Refining your writing: A guide to avoiding repetition

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself stuck in the loop of repeating words in your writing? It’s a common challenge, but fear not! This article explores the art of avoiding repetition in text, providing you with practical strategies and exercises to enhance your writing. Let’s explore the fascinating world of words and their alternatives.

Words for repetition avoidance

The word “it” plays a crucial role in the world of repetition avoidance. It refers to something mentioned before without emphasis, making your writing smoother. For instance:

We attended the virtual conference yesterday. It was informative but less engaging than the in-person events we’ve experienced before.

This/These and That/Those

While “it” maintains neutrality, “this” or “these” can add emphasis, often highlighting new or exciting information to be revealed. Conversely, “that” or “those” “those” for things far away or to talk about something mentioned before. For instance: This quarter’s sales have exceeded expectations. However, this doesn’t guarantee long-term success.”

They’re discussing a new strategy! … Okay, sorry, maybe that was premature.

That/Those

“That” and “those” are more empathic than “it” and are used when suggesting greater physical or conceptual distance. They talk about things mentioned before For example, introducing eco-friendly practices is a positive step. However, we must consider the implications of those initiatives on production costs.

In formal English, “that” and “those” can mean ‘the one’ or ‘the ones,’ helping to avoid repetition. We analyzed our project timeline, drawing parallels to that of a seasoned project management team.

The new software outperformed expectations. It delivered results far superior to those of the leading industry competitors.

Such

Signifying types with “Such”

In more formal contexts, “such” is used to refer back to a type previously mentioned maintaining precision:

Many birds migrate thousands of miles using celestial cues for navigation. Such instincts are remarkable, considering the vast distances they cover. 

Utilizing “such” before a noun, especially after expressions like no, the only, the few, the first, etc., adds formality to your writing, for instance: 

The institution warmly invites you to attend the upcoming symposium. This event is the only such gathering dedicated to advancements in scientific research within the region.

Using “Do So” in formal English

Behavioural expression with “Do So”

In formal English, “do so” is a commonly used phrase to avoid repeating verbs, adding a touch of professionalism:

Employees who agree with the revised policy are kindly requested to do so by submitting the acknowledgment form to Human Resources.

The role of synonyms

Significance of synonyms

Synonyms, words, or phrases with the same meaning offer a delightful way to avoid repetition; for example, Deforestation is a critical issue in various rainforests worldwide. Swift action is required to tackle this alarming problem.

Enhancing writing with synonyms

Incorporating synonyms not only prevents monotony but also elevates the quality of your writing, making it more engaging; for example, 

Elephants utilize their extraordinary memory to return to familiar watering holes. These majestic creatures can traverse extensive distances, reaching their preferred destinations with remarkable precision.  

Benefits of repetition avoidance

Shortening texts

One of the immediate benefits of mastering repetition avoidance is the ability to convey the same message more concisely.

Enhancing clarity and readability

These strategies make your writing more apparent, readable, and enjoyable for your audience.

Importance in formal writing

Formal use of “That” and “Those.”

In formal writing, using “that” and “those” adds a layer of sophistication, avoids unnecessary repetition, and contributes to a polished style.

Signifying types with “Such” in formal contexts

In more formal English, employing “such” before a noun adds a touch of formality, particularly when referring to particular types or instances.

Avoiding repetition in text is a valuable skill for any writer. By incorporating words like “it,” “this/those “, “that/those,” “such,” and “do so,” along with the strategic use of synonyms, you can elevate your writing to new heights. Practice regularly, and see the transformative impact on your clarity and engagement.

Exercise: Test your understanding

Read the following sentences and identify areas to use “it,” “this/those,” “that/those,” “such,” and “do so” to avoid repetition.

1. Technology is advancing rapidly, but not all companies are adopting it.
2. The band’s performance was exceptional but did not meet the audience’s expectations.
3. The research findings were surprising. The findings were published in a prestigious scientific journal.
4. The decision to implement eco-friendly practices was crucial. The decision was supported by the majority of employees.
5. The weather conditions were challenging during the expedition. The conditions forced the team to make adjustments.
6. The report highlighted critical issues. The issues were discussed extensively in the board meeting.
7. The concept of time travel has fascinated scientists for years. The concept challenges our understanding of the universe.
8. The benefits of regular exercise are well-documented, but not everyone incorporates exercise into their daily routine.
9. The students excelled in the exams. The exam results were among the best in the school’s history.
10. The innovation in smartphone technology is continuous. The innovation has led to a significant improvement in user experience.

Answers:

1. The technology is advancing rapidly, but not all companies are adopting it.
2. The band’s performance was exceptional but did not meet the audience’s expectations.
3. The research findings were surprising. Such findings were published in a prestigious scientific journal.
4. The decision to implement eco-friendly practices was crucial. It was supported by the majority of employees.
5. The weather conditions were challenging during the expedition. They forced the team to make adjustments.
6. The report highlighted critical issues. They were discussed extensively in the board meeting.
7. The concept of time travel has fascinated scientists for years. It challenges our understanding of the universe.
8. The benefits of regular exercise are well-documented, but not everyone incorporates it into their daily routine.
9. The students excelled in the exams. The exam results were among the best in the school’s history.

The innovation in smartphone technology is continuous. It has led to a significant improvement in user experience.

FAQs