51. A good phrase does not contain an excessive number of words. The more words a phrase comprises, the harder it is for the mind, either in writing or in reading, to follow its course without confusion. A distinguished English reporter (T. A. Reed) has said: "It is seldom that more than half a dozen words can be conveniently and judiciously joined - not often so many. A phrase of three or four nearly-related words is easily written, catches the eye readily, and is deciphered with the utmost ease." This is the view of one whose practice in phrasing was far more conservative than that of many other expert reporters. On this particular point no absolute rule can be given. The individual writer, when he has had the benefit of proper practice, is in the last resort the only competent judge with regard to the number of words which he can include in a phrase, without defeating speed, convenience or legibility