ 
 
 accomplish 
 
 cease 
 
 discontinue 
 
 plenty 
 
 abundance 
 
 vague 
 
 ambiguous 
 
 Exercise 47 
 
 1 48, Copy the following words and write beside each of them a short 
 synonym. Consult the dictionaxy when necessary: 
 
 monotonous »*'"*T*'^'*'^'^J^hilosophical -%syyyir^ •Nourishment 
 notification /4^^^^'*'*'^'^^'^^onsiderate CA**>l-^*vA;'*'Occurrence 
 obliterate .£,^^'^tjL«'<-A-^ unquestionable ClAy{^m)*^connt&rieit 
 antiquated }\d^^^<-^i »^indignation fl/'w/^-*^* untoistakable 
 obligation -Si^^r.-'C^A/jy^ extraordinary^ *^*v<jjr^'**''*T)arricade - 
 spontaneous ''^'^^'■^^'^''^T^'^t^tentation ■x)c[^i^'*V**5^ imperfection 
 diminutive *<r*y^-^yj^ commendation CW'^'l^l!'^ .parsimonious 
 insinuation "Tvvip'V/ amusement _./y*'»*^ /partnership 
 
 ^pertormance-*v^it/^^^l/(P\ ^immediately /vxjpT AW*^*J»^Sillanimous 
 6isreputablej7,^^0^'\<,^(,(_,,^-|<perspicuous Y^''^^*^X^ aristocratic 
 quintessence -^ Mfl^ d^ compassionate j^''^^^J' arrangement 
 
 transcription CiXh^i''^ recreation ^>^»-*-l/T controversy - 
 
 149, We give here a€ew rules and suggestions for dividing words 
 printing and writing: 
 
 I . A syllable consisting of one letter should not stand on a line by itself. 
 -* 2 . In penwritten work it is better never to divide a word unless it is long. 
 , 3. Each syllable must contain a vowel. 
 
 4. Short words like fxit, hero, first, or words pronounced as one syllable, 
 SkS, changed, drcmmed, etc., should never be divided. 
 
 5. In words having prefixes or suffixes the root-word should remain 
 unchanged; as, east-em, cart-er, sweet-ish, etc. 
 
 6. Never divide a syllable. When in doubt, consult the dictionary. 
 
82 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 Exercise 48 
 
 150, Divide the following words into syllables: 
 
 Dancing, business, gimlet, willing, councilor, capture, marriage, vengeance 
 fountain, allegiance, language, veranda, fortune, servant, progress, Wednesday, 
 benefited, stories, process, traveler, generally, syllables, possible, expression, 
 monopoly, simplest, mutually, whispered, magazine, attacked, preface, menace 
 architecture, stoves, photograph, children, neither. 
 
 Exercise 49 
 
 151, After consulting the dictionary write original sentences, illustrat- 
 ing the correct use of the following words: 
 
 Commensurate, avarice, sordid, prudence, emoluments, enhance, 
 
 abeyance, abscond, accrue, acme^__^ T5'7il,nc^^J^*i^tAva-^<W* 
 
 Exercise 50 
 
 1 52, Rewrite the following sentences substituting a short synonym for 
 each of the words indicated : 
 
 1. He tried to calumniate the man's good name. 
 
 2. They were allowed an abatement of ten per cent. 
 
 3. I abominate this kind of weather. Xify 
 
 4. We will abrogate the old contract and consummate a new one. 
 
 5. Please make me an accurate copy of this letter. 
 
 6. The peoplayhave an abt^ndance qjf food . 
 
 7. I a^howledge that I was wrong in the matter.) 
 
 8. He expresses himself with great perspicuity and force. 
 
 9. A o6fycbXyfatio'nf)i the two societies was affected last night. ,' 
 10. The father gave his acqiii'escftlce to his daughter's marriage.' 7 
 
 ^ LESSON 39 -Errors to be Avoided 
 
 153, Do not use this here, and that there for this and that. Say, 
 that book, not that there book. Say, this sentence, not this here 
 sentence. 
 
 1. Do not use them as an adjective. i^2iy,thosehodk.s,notthemhodks. 
 
 2. Use this and that with singular nouns, and these and those with 
 plural nouns. Say, I don't like that sort of apples, not those sort or 
 those kind. 
 
 3. Use each other to show reciprocal relations between two persons or 
 things; one another, among more than two. Say, These two people help 
 each other. Those three people distrust one another. 
 
 4. Place adjectives and adverbs so they will modify the term intended. 
 Say, I bought a pair of new shoes, not, a new pair of shoes. Say, 
 I went only to the postoffice, if you mean you went nowhere else. 
 
 5. When an adjective is necessarily plural the noun it limits is plural. 
 Say, ten tons of coal, not ten ton of coal. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 83 
 
 6. Place modifiers so as to give strength, clearness, and euphony to 
 the sentence. Practice sentence construction to that end. 
 
 7. Do not compare adjectives whose meaning will not admit of in- 
 crease or diminution. Not a rounder ball, but a more nearly round ball. 
 
 8. Do not use double comparatives or superlatives. Do not say, 
 A more dishanester man, or use similar expressions. 
 
 9. Do not attempt to better a fatdty construction by worse punctua- 
 tion ; as, in the following sentence : A young couple from the East bought 
 a beautiful residence from a real estate agent, that had a large bay window 
 in front. It shotdd read as follows : A young couple from the East bought 
 from a real estate agent a beautifid residence that had a large bay window 
 in front. 
 
 ID. Avoid the use of got to denote posesssion. Say, I have a 
 position; not, I got a position. 
 
 Exercise 51 
 154. Correct the errors in the following sentences, giving reasons for 
 your corrections: 
 
 1. He ordered a fried dish of bacon. 
 
 2. All metals are less useful than iron. 
 
 3. Everyone of the three have expressed their willingness to help each other. 
 
 4. Them there hogs is more fatter than these here. 
 
 5. John found a black ladys hand-bag. 
 
 6. This is a more perfect specimen than that. 
 
 7. He don't like those kind of people. 
 
 8. Texas is larger than any state in the Union. 
 
 9. There goes the thief and his accomplice, and here come the sheriff with his 
 posse, searching for them. 
 
 Select the correct word in the following sentences: 
 
 10. A variety of flowers {make, makes) a pretty garden. 
 
 11. Patience and diligence {remove, removes) mountains. 
 
 12. My poverty, but not my will, {consent, consents). 
 
 13. Each man, each woman, and each child {knows, know) the hour. 
 
 14. The father, as weU as his sons, {enjoy, enjoys) the sport. 
 
 15. Let Mary and (7, me) go to the board, teacher. 
 
 16. Every boy {has, have) use for {their, his) own book. 
 17.1 am the man who {is, am) able to help you. 
 
 18. Either he or I {am, is, are) to be appointed. 
 
 19. A number of settlers {was, were) driven from their homes. 
 
 LESSON 40— Courteously Worded Letters 
 
 166, Assume that you are manager of a business college in your city, 
 that you had a young man, named Richard Holmes, apply to you for a 
 course in bookkeeping. He did not have enough money to pay for the 
 
84 ' Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 entire term, bat he seemed so anxious to succeed that you took his note 
 for $50.00. He finished his school work and was empk)yed by a firm to 
 which you sent him. He has now been working for about six months, but 
 has not offered to make a payment of any amount on his note. "Write 
 him a letter in care of the N. C. Judson Company of San Francisco, Calif- 
 ornia, asking for a settlement. 
 
