Style: Upgrade

STYLE GUIDE:  UPGRADES


Definition
'Upgrades' are rhetorical edits intended to make sentences more varied and descriptive. Any conscious effort to improve an individual word or phrase in a sentence would represent a rhetorical upgrade. In this guide, I go through seven common upgrades which you could make.


1. ADVERBS

Definition
An adverb is a part of speech that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb.  It answers the questions "When? Where? Why? How? How much?" and offten (but not always!) ends in –ly

ENDING: MOSTLY –LY
ANSWERS: WHEN? WHERE? WHY? HOW? HOW MUCH?

Quality Adverbs
The author wrote...
A:  abjectly, abortedly, acridly
B:  blithely, banally, beguilingly
C:  caddishly, capriciously, circuitously
D:  deftly, desultorily, doughtily
E:  enigmatically, eruditely, esoterically
F:  fastidiously, facetiously, felicitously
G:  garrulously, germanely, grandiloquently
H:  haplessly, hedonistically, histrionically
I:  idiosyncratically, immutably, implacably
J:  jejunely, jocosely, jauntily
K:  keenly, knavishly, knowledgeably
L:  lachrymosely, languidly, lasciviously
M:  mellifluously, meticulously, magnanimously
N:  narcissistically, nebulously, nefariously
O:  oafishly, obsequiously, obtusely
P:  parsimoniously, pedantically, pertinaciously
Q:  querulously, quiescently, quixotically
R:  rakishly, recalcitrantly, reticently
S:  sagaciously, sanctimonially, sardonically,
T:  tacitly, taciturnly, truculently
U:  unabashedly, unctuously, unpretentiously
V:  vacuously, vapidly, vituperatively
W:  waggishly, wantonly, winsomely
X:  xenophobically
Y:  yearningly, yieldingly, youthfully
Z:  zealously, zestfully, zestily

Some Common Adverbs
accidentally
afterwards
almost
always
angrily
annually
anxiously
awkwardly
badly
blindly
boastfully
boldly
bravely
briefly
brightly
busily
calmly
carefully
carelessly
cautiously
cheerfully
clearly
correctly
courageously
crossly
cruelly
daily
defiantly
deliberately
doubtfully
easily
elegantly
enormously
enthusiastically
equally
even
eventually
exactly
faithfully
far
fast
fatally
fiercely
fondly
foolishly
fortunately
frantically
gently
gladly
gracefully
greedily
happily
hastily
honestly
hourly
hungrily
innocently
inquisitively
irritably
joyously
justly
kindly
lazily
less
loosely
loudly
madly
merrily
monthly
more
mortally
mysteriously
nearly
neatly
nervously
never
noisily
not
obediently
obnoxiously
often
only
painfully
perfectly
politely
poorly
powerfully
promptly
punctually
quickly
quietly
rapidly
rarely
really
recklessly
regularly
reluctantly
repeatedly
rightfully
roughly
rudely
sadly
safely
seldom
selfishly
seriously
shakily
sharply
shrilly
shyly
silently
sleepily
slowly
smoothly
softly
solemnly
sometimes
soon
speedily
stealthily
sternly
successfully
suddenly
suspiciously
swiftly
tenderly
tensely
thoughtfully
tightly
tomorrow
too
truthfully
unexpectedly
very
victoriously
violently
vivaciously
warmly
weakly
wearily
well
wildly
yearly
yesterday

Literary Examples:
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. The Declaration of Independence

 He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly. The Declaration of Independence

 I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States. The Constitution

 He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation. The Declaration of Independence

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments: The Declaration of Independence

We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. The Declaration of Independence

 I long impatiently to have you upon the Stage of action. Abigail Adams to John Adams (August 19, 1774)

Your Account of the Rain refreshed me. I hope our Husbandry is prudently and industriously managed.
John Adams to Abigail Adams (August 28, 1774)

Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

For were the impulses of conscience clear, uniform, and irresistibly obeyed, man would need no other lawgiver. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

