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在写作过程中，当词汇本身所表达的意义已经完美或完整时，不需要再添加任何修饰语，否则就会出现词汇使用的冗余现象（Superfluous）。例如：
冗余句：John was determined to make his mind to lose weight
修改后：John was determined to lose weight.
类似的例子还有：
（一）避免使用make，take，have，give等词构成动词短语
间接表达The financial analyst claimed that because of volatile market conditions she could not make an estimate of the company's future profits.
修改后The financial analyst claimed that because of volatile market conditions she could not estimate the company's future profits.
（二）用行为动词代替联系动词
间接表达The administrative secretary is responsible for monitoring and balancing the budget for travel，contract services，and personnel.
修改后 The administrative secretary monitors and balances the budget for travel，contract services，and personnel.
（三）避免用There be导出句子
间接表达There is another videotape that tells the story of Charles Darwin and introduces the theory of evolution.
修改后 Another videotape tells the story of Charles Darwin and introduces the theory of evolution.
（四）用行为动词代替被动语态或非行为动词
呆板句 There is a river at the foot of the mountain.
修改后 There flows a river at the foot of the mountain.
被动句 A surge of power was responsible for the destruction of the coolant pumps.
The coolant pumps were destroyed by a surge of power.
修改后 A surge of power destroyed the coolant pump.
行话（jargon）指在特定职业或行业内使用的语言，如运动、医学、建筑等行业的专业术语。业内人士很容易理解这些语言，但对外行来说却不易理解。在写作中，我们要尽量选用清楚、直接的词汇表达思想。例如：
行话 Before we put our competitors in the picture，let's rethink our posture on long-term investments.
修改后 Before we put our competitors in success，let's rethink our attitude on long-term investments.
行话 For years the indigenous body of politic of South Africa has attempted to negotiate legal enfranchisement without result.
修改后 For years the indigenous people of South Africa have negotiated in vain for the right to vote.
行话 Mayor Summers will commence his term of office by ameliorating living conditions in economically deprived zones.
修改后 Mayor Summers will begin his term of office by improving living conditions in the poor neighborhood.
委婉语（euphemism）是指使用较含蓄的语言替代直接的话语或表达方式。委婉语的使用主要基于三方面的目的：一是避免刺激，给人以安慰；二是消除粗俗，给人以文雅的印象；三是摒弃陈腐，令人感觉新颖。但当委婉语用于经济、政治、军事等领域时却有粉饰太平、掩盖真相之嫌。
俚语（slang）是指非正式、较口语化的语句，是百姓在日常生活中总结出来的通俗易懂、顺口的常具有地方色彩的语言。有时俚语用以表达新鲜事物，或对旧事物赋以新的说法。英语俚语是一种非正式的语言，通常用在非正式的场合，所以在用俚语时一定要考虑到场合和对象，最好不要随意用，否则会引起误解。
在英文写作中，通常选用普通的词汇表达一般的目的或意图。在正式场合或为了某种特定的目的则选取正式词汇，如描述细节通常选用特定的、具体的词汇，而做总结时则选用概括性或抽象的词汇。词语搭配也很重要，尤其是当同义词比较多时，所选取的词汇要准确表达意义并与整篇文章的内容和风格相匹配。例如：
非正式 I'd like to get that receptionist's job you've got in the paper.
正式 I would like to apply for the receptionist's position listed in the “Peoria Journal Star”。
概括 The senator spoke about the challenge of the future：problems concerning the environment and world peace.
具体 The senator spoke about the challenge of the future：problems concerning the air pollution and terrorism.
原句 The model was skinny and fashionable.（Skinny is negative in connotation）
修改后 The model was slim and fashionable.
原句 Is that old woman sitting on the bench your mother？
修改后 Is that elderly lady sitting on the bench your mother？（Positive in connotation）
原句 This ugly old man is a well-known musician.
修改后 This homely old man is a well-known musician.（Positive in connotation）
在英语写作中，当涉及性别时，尽可能选用中性词，避免性别歧视之嫌。例如：
原句 After the nursing student graduates，she must face a difficult state board examination.
修改后 After the nursing students graduate，they must face a difficult state board examination.