 Remember that courtesy in either a written or verbal transaction draws 
 people together. It creates a feeling of mutual respect and contributes 
 much to the right adjustment of the worst difficulties. You cannot afford 
 to be anything but kind and courteous, for there is nothing else in the 
 whole range of human affairs that will bring you greater dividends. There- 
 fore, in writing the letter as directed above, keep in mind this essential 
 feature, for the absence of kindly courtesy in a letter of this character 
 reduces it to a matter of cold-blooded indifference. 
 
 Exercise 52 
 156. Rewrite the following sentences, substituting single words for the 
 
 phrases and clauses: 
 
 i. In accordance with this, education is becoming the work of nations. 
 
 2. Persistent effort succeeds in doing anything. 
 
 3. The wind which never ceases blows a blast that is keen tonight. 
 
 4. Goods which are manufactured in England are usually of a superior quality. 
 
 5. People who are disposed to be indolent ^o not often succeed. 
 
 r 6. All at once we espied a man of diminutive stature walking with- great rapidity ) 
 toward the place where we were standing. 
 
 7. He secured the old man's signature by means ^t were based on fraud. 
 
 8. His voice was hud enough to be heard. ,,>u>V;ct^ "ft^t'^'l^"""'^^ ' 
 
 9. There were no railroads at that time. 
 
 10. The deer sprang in haste from his bed of grass. ^ 
 
 11. We sailed on the river by the light of the moon. rrY^/^Ai. OU^ '^''""''^ 
 
 12. A man of courage does not fear death. %CiXyV\M 
 
 13. We shall stop at this place today. 
 
 14. The size of the crops was increased by watering the soil artificially. 
 
 15. There was no cause that was apparent for his delay. ,i 
 
 16. The man that is wise is the man of years. ^ ^ _ /.jJ.'^'Ll 
 
 17. These are expressions of the same class. '' " " ' 
 
 18. He was an actor in comedy. 
 
 19. They concluded to do away with single entry bookkeeping. ^. 
 
 20. He was an associate with him in crime. y m.'.v yi'i-- ^>^'P^^^^ ^''*^ 
 
 21. He is a person who keeps books. '^ 
 
 22. He is well known by his being accurate. " ^ '^z'^- 
 
 23. When we are met with severe trials and misfortunes we should try to be braTB. 
 
 24. He worked in opposition to the new party. 
 
 25. The art of recording business transactums is taught to a large extent in oat 
 echocls that teach commercial subjects. 
 
 26. He was deranged in mind. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 85 
 
 Exercise 53 
 
 157. In the following sentences choose the proper word, remember- 
 mg that good is usually an adjective, and well, an adverb: 
 
 1. That work was done {good, well) enough for anybody. 
 
 2. This pen is so poor that I ca,n't write (good/well). 
 
 3. Does the candy taste (good,)iveir)7 
 
 4. I feel pretty (good, well) today. 
 
 5. She likes these pictures very (good, well). 
 
 6. I think Fannie looks (good) well) in her black dress. 
 
 7. She sings very (good, well). 
 
 8. He did his work very (good,iWelT). 
 
 9. This typewriter does not wo-k very (goocft welt) . 
 
 10. She does not make her shorthand notes very (good^^iveU). 
 
 11. The music did not sound very (good^ welt). 
 
 12. I cannot see very (good, well) with these glasses. 
 
 13. The bicycle does not run (good) welt). 
 
 14. To write (goodJwell) one must assume an easy position. 
 
 15. He talked ^ood %velt) for a young man. 
 
 16. This paper does not look (g od) welt) with this color of ink. 
 
 17. The mimeograph does not work (good^ welt). 
 
 Exercise 54 
 
 158. After consulting the dictionary write original sentences illus- 
 trating the correct use of the following words: 
 
 Premonition, incumbent, invoke, convene, abatement, acrimony, 
 actuate, allege, alleviate, antidote. 
 
 LESSON 41-Letter of Complaint 
 
 159, You sent the Bancroft- Whitney Company, Chicago, 111., an order 
 for goods requesting them to ship not later than ....... They acknowl- 
 edged receipt of the order, but it is now and neither the shippers' 
 
 receipt nor the goods have arrived. This delay has caused you to break 
 faith with some of your best customers, and you should have had at least 
 a letter from them telling why the goods were not shipped promptly. 
 
 Unless the goods arrive by you cannot accept them under any 
 
 condition. 
 
 160, Write a letter of complaint to the Bancroft- Whitney Company, 
 setting forth the above facts. Keep in mind that courtesy and clearness 
 are the most essential qualities of a good letter. Rudeness, curtness, and 
 sarcasm, are even more inexcusable in writing than they are in conver- 
 sation. 
 
 In writing to this firm the letter suggested, you will be justified in ex- 
 pressing yourself forcibly; for to lose some of your best customers, to say 
 
^-z 
 
 86 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 nothing about the profit on the sale of the goods, is no small matter, and 
 yet this firm may not have received your order. Therefore, you shotdd 
 remember that courteous language, clearly expressed and to the point, is 
 always the most forceful and impressive. 
 
 Exercise 55 
 
 161, Justify the use of the posesssive sign in the following: 
 
 1. In answer to your advertisement in this morning's paper. 
 
 2. I have had six months' experience. 
 
 3. He lost a year's salary in a few weeks' time. 
 
 4. I am glad the day's work is done. 
 
 5. One year's training would make a capable stenographer. 
 
 6. Just a minute's time is required. 
 
 7. Have you read today's paper? 
 
 8. Six months' interest is now due. 
 
 9. Two months' tuition was paid . 
 10. The first quarter's rent is paid. 
 
 Exercise 56 
 
 1 62. Give the rule for the use of each comma in the following sen- 
 tences. Refer to rules for use of comma : 
 
 1. Faith, hope, and charity should govern our lives. 
 \. Sink or swim, live or die, sur /jvc QL* perish, I am for the Declaration. 
 
 3. With a few simple words of iaOroO'r.ction, ihe orator began his discourse. 
 
 4. Waiter, kindly bring me a glass of water. 
 
 5. One should never forget the old adage, "Honesty is the best policy." 
 
 6. Industry, energy, and good sense are essent'al to success. 
 CITD If you take my advice, you will learn tp punctuate .pi;o{)erly. 
 
 8. You will, no doubt, follow my advifce.' 7| 
 
 9. First, let us look at the facts. ^' 
 
 10. The sun, which is in the' center of our system, is millions of miles from us. 
 
 11. In view of these facts, we shall not advise you to return. 
 
 12. Mr. E. P. Heald, president of Heald's Colleges, has his office in San Fran- 
 cisco. 
 
 13. I sincerely trust. Miss Bowman, that you will recognize the importance ot 
 securing a commercial training 
 
 14. Tell me with whom you associate, and I will tell you what you aro. j V),^ 
 
 15. Goldsmith says, "We should learn the luxury of doing well." '^ / j 
 
 16. Looking from my window, I could see the ocean. •• " \ • 
 
 17. When one knows that he is dishonest, he always suspects that others will 
 know it. 
 
 18. My father, who is in good health, is sixty years old. 
 
 19. As a stenographer in a large firm, young man, you will be in a position to 
 know more about that concern. 
 
 ISJ^ John Smith, Sr., was elected alderman, dishonestly, we think. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 87 
 
 LESSON 42— Letters Soliciting Trade 
 
 163. Of all business letters, those soliciting trade are probably the 
 most important. They belong to a class of letters that are expected to 
 yield results in dollars and cents. They shotdd be so composed as to please 
 as well as convince. Letters of this kind may be written either in answer 
 to inquiry or as a circular for general distribution. 
 
 You may asstune that you are in charge of the correspondence of 
 Blank's Business College and that you have received the following letter: 
 
 Modesto, Cal., Oct. 25, 19 12. 
 Prin. Blank's Business College, 
 
 ,Cal. 
 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 I have been thinking about taking a course in a Business College, 
 and wotdd be much pleased, to have your latest catalogue. I would, also, 
 like to know what your prices of tuition are and how long it would take me 
 to finish a course. Can I take up the work in both the commercial and 
 stenographic departments at the same time, and what is the cost of board 
 and room in your city ? "When does the next term begin ? 
 
