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The Pigeon Game
Steam Fairground
Contractions 4
Contractions 5
Contractions 6
The Pigeon Game (9 June 2015)
Time to put on your Reporter's Hat and take down verbatim from Mr Pigeon
for your lead story:
I have decided to give the garden at number so-and-so a miss in future.
When I first came across it, I saw lots* of sparrows eating on the lawn,
pecking* amongst the roses and sitting around the birdbath. I thought it
would be a good idea to go down and investigate. Well, I did not get a
very friendly reception and I would just like all you shorthand
reporters to know about it, as I am sure you want a good story to
practise on. As I was saying, I saw that this was a garden with
possibilities*, so I flew in to have a look. There was no-one about and I
cleaned up quite a few crumbs of bread that the others had missed, plus
those bits that the sparrows had dropped under the bushes by the fence.
I thought, I’m* on to a good thing here and it might be the right place
to settle with Mrs Pigeon and bring up our family.
* "lots" and "masses" Insert the vowel, as these are similar in
shape
and meaning
* "pecking" Helpful to insert the
vowel, so it is not misread as "picking" which has a similar meaning
* "possibilities" Optional
contraction
* "I'm" Write the vowel separately,
as joining it would be the phrase for "I am". Similarly, separate vowel
sign for "I'll", to differentiate it from "I will"
It's always worth checking the buckets
That was a little while ago and we both enjoyed several reasonable meals
before the sparrows could swoop* in. But recently as I came out of the
greenery I was absolutely shocked to be chased off by someone waving a
newspaper at me. I tell you, I got out of there as quick as a flash. The
pesky person went back inside the house and as there were still a few
crumbs visible in the centre of the lawn, I flew back down. I was just
about to peck* at the first crumb when I was chased off again. We kept up
this ridiculous game for a while, and eventually I got just three
crumbs, but finally had to wait on the roof and watch the sparrows
finish it all. But this place seemed to be a good one to put on my
Return Visit list (pending confirmation, i.e. more quantity) so I
decided I would try again at intervals.
* "swoop" Insert the vowel, as
"sweep" would also make sense
* "peck" Helpful to insert the
vowel, so it is not misread as "pick" which has a similar meaning
Collared dove
Next day I saw two wood pigeons wandering around and I thought, hey it’s
all on again, let’s go down and have a quick look. But no, hardly
anything left of a decent size. I walked up and down checking the long
grass for missed pieces. Then I noticed someone sitting in the
greenhouse. They looked up and saw me, and came at me with what I now
know is a fluffy nylon duster, but as far as I could make out at the
time, it looked like a bundle of stolen feathers from some unfortunate*
victim, so I flew away really quickly. I’m here to tell you it really
put the frighteners* on me. Even from the safety of the neighbour’s
roof, seeing it being waved about was really scary and my heart was
pounding ten to the dozen.
* "unfortunate" Optional contraction
*
"frighteners" Not in dictionary
Good old Woody
Somehow the food supply in this garden seems to have* vanished. I see
single pellets being thrown at the new parent sparrows who are hopping
about excitedly on the rose branches outside the kitchen window, but as
each pellet seems to be magnetically attracted to one particular
sparrow, I never stand any chance of getting one. The odd peanut appears
but that also always lands at the feet of one of the collared doves so I
never get a look in. An occasional piece of soaked stale bread lands
right in front of the blackbird, who is very territorial and possessive
at the moment*, so nothing for me there. We did have a good day recently
sunbathing undisturbed on the garden path, but as there was no prospect
of lunch afterwards, we will probably not be making it our regular
lounging* spot.
