diff --git a/src/xfaces.c b/src/xfaces.c
index 6ff252b0233..711ec48bbdd 100644
--- a/src/xfaces.c
+++ b/src/xfaces.c
@@ -6957,9 +6957,9 @@ function, do:
 
 You probably want to use the face-remap package included in Emacs
 instead of manipulating face-remapping-alist directly.  Note that many
-of the functions inthat package modify the list destructively, so make
-sure to set it to a fresh value (for instance, use `copy-tree' as in
-the example above).
+of the functions in that package modify the list destructively, so make
+sure you set it to a fresh value (for instance, use `copy-tree' as in
+the example above) before modifying.
 
 Because Emacs normally only redraws screen areas when the underlying
 buffer contents change, you may need to call `redraw-display' after