Page 121 - English for Writing Research Papers

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Note how in the sentence immediately preceding this one I have specified what the
last case refers to by putting the example words in brackets. Otherwise you might
have initially thought that the last case referred to the previously mentioned case
(i.e. aimed with targeted ). Putting an explanation in brackets or using i.e. is a great
way of clarifying what you mean, particularly when you are forced to use a generic
phrase that could be open to ambiguity.

Avoid repeating the same link words when they are close to each other either in the

same sentence or a series of sentences. Again, some readers will find such repetition
irritating. For example:
The lack of tolerance towards the plight of others generally showed by rich people is likely due
to their family background. In fact such intolerance can either be due to the fact that their family
has always had money , therefore they are almost immune to the rest of the world and live liter-
ally on their own planet. Alternatively it may be due to the fact that their family actually had
very little money , and in this case due to the allure of money, and due to the fact that the person

feels justified in accumulating money (they never want to feel poor again) the poor people that
surround them seem to vanish into the background.
In the above extract several words are repeated. Tolerance, family, and money
are key words and there is no need to replace them. The repetition of poor is
acceptable – it is highlighting an important point. However, the repetition of due
to is unnecessary as there are many alternative forms: caused by, as a result of,
because of etc.

Finally, don't be worried if a sentence contains two instances or more of the same
preposition (typically of ). Most prepositions don't have exact synonyms, so don't be

creative in trying to find them! This is particularly true when deciding on the title for
your paper (see 12.3 ).

However, do check that you have used the preposition correctly, for example we say
'an increase of 10%' but 'an increase in infl ation' ( of plus a percentage, in plus a
noun – see 14.11 in English for Research: Grammar, Usage and Style ).

Synonyms are also essential when you need to paraphrase the work of others or your
own work (see 11.5 – 11.9 ).