* Omission phrases "seems (to) have" "at (the) moment"
* "lounging" Insert vowel, as it could be misread as "lunching"
The lazy and the diligent
All I can do now is to wait until there is absolutely no-one about, and
then scout* round to clear up. Unfortunately*, the offerings are not
enough for us, there are no reasonable sized pieces to be found, and
after a minute or two of wandering up and down, it seems to me* that
this is a complete waste of time*, especially as I might be missing
something more substantial in another garden. So despite a promising
start, this particular garden is not really a good place for me or Mrs
Pigeon, all the future baby pigeons and all our numerous friends and
relatives. We have decided to hang out somewhere else with better
prospects and have given up on this location. A terrifying duster plus a
hungry tum is just too much* to put up with. But I still can’t work out
why we were not made as welcome as the other birds. It’s a complete
mystery. (765 words)
* "scout" Insert vowel, as "scoot" could also make sense here
* "unfortunately" Optional
contraction
* Omission phrase "seems (to) me" "was(te of) time"
* "too much" Full form for "much"
to join the phrase, and also helps differentiate from "too large"
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Steam Fairground (21 June 2015)
Jubilee Steam Gallopers
Last weekend we went to see Carter’s Steam Fair which was set up in Bel
Air Park in Dulwich, South London. As we got off the train, immediately
we could* hear the familiar organ music drifting over the trees at the
edge of the park. We exited the station, went over the pedestrian
crossing immediately outside and a short walk past the tennis courts
brought us to the wondrous sight of a large collection of fairground
rides from the past, all assembled on the grass in a corner of the park
and in full operation. The first thing I noticed was the faint aroma of
oil and smoke wafting past occasionally, which set it apart from other
ordinary fairgrounds, enough to give an air of historical authenticity,
but not so much* as to spoil the fresh air and sunshine.
* "we could" Not phrased, so that
it does not look like "we can"
* "so much" Full form for "much" to
join the phrase, and also helps differentiate from "so large"
Octopus
This is a traditional funfair, begun in 1976, made up of
rescued and renovated steam-powered rides dating from the first part of
the twentieth century. The magnificent Jubilee Steam Gallopers ride
dates from 1895 with a 1900 Gavioli organ providing the music. I was
delighted to see many rides that I recognised from my own* past, although
at that time they were generator-powered. As we arrived not long after
the opening time of midday, there were no crowds, and I took the
opportunity to get clear photos of all the rides and decorations without
having to work around people or wait until someone moved or walked on.
At every turn I found another skilfully* painted item in the traditional
fairground style, with 3D lettering and brilliant colours.
* "my own" Full outlines, as "mine" already uses
the N Hook
* "skilfully" Insert last vowel, as "skilful" would also make sense here
Gavioli organ
As well as the patterns*, there are countless cameo portraits of figures
from history, the music world (to match the music being played on each
ride) and other relevant pictures to enhance the attraction. The Dive
Bomber and Chair-O-Planes* had pictures of early aeroplanes*, the target
shooting galleries had a native American in full head-dress or African
animal safari pictures. The Ghost Train had the usual scary characters.
I was reminded of the past when we used to try and peek through the
doors as the car went through but we could* see nothing, as there are
double doors to go through and one has to make do with listening to the
rattling rails, the scary siren sounds and the occasional shriek from a
passenger.
* "patterns" Keep the P clearly halved, to prevent it looking like
"appearance" which also makes sense in this context.
* "Chair-O-Planes" Not in dictionary. It is clearer to write full
strokes for "chair" rather than use the short form.
* "aeroplanes" Insert the vowel after the P, to differentiate it from
"airplanes"
* "we could" Not phrased, so that
it does not look like "we can"
Dive Bombers, the cockpits also rotate on their
own axis, so the passengers are never upside down
All the rides were familiar ones, including the
Swing
Boats and Dodgems, but the only one that was new to me was the Steam
Yachts, which are two giant gondolas that swing back and forth* to ever
greater heights. One has the Union Jack on its underside, and the other
has the Stars and Stripes, which can only* be seen properly* when the
boats are in full height swing. In the centre is the steam engine, with
brass work all gleaming, and on the boards surrounding the ride are
beautifully* painted pictures of various historical steam vessels at
sea.
* Omission phrase "back (and) forth"
* "only" Use this form in phrases if it joins conveniently
* "properly"Insert the first vowe, and the diphone in "appropriately",
as they are similar in shape and meaning
* "beautifully" insert last vowel, as "beautiful" would also make sense
here
Chair-O-Planes
Having walked all round several times, we retired to another part of
the* park for our sandwiches, and when we returned, the crowds had
grown. The sun came out and the smell of candy floss and hamburgers
began to pervade the air, as the place filled up with families and
children. Now my photos were much more* interesting, as the rides came
alive, being full of passengers instead of just one or two*. As I stood
by the Octopus ride, I felt as if I had stepped into a time machine and
was back at Blackheath Fair in the 1970’s. The biggest difference today
was that everyone was taking pictures and movies with their mobile
phones, which didn’t exist then, and indeed some of the rides warned
against mobile phones falling out of pockets whilst the rider was being
flung around.