Wherefore, security being the true design and end of government, it unanswerably follows that whatever form thereof appears most likely to ensure it to us, with the least expence and greatest benefit, is preferable to all others. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

As nothing but heaven is impregnable to vice, it will unavoidably happen, that in proportion as they surmount the first difficulties of emigration, which bound them together in a common cause, they will begin to relax in their duty and attachment to each other. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

They will mutually and naturally support each other, and on this depends the strength of government, and the happiness of the governed. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

To say that the constitution of England is a union of three powers reciprocally checking each other, is farcical, either the words have no meaning, or they are flat contradictions. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

The hankering which the Jews had for the idolatrous customs of the Heathens, is something exceedingly unaccountable. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

And when a man seriously reflects on the idolatrous homage which is paid to the persons of Kings, he need not wonder, that the Almighty ever jealous of his honor, should disapprove of a form of government which so impiously invades the prerogative of heaven. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

How sweet, how unutterably sweet were now, the voice of an approving conscience. The Hurricane Letter by Alexander Hamilton

 But this is a thing more ardently to be wished than seriously to be expected. The Federalist No. 1 by Alexander Hamilton

I am well aware that it would be disingenuous to resolve indiscriminately the opposition of any set of men (merely because their situations might subject them to suspicion) into interested or ambitious views. The Federalist No. 1 by Alexander Hamilton

When the public is called to investigate and decide upon a question in which not only the present members of the community are deeply interested, but upon which the happiness and misery of generations yet unborn is in great measure suspended, the benevolent mind cannot help feeling itself peculiarly interested in the result.  Anti-Federalist No. 1

This enquiry is important, because, although the government reported by the convention does not go to a perfect and entire consolidation, yet it approaches so near to it, that it must, if executed, certainly and infallibly terminate in it. Anti-Federalist No. 1

In a large republic there are men of large fortunes, and consequently of less moderation. Anti-Federalist No. 1

I constantly hoped that it would have been much earlier in my power, consistently with motives which I was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement from which I had been reluctantly drawn. Farewell Address by George Washington

Any other tenure by which the West can hold this essential advantage, whether derived from its own separate strength, or from an apostate and unnatural connection with any foreign power, must be intrinsically precarious. Farewell Address by George Washington

This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. Farewell Address by George Washington

If we remain one people under an efficient government. the period is not far off when we may defy material injury from external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel. Farewell Address by George Washington

Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. Farewell Address by George Washington


It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. The Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln



2. BECAUSE CLAUSE

A “because” clause is an adverbial clause explaining why a predicate/verb clause is true or false.

For example:  Charlie returned (VERB) the Everlasting Gobstopper because he felt guilty. (ADVERBIAL CLAUSE ANSWERING “WHY.”)

Literary Examples:
Prudence will point out the propriety of having elections often; because as the elected might by that means return and mix again with the general body of the electors in a few months, their fidelity to the public will be secured by the prudent reflexion of not making a rod for themselves. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 And he will take the tenth of your sheep, and ye shall be his servants, and ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen, and the Lord will not hear you in that day. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 Yet his electors could have no idea of giving hereditary right to his descendants, because such a perpetual exclusion of themselves was incompatible with the free and unrestrained principles they professed to live by. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 Art thou so selfish to exult because thy lot is happy in a season of universal woe? The Hurricane Letter by Alexander Hamilton

 I am well aware that it would be disingenuous to resolve indiscriminately the opposition of any set of men (merely because their situations might subject them to suspicion) into interested or ambitious views. Federalist No. 1 by Alexander Hamilton

 Suppose the legislature of a state should pass a law to raise money to support their government and pay the state debt, may the Congress repeal this law, because it may prevent the collection of a tax which they may think proper and necessary to lay, to provide for the general welfare of the United States?  Anti-Federalist No. 1

 It is, moreover, of great importance, to examine with care the nature and extent of the judicial power, because those who are to be vested with it, are to be placed in a situation altogether unprecedented in a free country.” Anti-Federalist No. 11

To those peoples in the huts and villages across the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required—not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. Inaugural Address by JFK



3. STRONG VERBS

A verb is a part of speech that describes an action or state of being.  To identify a verb, you can simply find the word that changes the tense (i.e. the time) of a sentence.

