Grammar, Punctuation and Capitalization - Handbook for Technical ...

Chapter 2. Sentence Structure Page 33PoorBetterPoorBetterContinuous cyclic exposure resulted in1. The matrix diffusing to the reaction layer2. Degradation of the strength of the compositematerialContinuous cyclic exposure resulted in1. Diffusion of the matrix to the reaction layer2. Degradation of the strength of the compositematerialThe investigation was conducted1. To determine mechanisms causing strengthdegradation2. Because the rate of degradation varied widelydepending on the composite matrixThe investigation was conducted1.2.To determine mechanisms causing strengthdegradationTo explain the wide variation in degradation rate forvarious composite matrixes2.4. Brevity and ConcisenessTechnical writing should be concise, free of redundancy and unnecessary detail. Minimizing the number of wordsto achieve brevity does not necessarily result in conciseness and may destroy the emphasis, the pace, and perhapsthe meaning of a passage. However, wordiness seems to be a common fault of technical writing, and editorsshould delete unnecessary or redundant words.2.4.1. WordinessMany reference books contain sections containing lists of wordy, redundant, or trite expressions (for example,Skillin et al. 1974, p. 407ff; and Rowland 1962, chapter XIV). We suggest that writers and editors occasionallyperuse such lists in order to remain sensitive to unnecessary wordiness. Tichy and Fourdrinier (1988) classifyseven types of common wordiness and list numerous examples of each:• Tautology, the unnecessary repetition of an ideaac currentOmit current20 sec in duration Omit in durationclose proximityOmit closein the range of 1to 10Replace in the range of with from• Dilute verbs (see section 2.2.2)