Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases | Page 5

timidity and self-depreciation. The method
used for building a large vocabulary has usually been confined to the study of single
words. This has produced good results, but it is believed that eminently better results can
be obtained from a careful study of words and expressions, as furnished in this book,
where words can be examined in their context.
It is intended and suggested that this study should be pursued in connection with, and as a
supplement to, a good standard dictionary. Fifteen minutes a day devoted to this subject,
in the manner outlined, will do more to improve and enlarge the vocabulary than an hour
spent in desultory reading.
There is no better way in which to develop the mental qualities of clearness, accuracy,
and precision, and to improve and enlarge the intellectual powers generally, than by
regular and painstaking study of judiciously selected phrases and literary expressions.
PLAN OF STUDY
First examine the book in a general way to grasp its character, scope, and purpose.
Carefully note the following plan of classification of the various kinds of phrases, and
choose for initial study a section which you think will be of the most immediate value to
you.
I. USEFUL PHRASES II. SIGNIFICANT PHRASES III. FELICITOUS PHRASES IV.
IMPRESSIVE PHRASES V. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES VI. BUSINESS PHRASES
VII. LITERARY EXPRESSIONS VIII. STRIKING SIMILES IX. CONVERSATIONAL
PHRASES X. PUBLIC SPEAKING PHRASES XI. MISCELLANEOUS PHRASES
There are many advantages in keeping before you a definite purpose in your study of this
book. A well-defined plan will act as an incentive to regular and systematic effort, and
incidentally develop your power of concentration.
It is desirable that you set apart a certain convenient time each day for this study.
Regularity tends to produce maximum results. As you progress with this work your
interest will be quickened and you will realize the desirability of giving more and more
time to this important subject.
When you have chosen a section of the book which particularly appeals to you, begin
your actual study by reading the phrases aloud. Read them slowly and understandingly.
This tends to impress them more deeply upon your mind, and is in itself one of the best
and most practical ways of acquiring a large and varied vocabulary. Moreover, the
practise of fitting words to the mouth rapidly develops fluency and facility of speech.

Few persons realize the great value of reading aloud. Many of the foremost English
stylists devoted a certain period regularly to this practise. Cardinal Newman read aloud
each day a chapter from Cicero as a means of developing his ear for sentence-rhythm.
Rufus Choate, in order to increase his command of language, and to avoid sinking into
mere empty fluency, read aloud daily, during a large part of his life, a page or more from
some great English author. As a writer has said, "The practise of storing the mind with
choice passages from the best prose writers and poets, and thus flavoring it with the
essence of good literatures, is one which is commended both by the best teachers and by
the example of some of the most celebrated orators, who have adopted it with signal
success."
This study should be pursued with pencil in hand, so that you may readily underscore
phrases which make a special appeal to you. The free use of a pencil in marking
significant parts of a book is good evidence of thoroughness. This, too, will facilitate
your work of subsequent review.
The habit of regularly copying, in your own handwriting, one or more pages of phrases
will be of immense practical value. This exercise is a great aid in developing a facile
English style. The daily use of the pen has been recommended in all times as a valuable
means of developing oral and literary expression.
A helpful exercise is to pronounce a phrase aloud and then fit it into a complete sentence
of your own making. This practice gives added facility and resourcefulness in the use of
words.
As an enthusiastic student of good English, you should carefully note striking and
significant phrases or literary expressions which you find in your general reading. These
should be set down in a note-book reserved for this exclusive purpose. In this way you
can prepare many lists of your own, and thus greatly augment the value of this study.
The taste for beauty, truth, and harmony in language can be developed by careful study of
well-selected phrases and literary expressions as furnished in this book. A good literary
style is formed principally by daily study of great English writers, by careful examination
of words in their context, and by a discriminating use of language at all times.
GRENVILLE KLEISER. New York City, July, 1917

SECTION I
USEFUL PHRASES
A
abandoned hope
abated pride

abbreviated visit