Difference between revisions of "Language/English/Grammar/Verbosity-or-Circumlocution"
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
<div style="font-size:300%;">Verbosity / Circumlocution</div> | <div style="font-size:300%;">Verbosity / Circumlocution</div> | ||
Verbosity (also called circumlocution) is often described as ‘beating about the bush’. It is a mistake related to the use of a lot of words caused by adding irrelevant details to surround the main point. It might seem similar to redundancy but the differences between redundancy and verbosity will be analysed in a subsequent lesson. | |||
==The Causes of Circumlocution== | ==The Causes of Circumlocution== | ||
{| style="border: 1px solid black; border-spacing: 0; margin: 1em auto; padding: 5px;" | {| style="border: 1px solid black; border-spacing: 0; margin: 1em auto; padding: 5px;" | ||
Line 31: | Line 31: | ||
#Because the trends have changed, I refused to buy the bag. (Concise) | #Because the trends have changed, I refused to buy the bag. (Concise) | ||
|} | |} | ||
== Alternatives Table== | |||
Other verbose phrases include: | Other verbose phrases include: | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="display: inline-table;" | {| class="wikitable" style="display: inline-table;" | ||
|- | |- | ||
! Verbose Phrase | ! Verbose Phrase |
Revision as of 16:58, 18 February 2019
Verbosity / Circumlocution
Verbosity (also called circumlocution) is often described as ‘beating about the bush’. It is a mistake related to the use of a lot of words caused by adding irrelevant details to surround the main point. It might seem similar to redundancy but the differences between redundancy and verbosity will be analysed in a subsequent lesson.
The Causes of Circumlocution
In an attempt to expatiate on a statement, people might be tempted to begin a winded rumble. In circumlocution, simple words or groups of words are replaced with irrelevant phrases and sometimes clauses. It is important for a language learner to desist from such errors. In order to do so, it is best to keep in mind the saying ‘less is more’. It is advisable to speak and write in a manner that is concise and straight to the point. This as well should not be overdone so as not to be perceived as being rude.Examples of Sentences with Circumlocution
- She said that the piece was not so interesting as far as the singing was concerned. (Verbose)
- She said that the piece was not well sung. (Concise)
- A person who gardens frequently will have adequate experience. (Verbose)
- A frequent gardener will have adequate experience. (Concise)
- In view of the recent development, the book needs to be revised. (Verbose)
- As regards the recent development, the book needs to be revised. (Concise)
- In accordance with his claim, the suspect maintained his plea. (Verbose)
- Following his claim, the suspect maintained his plea. (Concise)
- Inspite of the fact that I invited him, he didn’t show up. (Verbose)
- Although I invited him, he didn’t show up. (Concise)
- She was released on the grounds that her alibi was fool proof. (Verbose)
- She was released because her alibi was fool proof. (Concise)
- Due to the fact that the trends have changed, I refused to buy the bag. (Verbose)
- Because the trends have changed, I refused to buy the bag. (Concise)
Alternatives Table
Other verbose phrases include:
Verbose Phrase | Better Alternative |
---|---|
In respect of | As to |
With the result that | So that |
To my knowledge and understanding | I know (that) |
In view of | As regards |
Owing to the fact that | Because |
Summary
Circumlocution like its close relative tautology should be avoided at all cost.