 I shall be glad to hear from you soon. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 (Miss) Edna C. Rogers. 
 
 164. Answer the above letter. Keep in naind that yotir success in 
 securing Miss Rogers as a student depends very largely on what kind of a 
 letter you write. Very likely she has written to other schools and will 
 receive letters from them. Tell her that you have forwarded under another 
 cover your catalogue and other literattire, and that you trust she will 
 give them her careful consideration. Mention how well your school is 
 equipped; the kind of teachers you employ; how old and successftd your 
 school is; then say something about your methods being up-to-date; and 
 your system of shorthand and bookkeeping being superior to all others. 
 Mention any other features of your college that you think wovdd help to 
 convince her that your school is the best. 
 
 Did Miss Rogers capitalize, spell, and punctuate correctly in the fore- 
 going letter? 
 
 165. Write answers to the following questions and submit to the 
 teacher : 
 
 1. What is My Dear Sir called? 
 
 2. Do you capitalize si. and ave.l 
 
 3. "Why do you capitalize the names of the days of the week and the 
 months? 
 
88 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 4. What is meant by the use cwt, via, per M? 
 
 5. May a word of one syllable be divided? 
 
 6. May you divide prayers, meaning invocations, and prayers, those 
 who pray? 
 
 7. Divide progress, a noun, and progress, a verb. 
 
 8. Which, if any, of the following divisions are correct? 
 
 posit-ion remitt-ed confus-ion 
 
 debit-ed ne-cessary practic-ally 
 
 9. How would you divide each of the following words: 
 
 Stand, burned, generally, omission, remainder, practical, indicates, 
 published, should, passed, succession, printed? 
 
 10. Which is correct alright, all right, or allright? 
 
 11. How would you indicate that a word is to be written or printed 
 in capitals? In italics? (Study your dictionary.) 
 
 Exercise 57 
 
 1 66, After consulting the dictionary in regard to the meaning of the 
 following words, compose sentences illustrating their use: 
 
 Concession, irrelevant, exquisite, importune, admonish, embellish, 
 adroit, counsel, affable, primary, idiomatic, euphony, ephemeral. 
 
 -^ LESSON 43— Letters of Recommendation 
 
 167. A letter of recommendation should be deliberate, truthful, 
 decisive. It should apply clearly and definitely to the career and capacity 
 of the person for whom it is written in so far as they have come within the 
 personal notice of the writer. 
 
 Letters of this class are either general or special. The former are 
 addressed to the public in general, and the latter to individuals. Study 
 the following forms: 
 To whom it may concern: 
 
 We take pleasure in giving the bearer. Miss Maud Davis, this un- 
 qualified endorsement. Miss Davis is a capable and accurate stenographer 
 and is courteous and conscientious in all her work. She has been in our 
 employ for three years, and leaves on account of the removal of her family 
 to another city. j^^^^ ^ gj^^p^^^ 
 
 West Coast Mercantile Co., 
 
 710 Broadway, 
 Oakland, Cal. 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 In reply to your letter of July 15, it affords me great pleasure to say 
 that we know Mr. Turner to be alert and diligent, as well as faithful in his 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 89 
 
 duties and loyal to his employers. He is a fine judge of goods and has 
 done most of the buying in our dry goods department for the past two 
 years. 
 
 We regret to lose him, but the position he seeks in your house is 
 probably much better than anything we have to offer, and we hope that 
 you will decide to employ him. 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 Chas. E. Deering. 
 
 It will be observed that a general letter of recommendation omits 
 the customary complimentary closing, Yours very truly, etc. 
 
 Other forms for beginning such letters are : 
 
 This is to certify that Mr. Blank was in our emplo}^ etc. 
 
 This is to testify to the ability, etc. 
 /168, Write a letter recommending J. A. Monroe as a bookkeeper; 
 mention that he has been in your employ for two years ; that his work has 
 been entirely satisfactory; that he is punctual, accurate, reliable, and 
 perfectly honest, that he is rapid in his work, and has tact in familiarizing 
 himself with his employer's business so that he is capable of managing as 
 well. He is out of a position owing to the dissolution of your firm. 
 
 1 69. The elements of a sentence may be transformed by substituting 
 one part of speech, or modifier, for another. In choosing elements, single 
 words are preferable to phrases or clauses; and phrases are usually pref- 
 erable to clauses. Care should be taken, however, that the element chosen 
 expresses the exact meaning intended. 
 
 Exercise 58 
 
 170, Rewrite the following sentences, substituting a word for the 
 
 enclosed portion of each: 
 
 1. He turned out to be a man {in whom no one could put any trust). 
 
 2. He came up with the three {men who attended to the garden). 
 
 3. The morning rose in splendor {that was undimmed by clouds). 
 
 4. He is a man {of sense). 
 
 5. He labored {with cheerfulness). ^ ry^,^W 
 
 6. The {person who applies) must be competent. / 
 
 7. He is apt {to make a gross mistake) if he does not study the position {with 
 m great deal of care). 
 
 8. She spoke to the {man who keeps the accounts). 
 
 9. He was {incapable of paying his debts). ' 
 
 10. They {ascertained by mathematical process) the cost of {putting up ) the building- 
 
 11. He decided to {mark out) the matter {in print that was not necessary). 
 
 12. Men {of wisdom) interpret the laws {of nature). < j -. / 
 
 13. The attack was {one that could not be resisted). lA^"^^ ■*'-^^"'H 
 
 14. He is the {one who began the hostilities). 
 
 15. The cherry tree will {put forth blossoms) in the Spring. 
 
9o Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 16. Too soon the flowers (of Spring) will fade. 
 
 17. He spoke {with decision). 
 
 18. They rest (in peace). 
 
 19. Three fishers went sailing (toward the West). 
 
 20. (As he rushed forward) he shouted to his companions. 
 
 LESSON 44— Circular Letters 
 
 171, Circular letters in general are not different from other business 
 letters, but are so written that they may be sent to different persons. 
 These letters are usually printed on the multigraph, and such care should 
 be taken in filling in the heading, etc., that they appear in every way as 
 a personal typewritten letter. To be most effective they should be person- 
 ally signed. The body of a circular letter might hold the close attention 
 of the reader, but when he reaches the end and finds the name of the writer 
 printed or stamped, the otherwise strong effect of the letter is usually lost. 
 
 Circular letters should be prepared with much care, not only in 
 appearance, but in composition. Business men often make the mistake of 
 spending thousands of dollars in sending out circular letters that are so 
 poorly worded that they do not produce results. In writing circular 
 letters, as in many other kinds of business letters, they should be given 
 a personal ring if possible. 
 
 172, Where a series of circular letters are sent out, it is called a "fol- 
 low-up system." Usually four to eight letters are used consecutively 
 with cards, booklets, etc., until such time as the correspondent considers 
 it unprofitable to continue. The number of letters to be used and the 
 length of time between, must depend upon the nature of the business. 
 The style of the follow-up letters must be adapted to the person who is 
 to receive them. Business men, for instance, are accustomed to quick 
 decisions and, therefore, require different treatment from that which a 
 school boy or girl would require. These letters should be strong in personal 
 tone, as should nearly all business letters. The cordial, inspiring, warming 
 tone in letter-writing is what makes people do things. 
 
 173, The following letters used by a grocer with good success illustrate 
 the manner of writing follow-up letters in a way that will attract attention 
 and therefore get results : 
 
 Mrs. James Dashwood, , Augut 21, 191 2. 
 
