美国人写作三个原则（二）

这就像美国大文豪马克吐温 Mark Twain 说的：我不愿在字典里找长字或难字，我绝不用metropolis这个字，因为我同样可以用city这个字来代替。罗斯福总统为了强调美国政府不会遗忘那些穷人，在一篇讲词里用了这么一句：We are endeavoring to construct a more inclusive society.后来被人批评咬文嚼字，卖弄文笔。如果用浅白易懂的字眼写成：We are going to make this country in which no one is left out.或We are trying to make everyone equal.也许更简单明白!

2. 老外也主张不写噜苏或绚丽的字眼(flowery or wordy)，句子应该越短越好，一句能用两个字，绝不多加一个。 例如：

At this point in time, we should pull together for our goal.(现在我们应该为我们的目标团结一致!)(如果说：Now, we should pull更简单。因为 at this point in time = now)

Despite the fact that my English is not very good, I am not discouraged. (虽然我的英语不好，但我不灰心。)(如果说：Although my English is not 就更简短。因为despite the fact that= although = Though)

I am of the opinion that Mr. Lee should resign from this position.(我想李先生应该辞职。)(假如说：I think Mr. Lee should不是更简单吗?因为I am of the opinion = I think)

He quitted the job due to the fact that he was sick.(他由于生病而辞职)(若说：He quitted the job because he was sick. 更简单。因为 due to the fact that = because)

In the majority of cases, he likes to ride bike to the office.(他通常喜欢骑单车去办公室。)(如果说：Usually, he likes to ride 更简单。因为 in the majority of cases = usually)

She shows a preference for tea rather than coffee.(她喜欢茶而不是咖啡。)(若说：She prefers tea rather更简短清楚，因为 show a preference for = prefer)

I will bring the matter to the attention of Mr. Wang.(我要通知王先生。)如果只说：I will tell Mr. Wang(about the matter). 不是更简单吗?因为 bring the matter to the attention of = tell = inform)(句子最后面：about the matter可以省去);同理，也要避免意义的重复或用字的多余(redundant)， 例如：

The consensus(of opinion)is that we have to act right away.(大家认为我们必须立即行动。)(of opinion 可以省去，因为 consensus 的意思，就是大家的意见。)

The letter shows that the problem(continues to)remain unsolved.(他的信表明问题尚未解决。)(continue to 是多余的字，因为 remain 已经有 continue 的含意。所以句子就成为 The letter shows that the problem remains unsolved.)