* Omission phrases "another part (of) the" "much mo(re)" "one (or) two"
"part" is only written like this in phrases. The "of" is omitted, rather
than use an F Hook, as that would look too much like "number of".
I could not* help but compare this with the giant
Christmas fairground that we visited last December in Hyde Park*. That
was very much larger and set up for an extended period over Christmas
and New Year*. It was full of flashing and chasing neon lights and dayglo* paintwork, continuing the tradition of loud colours and even
louder music, and many of the familiar rides were present in newer
"plumage", brighter and faster. Both of these fairs were enjoyable but
for different reasons. The Christmas one was very much* better at night,
when everything was brightly lit. My main interest in Carter’s fair was
because I had been on those types of rides in the past, so it was
"Memory Lane" time, as well as enjoying the decoration and artistry.
* "I could not" When phrasing, "could" is generally written separately to avoid
confusion with "can", but in the negative it can be joined, as "could
not" is a completely different outline from "cannot"
* "Hyde Park" R Hook used for
"park, part" only in phrases
* "very much" Full form for "much"
to join the phrase, and also helps differentiate from "very large"
* "year" Only thus in phrases
* "dayglo" was the brand name of a type of fluorescent paint, so no
letter W on the end
Octopus
The other fascinating feature is how you can watch
the ingenious workings of many of the machines and see clearly how they
operate. This to me is much more* interesting than the modern ones with
computer controlled and synched music, strobe lighting effects and tacky
plastic figures speaking to passers-by. I am very glad that someone has
rescued the old rides and renovated them as originals, without trying to
update or change them. It must have been* quite a challenge to do this
and still conform to the present-day safety rules, which are more
stringent than they ever were in the past.
* Omission phrases "much mo(re)" "it must (have) been"
Steam Yachts
It is gratifying to see these interesting and historical pieces of
machinery* revived and used for their original purpose, which is the best
way* of preserving them, as it pays for their maintenance and
restoration of future ones, and also encourages others to take an
interest and do the same and maybe take on similar projects. A scrap
yard would be a sad place for these pieces of fun that really ought to
be swirling and whizzing around on a lovely sunny* day in the park or
village green. (952 words)
* "machinery" Optional contraction
* Omission phrase "bes(t) way"
* "sunny" Generally advisable to
insert the vowels in "sun/snow, sunny/snowy"
https://www.carterssteamfair.co.uk
www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23313762 BBC video article on Joby Carter’s
sign-writing
Top of page
Contractions 4 (16 June 2015)
I think that by now you have PROBABLY come to find that Pitman’s
Shorthand* is an EFFICIENT way to write very quickly, as long as you
have done SUFFICIENT practice. Most shorthand systems are more EFFICIENT
than longhand. Their EFFICIENCY depends on what you intend to use them
for. The more training you do, the more PROFICIENT you will be. All
these words come from the Latin word for "do, make, PERFORM", as also
seen in "fact" and "effect", and this is a big hint at how you can use
your time more EFFICIENTLY to increase skill and speed. Writing the
outlines is a much more* EFFICIENT way to learn them than just reading.
It is INEFFICIENT to look up new outlines and then fail to PRACTISE
them, as they can so easily be forgotten a few moments later. If you use
your time INEFFICIENTLY, your memory will be DEFICIENT in the
information you need. This DEFICIENCY must be made up in order to* be
successful.
* Omission phrases "Pitman's Sho(r)thand" "much mo(re)"
"mus(t) be made" "in ord(er to)"
If you give your studies INSUFFICIENT time and therefore only have
INSUFFICIENT knowledge of the system, your PROFICIENCY will be low and
your goals may seem out of reach. I am sure you are SUFFICIENTLY
motivated to spend extra time PRACTISING, in all those spare minutes
when you cannot do other things straight away. The most EFFICIENT method
is to have a PRACTICE drill book made up and ready to use IMMEDIATELY.
Every PROFICIENT writer has had to do this in order to* get to their
present level of PROFICIENCY.
