Avoiding repetition of words

Though words may be repeated deliberately, for effect, repetitions will seem awkward if they are clearly unnecessary. When a more concise version is possible, choose it.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Our fifth patient, in room is, is a mentally ill patient. Revised sentence: Our fifth patient, in room is, is mentally ill.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: The best teachers help each student to become a better student both academically and emotionally. Revised sentence: The best teachers help each student to grow both academically and emotionally.

There’s no good reason to repeat patient or student within the same sentence.

NOTE:Not all repetition is undesirable. Sometimes repeating key words from sentence to sentence is a very effective means for gaining coherence.

Exercise: Wordy sentences 1

Exercise: Wordy sentences 2

Exercise: Wordy sentences 3

Exercise: Wordy sentences 4

Exercise: Wordy sentences 5