your phrases, at first, consist of simple words; those clearly set forth in the Gregg text-book and others like them. Rightly studied and rightly used, phrasing is a great factor for speed and legibility. If carried too far, it is likely to be, as Mr. A. P. Little, of Rochester, described it, "The most infernal mistake that was ever made," for it will not add to the writer's speed, but absolutely retard it. We strongly urge students not to try to invent phrases at first. Know your system thoroughly first; learn the simple phrases given in each lesson in the text-book. Work on these, and gradually, as you practice them, you will find that other facile forms and phrases will occur to you without effort, and you will then easily construct your own phrases. The only rule to be observed in the Gregg for phrasing is to use only such phrases as form natural, facile junctions, and which do not carry the hand too far above or below the line of writing. Phrasing should come without effort; do not be constantly striving to construct new or original phrases. If a combination of words will not phrase readily, write them out separately.