* Omission phrase "in ord(er to)"
The members were UNANIMOUS in their agreement to working to the new
system. The proposal was voted on and carried UNANIMOUSLY. All those
present were UNANIMOUS in their desire to see the improvements carried
out*. We have been to town to buy a new school UNIFORM. The colours of
the UNIFORM are blue and grey. The paving stones must be* laid UNIFORMLY
so that there are no unsafe edges to trip over. The committee’s
reactions were UNIFORMLY positive towards the new plans. We are aiming
to achieve a UNIFORMITY of style and appearance throughout all our
stores. All the items must be* handed over, HOWSOEVER they were
acquired. May you find peace and happiness WHERESOEVER you look. We
wish* you a safe and pleasant journey, WHITHERSOEVER you travel.
* "carried out" Halving to represent the T of
"out"
* Omission phrase "mus(t) be"
* "we wish" Write the W at a lower angle so the Ish goes through the
line. Write a slightly steeper angle to get the Ish on the line for "we
shall".
Amongst all the scribble I was able to DISTINGUISH a few words of
English. Today we have a very DISTINGUISHED visitor speaking at our
meeting. The animal has a DISTINGUISHING mark on its back. This product
is DISTINGUISHABLE by the serial number marked on the base. This writing
is INDISTINGUISHABLE from scribble and needs to be improved IMMEDIATELY.
He knows the language so well* that he is INDISTINGUISHABLE from a native
of the country. Please EXTINGUISH the candles before leaving the room.
All hope for a speedy solution seemed to be EXTINGUISHED. The men are in
the process of EXTINGUISHING the fire at the house. This type of
chemical fire is INEXTINGUISHABLE by water. He was unwilling to
RELINQUISH his role at the company. He has RELINQUISHED all ownership of
the land and house. With their new jobs ready to be started, they were
eager to be RELINQUISHING their* duties at the factory.
* Omission phrase "so (w)ell"
* "relinquishing their" Doubling to represent "their"
The following contractions leave out a middle consonant or syllable. The
DESTRUCTION of the old buildings will start next week*. The storm was
very DESTRUCTIVE and damaged most of the houses. He behaves very
DESTRUCTIVELY when he finds himself in such a situation. The OBSTRUCTION
in the road has caused an accident. The official was very OBSTRUCTIVE
and prevented us from doing our job. The PRODUCTION of the goods will be
increased next month*. Our farm is very PRODUCTIVE since we brought in
the new methods of PRODUCTION. The workers are doing their jobs very
PRODUCTIVELY. We felt it was UNPRODUCTIVE to criticise the staff without
giving them extra training. The INTRODUCTION of the new equipment has
greatly improved PRODUCTIVITY. The REINTRODUCTION of the bonus system
has been well received. Solving this dispute between the staff members
is outside of my JURISDICTION. It was clearly within the judge’s
JURISDICTION to resolve the matter between the two people involved.
* Omission phrases "ne(k)s(t w)eek" "ne(k)s(t mon)th"
This person is in charge of the REPRODUCTION of all our literature. The
REPRODUCTIVE health of the sheep was of concern to the farmer. These new
proposals are very interesting from our PERSPECTIVE. We have to keep
things in PERSPECTIVE and hear all sides of the story. The art students
were studying PERSPECTIVE drawing at the college. The ABANDONMENT of
these plans will have a serious effect on economic growth. We have an
APPOINTMENT with the head teacher this morning. The family suffered
great DISAPPOINTMENT when they found that the house was sold. We are
going to ask for the REAPPOINTMENT of the safety officer as soon as
possible*. We have been given an ASSIGNMENT to find out all we can about
this company. The REASSIGNMENT of the operatives to this job will
greatly improve the flow of the work. The ATTAINMENT of high speed will
lead to CONTENTMENT amongst the shorthand students*. The theological
speaker talked for an hour on the subject of* the ATONEMENT* and
redemption*.
* Omission phrases "as soon as poss(ible)"
"short(hand) s(t)udents" "on (the) subject of the"
* "atonement" Same contraction as "attainment", therefore insertion of
the
second
vowel might be helpful, although not dictionary
* "redemption" Omits the
lightly-sounded P
We have a CONTINGENCY plan in place in the event that the speakers do
not arrive in time. The STRINGENCY of the discipline produced a very
stern atmosphere at the school. The EMERGENCY services arrived on the
scene very quickly. The other motorists were in DANGER of being
distracted. We are well aware of the DANGERS of night driving. It is
very DANGEROUS to cycle without lights on this road. He was driving
DANGEROUSLY and without due care and attention. He put other road users
in DANGER by his behaviour. We would never do anything to ENDANGER
others. The tiger is an ENDANGERED species and needs special protection.