The sentence “The ship was on the beach” shows something in the past tense.  To change it to the present tense (i.e. happening right now), you would write “The ship is on the beach.”  The word “was” changes to “is” when you change the tense of the sentence.  Therefore, “was” and “is” are verbs!

Good writing contains strong verbs.  “Is” and “was” are not strong verbs.  They are necessary verbs, but they are not "strong." Strong verbs vividly describe actions. In general, you should limit the use of “is,” “are,” “was,” and “were” (the “to be” verbs) and rewrite sentences containing them.  Look at the following list of commonly overused, non-descriptive verbs and a list of possible replacements (For verbs not on this list, just look in a thesaurus!):

Strong Verb: Replacement List for Weak Verbs (and the adjective beautiful)
Contributed by Therese Stenzel

Felt-had the impression, perceived, discerned, noted, understood, knew, bore, endured

Filled-pervaded, penetrated, infused, charged, imbued, soaked, saturated, rent, pierced,

Got-received, came by, realized, gained, won, achieved, attained, obtained, acquireed, secured, procured, captured, seized, grasped, entrapped

Gave-bestowed, presented, contributed, handed over, accorded, granted, entrusted, assigned, dispensed, offered, consigned, imparted, purveyed

Held-grasped, clutched, clasped, retained, clenched, kept, maintained, embraced,

Knew-comprehended, realized, laid a hold of, discerned, perceived, grasped, sensed, recognized, recalled, discriminated between

Looked-glanced, glimpsed, studied, inspected, fixed one’s gaze upon, noticed, took in, gazed, peered, stared, squinted, peeked, glared, took in, regarded, surveyed,

Pushed-propelled, wedged, advanced, pressed, drove, shoved, jostled, impelled, crammed

Sat—eased into, settled, took, perched, plopped down, relaxed into,

Saw- perceived, beheld, discerned, noticed, observed, inspected, scanned, viewed , observed, visualized, gazed, peeped, scrutinized

Took-acquired, secured, obtained, gained, seized, gleaned, captured

Took-withdrew, removed, pilfered, stole, captured, swiped, confiscated, nabbed

Walked-strode, paced, trod, strolled, sauntered, ambled, slogged, trudged, plodded, lurched, shuffled, slinked, tip toed, advanced, staggered, scurried

Watched-regarded, eyed, perceived, detected, beheld, scrutinized, surveyed, scanned, viewed

Literary Examples:
We whose names are underwritten, do covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid. The Mayflower Compact

 And by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.The Mayflower Compact


 In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names. The Mayflower Compact

 Hunger in the meantime would urge him from his work, and every different want call him a different way.” Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 Thus necessity, like a gravitating power, would soon form our newly arrived emigrants into society, the reciprocal blessings of which, would supersede, and render the obligations of law and government unnecessary while they remained perfectly just to each other. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 As nothing but heaven is impregnable to vice, it will unavoidably happen, that in proportion as they surmount the first difficulties of emigration, which bound them together in a common cause, they will begin to relax in their duty and attachment to each other. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 Despise thyself, and adore thy God. The Hurricane Letter by Alexander Hamilton

 Let the Earth rend. Let the planets forsake their course. Let the Sun be extinguished and the Heavens burst asunder. The Hurricane Letter by Alexander Hamilton

 Her poverty denies relief, her breast heaves with pangs of maternal pity, her heart is bursting, the tears gush down her cheeks. The Hurricane Letter by Alexander Hamilton

 After an unequivocal experience of the inefficacy of the subsisting federal government, you are called upon to deliberate on a new Constitution for the United States of America. Federalist No. 1 by Alexander Hamilton

 The consciousness of good intentions disdains ambiguity. Federalist No. 1 by Alexander Hamilton

 m). Then, if you adopt it, this only remaining assylum for liberty will be shut up, and posterity will execrate your memory. Anti Federalist No. 1