 800 Henry St., Slidingville, N. Y. 
 Dear Madam: 
 
 I take the liberty of calling your attention to my first-class grocery 
 store, and of requesting the favor of your trade. You will be well satisfied 
 with my service for the following reasons: 
 
Ejfeciive English and Letter Writing 91 
 
 You know what a satisfaction it is to trade with a merchant who 
 studies your individual needs and tries to please you. This is just what 
 I do with every one of my customers. I please them because I try to 
 please them. I make it my business to study their wishes and learn what 
 they like. I keep a complete and excellent line of groceries, and if you 
 express a preference for any special article, I will be stire to have what you 
 want and the best of its kind. 
 
 I know that I can please you with my service and only ask that 
 you give me a trial. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 (Signed) John Pippin. 
 August 31, 1912. 
 Mrs. James Dashwood, 
 
 800 Henry St., Shdingville, N. Y. 
 Dear Madam: 
 
 I write to thank you for the orders that you have recently given me 
 and also to make a suggestion which I feel certain will be agreeable to you. 
 "We are now in the height of the fruit and green groceries season and I 
 know you wotdd find it a great convenience if I were to write from time to 
 time telling of the very best articles in these lines that I have or expect 
 to have. This will save you much trouble. It will keep you constantly 
 informed, without effort on yovir part, of the best that the market affords. 
 
 Among the specially good things that I have on hand at present are 
 some little gem peas of exceptional quality which I am sure you wotdd 
 like. In the fruit line, raspberries and blackberries are now at their best, 
 and I have the best. 
 
 I have also placed a special order for early Georgia peaches; the first 
 choice pickings, which I expect to receive in a few days, and I shall be glad 
 to let you know when they come. 
 
 Other good things will follow, and I will take care to let you know all 
 about them. 
 
 Very respectftdly, 
 
 (Signed) John Pippin. 
 
 174, "We now give a series of seven follow-up letters for a typewriter 
 company : 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 Our salesman reports a call on you in the interest of the Superior 
 Typewriter and asks us to write you further concerning it. Inasmuch, 
 however, as otir machine will speak far more eloquently in its own behalf 
 than is possible for us to speak for it, we earnestly solicit the privilege of 
 demonstrating its many excellent and superior advantages to you . 
 
92 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 The Superior marks an era in typewriting progress, and is modern 
 to the minute in every detail of principle and construction. It is a type- 
 writer, with all of the writing always in sight, and has long since passed 
 through the experimental stage. 
 
 Remember that we guarantee to demonstrate that more and better 
 work can be done on the Superior with less expense to you and less effort 
 on the part of the operator, than can be done on any other writing machine 
 built. This" statement is worthy of your investigation. Please let us 
 demonstrate its truth; it will cost you nothing, nor will it obligate you 
 in any way to us. 
 
 Yours very truly, 
 
 Superior Typewriter Company. 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 We believe it is the policy of your office to be up to date. The Super- 
 ior is up to the minute, both in principle and mechanical construction. 
 Its use is a common-sense proposition that will promote your interests by 
 increasing the facilities of your correspondence department from twenty to 
 fifty per cent. 
 
 This is not idle talk, for we can demonstrate all we claim — ^highest 
 character and most satisfactory results, both in quantity and quality of 
 work, that is possible on any writing machine built. These facts are proved 
 by the complimentary though vain efforts of the numerous manufacturers 
 to imitate the Superior — ^the machine that has revolutionized the typewriter 
 world. 
 
 A card or telephone call will bring our representative, who will give 
 you further information. 
 
 Yours very truly. 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 There are three primary elements of power necessary to success — 
 imagination, ambition, and integrity. Imagination pictures an ideal, 
 leads to investigation, thence to information and improvements. Am- 
 bition is the parent of energy, which, together with information, begets 
 confidence and trust and these inspire sympathy; thus integrity properly 
 directs improvement and the motive powers of enthusiasm. 
 
 The Superior Typewriter is a product of these forces; it is a positive 
 means by which the best possible end may be obtained. If you are am- 
 bitious to improve your office equipment, and are willing to investigate 
 the Superior, we can demonstrate its principle and construction to be the 
 acme of perfection, today. 
 
 Yours very truly, 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 93 
 
 Gentlemen: 
 
 This is a period of industrial growth and intellectual development ; 
 an age of progress and improvement; a remarkable era of achievement and 
 advancement, wherein methods and inventions that were surprising in 
 their perfection yesterday, so to speak, are today rendered crude and 
 commonplace. 
 
 The Superior Typewriter demonstrates that its development has kept 
 pace with the times, and is not only up-to-date, but it is up to the very 
 minute in all the essential requirements necessary to enable you to get the 
 best results from both your correspondence and billing departments. It 
 embraces, in the highest degree of perfection, strength, symmetry, and 
 simplicity, and is the axis upon which the typewriter world has swung 
 around to a common-sense basis. 
 
 Character is stronger than reputation. The former represents a con- 
 dition; the latter implies a doubt. The Superior has character, merit 
 value. You want a typewriter, not a name plate; you want a machine 
 of today, not yesterday. In short, you want a machine that will give 
 you both quantity and quality of work. Try a Superior. 
 
 Yoturs very truly, 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 In the employment of your office help you doubtless recognize merit, 
 and in the selection of a clerk you are willing to pay according to services 
 rendered. From a cheap clerk you will naturally expect, and receive, 
 cheap services; a typewriter is "office help" and the same rtde should apply 
 in its purchase. 
 
 There are cheaper machines on the market than the Superior, but there 
 are none from which you can get the same amount of high-class work in the 
 same length of time. 
 
 We know that you will be satisfied with nothing short of the best and 
 are prepared to demonstrate to your satisfaction that more and better 
 work can be done on the Superior Typewriter in less time, with less effort 
 on the part of the operator, and with less expense to you, than can be done 
 on any other writing machine built. 
 
 Yours very truly, 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 The new models 3 and 4 of the Superior Typewriter are not new 
 machines. They are new models of an old machine. We wish to call your 
 attention to the essential character of this difference. 
 
 A new machine usually represents nothing but inexperience, but the 
 new models of the Superior are the sum and the fruit of the most complete 
 experience which the typewriter world affords. 
 
94 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 The development of the Superior is the history of the writing ma- 
 chine. The experience represented in the Superior embraces the whole 
 history of the typewriter. It has been at all times sure of its ground 
 and sure of itself. 
 
 We shall be glad to place one of our machines in your ofhce for your 
 personal examination, assuring you that it will cost you nothing in the 
 event of your not desiring to purchase it. "We trust we may be able to 
 serve you further in the matter. 
 
 Yours very truly, 
 Gentlemen: 
 
 Our salesman tells us that while you recognize the advantage of owning 
 and using a Superior Typewriter, you feel that you cannot afford to employ 
 someone "especially to run the machine." 
 
 It will not be necessary for you to do so. Our Emplo^'-ment Depart- 
 ment, which furnishes competent help to typewriter users, has lately been 
 making a specialty of what we call "combination clerks," in other words, 
 capable young men or women who are good machine operators and who 
 also understand general business methods and are willing to do clerical 
 work of any kind. Such a clerk can do all of your typewriting and when not 
 so employed, can work as cashier, entry clerk, bookkeeper, sales clerk, 
 or anything else you wish. 
 
 The combination clerk is everywhere solving the problem of furnish- 
 ing competent operators for those who wish to use the typewriter but 
 feel that they cannot afford to employ anyone simply to rtm the machine. 
 The combination clerks will almost earn their wages in other ways and 
 thus the actual cost of an operator of the machine becomes very small. 
 
 May we not be permitted to help you in this matter? We make no 
 charge for this service. 
 
