15. Put statements in positive form
1. Make definite assertions. Avoid tame, colorless, hesitating, noncommittal language. Use the word not as a means of denial or in antithesis, never as a means of evasion. （使用确定的断言，避免含糊的，苍白的，犹豫的，不表态的语言表达。可以用not表示否定或对立面，但不要用它做闪烁其词式的表述）
1a. He was not very often on time.
1b. He usually came late. （肯定式表达）
2a. She did not think that studying Latin was a sensible way to use one's time.
2b. She thought the study of Latin a waste of time.（肯定式表达）
3a. The Taming of the Shrew is rather weak in spots. Shakespeare does not portray Katharine as a very admirable character, nor does Bianca remain long in memory as an important character in Shakespeare's works.
3b. The women in The Taming of the Shrew are unattractive. Katharine is disagreeable, Bianca insignificant.（肯定式表达）
2. Consciously or unconsciously, the reader is dissatisfied with being told only what is not; the reader wishes to be told what is. Hence, as a rule, it is better to express even a negative in positive form. (在有意无意之间，人们天然地不满于否定性的表达，而希望听到肯定的表达。所以，作为一条规则，用肯定形式表述否定的意义比直接的否定式表达更优)
3. Placing negative and positive in opposition makes for a stronger structure. （将否定的表达与肯定的表达对比式呈现可以形成一个有力的结构）
Not charity, but simple justice.
Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.
Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your
country.
4. Negative words other than not are usually strong. （否定意义的词比Not更加有力）
Her loveliness I never knew / Until she smiled on me.
5. If your every sentence admits a doubt, your writing will lack authority. Save the auxiliaries would, should, could, may, might, and can for situations involving real uncertainty. （在存在不确定性的条件下，避免使用would, should, could, may, might, can这些含糊的表达）
1a. If you would let us know the time of your arrival, we would be happy to arrange your transportation from the airport.
1b. If you will let us know the time of your arrival, we shall be happy to arrange your transportation from the airport.
2a. Applicants can make a good impression by being neat and punctual.
2b. Applicants will make a good impression if they are neat and punctual
3a. Plath may be ranked among those modem poets who died young.
3b. Plath was one of those modern poets who died young.