 This enquiry is important, because, although the government reported by the convention does not go to a perfect and entire consolidation, yet it approaches so near to it, that it must, if executed, certainly and infallibly terminate in it. Anti Federalist No. 1

 For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. Inaugural Address by JFK

 Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage—and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world. Inaugural Address by JFK

 Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce. Inaugural Address by JFK

 Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West,,that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Inaugural Address by JFK

 Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln

 The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. Farewell Address
By George Washington

 You cannot shield yourselves too much against the jealousies and heartburnings which spring from these misrepresentations; they tend to render alien to each other those who ought to be bound together by fraternal affection. Farewell Address by George Washington

Tho we felicitate ourselves, we sympathize with those who are trembling least the Lot of Boston should be theirs.  Abigail Adams to John Adams (March 31, 1776)


4. QUALITY ADJECTIVE
An adjective is a part of speech which modifies a noun.  It answers the questions “What kind? Which one? How many? Whose?"

Quality Adjectives (Examples)
Adamant: unyielding; a very hard substance
Adroit: clever, resourceful
Amatory: sexual
Animistic: quality of recurrence or reversion to earlier form
Antic: clownish, frolicsome
Arcadian: serene
Baleful: deadly, foreboding
Bellicose: quarrelsome (its synonym belligerent can also be a noun)
Bilious: unpleasant, peevish
Boorish: crude, insensitive
Calamitous: disastrous
Caustic: corrosive, sarcastic; a corrosive substance
Cerulean: sky blue
Comely: attractive
Concomitant: accompanying
Contumacious: rebellious
Corpulent: obese
Crapulous: immoderate in appetite
Defamatory: maliciously misrepresenting
Didactic: conveying information or moral instruction
Dilatory: causing delay, tardy
Dowdy: shabby, old-fashioned; an unkempt woman
Efficacious: producing a desired effect
Effulgent: brilliantly radiant
Egregious: conspicuous, flagrant
Endemic: prevalent, native, peculiar to an area
Equanimous: even, balanced
Execrable: wretched, detestable
Fastidious: meticulous, overly delicate
Feckless: weak, irresponsible
Fecund: prolific, inventive
Friable: brittle
Fulsome: abundant, overdone, effusive
Garrulous: wordy, talkative
Guileless: naive
Gustatory: having to do with taste or eating
Heuristic: learning through trial-and-error or problem solving
Histrionic: affected, theatrical
Hubristic: proud, excessively self-confident
Incendiary: inflammatory, spontaneously combustible, hot
Insidious: subtle, seductive, treacherous
Insolent: impudent, contemptuous
Intransigent: uncompromising
Inveterate: habitual, persistent
Invidious: resentful, envious, obnoxious
Irksome: annoying
Jejune: dull, puerile
Jocular: jesting, playful
Judicious: discreet
Lachrymose: tearful
Limpid: simple, transparent, serene
Loquacious: talkative
Luminous: clear, shining
Mannered: artificial, stilted
Mendacious: deceptive
Meretricious: whorish, superficially appealing, pretentious
Minatory: menacing
Mordant: biting, incisive, pungent
Munificent: lavish, generous
Nefarious: wicked
Noxious: harmful, corrupting
Obtuse: blunt, stupid
Parsimonious: frugal, restrained
Pendulous: suspended, indecisive
Pernicious: injurious, deadly
Pervasive: widespread
Petulant: rude, ill humored
Platitudinous: resembling or full of dull or banal comments
Precipitate: steep, speedy
Propitious: auspicious, advantageous, benevolent
Puckish: impish
Querulous: cranky, whining
Quiescent: inactive, untroublesome
Rebarbative: irritating, repellent
Recalcitant: resistant, obstinate
Redolent: aromatic, evocative
Rhadamanthine: harshly strict
Risible: laughable
Ruminative: contemplative
Sagacious: wise, discerning
Salubrious: healthful
Sartorial: relating to attire, especially tailored fashions
Sclerotic: hardening
Serpentine: snake-like, winding, tempting or wily
Spasmodic: having to do with or resembling a spasm, excitable, intermittent
Strident: harsh, discordant; obtrusively loud
Taciturn: closemouthed, reticent
Tenacious: persistent, cohesive,
Tremulous: nervous, trembling, timid, sensitive
Trenchant: sharp, penetrating, distinct
Turbulent: restless, tempestuous
Turgid: swollen, pompous
Ubiquitous: pervasive, widespread
Uxorious: inordinately affectionate or compliant with a wife
Verdant: green, unripe
Voluble: glib, given to speaking
Voracious: ravenous, insatiable
Wheedling: flattering
Withering: devastating
Zealous: eager, devoted

