策略之一:用介词短语替代从句。例:
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:删除诸如"who is”或"that is"之类的关系代词,变从句为短语。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"改用形容词来表达,节省了四个不必要的单词"which is written in"。我们经常可以将关系代词如"that"去掉,这只会引起最少的变动。
策略之三:剔除你不需要的单词。例:
Two joint partners will present their views over a long-distance telephone call.
写完这样的句子后,你自己再读一遍,挑出单词"joint"和"telephone",注意删去不必要的词。