English Reference Book

2. Tautology.a. Tautology means saying the same thing twice, and is a common fault in writtenwork; it is often noticeable when a writer tries to be impressive but succeeds only inbeing wearisome, and his rhetoric becomes ineffective. You must ensure that youavoid such expressions as the following:The subject of the lecture will be about … (There is confusion between ‘thesubject will be …’ and ‘the lecture will be about …’).The cause of the delay is due to the shortage of materials. (There is confusionbetween ‘the cause of the delay is the shortage’ and ‘the delay is due to theshortage’).By far the greater majority … (There is confusion between ‘the great majority’and ‘by far the greater number’).The reason we are starting so early is because we want to miss the rush-hourtraffic. (There is confusion between ‘The reason is that’ and ‘because’).b. In the above examples, 2 expressions are used where only one is required;there are many other similar expressions which you may find yourself duplicating ifyou do not strive at all times to make your writing concise and clear.ErrorCorrection1 We must ask you to limit yourparticipation to one submarine only.We must ask you to limit yourparticipation to one submarine.2 Landing fees may be waived, providedat least 10 per cent of your grosstakings is given to RAF charities;otherwise landing fees must becharged.Landing fees may be waived providedat least 10 per cent of your grosstakings is given to RAF charities.3 A translation has been made; thepurpose is so that NATO can agree onstandardization.A translation has been made; thepurpose is for NATO to agree onstandardization.4 It is essential that cranes must beavailable.Cranes must be available …5 The scope of this paper considers thefollowing 3 points:This paper considers the following 3points:6 With few exceptions, most of the UK’sgeneral purpose forces are committedto NATO.Most of the UK’s general-purposeforces are committed to NATO.7 In both cases, 96 hours’ notice isrequired to activate either route.Ninety-six hours’ notice is required toactivate either route.20-2