I think of my library as a place of ENTERTAINMENT as well as
ENLIGHTENMENT. Let me offer you some ENLIGHTENMENT regarding the
necessity for constant practice! If you can make it a pleasant
ENTERTAINMENT as well, then you will be in no DANGER of missing out any
words.
The two ladies wore IDENTICAL dresses to the party. They were
IDENTICALLY dressed but they did not* seem to mind at all. I have kitted
out my kitchen with the new range from our local IRONMONGER’S shop.
Nowadays IRONMONGERY does not have to be made of metal, it simply means
hardware for the house and home. One could send a MESSENGER to the
office instead of going ONESELF. It is beneficial to sometimes give
ONESELF a day off from PRACTISING. He used his shorthand to produce his
first MANUSCRIPT for his book. There were dozens* of PASSENGERS waiting
at the barrier. I waited with all these STRANGERS for my train to come
in. HENCEFORWARD* I will be catching an earlier train. He started a new
business and THENCEFORWARD* began to prosper in his affairs.
* "did not" Not phrased, so that it is not read as
"do not"
* "dozens" Helpful to insert vowel, as it could
look similar to "thousands"
* "henceforward, thenceforward" Compare the Optional Contractions for
"henceforth" and "thenceforth"
www.long-live-pitmans-shorthand.org.uk/contractions-optional.htm
The MINISTRY of Defence has issued their new staff guidelines booklet.
He has decided to leave his job and enter the MINISTRY. The kind
MINISTRATIONS of the nurses greatly helped the patients in the hospital.
His remarks were seen as a MONSTROUS insult to all concerned. We have
been MONSTROUSLY treated all during this affair. The statue was a
MONSTROSITY of iron and concrete. The salesman’s job is to DEMONSTRATE
the machinery*. He has been DEMONSTRATING vacuum* cleaners in the store
all week. The professor DEMONSTRATED to the students how the chemicals
reacted under various circumstances. I REMONSTRATED with the shop
assistant but they would not replace the item. It is no good
REMONSTRATING with them as they will not listen to you. You should not
have REMONSTRATED with your teacher in that way. By way of
REMONSTRATION, the whole group of people walked out. This action clearly
DEMONSTRATED their opinions on this. (1306 words)
* "machinery" Optional contraction
* "vacuum" The shorthand dictionary shows the older pronunciation with a
triphone i.e. "va-cue-um"
Top of page
Contractions 5 (26 June 2015)
I hope* your KNOWLEDGE of shorthand is increasing and you are becoming
KNOWLEDGEABLE about how to write everything and how to PRACTISE
successfully. You can now speak KNOWLEDGEABLY to others, and your KNOWLEDGEABILITY on the subject* is becoming widely known. Those who
doubted your capability will finally have to ACKNOWLEDGE your success,
and those who have already ACKNOWLEDGED this fact may possibly be
thinking of taking up the subject as well. ACKNOWLEDGING your triumphs
is all very well*, but the best ACKNOWLEDGEMENT is a practical one,
either in a new job opportunity or higher remuneration, or both.
* Omission phrases "I (h)ope" "on (the) subject" "very (w)ell"
She obtained a job as an ADMINISTRATOR in the personnel department. An
ADMINISTRATORSHIP position is generally better paid than others. A
female administrator is called an ADMINISTRATRIX although this term is
not in general use. The two companies decided to AMALGAMATE in order to*
take ADVANTAGE of the economies of scale. They will be AMALGAMATING next
year and we think the AMALGAMATION process will be a lengthy one. The
AMALGAMATION of the two clubs will mean that they can share the same
facilities and thus reduce costs to their members. It was not* an
ARBITRARY decision, and we have not* ARBITRARILY chosen our course of
action. This firm specialises in ARBITRATION in disputes between
management and staff. They will ARBITRATE in the situation between these
groups of people and hopefully resolve the DIFFICULTIES. He works as an
ARBITRATOR in a large firm in the city. He has ARBITRATED in many
disagreements between various parties.
