Page:The Elements of Style (Strunk).djvu/16

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 * valign=top |A soldier of proved valor, they entrusted him with the defence of the city.
 * valign=top |A soldier of proved valor, he was entrusted with the defence of the city.
 * valign=top|Young and inexperienced, the task seemed easy to me.
 * valign=top|Young and inexperienced, I thought the task easy.
 * valign=top|Without a friend to counsel him, the temptation proved irresistible.
 * valign=top|Without a friend to counsel him, he found the temptation irresistible.
 * }
 * valign=top|Young and inexperienced, I thought the task easy.
 * valign=top|Without a friend to counsel him, the temptation proved irresistible.
 * valign=top|Without a friend to counsel him, he found the temptation irresistible.
 * }
 * valign=top|Without a friend to counsel him, he found the temptation irresistible.
 * }

Sentences violating this rule are often ludicrous.

Being in a dilapidated condition, I was able to buy the house very cheap.

Wondering irresolutely what to do next, the clock struck twelve.