原句:While they were playing tennis, she started an argument that lasted all morning.
修改后:During tennis she started an argument that lasted all morning.
原句:When you come to the second traffic light, turn right.
修改后:At the second traffic light turn left.
策略之二:刪除諸如"who is”或"that is"之類的關(guān)系代詞,變從句為短語(yǔ)。例:
原句:The novel, which is written in three parts, told a story that took place in the Middle Ages.
修改后:The three-part novel told a story set in the Middle Ages.
注:把句中的"three parts"改用形容詞來(lái)表達(dá),節(jié)省了四個(gè)不必要的單詞"which is written in"。我們經(jīng)常可以將關(guān)系代詞如"that"去掉,這只會(huì)引起最少的變動(dòng)。
策略之三:剔除你不需要的單詞。例:
Two joint partners will present their views over a long-distance telephone call.
寫(xiě)完這樣的句子后,你自己再讀一遍,挑出單詞"joint"和"telephone",注意刪去不必要的詞。