 Yours very truly, 
 
 ^.^-^ Exercise 59 
 
 176. You are principal of the National Business College and should 
 therefore have a series of six follow-up letters. The first should be suitable 
 for an answer to an inquiry for catalogue, terms, courses of study, etc. 
 Then you vshould have three good strong letters that are suitable to send 
 to either a young man or a young woman; then two that would particularly 
 apply to the young man and two that would apply especially to the young 
 lady. 
 
 In writing these letters keep in mind the following important ideas: 
 That a business education is a necessary accomplishment for anyone; that 
 the young person will be able to better his condition in life by the securing of 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 95 
 
 more desirable employment; that he should get a business education just 
 as soon as possible; and that yotir school is the best place for him to obtain 
 that education. 
 
 LESSON 45 — Miscellaneons Exercises for Letter Writing 
 
 >'—>». Exercise 60 
 
 1 76. You are in the Hardware Business: Mr. T. C. May has applied ta 
 you for a position as traveling salesman, and has referred you to the Pa- 
 cific Hardware & Steel Co., of San Francisco for information as to character 
 and ability. 
 
 You are very favorably impressed with Mr. May, but think it best to 
 investigate his record. Therefore, before giving him employment you 
 write to the Pacific Hardware & Steel Co., to see what they have to say. 
 
 You may also write the reply of the Pacific Hardware & Steel Co.j_ 
 stating that they personally regard Mr. May very highly. However, they 
 do not believe that he has the necessary qualifications for a successful 
 salesman. While having a pleasing manner, he is not aggressive enough 
 to successfidly cope with keen competition. He also lacks the personal 
 charm that makes people popular and influential. He is conscientious and 
 painstaking in all his work, but can not produce the necessary results. 
 For these reasons they were obliged to let him go. They regret that they 
 cannot consistently advise his engagement as a traveling salesman. 
 They speak very highly of Mr. May's ability as an office assistant, as his 
 habits and integrity are unquestioned. 
 
 Exercise 61 
 
 177. Write a letter to S. N. Wood & Co'., 812 Market St., San Francisco, 
 applying for a position as stenographer in their office, saying that you have 
 heard there wotdd be a vacancy soon. 
 
 Exercise 62 
 
 178, Make application by letter, for a position as traveling salesman for 
 the Hartford Sterling Co., Philadelphia, Pa. Give reference, state ex- 
 perience, what territory you are familiar with, etc. 
 
 Exercise 63 
 
 179, "Write a letter recommending Miss Sylvia Shone, who has super- 
 intended the cloak and suit department of your store for several years, 
 and who has been found very faithful and efficient. Mention your regret 
 at Miss Shone' s decision to leave and state her reasons for doing so. 
 
96 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 Exercise 64 
 
 180. Mr. J. W. Nixon, 2 16- 13th Street, San Jose, Cal., a customer of 
 yotirs, is usually delinquent, several amounts being considerably over 
 due. He buys freely, but is slow in remitting. He has received several 
 statements of your account with requests to remit, but has paid no at- 
 tention to them. Write him a letter pressing him for payment as closely 
 as you think advisable. Remember he is a good customer and you must 
 word your letter in such a way that he will feel like paying the money but 
 will not be offended. 
 
 Exercise 65 
 
 181. Mr. H. E. Cook of 425 McAllister St., San Francisco. Cal., sent 
 an order to the National Mail Order Co., of Chicago, 111., for an Acme Phon- 
 ograph, No. 2, (catalogue No. 108.) He enclosed $45, the price given. 
 It has now been four weeks, with no response to the letter. Assume that 
 you are Mr. Cook and write a letter to this firm to see why you have not 
 heard from them. 
 
 Now assume that you are correspondent for the National Mail Order 
 Co. and write to Mr. Cook stating that as the writer neglected to sign the 
 letter, and as it was written on plain paper, and enclosed in a plain en- 
 velope, they had no means of determining from whom the order was re- 
 ceived. They were investigating the matter when the second letter came, 
 which solved the difficulty. They suggest that correspondents should 
 always have name and address in letters, and that money should not be 
 sent loose in envelopes. They add that the phonograph was shipped by 
 
 Wells Fargo Express. 
 
 Exercise 66 
 
 182. Write a letter to Cunningham, Curtiss & Welch, 565 Market 
 Street, San Francisco, Cal., ordering 100 Model Arithmetics, 150 sets 
 Corporation Bookkeeping, 75 Practical Word Books, 100 Penmanship 
 Manuals, 50 Dictation Tablets, and 25 sets Practical Course in Banking. 
 
 Tell them to ship by Wells Fargo Express as soon as possible. 
 
 Exercise 67 
 
 183. You are secretary of the Business Men's Club of your city, and 
 owing to the fact that you are out of town a great deal, you find it impossible 
 to attend the meetings regtdarly. Therefore, you feel that some one else 
 should be appointed. Write a letter to the president, Mr. Geo. W. Collins, 
 tendering your resignation, giving your reasons for doing so, and expressing 
 the hope that the vacancy may be filled by some one who can personally 
 attend the meetings. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 97 
 
 Exereise 68 
 
 184. Assume that an uncle of yours is paying your way through school, 
 and that he Hves in Chicago, 111. You recently received a letter from him 
 asking you to give him as much information as possible about the covirse 
 you are taking, i. e., the subjects you are studying, the amount of time you 
 are devoting to each, etc. He also wants to know what your regular 
 school hours are, what studies you are making the best progress in, and 
 when you expect to finish your course. Write him the facts in the case. 
 
 Exercise 69 
 
 185. Mr. L.C.Belmont, Butte, Montana, has written to you in regard 
 to typewriters. He wishes to buy one, and knowing that you have had 
 some experience with the different makes, wishes you to write to him giving 
 your opinion of them. Describe the different machines and recommend 
 some machine, giving your reasons why you consider it the best. 
 
 Exercise 70 
 
 186. Sturtevant & McCully are in the hardware business (give address) . 
 On the first of June several important changes will take place. Mr. Duane 
 Sturtevant will then retire, and Mr. D. E. Kitchen will be admitted as a 
 partner. The name of the firm will then be McCully & Kitchen. Write a 
 circular letter making this announcement, requesting a continuance of 
 the favor and support of the house customers, and assuring them that there 
 will be no relaxation in the effort to maintain the extensive business of 
 the firm and to please the customers. 
 
 Exercise 71 
 
 187. You are in the wholesale business, and one of your traveling 
 men is not sending in as large and frequent orders as you have a right to 
 expect, considering the season, the amount you are paying him, and the 
 territory assigned him. His sales are falling belovf all previous records. 
 Times are good and you therefore expect an increase rather than a decrease. 
 Write a letter stating the foregoing facts, but remember you should not 
 say anything that will offend, as the salesman may not be to blame in 
 the matter. 
 
 Assuming that you are the salesman, write a reply to the foregoing 
 letter. Give as yovir reasons for doing such poor business the following: 
 I. Increase in price of goods you are handling. 2. Another firm is selling 
 same quality of goods much lower. 3. The style and pattern of your 
 articles are going out of date. Add anything else you think appropriate. 
 
 Exercise 73 
 
 188. You owe Olds & King of Portland, Oregon, $497.50, which 
 amount will be due in ten days. Write a letter to them enclosing your 
 
g8 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 certified check for $250 and your note payable in 60 days with interest 
 at 6% for the remainder of the amount due them. Tell them that you 
 are sorry you are unable to send them the full amount, and give a reason 
 for not being able to do so. Say that you appreciate the favors they have 
 already shown you, and that you will be prepared to pay the note at 
 maturity. 
 
