Q, What rule have you next to give? A. Avoid all equivocal or ambiguous expressions.

Q. What do you mean by equivocal or ambiguous expressions?

A. Such expressions as are either susceptible of a double or a doubtful meaning.

Q. Can you give an example of this? A. "I cannot find one of my books;" which may mean, either that there is one of my books which I cannot find, or that I can find none of them at all.

Q. Have you any further rule to give?

A. One, and but one; avoid unintelligible and inconsistent words and phrases; as, "I have but an opaque idea of the subject."

Q. What word ought to be used instead of opaque in this case?

A. The word confused or indistinct, which signifies not clear, while opaque means not fit to be seen through.

Q. Can you point out the errors, and make the necessary corrections in the following sen

tences? I had as lief say a thing after him as after another. I need say no more concerning the drift of these letters. What is it but a sort of rack that forces men to say what they have no mind to? These persons know not what to make of themselves. Our friend does not

hold long in one mind.

A. I should like as well to say a thing after him as after another. I need say no more concerning the purport of these letters. What is it but a sort of rack that forces men to say what they wish to conceal, or do not wish to communicate? These persons know not how to employ their time. Our friend does not continue long in one opinion.

CHAPTER XIV.

Of Precision.

Q. What do you mean by the term Precision?

A. The using of no more words to convey

our meaning than the sense absolutely requires.

Q. To what does precision stand opposed?

A. To that looseness and vagueness of style which arise from too great a multiplicity of words.

Q. What tends most to produce precision? A. Clear and accurate thinking.

Q. What is the evil of employing too many words to express an idea ?

A. It distracts the attention of the reader or hearer, and prevents him from forming a correct conception of the subject under discussion.

Q. Is want of precision a common error?

A. Perhaps the most so of any that can be named; as many, not content with one word to express an idea, are apt to subjoin another, which, conceiving it to be of the same import, will, they think, make the thought much plainer.

Q. What is the best means of avoiding this error?

A. To pitch upon the word that exactly expresses the idea intended to be communicated,

and to use that and no other for the purpose.

Q. When is precision most apt to be violated?

A. In the use of what are called synonymous terms, or words which are considered of the same signification.

A. Are there any words perfectly synonymous?

A. On this point there is great difference of opinion; but many are reputed synonymous which are not so in reality.

Q. Can you give an example of this?

A. Courage and fortitude are generally deemed of the same import; but the difference between them is considerable. Courage braves danger, fortitude supports pain.

Q. Is precision alike necessary in all sorts of composition?

A. In all it is important; it is the very essence of poetry; but in novels and romances it is much less necessary than in works which inculcate truth.

Q. Can you correct the following sentences

in which precision has been disregarded?— James desisted from, and renounced his designs. He abhorred and detested being in debt. This lady was a pattern of piety, virtue, and religion.

A. James desisted from his designs. He detested being in debt. This lady was a pat

tern of piety and virtue*

CHAPTER XV.

Of Perspicuity in Reference to the Structure of Sentences.

Q. What do you consider the first requisite in the structure of sentences?

A. To be careful to make them neither too long nor too short; and not to have too many that are either very long, or very short, following in succession.

Q. What is generally the effect of making. sentences too long?

*The best work on English synonymes in that of Mr. Crabbe; a work which, though in many points defective, will amply reward the labour of perusal.