168 English Grammar Demystifi ed
How much simpler would it be to say, I shopped on Thursday because I knew the
vegetables would be fresh.
Repetition of ideas is another common error:
Wordy: Here is a picture of the new Mac desktop that they just introduced.Corrected: Here is a picture of the newly introduced Mac desktop.Wordy: George Washington, he was most notably painted by Gilbert StuartCorrected: George Washington was most notably painted by Gilbert Stuart.One last but very important rule: Substitute strong verbs for boring noun
phrases.
Wordy: If you have an objection to the menu, please let me know.Corrected: If you object to the menu, please let me know.Wordy: Please make a recommendation for chairperson.Corrected: Please recommend a chairperson.Written Practice 7-8
Simplify each of the following sentences.
- The tour on the buggy tour of Charleston was enlightening.
- Our reason for leaving the party early was because we knew how heavy the
traffi c would be. - Here is an example of the new hybrid vehicle just introduced at the
automobile exposition. - This is a report about an analysis of our town water.
- I have a suspicion that the meeting will end in an argument.