 LESSON 4:6— Supplementary Exercises 
 
 Exercise 73 
 189", Rewrite the following sentences, properly punctuating and 
 capit^zing, and give the rule for each mark and capital letter: 
 /I. the newspaper is in fact the peoples book 
 / 2. physical exercise especially in the open air,is of greatest importance 
 
 r 
 
 3. if money had been needed before, it was still more needed now a>«.c^'- 
 
 4. NoWfjf you care to make us a fair reduction we will keep the goods , 
 ,^ oride Dovertv and fashion cannot live in the same house -c^w'^ tn --i^*' 
 
 «-5fc,pride^ poverty 
 
 6. words which are the signs of ideas are spoken and written 
 VJ. he who sets a great exapple is great 
 
 8. youth looks forward)" age backward 
 
 9. mr chairman the subject shall receive immediate attention 
 
 10. the allegation is not true nor is the evidence sufficient to sustain it 
 
 1 1. henry clay said i would rather be right than be president 
 
 12. of all the cases considered his was the worst 
 
 13. we have three bulwarks viz schools colleges and universities 
 
 14. some men distinguish the history of the world into four ages viz the golden 
 age the silver age the brazen age and the iron age 
 
 15. the congressional library the finest in america is located at Washington 
 
 16. all the railroads were blocked which caused great inconvenience to hundreds 
 of people 
 
 17. we visited london paris florence rome and several other interesting european 
 cities 
 
 18. if we cannot secure the franchise we will begin operations at OT^f^ 
 
 19. the strike having been adjusted the miners returned to their work 
 
 20. the words all men are created equal are found in the declaration of inde- 
 pendence. 
 
 21. low ideals slipshod work aimless systemless half hearted endeavors should 
 have no place in your program 
 
 J2. Webster the orator and statesman was a native of new hampshire 
 
 23. tell me my friend all the circumstances 
 
 24. the matters having been arranged the company separated 
 
 25. there are pictures telling stories of mercy hope courage faith and charity 
 
 26. to the wise and prudent misfortune seldom comes 
 
 27. we should all therefore be able to punctuate correctly 
 
 28. if you desire success you must win it. 
 
 29. the man that had the line in his hand went eastward 
 
 30. i gave him a flower which he rudely crushed 
 
\ 
 
 Effective English and Letter Writing 99- 
 
 ^^ Exercise 74 
 
 190. Give the rule for the use of commas in each of the following sen- 
 tences : 
 
 1. Looking out of the window, we saw them coming. t-r ^ 
 
 2. Our minds should be free from bitterness, jealousy, hatred, envy, and un- 
 charitable thoughts. i;v ^ . 
 
 3. Ifseems certain, however, acafording to reliable reports, that a vast amount 
 of property represents the loss sustained. rv».A^'^* 
 
 4. On the other hand, our influence upon the cr&^r class of immigrants has 
 been exceedingly marked. 
 
 5. "I hate the name of it," said my father, x^-^ '-^.^^'^'^ht'^^^ ' 
 
 6. When a pronoun is added merely for emphasis ^S3'aisttnction, the comma 
 
 is not inserted. -^ ~~ ,_ - 
 
 7. Properly speaking, there is no such thing as chance, v-i^c/vt •- v'-v^^^^'XA-ct^ftA/if^ 
 
 8. Boast not, my friend, of your talents. ,. /-"A^^y^ -VxTlrX^^'^/''^^-^ 
 
 9. Still, it may come out all right yet. ; ^ ' •,.(_(- 
 
 10. That important civic body, The Mission Improvement Club, has voted in 
 favor of municipal ownership. v-i/i/Vv i^/Vc-'X^i 
 
 1 1. What it is our duty to do, we must do, not because anyone can force it fronv 
 us, but because it is right. .„..»,.- ' ■ ' ■ ' "■ 
 
 ■ "-jj"- ^^ Exercise 75 
 
 / 191. Rewrite the following sentences selecting the correct synonym^ 
 Consult the dictionary: 
 
 1. President McKjnley was {killed, murdered, assassinated). 
 
 2. They have friends {stopping,^staying) with them now. 
 
 3. He has neglected his personal appearance for so long that it has now become^ 
 a {custom, habit). 
 
 4. The beautiful furniture was badly {disfiguredfdefaced). 
 ,^^__Haye you {sufficient'^ etwugh) courage to carry you through this ordeal? 
 
 6. At the approach or winter the birds {abandon, forsake, desert) their nests, 
 and fly to the south. 
 
 7. I will {settle, pay) the bill. 
 
 8. Our thoughts {form, shape, fashion, mould, stamp, cast) our characters. 
 
 9. The {apparel, garments, clothing, raim.ent, dress, garb, attire, ) { oft, frequently, 
 often,) {proclaims, indicates, reveals, discloses) the man. 
 
 10. Health is the {vital, necessary, essential, iynportant, prime, chief) principle 
 of {bliss, happiness, joy, enjoyment, delight). 
 
 11. You should set a high price on your {leisure, idle, unemployed, spare) mo- 
 ments for they are sands of {precious, rich, priceless, invaluable) gold. 
 
 12. {Candor, frankness, openness, sincerity) is the seed of a noble mind. 
 
 13. We should not be so ready to {censure, rebuke, reproach) our fellow merr. 
 for their {faults, errors, mistakes). 
 
 14. There is a very {opportune, seasonable, timely) article on the subject in the- 
 magazine. 
 
 15. He tried hard to {recall, recollect, remember) the date. 
 
 16. He wanted to {prolong, lengthen, extend) his visit at the Capitol. 
 
lOO Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 17. A committee was appointed to {address, accost, greet, salute) the Governor 
 upon his arrival. 
 
 18. The (effect, result, consequence) of the examination was not satisfactory. 
 
 19. It does not {seem, look, appear) to be very hard. 
 
 20. The present police force does not seem to be able to (restrain, check, re- 
 press, hinder, limit, restrict) the unlawful sale of liquor. 
 
 Exercise 76 
 
 192, In the following sentences select the correct synonym: 
 
 1. We must not (change, vary, alter /m,odify) the contract. 
 
 2. He received his last month's (pay, wage^, salary, recompense) . 
 
 3. There was so much (opposition J resistance, hostility) to the bill, in Congress, 
 that it was finally (refused, declined, rejected, repealed). ^ 
 
 4. The view of the mountain is (superb t magnificent, Isublime). 
 
 5. It was a very (amusing, -laughable, ludicrous) book. 
 
 6. I have very important news to (impart, disclose, communicate) to you. 
 
 7. The lady who ( lives, resides, dwells) next to us is an artist of considerable 
 (ability j talent, capacity). 
 
 8. The more (knowledge, erudition, learning, information) one has, the better he 
 is (fitted/ qualified) for life. 
 
 9. He was (aware, conscious, sensible) of a very (unpleasant, disagreeable) 
 (feeling, sensation) coming over him. 
 
 10. I have found the package (alluded, referred) to in your advertisement. 
 
 11. That boy is (perpetually, continually, always, constantly) using "shall" for 
 "will." 
 
 12. He (rejected, refused, declined) the (proposal, proposition) made by his friend. 
 
 13. Her death was hourly (anticipated, expected). 
 
 14. The father had (hoped, expected) that his son would do well at school. 
 
 15. What shall you (ask, beg, request) of me that I'll deny? 
 
 16. Mercy is (timely, seasonable, opportune) in the time of (affliction, distress, 
 trouble). 
 
 17. It requires hard study to (acquire, obtain) a foreign language. 
 
 18. Careful writers (discriminate, recognize, detect) the (merits, worth, value) 
 of words. 
 
 19. We (buy at, patronize) Miller's grocery store. 
 
 20. I was (conscious, aware) of a partial lapse of memory. 
 
 Exercise 77 
 
 193. Rewrite the following sentences selecting the correct word: 
 
 1. I (shall, will) pay my debts if determination can do it. 
 
 2. We (will, shall) all have a great deal of time for reading. 
 
 3. We (will, shall) endeavor to do all we can. 
 
 4. He thinks he (shall, will) be admitted to the bar. 
 
 5. She (shall, will) not attend the wedding on account of ill health. 
 
 6. They (tvill, shall) not elect their man if we can prevent it. 
 
 7. You (shall, will) enjoy the book very much. 
 
 8. I (will, shall) be pleased to see you again. 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing loi 
 
 9. I (shall, will) never consent to be thus imposed upon. 
 
 10. We (would, should) like to grant your request if we could. 
 
 11. You (should, would) enjoy algebra if you understood it. 
 
 12. I do not know when I (will, shall) be here again. 
 \3. The boat (shall, will) upset and we (will, shall) be drowned 
 "1.4. He (will, shall) not die if I can prevent it. 
 