* Omission phrase "in ord(er to)"
* "it was not" "we have not" These
phrases do not use the N Hook and Halving method for "not"
This law firm specialises in BANKRUPTCY cases. This company has become
bankrupt, in other words it has been legally declared insolvent which
means it cannot pay its creditors. BANKRUPTCY is sometimes used to
evade* creditors and unscrupulous persons may continue trading under
another name. A machine with a defect or fault is described as
DEFECTIVE. This computer is DEFECTIVE and needs to be replaced. We are
planning to go to ENGLAND and learn the ENGLISH language. We will
practise our skills on our friend who is an ENGLISHMAN. A native of
ENGLAND may be called an ENGLANDER, but this term is not common. Their
neighbour was an ENGLISHMAN who offered to help them with their ENGLISH
language skills. This ENGLISHWOMAN* has travelled all over Europe. My
friend thinks that these ENGLISHWOMEN* are not very fashionably dressed.
We said it would be very UN-ENGLISH to speak to a stranger in this way.
* "evade" and "avoid" Always insert the
second
vowel, as they are similar
in outline and meaning
* "-woman -women" Note the semi-circle W faces different ways in each of
these, to show the different vowels "wooman" and "wimmin"
As nouns, the emphasis is on the first syllable Eng-. If these were
adjective+noun i.e. English man, English women, then the emphasis would
be on the first syllable of the noun, and each word written separately
in both longhand and shorthand to reflect this.
This lady* is the EXECUTIVE officer in charge of
INVESTIGATIONS. She
could be called an EXECUTRIX but again this term is not commonly used.
He is the Chief EXECUTIVE of the company. I have named my brother as the
EXECUTOR of my Will*. You can also appoint a solicitor to be the
EXECUTOR of your Will and affairs. They can take on the EXECUTORSHIP of
any matter that you need help with. They can make INVESTIGATIONS to find
out all the facts* and undertake the IDENTIFICATION of those who should
be contacted. This book helps with the IDENTIFICATION of plants and
animals in the countryside. All the suitcases had an IDENTIFICATION tag
on the handle. It was very INCONSIDERATE of him to behave in this way.
Their INCONSIDERATE actions have resulted in a disagreement between
them*. This employee was behaving very INCONSIDERATELY to the customers.
His regular INCONSIDERATE behaviour and speech resulted in termination
of his employment.
* "lady" Insert first vowel, as it could look like "lad" or "laddie", or
"elder" if written hastily.
* The noun "will" is a full outline. Only the verb "will" uses the plain
L stroke in a phrase. For clarity the longhand often uses the
initial capital for the legal document, but lower case for the noun
"will" meaning "intent/desire/volition".
* Omission phrases "all the (f)acts" "betwee(n) them"
The lawyer undertook an INVESTIGATION into the FALSIFICATION of the
documents. The employee was found guilty of FALSIFICATION of the
FINANCIAL records. He planned to falsify the records, although he knew
that giving false information was illegal. The managing director has a
very INFLUENTIAL position on the board. This new information has been
very INFLUENTIAL in helping him make a decision. He is an INTELLIGENT
person with a sharp mind. We need an INTELLIGENT answer to this problem
as soon as possible*. His speech is clearly INTELLIGIBLE, but his writing
is completely UNINTELLIGIBLE. In this situation we need someone to use
their INTELLIGENCE and come up with an answer. The child is not
UNINTELLIGENT but merely needs encouragement with her school work. At
the interview he answered all the questions* INTELLIGENTLY. The
INTELLIGENTSIA is the name for intellectuals considered as a social or
elite group.
* Omission phrase "as soon as poss(ible)"
* "questions" Optional contraction
The LEGISLATURE is the branch of government with the power to make or
change laws. In other words* they are a LEGISLATIVE body. We have
received* the new LEGISLATIVE guidelines. In my new job I have to learn
all the LEGISLATIVE procedures for our company’s operations. It will
take me a MINIMUM of a year to learn everything about the job. The staff
were negotiating for an increase in the MINIMUM wage for their
department. This student does the MINIMUM of study, and his NEGLIGENCE
is likely to cause him to fail his exams. After the UNFORTUNATE*
accident, the firm was prosecuted for NEGLIGENCE. NEGLIGENCE is when
someone NEGLECTS to do what they should.
