Avoid Unnecessary Shifts in a Sentence 避免不必要的句中轉換 Unit Seven Avoid Unnecessary Shifts in a Sentence 避免不必要的句中轉換

Another obstacle to clarity in technical writing is unnecessary shifts in subject, tense, voice and mood.

Example (Original) When a computer user is finished writing a program, you should shut down the system properly. The editor should avoid shifts from Third Person to Second Person, or vice versa.

(Revised1) When a computer user is finished writing a program, he or she should shut down the system properly. (Revised2) When a computer user is finished writing a program, the system should be shut down properly.

Example (Original) The secretary prefers using a laser jet printer instead of an ink jet printer because they produce a finer quality print. (Revised) The secretary prefers using a laser jet printer instead of an ink jet printer because it produces a finer quality print.

Example (Original) The laboratory assistant performed the experiment and then summarizes her findings. (Revised) The laboratory assistant performed the experiment and then summarized her findings.

Example (Original) Wu (2000) thoroughly reviewed technology trends within the telecommunications industry, indicating that research involving broad bandwidths was increasing. However, a shift in verb tense is necessary if the author is stating a fact, situation or assumption.

(Revised) Wu (2000) thoroughly reviewed technology trends within the telecommunications industry, indicating that research involving broad bandwidths is increasing. In the above example, research involving broad bandwidths is increasing is a fact. Therefore, the verb should be is instead of was.