Writing Skills Series

Avoiding repetition
We have a saying in the UK: 'Variety is the spice of life.' It would be a dreadfully dull world if everything and everyone was exactly the same. This also applies to the sentences we write.

Repetition at the start of sentences

If we start each sentence with the same word or the sentence pattern, then we risk boring our readers. Even worse, if we start each of our sentences with the word 'I', your reader may think you are a little conceited! Remember that a little variety will help maintain your reader's interest and attention. Therefore, try to vary the types of sentences you use, and definitely avoid starting each sentence with the same word.

Avoid using the same word to start each sentence

Here are some techniques that can prevent you from using the same word to start each sentence.

Use conjunctions (linking words or phrases) Using a conjunction at the beginning of a new sentence is a simple and effective way of 'pushing' the offending word deeper into the sentence.

Example: Original sentences - I have had many years' experience of working in accounting and audit. I have been instrumental in amending the financial reporting policies of the group. Amended sentences - I have had many years' experience of working in accounting and audit. Furthermore, I have been instrumental in amending the financial reporting policies of the group.

GnosisLearning, 2009

Writing Skills Series

Join sentences together (again, using a conjunction) Why have two similar sentences when you can have just one? We can sometimes join sentences together to form one larger one that contains both elements. This is especially true if we want to add or contrast information, or if we need to explain a result or reason.

Example: Original sentences - I have had many years' experience of working in accounting and audit. I have been instrumental in amending the financial reporting policies of the group. Amended sentences - I have had many years' experience of working in accounting and audit, and have been instrumental in amending the financial reporting policies of the group.

Change the order of clauses within a sentence We can change the order of clauses to avoid repetition. For example, by putting a subordinate clause at the beginning of a sentence, we can give the impression that we have used a completely different type of sentence. We can also change the word order of a sentence by using the Passive Voice. However, please only use this if the meaning of your sentence remains clear. If your sentence becomes too complex, then revert back to the Active Voice.

Example: Original sentences - We will include our comments once we have gathered all the relevant information. We will send the final report as soon as it is finished. Revised sentences - We will include our comments once we have gathered all the relevant information. As soon as it is finished, we will send the final report.

GnosisLearning, 2009

Writing Skills Series

Use the 'full' word instead of a (im)personal pronoun It is sometimes a little too easy to begin a sentence with either a personal pronoun ('she', 'I', 'our', etc.) or impersonal one ('it', 'this', 'their', etc.). In order to avoid repetition, we can sometimes replace these pronouns with the words of the things they describe (e.g. 'the company policy' can replace 'our policy').

Example: Original sentences - This investigation could be very damaging to our public image. This obviously needs to be protected at all costs. Amended sentences - This investigation could be very damaging to our public image. The reputation of our company obviously needs to be protected at all costs.

Use alternative phrases Instead of using the same phrase over and over again, you may be able to use alternatives. These have the same meaning as the original phrase, but add a little more sparkle to your writing.

Example: Original sentences - I think the company has an obligation to its workforce. I think we therefore need to implement more family-friendly policies. Amended sentences - I think the company has an obligation to its workforce. We should therefore implement more family-friendly policies.

Sometimes we can combine a number of the above techniques at the same time.

Example: Original sentences - I think the company has an obligation to its workforce. I think we therefore need to implement more family-friendly policies. Amended sentences - I think the company has an obligation to its workforce. Therefore, more family-friendly policies should be implemented.

GnosisLearning, 2009