* "in other words" Doubling to represent "other"
* Omission phrases "we have (re)ceived"
* "unfortunate" Optional
contraction
The PARLIAMENTARY debate on this matter has been going on all week. Mr
Smith is the PARLIAMENTARY candidate who is standing for election. He
was well acquainted with all the PARLIAMENTARY procedures that were
necessary. He had to answer many questions* from the PARLIAMENTARY
committee. Something that is not consistent with PARLIAMENTARY procedure
or practice is called UNPARLIAMENTARY. It is QUESTIONABLE whether he
intends to finish the job properly*. My teacher said it was QUESTIONABLE
that I would pass all the exams this year. The other students will
UNQUESTIONABLY do very well* in the end of term exams. He reminded us of
the QUESTIONABLENESS of taking this dangerous course of action.
UNFORTUNATELY* she is a person of very QUESTIONABLE morals.
* "properly" Insert the first vowel, and the
diphone in "appropriately", as these are similar in outing and meaning
* "questions" "unfortunately" Optional contractions
* Omission phrase "very (w)ell"
I doubt whether the stain on this shirt is REMOVABLE. Ink stains are not
generally REMOVABLE from clothing. Is this difficulty REMOVABLE or do we
have to work around it? The heavy stone is UNREMOVABLE without some
special machinery*. His confidence is IRREMOVABLE and I am sure he will
succeed. The builder’s work was perfectly SATISFACTORY*
and we shall be
using him again. The students gained SATISFACTORY results* in their
exams. I am glad to report that they have completed the job
SATISFACTORILY. This work is most UNSATISFACTORY and needs to be
corrected. The outcome was UNSATISFACTORY and we will be sending in a
report to that effect. We received DISSATISFACTORY service at the hotel
and will not be returning there. (1058 words)
* "machinery" Optional contraction
*
Omission phrases "perfect(ly) satisfactory" "satisfactory (re)sults"*
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Contractions 6 (27 June 2015)
This is the last article in this series PRACTISING the main
contractions, although there will be another set for the optional
contractions later on. My friends were very SYMPATHETIC when I told them
the news. I am sure that SYMPATHETIC words followed by helpful actions
is the best course to take. The teachers were very UNSYMPATHETIC when
the lazy student failed his exam. Although they were UNSYMPATHETIC, they
did offer some pointers to improve* on future PERFORMANCE. The lady
received a TELEGRAM informing her of what had happened. A TELEGRAM was
the quickest form of written communication, long before the arrival of
emails and texting. The TELEGRAPHIC system has been completely replaced
by modern technology. A TELEGRAPHIC style of speaking or writing means
short, concise or clipped, and may suit a newspaper article.
* Both "improve" and "improvement" make sense here, so a full outline
might be advisable = M + Pr + V hook + halved N" (the halved N
standing for "ment" where an M cannot be joined")
The scientists are studying the distribution of matter in the UNIVERSE.
The UNIVERSE is another word for the entire cosmos. He is studying
MATHEMATICS* at UNIVERSITY. The students visited several UNIVERSITIES in
the country in order to* choose where they would like to study. It is a
UNIVERSAL law that more study and work result in greater success and
achievements. The researchers are looking for a UNIVERSAL cure for this
problem. They dream of a UNIVERSAL language but MATHEMATICS* is the only
universal language that we have. The UNIVERSALITY of these emotions
makes the story attractive to everyone.
* "mathematics"
The shorter words "maths" and
"math" are normal outlines, above the line and vocalised
*
Omission phrase "in ord(er to)"
The following contractions are based on short forms. ANYTHING you do in
the way of practise will improve your speed. There is NOTHING better
than finding you can write faster and still read it back. All previous
doubts about your abilities will fade into NOTHINGNESS. EVERYTHING
becomes possible and hopefully there is SOMETHING in the way of
improved employment or enjoyment at the end of it. It is quite
REMARKABLE how the mind can absorb all this information without any
trouble at all. Shorthand may appear to be a quite UNREMARKABLE subject,
but it is REMARKABLE how this opinion can change if it leads to a better
paid job opportunity. I am sure we are all THANKFUL for those who wrote
the instruction books, and I am certainly not* UNTHANKFUL to all my
shorthand teachers in sharing their KNOWLEDGE and ENTHUSIASM.
