● 重复造成的冗余
这一点分为以下三种情况:
1. simple restatement (same idea presented twice indifferent words)
举例:"we must arrive at the station on time and be punctual."
2. self-evident statement (one idea implicit in another)
举例:"we must arrive at the station on time in order to catch the train。"
3. mirror-image statement (same idea presented first in positive form, then in negative)
举例:"we must arrive at the station on time and not be late."
如果发现了这样的重复,要返回去明确要表达的本意,是不是要表达两个不同的意思。如果是就要更改措辞;如果不是,就要删除重复。有时候根据特殊情况,如果要强调某个意思,也可以保留重复的部分。
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● 反复指代造成的冗余
举个例子:
错误: Now let me discuss how we can overcome our financial and economic difficulties this autumn and how we should strive for a turn for the better regarding our financial and economic situation next year.
正确:Now let me discuss how we can overcome our financial and economic difficulties this autumn and how we can improve the situation next year.
[-The meaning of "situation" is clear from the context, even without the second "financial and economic."
-("Strive for a turn for the better regarding" is only a wordy expression for "improve.")]
如果反复指代的是一个动作,, 那么第二次出现的时候不要用一样的动词,可以用"do so," "do the same," "do likewise," or "do this" 来指代。
如果反复指代的是一个有很多修饰语的名词,那么第二次出现的时候可以去掉修饰语,或者用有总结意义的名字或代词指代,有时候可以用首字母缩写来指代。举例如下:
错误: As far as the work of the Central Advisory Commission is concerned, its general functions are set forth in the new Constitution of the Communist Party of China. According to the Party Constitution, the members of the Central Advisory Commission are to act as political assistants and consultants to the Central Committee.
正确: As far as the work of the Central Advisory Commission is concerned, its general functions are set forth in the new Constitution of the Communist Party of China. According to the Party Constitution, the members of the Commission are to act as political assistants and consultants to the Central Committee.