 15. We (will,)shair) be in time if we start now. 
 
 16. When (snail, 'will) the train arrive? 
 
 17. I (will, shall) never catch up, I am so far behind. 
 
 18. I (shall,''^jwill) be there at eight o^clock. 
 
 19. You di^ better than I (should,! wout&)}\a.-ve. done, 
 
 20. He may go, for I (will- shall) nblr oppose him. 
 
 21. She could do the work, if she (should, would) try. 
 
 22. We (shall, will) all be benefited by the change. 
 
 23. I (shall, will) keep my promise though the heavens fall. 
 
 24. She (sfiould, would) not be inattentive if the subject interested her. 
 
 25. (Shall, will) I do the problems on the next page? 
 
 Exercise 78 
 194. Rewrite the following sentences, choosing the correct word: 
 Consult the dictionary. 
 
 1. Young people should (hearken, attend, listen) to the (council, counsel) ot their 
 elders. 
 
 2. I (love, like) good music. 
 
 3. Mother will not let us go (unless, except, without) it quits raining. 
 
 4. You (shall, wiU) offer your resignation at once. 
 
 5. If she (would J should) win the prize, we (would, should) be surprised. 
 
 6. She believed it to be (/, me) but I knew it was (hint, he). 
 
 7. We raised (fewer, less) chickens this year than last. 
 
 8. I must have (patients, patience) to endure the load. 
 
 9. He was her sole (dependant, dependence) after the death of her father. 
 
 10. Three times you have {defended, guarded, protected, shielded) me from (eminent, '^^^ 
 imminent} danger. 
 
 11. Jennie looks (some, something\somewhat) like her mother. 
 
 12. I will raise her (statue] stature, statute) in gold. 
 
 13. The doctors (proscribed, ^prescribed)] quinine. 
 
 14. The mountains and clouds are (high, tall). 
 
 15. Potatoes are very (plenty, plentiful) this season. 
 
 16. The ships' (complement, cotnpliinenti was thirteen guns. 
 
 17. It is the general (opinion, verdict'^ that the enterprise is a failure. 
 
 18. We have greatly (enjoyed, appreciated) your visit. 
 
 19. The misfortune will not (effect, affect) our business. 
 
 20. He (asserts, claims) that he is innocent. 
 
 21. I (expect, [suspect) that he has been dishonest. 
 
 22. I will (foot, pay) the bills. 
 
 23. He (employs, patronizes) Dr. Henry. 
 
 24. I (predict, prophesy) that he will succeed. 
 
 25. He is not (a success^\uccessful) as an author. 
 
 '/iP'^--<Vv\ 
 
loa Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 26. He was (raised, reared) in Virginia. 
 
 27. I (remember, recollect) the date. 
 
 28. He (said, stated) that he would be there. 
 
 29. She is (staying, stopping) at the hotel. 
 
 30. I am (aware; conscious) of your good intentions. 
 
 Exercise 79 
 / 195. Rewrite the following sentences correctly, choosing the proper 
 word: 
 
 1. The criminal, closely questioned, (disclosed, discovered, revealed, divulged) the 
 hiding place of his (associate, tonfeder ate J accomplice). 
 
 2. The president of the class (convokecA convened) a special meeting. 
 
 3. I am (bound, determined, certain) to go to the show. 
 
 4. The prisoner (claims, [asserts) says, m.aintains) that he fired in self defense. 
 
 5. Mr. Brown (calculates, intends /expects) to get fifty cents a bushel for his com. 
 
 6. His mother (only spoke, i spoke only) to him and (/, me). 
 
 7. Mr. Benjamin (chiefly s;^oke}, spoke chiefly) of judges of the supreme bench. 
 
 8. The monev-vW-QS divided (between, (among) the five girls. 
 
 9. The vfTiterk^onfouttd^confuses) iktitude with longitude. 
 
 10. The horse v^^^o Xfired,^fatigued) that it could not travel (further , farther) . 
 
 11. I think what he has to offer is a (practical^ practicable) plan. 
 
 12. She is (ratheri quite) pretty. !/ 
 
 13. He is (hardl-y scarcely) able to walk. h 
 
 14. He (answereai replied) to my letter last week. 
 
 """"^^ *"'■ /^ Exercise 80 
 
 196, Rewrite the following sentences, choosing the proper word: 
 
 1. I will go (providing, provided) you agree to (remain^stay) . 
 
 2. We were supplied with an (abundance, (plenty) of fruit. 
 
 3. The speaker (hastened,fhurried) to the close of his address. 
 
 4. The defenders showed great (courage, bravery, fortitude). 
 
 5. I (acknowledge, own, confess) that I was wrong. 
 
 6. Why do you (regard, consider) him with (distrust, suspicion)"} 
 
 7. There seems to be no (distinction, difference) between the two cases. 
 
 8. There is great (diversity^ variety) of opinion regarding the matter. 
 
 9. It is not my (design, purpose, intention) to discuss the question. 
 
 10. The association (assembled, convened) at 8 o'clock. i 
 
 11. He looks forward to the (result, outcome, end) with a feeling of (assurance, | 
 confidence). ;| 
 
 12. The result of the (examination, test) showed that he had been (idle, lazy, • 
 indolent). 
 
 13. Can you (relyi depend) on the accuracy of his statement. ^ 
 
 14. A good casiuer is able to (detect, see, recognize, discriminate) (counterfeit, | 
 spurious) money. / . 
 
 15. The quality of their literature has greatly (deteriorated Ale ssened, depreciated). 
 
 16. The young man (demeaned, disgraced, humbled) himself by associating with 
 a I renegade j 
 
Effective English and Letter Writing 103 
 
 Exercise 81 
 
 197, Rewrite the following sentences, choosing the correct word. 
 Constilt the dictionary: . 
 
 1. James G. Blaine never ceased to (advocate, jsupport, urge, promote) treaties 
 of reciprocity. ' 
 
 2. He is a man of {limited), small) ability. 
 
 3. I am not going to {pack, Ifarry) this bundle any farther. 
 
 4. Are you {posted^ informed) on the Philippine question? 
 
 5. My salary was {raised,\ increased) last week, 
 
 6. The committee {recommends, advises, suggests, requests) the adoption of this 
 resolution. 
 
 7. The servant was {dismissed j discharged) for not obeying orders. 
 
 8. His word was highly {creditable^ credible). 
 
 9. It is useless to urge him further, as his answer seems to be {final,, definite). 
 
 10. His conduct was {exceptional, exceptionable). 
 
 11. {Can, may) I borrow your knife, please? 
 
