Advanced Structure English Education Study Program

CHAPTER 4
USED TO, BE USED TO, GET USED TO & REDUNDANCY

PRE-TEST
Direction: These questions are incomplete sentences. Beneath each sentence you will see five
words or phrases, marked (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E). Choose the one word or phrase that the best
complete the sentence.

1. You'll have to get used to ………. on 6. It took me a while to get used to ………..
the right when you live there. on a continental keyboard.
A. drive A. lives
B. to drive B. typing
C. driving C. lived
D. drove D. to live
E. driven E. lived

2. The children used to ……… football on 7. Jerry used to help me with my

Saturdays when they were at school. homework when he had time. But he
A. playing ……….. that anymore.
B. play A. doesn't do
C. played B. will not do
D. to play C. did not used to do
E. to be played D. had not to do
E. would not do
3. In this time, I'm not used to ………. so
much alcohol. 8. The girl ……… use to like western
A. drinking music, but now she does.
B. to drink A. did not
C. drank B. do not
D. be drinking C. had not
E. drunken D. would not
E. will not
4. When the boys were young, they used to
………. in the lake. 9. The tall man has lived in a big city for
A. to swim ten years, so he…………………… the
B. swim noise.
C. swam A. used to
D. swimming B. used to be
E. to be swam C. using to
D. uses
5. It took me a while to get used to E. to be used to
………. the language.
A. to speak 10. My brother, jack always ……….. afraid
B. spoke of the dark.
C. spoken A. would
D. speak B. can
E. speaking C. had to
D. was
E. used to be

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A. Used To
1. What is ‘ Used to ‘ ?
‘ Used to ‘ is a phrase that can mean ‘ accustomed or habituated to ‘ or refers to
something from the past that is no longer true. Use to and used to are also
frequently used in English grammar as modal verb phrases. So, used to ‘expresses
a finished habit, or terminated situation.
We use used to + infinitive to talk about a past situation that is no longer true. It
tells us that there was a repeated action or state in the past which has now
changed.
Pattern: S + Used to + Bare Infinitive + Obj + Adv !
Examples:
a. Markus used to go to Brighton when I was a child. But I don't any longer.
b. She used to love me but not anymore.
c. I used to take a bus to school, but now my father gives me a ride.
d. We used to play at this river when we were at Junior high school.
e. Brown used to hear this song when he was young.
f. I used to want to be a lawyer but then I realized how hard they work!
g. After class, we like to get breakfast at a café down the street. Every week, she
orders the same thing: banana pancakes. I used to eat pancakes. But now I
enjoy something lighter, like yogurt and fruit.

2. ‘ Used to ‘ is same with ‘accustomed to’.

Examples:
❖ I used to go to the beach every holiday
I accustomed to go to the beach every holiday.
❖ He used to speak fast two years ago.
He accustomed to speak fast two years ago.

3. After ‘ used to ‘ is not any verb, ‘ be ‘ is put after ‘ used to ‘ and followed
with noun phrase (NP)/ Adjective Phrase (AP)
Pattern: S + Used to + be + Noun Phrase (NP) / Adjective Phrase (AP) + …..!
Examples:
a. There used to be a little park with a tree house near my house but now
there is not.
b. Our offices used to be in the city center. Now we’ve relocated to a quieter
area in the suburbs.
c. Tommy used to be afraid with a dog but now he likes it.
d. She used to be a long-distance runner when she was younger.
e. The girl used to be a good winner.
4. Alternative with ‘ used to ‘
‘ would & was/were ‘ in the form of Simple Past can be used as alternative ‘
used to ‘. Simple Past is also used to identify the past facts or it can be said as
generalization an activity in the past.
Examples:

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a. I would ask you some help, but now I don’t.

b. She was shy as a child, but now she is very outgoing.
c. He didn't like tomatoes before.
d. Did you live in Texas when you were a kid?
e. People paid much more to make cell phone calls in the past.

5. ‘Used to’ in Past Real Conditional Sentence

Then , ‘ used to ‘ can be used for ‘ Past Real Conditional Sentence‘ in order to
stress that something is habit in the past.
Examples:
a. If I went to a friend's house for dinner, I used to take a bottle of wine or some
flowers. I don't do that anymore.
b. If the weather was nice, she used to walk to work. Now, she usually drives.
c. A: What did you usually do when it rained?
B: I used to stay at home.

6. ‘ Used to’ in Negative & Interrogative

The verb ‘ used to’ is a 'marginal' modal verb. Unlike the other modal verbs, it is
only found in the past tense. Therefore, when it is used with do to make negatives
and questions, the form of the auxiliary verb is always ‘ did ‘. Look at and study
the following pattern and the examples:

Positive Negative Interrogative

S + used to + Bare Inf S + did not + use to + Did + S + use to + Bare Inf+
+Obj + Adv! Bare Inf + Obj + Obj + