The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition

by William Strunk Jr.

Participial phrases preceded by a conjunction or by a preposition, nouns in apposition, adjectives, and adjective phrases come under the same rule if they begin the sentence. a) On arriving in Chicago, his friends met him at the station. b) When he arrived (or, On his arrival) in Chicago, his friends met him at the station. a) A soldier of proved valor, they entrusted him with the defence of the city. b) A soldier of proved valor, he was entrusted with the defence of the city. a) Young and inexperienced, the task seemed easy to me. b) Young and inexperienced, I thought the task easy. a) Without a friend to counsel him, the temptation proved irresistible. b) Without a friend to counsel him, he found the temptation irresistible. Sentences violating this rule are often ludicrous. a) Being in a dilapidated condition, I was able to buy the house very cheap. b) Wondering irresolutely what to do next, the clock struck twelve.