 12. The teacher said I {could, might) borrow a pencil. 
 
 13. If I were rich, I {might, could) do much to relieve the poor. 
 
 14. I asked him whether I {could, might) come to see him. 
 
 15. I know I {could, might) answer all questions. 
 
 16. No one {may, can) solve the problem of life. 
 
 17. Anyone {might, could) be honest if he chose. 
 
 18. He {could, might) accomplish the task if he desired. 
 
 19. The boy asked the teacher whether he {could, might) change his seat. 
 
 20. He {can, may) do as he likes, for I will not interfere. 
 
 21. How much {farther, further) do you intend to go? 
 
 22. Our {acts, actions) speak more plainly than words. 
 
 23. The house was entirely {empty, vacant). 
 
 24. He is scarcely {sensitive to, sensible of) the coldl** <^P'^^_^_,,^ 
 
 25. The food furnished was {healthful, wholesome) M^^^'-'''i^'r't4^'^^^ 
 
 Exercise 8)8 ' 
 
 1 98, Rewrite the following sentences, choosing the correct word. 
 Consult the dictionary: 
 
 1. A successful {social,\ociable) was held in the church. 
 
 2. The vegetation is {luxurious, \hixuriant). 
 
 3. {Continuous, continual) droppings wear the stone. 
 
 4. The students will please sit in the {first two, two first) rows. 
 
 5. I did not find the climate {healthy , [healthful) . 
 
 6. I {had rather, would rather) go todiay. 
 
 7. The old gentleman is {noted, eminent, celebrated) for his {kindness, benevolence, 
 beneficence) . 
 
 8. There is a striking {resemblance, similarity, likeness) between those sisters. 
 
 9. Did you {brings fetch} the package from the express office? 
 
 10. There was mi/ch ill feeling {among, between) the four brothers. 
 
 11. The man's {deception, deceit) was a hateful trait of character. 1 
 
 12. {Emigration, immigration) has reduced the population of Ireland. .,,*<^.^rv*.<r 
 
 13. The murder of the German minister was a hideous crime, the (enormity, 
 enormousness) of which is unparalleled. 
 
I04 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 LESSON 47— Summary of Important Facts in English 
 
 199, Nouns that end in the 5 are generally plural; as, boys, cows. 
 
 2. Verbs ending in 5 are singular; as, comes, goes, does. 
 
 3. The verb in a sentence must agree with its subject in ntunber and 
 person; if the subject is singular the verb must be singular; if the subject 
 is plural the verb must have the plural form; as, One is enough. Here are 
 the two books. 
 
 4. Remember the verb agrees with its subject in sense rather than in 
 form. If the meaning of the subject is singular the verb must be sin- 
 gular, even though the subject has the plural form, and vice versa; as. 
 Ten inches of snow has fallen. 
 
 5. If the subject is a collective noun, representing its members as 
 acting in unison, the verb is singular ; as, The school has elected its leader. 
 
 If the subject is a collective noun, representing its members as acting 
 independently of each other, the verb is plural; as, The school have eaten 
 their luncheon in the hall. 
 
 6. If the subject denotes quantity, though plural in form, the verb 
 is singular; as. Ten thousand bushels was sold. 
 
 If the subject does not clearly denote quantity use the plural form of 
 the verb; as, Five days were spent in London. 
 
 7. Singular subjects connected by and require a plural verb; as, 
 The cat and the dog like (not likes) milk. Here come Tom and she. 
 
 8. If the singular subject connected by and refer to one person or thing 
 the verb must be singular; as. The mother and saint kiteels in prayer. 
 
 9. If the singular subjects connected by and are preceded by each, 
 every, or no, the verb must be singular; as, Every tree and every shrub is 
 dead. 
 
 10. When subjects are connected by and too, and also, and not, if not, 
 but not, or as well a5, the verb agrees with the subject first mentioned; as. 
 The boys as well as their sister, were invited. The boy, and his sister too, 
 was commended. 
 
 11. When subjects are connected by or or nor the verb must agree 
 with the last subject mentioned; Either the captain or the sailors are to 
 blame Neither the thieves nor their accomplice has been, captured. 
 
 12. If the subject is either, neither, one, or everybody, the verb to 
 agree must be singular; as. Either of them has the same right. Neither 
 of them was hurt. One of the boj'^s is here. Everybody is preparing 
 his English lesson. 
 
 The pronoun you always requires a plural verb. You are true. 
 
 13 . If the subject is a partitive word followed by of with a singtdar object 
 
l'( 
 
 
 Effective English and Letter Writing 105 
 
 the verb must be singtilar; as, A variety of music charms the ear. If 
 the object of of is plural, the verb must be plural; as, A variety of flowers 
 charm the eye. Three-fourths of the words were misspelled. Two-thirds 
 of the soil is fertile. 
 
 The following are the most common partitive words: variety, plenty 
 abundance, number, B.n6. words denoting the parts of the unit; as three-fourths, 
 five-eighths, etc. The word number preceded by the always requires a singtilar 
 verb; as. The number of failures is remarkably small. 
 
 14. The number of the verb after a relative pronoun depends upon 
 the number of the antecedent of the pronoun; as, The boy who was hurt 
 has recovered. The men who were htirt have gone. 
 
 15. The only change in nouns to express case relations occurs in the 
 possessive case relation. The apostrophe shotild always follow the last 
 letter of the word; as, The boy's hat. The boys' fathers. The men's 
 jobs. 
 
 Nouns have a number of case relations that pronouns do not usually 
 have, notably adverbial objective, retained object, and factitive complement, 
 etc. This summary deals only with those cases in which errors are 
 likely to occur. 
 
 16. The nominative forms of the pronouns are: /, we, he, she, they and 
 who. These forms should be used as subjects of finite verbs, or as attribute 
 complements after copulative finite verbs, never in the objective relation; 
 as, He is George. Mary is she. I am he. We are they who called. 
 
 17. The objective forms of the pronouns are; me, us, him, her, them, 
 and whom. The forms should be used to complete the relations of transi- 
 tive verbs or their participles, and prepositions; never as subjects or at- 
 tribute complements of finite verbs. He and she sent the flowers to 
 mother and 7ne. Lucy and he invited Mary and me. 
 
 18. A noun or pronoun used to identify another noun or pronoun is 
 put by apposition in the same case as the noun so identified. It was 
 John, he who was promoted, who called. Would you strike me, me, who 
 have so often befriended you? 
 
 I knew it was he. I knew it to be him. 
 
 //, in the first sentence, is in the nominative case and its attribute is in 
 :he nonainative case; in the second sentence both it and him are in the 
 objective case. Intransitive and passive verbs have same case after them 
 as before them when both words refer to same person or thing. 
 
 19. Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in person, number, 
 and gender, not in case. Everyone must attend to his own business. The 
 man who can teach is he who knows. 
 
xo6 Effective English and Letter Writing 
 
 20. To compare two objects use the comparative form of the adjective; 
 as, He is the stronger. She is older than I but I can write the better. 
 
 2 1 . To denote equaUty between two objects use as . . as. He is as old as I. 
 To denote inequality use so. . . . as. He is not so old as I. 
 
 22. Things that in themselves express quality in the highest degree 
 can be compared only by use of an adverb. 
 
 This ball is ryiore nearly round than that, not rounder. 
 
 23. Use of shall and will. 
 
 Expectation or Probability Determination 
 
 I shall see you there. I will be there. 
 
 You will see me there. You shall go. 
 
 He will see me there. He shall report to you. 
 
 Will with first person expresses determination or a positive promise 
 to do something; with the second and third person merely an expectation 
 or probability. 
 
 24. The past form of an irregular verb should never be used with an 
 auxiliary verb. Say, I did it, not I have did it. 
 
 25. The past participle of an irregular verb should never be used 
 without an auxiliary verb. Say, I have seen it, not I seen it. 
 
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 THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA UBRARY