“I am intrigued by your mitigated sense of self-righteousness, but not entirely surprised.”

“This is an unprofitable business and some big decisions will need to be made soon on its future.”

“After yet another unsuccessful venture, he felt like the American dream was eluding him.”

“To them, she was only a minor nuisance, a fly buzzing around the table that would be dispatched with the swat of a rolled-up newspaper.”

“It is said that this area was barren in its early beginnings, but its founder cultivated it to become a viable territory.”

“The heat has left the early summer's potted flowers looking withered.”

“Recent years have seen a decline in the company's influence within the industry.”

“The withering of plants can be accelerated through the use of herbicide.”

“As the plants began to wither and die, John regretted the fact that he hadn't installed the expensive irrigation system he had considered buying the year before.”

“Being unable to compete with the large companies under these circumstances, the small business will fail.”

“How our faces would pale with fear at even the possibility of a single sin to be woven like a thread into the garment in which we are to appear throughout eternity.”

“Everyone knows that I pale easily after watching a horror movie.”