Literary Examples:
The Congress shall have Power to promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries. The Constitution

 I beg you, at the same time, to do me the justice to be assured that this resolution has not been taken without a strict regard to all the considerations appertaining to the relation which binds a dutiful citizen to his country. Farewell Address  by George Washington

 I am influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of grateful respect for your past kindness, but am supported by a full conviction that the step is compatible with both. Farewell Address  by George Washington

 Because such an unwise, unjust, unnatural compact might (perhaps) in the next succession put them under the government of a rogue or a fool. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 To say that the constitution of England is a union of three powers reciprocally checking each other, is farcical, either the words have no meaning, or they are flat contradictions. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 A French bastard landing with an armed banditti, and establishing himself king of England against the consent of the natives, is in plain terms a very paltry rascally original. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 Where now, oh! vile worm, is all thy boasted fortitude and resolution? The Hurricane Letter by Alexander Hamilton

 Oh! impotent presumptuous fool! The Hurricane Letter by Alexander Hamilton

 See thy wretched helpless state, and learn to know thyself. The Hurricane Letter by Alexander Hamilton

 The benevolent mind cannot help feeling itself peculiarly interested in the result. Anti-Federalist No. 1

 But if, on the other hand, this form of government contains principles that will lead to the subversion of liberty — if it tends to establish a despotism, or, what is worse, a tyrannic aristocracy; then, if you adopt it, this only remaining assylum for liberty will be shut up, and posterity will execrate your memory. Anti-Federalist No. 1

 After an unequivocal experience of the inefficacy of the subsisting federal government, you are called upon to deliberate on a new Constitution for the United States of America. Federalist No. 1 by Alexander Hamilton.

 No errors they may commit can be corrected by any power above them, if any such power there be, nor can they be removed from office for making ever so many erroneous adjudications. Anti-Federalist No. 11

For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. Inaugural Address by JFK



5. WWW.ASIA
A “when, where, while, as, since, if, although” clause is actually a subordinate adverbial clause telling you a little more about the verb.

Example sentence without www.asia: Johnny ate his peas.

Examples with www.asia: Johnny ate his peas when his mom told him to,.

Johnny ate his peas where nobody could see him.

Johnny ate his peas while standing on his head,.

Johnny ate his peas as he restrained his gag reflex.

Johnny has been eating his peas since noon.

Johnny would get dessert if he ate his peas,.

Johnny got no dessert although he ate his peas.

These clauses can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.

Examples:
No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen. The Constitution

 Did ever any Kingdom or State regain their Liberty, when once it was invaded, without bloodshed? Abigail Adams to John Adams (August 19, 1774)

 I wish you would ever write me a Letter half as long as I write you; and tell me if you may where your Fleet are gone?  Abigail Adams to John Adams (March 31, 1776)

 Whenever Vanity, and Gaiety, a Love of Pomp and Dress, Furniture, Equipage, Buildings, great Company, expensive Diversions, and elegant Entertainments get the better of the Principles and Judgments of Men or Women there is no knowing where they will stop, nor into what Evils, natural, moral, or political, they will lead us. John Adams to Abigail Adams (April 14, 1776)

