Page 97 - Improve_Your_Written_English [Marion_Field]
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I M PR OV IN G Y OUR S TY LE / 83



        AVOIDING UNNECESSARY REPETITION
        ◆ Remember that nouns do not usually need to be repeated
           within the same sentence.
        ◆ Replace them with pronouns:


            He tried on his new boots. The boots were too tight.


        This should be:


            He tried on his new boots. They were too tight.

        Rejecting tautologies
        A tautology is where the same thing is said twice over in
        different ways, for example:


            The last chapter will be at the end of the book.

            The people applauded by clapping their hands.

        These two sentences are repetitious. ‘The last chapter’ will
        obviously be at the end so it is not necessary to say so.
        ‘Applause’ is usually shown by clapping so ‘by clapping their
        hands’ is unnecessary.


        Varying the sentence
        If sentences frequently begin with the same word, the word
        becomes monotonous. Avoid the temptation to start con-
        secutive sentences in the same way.


            She cautiously opened the door. She saw who stood on
            the doorstep so she hurriedly closed it. She ran back to
            the dining room. She started to cry. She was distraught.
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