October 12, 2006: Issue 160
Watch out for modifiers that repeat information specified by other words in the sentence.
redundant:
The end result was a brighter, roomier kitchen.
Neighbors from the surrounding area applauded the renovation.
A new two-story addition gave the kids a playroom and their parents a master suite.
She tried three different reds before she settled on one with a hint of orange.
tightened:
The result was a brighter, roomier kitchen.
Neighbors applauded the renovation.
A two-story addition gave the kids a playroom and their parents a master suite.
She tried three reds before she settled on one with a hint of orange.
ON SIM STYLEBOOK.COM: Find a list of redundant words and phrases.
ROUTING TIP: Never make changes to a file unless you have the routing slip. Don’t worry about what folder the file is in—whether it’s in a folder marked “at CEs,” for instance. All you need to know is whether you have that routing slip. If you need emergency access to a file that’s been routed to the copy desk, talk to a copy editor about getting the file (and the routing slip) back. You’ll spend a few minutes, but please understand that if you alter a file when you don’t have the routing slip, you’ll spend far longer trying to clear up the confusion of duplicate files, overwritten files, or mismatched files and printouts.
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