In this post (along with its counterparts) I will provide information on how you can address the following kinds of problems in writing:
Word Repetition
Inappropriate Words or Phrases
Too Many Passive Sentences
Too Many Long Sentences
Too Many Short Sentences
Sentences Beginning with Coordinating Conjunctions
Alright, let's go!
Word Repetition
Repeating some words to emphasize your key points is a good writing technique. However, repeating the same words or sets of words too often gives your writing an immature style. It can also make your essay seem boring.
To write more effectively, try using a variety of vocabulary. Here are a few ideas that can help you:
1. Use synonyms (words that have similar meanings) to replace repeated words. For example, instead of repeating a common verb such as make, where appropriate, use synonyms like these:
create, produce, perform, do, execute, bring about, cause, form, manufacture, construct, build, put up, set up, put together, compose
In the following paragraph, the noun student is repeated too many times:
Think about this situation. A student interviewed many students about what it is like to be an only child. If the teachers in charge of the school paper did not edit names of students from the paper or facts that would give that particular student away to other students, then serious problems could be caused for the students who gave their information.
We can improve this paragraph by using a variety of other words to refer to student. For example:
Think about this situation. A reporter interviewed many students about what it is like to be an only child. If the teachers in charge of the school paper did not edit the individuals’ names from the paper or facts that would give each person away to the readers, then serious problems could be caused for the students who gave their information.
2. Use phrases such as the former, the latter, the first one, and the other to avoid repeating the same nouns. In the following paragraph, the same names are repeated several times:
Of the two sisters, Grace is confident and at ease with everyone. Lily is shy and cautious. Grace always gets what she wants. Lily waits patiently for whatever comes her way. Grace never misses a chance to show
off her many talents. Lily never says boo unless someone asks her a question.
This paragraph can be improved by using a variety of phrases:
Of the two sisters, Grace is confident and at ease with everyone. Lily is shy and cautious. The former always gets what she wants. The latter waits patiently for whatever comes her way. Grace never misses a chance to show off her many talents. Her sister never says boo unless someone asks her a question.
Summary: When you look over your writing, think about how you can replace over- used words and phrases. You can use a thesaurus to help you add variety to your writing.
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