 There is something exceedingly ridiculous in the composition of monarchy; it first excludes a man from the means of information, yet empowers him to act in cases where the highest judgment is required. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 Till then their form of government (except in extraordinary cases, where the Almighty interposed) was a kind of republic administered by a judge and the elders of the tribes. Common Sense, by Thomas Paine
And here we cannot but observe that their motives were bad, viz. that they might be like unto other nations, i.e. the Heathens, whereas their true glory laid in being as much unlike them as possible. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 Some writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but have different origins. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. The Declaration of Independence

 I beg the candid and dispassionate attention of my countrymen while I state these objections. Anti-Federalist No.1

 That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.  The Declaration of Independence

 And by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. The Mayflower Compact

 For as the greater weight will always carry up the less, and as all the wheels of a machine are put in motion by one, it only remains to know which power in the constitution has the most weight, for that will govern. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 Some writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt, even unto this day. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 England, since the conquest, hath known some few good monarchs, but groaned beneath a much larger number of bad ones. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 If, then, the courts of justice are to be considered as the bulwarks of a limited Constitution against legislative encroachments, this consideration will afford a strong argument for the permanent tenure of judicial offices, since nothing will contribute so much as this to that independent spirit in the judges which must be essential to the faithful performance of so arduous a duty. The Federalist No. 78 by Alexander Hamilton

 If, on the other hand, this form of government contains principles that will lead to the subversion of liberty — if it tends to establish a despotism, or, what is worse, a tyrannic aristocracy; then, if you adopt it, this only remaining assylum for liberty will be shut up, and posterity will execrate your memory.” Anti Federalist No. 1

 Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice?” Farewell Address by George Washington

 In a free republic, although all laws are derived from the consent of the people, yet the people do not declare their consent by themselves in person, but by representatives, chosen by them, who are supposed to know the minds of their constituents, and to be possessed of integrity to declare this mind. Anti Federalist No. 1

This enquiry is important, because, although the government reported by the convention does not go to a perfect and entire consolidation, yet it approaches so near to it, that it must, if executed, certainly and infallibly terminate in it. Anti Federalist No. 1



6. WHO/WHICH CLAUSE
A who/which clause is an adjective clause explaining “What kind?” of noun.  Often, but not always, the words “who” or “which” in those clauses can be removed to improve the style.

For example:  Johnny, who normally ate his peas, decided to throw them on the floor.

Johnny refused to eat the peas, which had fallen on the floor.

Literary Examples:

It is necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another. The Declaration of Independence

 A decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. The Declaration of Independence

 When we suffer, or are exposed to the same miseries by a government, which we might expect in a country without government, our calamity is heightened by reflecting that we furnish the means by which we suffer. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 I wish you every Public as well as private blessing, and that wisdom which is profitable both for instruction and edification to conduct you in this difficult day. Abigail Adams to John Adams (August 19, 1774)

 In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. Farewell Address by George Washington

 A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime.  The Constitution

 This will point out the convenience of their consenting to leave the legislative part to be managed by a select number chosen from the whole body, who are supposed to have the same concerns at stake which those who appointed them, and who will act in the same manner as the whole body would act were they present. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 At length a Convention of the states has been assembled, they have formed a constitution which will now, probably, be submitted to the people to ratify or reject, who are the fountain of all power, to whom alone it of right belongs to make or unmake constitutions, or forms of government, at their pleasure. Anti Federalist No. 1

 You may rejoice in the prospects of this vast extended continent becoming filled with freemen, who will assert the dignity of human nature. Anti Federalist No. 1

I have sometimes been ready to think that the passion for Liberty cannot be Equally Strong in the Breasts of those who have been accustomed to deprive their fellow Creatures of theirs. Abigail Adams to John Adams (March 31, 1776)


7. DUAL CONSTRUCTION
Two adjectives or two adverbs can be combined to form a dual construction.

For example:  Johnny, normally obedient and thoughtful, went crazy about the peas.

Johnny ate slowly and methodically in order to avoid every pea on his plate.


