編修英文 (Copyediting Skills)

    [ Exercise 16 ]

    1. A laser printer may cost more than an ink jet printer. [ more >>> ]
      EDITOR'S NOTE
      Avoid starting a sentence with There or It. Consider the following examples:

      Original
      There appears to be a fluctuation in the curve.
      Revised
      The curve appears to fluctuate.

      Original
      It was her decision that led to his promotion.
      Revised
      Her decision led to his promotion.

      Original
      There is little doubt that the proposed procedure outperforms the conventional one.
      The proposed procedure undoubtedly (clearly, obviously) outperforms the conventional one.

      Original
      It is multifunction printers that combine printing and scanning capabilities.
      Revised
      Multifunction printers combine printing and scanning capabilities.

    2. The systems manager must limit the number of users.[ more >>> ]
      EDITOR'S NOTE
      Several common phrases beginning with It is can be omitted since they do not add to the sentence's meaning. Such examples include
      It is well known that
      It may be said that
      It is a fact that
      It is evident that
      It has been found that
      It has long been known that
      It goes without saying that
    3. The study group must focus on cooperating with each other
      (or The study group must cooperate with each other.)       [ more >>> ]
      EDITOR'S NOTE
      Instead of entirely omit It is or There is phrases, substitute words can greatly simplify the sentence. Consider the following examples:
      Instead of Say
      It is possible that may, might, could
      There is a need for must, should
      It is important that must, should
      It could happen that may, might, could
      There is a necessity for must
      It is necessary/critical/crucial/imperative that must
      It is noted that Notably
      It is interesting to note that Interestingly
      It is obvious/clear that Obviously, / Clearly

    4. The committee may decide to cancel the exhibition. [ more >>> ]

    5. Both parties must agree on the delivery terms. [ more >>> ]

    6. Both sides must immediately negotiate the final conditions. [ more >>> ]

    7. The systems manager must consider the program's current status. [ more >>> ]

    8. The site manager must assess the control strategy. [ more >>> ]

    9. The academic advisor must arrange the class schedule. [ more >>> ]

    10. The department manager does not need to be responsible for coordinating the tasks. [ more >>> ]

    11. The team leader does not need to be responsible for all the assignments. [ more >>> ]

    12. The teacher does not need to correct the tests. [ more >>> ]