20. Use Transitonals, Synonyms and Pronouns

20. Use synonyms and pronouns:

Problem #1:

A succession of sentences that excessively repeats words or phrases without pronouns and synonyms can be mind numbingly painful to read.

Solution:

Use synonyms and pronouns to avoid

redundancy and irrelevance.

-Use repetition of key words or phrases

-synonyms

-pronouns

-repeat key words

(dovetailed, begin-the-same, and end-the-same sentences)

For example:

“My opponent argues that this proposal would cost $3 million. Actually, the cost would not exceed $1 million.”

-Use synonyms to summarize a previously stated idea:

For example:

“In the last scene Jake risks his life for his friends. This heroism clashes with Jake’s earlier cynicism.”

-Use pronouns to avoid tedious repetition:

tedious repetition: The new Lexus sedan’s six-cylinder engine consumes amazingly little oil. Consuming small amounts of oil is one reason for the popularity of the Lexus sedan.

revised with pronouns: The new Lexus sedan’s six-cylinder engine consumes amazingly little oil; this is one reason for the popularity of the car.

-note how “this” replaces “consuming small amounts of oil”