Clear thinking leads to clear writing. If we think of one thing at a time, we shall naturally write of one thing at a time; but even then it is not always easy to express the thought so that it plainly forms a whole. This means that the exact relation which any part of the sentence bears to any other part must be evident. As all the sentences in a paragraph should cling together, so should all the words in a sentence cling together; words closely connected in meaning should be closely connected in position, and there should be no doubt about the relation of the words to one another.

120. Ways Of Securing Coherence

We should keep in mind these ways of securing coherence:

1. In general, put together words that belong together. Try to place every word, phrase, or clause close to the word or words it modifies.

1. I asked before breakfast where you were. {Before breakfast modifies asked).

2. I asked where you were before breakfast. {Before breakfast modifies were).

3. School began only yesterday. {Only modifies yesterday).

4. Only one of us can go. {Only modifies one).

Note. A good rule is to place only just before or just after the word or words it limits. Words that need similar attention are also and even.

For the position of not only - but also and other pairs of coordinate conjunctions, see section 100.

2. In particular, see that the relation of the participle to the noun or pronoun it modifies is unmistakable. See section 87, and note the following examples:

1. While coming home from school the other day, the sidewalks were very slippery.. (The sidewalks, while coming ?)

2. Having told them that I was a high-school pupil, they asked me to get a recommendation from one of my teachers. (They, having told ?)

3. Be equally careful to see that the relation between a pronoun and its antecedent is clear. See sections 76-78.

4. Do not omit words necessary to the construction that cannot be inferred from some other part of the sentence.

He never did and never will do what is right. Not, He never did and never will what is right.

Brown is a diligent worker, and his two sons are just as industrious. Not, Brown is a diligent worker, and his two sons just as industrious.

I see that not only the chairman is here but also his two daughters. (How would you correct this ?)

Exercises

872. Explain the meaning of each of the following sentences :

1. He came only yesterday. 2. Only you need study to-day. 3. You only need study to-day. 4. You need study only to-day. 5. You need study to-day only. 6. You need only study now.

373. Be prepared to give four sentences to show the proper use of only, also, and even.

374. Subject the following sentences to your keenest criticism. Remembering that to criticize means "to judge," be as eager to see the good as to find fault. Discuss thoroughly the meaning of each sentence as it stands. Whenever you think the meaning should be clearer, or the expression different, suggest changes.

1. I am coming to consult you as to where I shall begin at the close of school.

2. Do you receive The Outlook I send you regularly ?

3. So he had to leave the hills among which he grew up for a time.

4. I shall keep the last horse I bought for my own use.

5. He was elected by a majority of only one.

6. He does not live; he only exists.

7. I shall speak only a few minutes.

8. There are prizes for the three first pupils in the class.

9. Others appreciate the book as well as the author. 10. Others, as well as the author, appreciate the book.

11. He not only saw you and me but all the others in the party.

12. I can only come during my vacation.

13. He not only brought bread but berries.

14. He not only read the book but learned much of it by heart.

15. Not to overrate him I only mentioned a few of his characteristics.

16. His efforts at all events were praiseworthy.

17. If Eliot is not the best captain, he is the best pitcher at least that ever played on our campus.

18. The charge he brings against me I shall neither try to answer nor deny.

19. Most of my friends like athletics like myself, and we spend most of our time playing baseball, football, hockey, or other games.

20. Either you must work hard or fall behind.

21. Jim Hawkins, also a leading character in "Treasure Island," was unlike the other person whom we have written of in many respects.

22. We are to make a list of words from the rest of Act I of the play which need explaining.

23. It not only educates the mind but the hand also.

24. I either go to see a professional game or play in a game myself on the common.

25. A few boys and I, every Saturday, would go out early in the morning and stay out all day.

375. Write a coherent sentence on five of the following subjects, or other subjects suggested by them. In revising your sentences, see that they conform to the first way of securing coherence mentioned above.

1. A Spoiled Child.

2. A Great Waterfall.

3. A Triumph.

4. A Famous French General.

5. The Principal Business in my Town.

6. A Good Story.

7. A Remarkable Politician.

8. A Fine Woman.

9. A Cheerful Companion. 10. A Student.

876. Write a complex sentence on each of five subjects chosen from those in Chapter II (The Choice Of A Subject. 8. Subjects Based On Experience). Use participles to introduce the dependent clauses, and see that your sentences conform to the first two ways of securing coherence mentioned above.

377. Write a complex sentence on ten of the subjects in Chapter II (The Choice Of A Subject. 8. Subjects Based On Experience). See that they conform to the three requirements of a coherent sentence.

378. Rewrite ten of the topic sentences in Chapter V (The Paragraph As A Unit), being careful in each instance to preserve the coherence of the sentence.