Avoiding unnecessary repetition
◆ Remember thatnounsdo not usually need to be repeated
within the same sentence.
◆ Replace them withpronouns:
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.IMPROVING YOUR STYLE / 83