7.4.4 Phrases beginning with with |
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Sometimes writers stretch the idea of "with" too far. In fact, the word may have become an all-purpose subordinator, the word with which to make a relationship of any vague sort any time at all. Use "with" most precisely to mean "accompanied by," to introduce an agent of an effect, to mean "at the time of," or to signify association.
This sentence seems to fit none of the categories above: "Operations are centered in Taft, RI, with a satellite office in Deerfield, MA." Such a sentence should be restated, perhaps as follows: "Operations are centered in Taft, RI, though the company has a satellite office in Deerfield, MA." Sometimes the problem may be that the "with" modifier is misplaced, as follows: "Balance sheet is very strong with 2.3:1 current ratio and .74:1 debt-to-worth ratio." That might be more clearly stated this way: "The balance sheet, with a 2.3:1 current ratio and .74:1 debt-to-worth ratio, is very strong." According to Modern American Usage, edited by Jacques Barzun,
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