Tips to avoid or fix illogical constructions

1. Be sure that the subject makes sense in its relationship to the verbs:

VAGUE:

• The first case of smallpox dates back more than a thousand years before the birth of Christ and had gone unchecked until recently.

IMPROVED:

• The firs case of smallpox dates back more than a thousand years before the birth of Christ, but only recently has the desease been checked.

      2.  Every verb must have a clear-cut subject:

VAGUE:

• With a family to support makes his decision all the more important.

IMPROVED:

• His having a family to  support makes his decision all the more important.

      3. Adjust the form of an indirect quotation to the rest of the sentence:

VAGUE:

• The boy asked us would we give him a lift to Kenora.

IMPROVED:

• The boy asked us if we would give him a lift to Kenora.

      4. Avoid mixed constructions as we studied before.

      5. Avoid double negatives:

• I cannot hardly see you.
• He has not scarcely any money.

REVISED:

• I can hardly see you.
• He has scarcely any money.