* "I am certainly not" N Hook and
Halving to represent "not"
I have assembled all my papers TOGETHER in a file. You will need the
vowel for the following: I have assembled all my papers to go in a file.
TOGETHER we can make a difference to the situation in this town. Taking
all these incidents TOGETHER, it is clear that a change needs to be
made. ALTOGETHER is an adverb which means wholly, entirely or
completely. We are ALTOGETHER confused by these events. I am ALTOGETHER
at a loss* to understand what this means. "All TOGETHER" is a phrase
that means roughly the same as the single word "TOGETHER". We were all
TOGETHER in the room, or you could say, we were TOGETHER in the room.
The friendship club was built on the principles of TOGETHERNESS and
mutual support. WHENEVER I see a notepad, I want to cover it in
shorthand outlines. WHENEVER I hear people speaking, I see the shorthand
outlines. WHATEVER I am doing, I will be thinking of the exam that is
coming up soon. Both parties must attend the court, WHENSOEVER they are
summoned by the official.
* Omission phrase "at (a) loss"
The following are intersected contractions. Last year the management
decided to ENLARGE the office space. It has now been ENLARGED by about
fifty square metres. I thought of ENLARGING my house but it would be too
expensive at present. We have the original photos and also all the
ENLARGEMENTS that were made. They were made with an ENLARGER, which
projects a larger image onto photosensitive paper. These INCANDESCENT
light bulbs get very hot when they remain on for any length of time. We
could* see the INCANDESCENT glow from the furnace at the other end of the
factory. INCANDESCENCE is light coming from a body caused* by its high
temperature. This equipment measures the level of INCANDESCENCE of this
substance.
* "we could" Not phrased, so that
it does not look like "we can"
* "caused " Special outline, to
differentiate from "cost"
It is very INCONVENIENT to find a gap in one’s shorthand notes. This is
an INCONVENIENCE that we can well do without. It might* be
INCONVENIENT
to spare the time to practise but that is NOTHING compared to the
INCONVENIENCE of failing the speed exam. My studies were interrupted
most INCONVENIENTLY. NEVERTHELESS I will give it all the time I can
spare. I will be doing all the exercises NOTWITHSTANDING the fact that*
I have lots of other work to do as well. This person is not
withstanding* the pressures very well at all. We are sending a letter to
all the RATEPAYERS to tell them of the increases. The contraction is
only used for the plural not for the singular ratepayer*. An
UNPRINCIPLED* person is tricky, dishonest and lacking the morals EXPECTED
in our society. This person is most UNPRINCIPLED and will do ANYTHING
for personal gain.
* "might" is not phrased, so that it remains in its own position and
does not look like "may", similarly can/could, no/not,
know/note
* Omission phrase "notwithstanding the (f)act that"
* "not withstanding" Separate words, therefore contraction is not used
* "ratepayer" The contraction is only used in the plural, possibly
because the singular would look too much like a cross, which is used for the
full stop
* "unprincipled" Note that "principled" is a full outline
As there was only CIRCUMSTANTIAL evidence, the judge had to dismiss the
case. Direct evidence is the opposite of CIRCUMSTANTIAL evidence. A
CIRCUMSTANTIAL report is one that gives details and particulars rather
than GENERALISATIONS. The outline for INTEREST is formed like this
merely to make derivatives more easily, which could not happen with a
loop. I have an INTEREST in shorthand and if you are also INTERESTED you
may borrow my book. It is an INTERESTING fact that* shorthand is never
derided by those who have mastered it. INTERESTINGLY we now find
ourselves firmly in this category. If you are DISINTERESTED, this means
that you have no INTEREST WHATEVER and are indifferent to the subject.
DISINTERESTEDNESS* and lack of motivation are the reasons why this
course has been abandoned. The noun DISINTEREST* also means lack of bias
or involvement. This dispute is best resolved by a DISINTERESTED party
who has no involvement with the company. Once you have mastered all the
contractions, you may be very INTERESTED in finding out how much it
helps reduce hesitations and so increase speed. (1001 words)
* Omission phrase "fac(t) that"
* See note on "disinterest" and "disinterestedness" at
www.long-live-pitmans-shorthand.org.uk/contractions-main.htm
* "how much" Full form for
"much" to join the phrase, and also helps differentiate from "how large"
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