Literary Examples:

Dual Adjective

 He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. The Declaration of Independence

 The laws and customs of the several states are, in many respects, very diverse, and in some opposite; each would be in favor of its own interests and customs, and, of consequence, a legislature, formed of representatives from the respective parts, would not only be too numerous to act with any care or decision, but would be composed of such heterogenous and discordant principles, as would constantly be contending with each other. Anti-Federalist No. 1

 A French bastard landing with an armed banditti, and establishing himself king of England against the consent of the natives, is in plain terms a very paltry rascally original. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 Oh! impotent presumptuous fool! The Hurricane Letter by Alexander Hamilton

 See thy wretched helpless state, and learn to know thyself. The Hurricane Letter by Alexander Hamilton

 Yet his electors could have no idea of giving hereditary right to his descendants, because such a perpetual exclusion of themselves was incompatible with the free and unrestrained principles they professed to live by. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 Suppose the legislature of a state should pass a law to raise money to support their government and pay the state debt, may the Congress repeal this law, because it may prevent the collection of a tax which they may think proper and necessary to lay, to provide for the general welfare of the United States? Anti-Federalist No. 1

 And by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.The Mayflower Compact

 Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage—and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world. Inaugural Address by JFK

 Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Inaugural Address John F. Kennedy

 While every part of our country thus feels an immediate and particular interest in union, all the parts combined cannot fail to find greater strength, greater resource, and proportionably greater security from external danger. Farewell Address by George Washington

 It is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national union to your collective and individual happiness. Farewell Address by George Washington

 In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression I could wish; that they will control the usual current of the passions, or prevent our nation from running the course which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations. Farewell Address by George Washington

 Until the people have, by some solemn and authoritative act, annulled or changed the established form, it is binding upon themselves collectively.  Federalist No. 78 by Alexander Hamilton

 He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained. The Declaration of Independence

 Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us. Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms—and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 In order to gain a clear and just idea of the design and end of government, let us suppose a small number of persons settled in some sequestered part of the earth, unconnected with the rest, they will then represent the first peopling of any country, or of the world. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. The Declaration of Independence

 Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes. The Declaration of Independence

 He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained. The Declaration of Independence

 These United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States. The Declaration of Independence

 Yet we are told that all the Misfortunes of Sparta were occasioned by their too great Sollicitude for present tranquility, and by an excessive love of peace they neglected the means of making it sure and lasting. Abigail Adams to John Adams (August 19, 1774)

 We have had Opportunities to see the World, and to form Acquaintances with the most eminent and famous Men, in the several Colonies we have passed through. John Adams to Abigail Adams (August. 28, 1774)

 Let me intreat you, my Dear, to make yourself as easy and quiet as possible. John Adams to Abigail Adams (August 28, 1774)

 Make them consider every Vice, as shameful and unmanly.” John Adams to Abigail (August 28, 1774)

 Fix their Ambition upon great and solid Objects, and their Contempt upon little, frivolous, and useless ones.” John Adams to Abigail Adams (August 28, 1774)

 Of this I am certain that it is not founded upon that generous and Christian principle of doing to others as we would that others should do unto us. Abigail Adams to John Adams (March 31, 1776)

 They are tolerably supplied with Powder, and are successful and assiduous, in making Salt Petre.” John Adams to Abigail Adams (April 14, 1776)

 The Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added. The Bill of Rights

 Dual Adverb

 We whose names are underwritten, having undertaken a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic. The Mayflower Compact

 They will mutually and naturally support each other, and on this (not on the unmeaning name of king) depends the strength of government, and the happiness of the governed. Common Sense by Thomas Paine

 As this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national union to your collective and individual happiness. Farewell Address by George Washington

 This enquiry is important, because, although the government reported by the convention does not go to a perfect and entire consolidation, yet it approaches so near to it, that it must, if executed, certainly and infallibly terminate in it. Anti Federalist No. 1

[We] do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid. The Mayflower Compact

I hope our Husbandry is prudently and industriously managed. John Adams to Abigail Adams (August 28, 1774)