BY CHARLES SWAIN THOMAS, A.M. HEAD OF THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT IN THE NEWTON (MASS.) SCHOOL, INDIANAPOLIS AND WILL DAVID HOWE, PH.D. HEAD OF THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT IN INDIANA UNIVERSITY NEW EDITION LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO. 91 AND 93 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK LONDON, BOMBAY, AND CALCUTTA PREFACE THE purpose of this book is to help the young student to write more clearly and more forcefully. Our aim is not to train writers in the finer graces of language. That accomplishment depends upon the individual student and lies beyond our power. We shall be content if those who come to our book may receive a fresh desire to use with greater precision the simple English speech which is our priceless heritage. We have tried to keep this book free from the technical word and phrase, because we are persuaded that good writing depends upon the simple essentials. Therefore, the main stress has been placed upon the word, sentence, and paragraph. Remembering, then, that the plastic mind of the young student is before us, with experiences and likings peculiar to him, we have tried to furnish that mind with clear and simple directions, with examples chosen from good writers, and exercises which will test the student's understanding of the principles of writing. A word to the teacher. It must be kept in mind that the mere learning of rules never helped anybody to write. Therefore, we bespeak constant practice in the exercises which we have included and in others which will suggest themselves to the teacher. In many cases, it may be advisable not to follow the order of the chapters of the book. Individual teachers and conditions in individual schools will determine the order selected. |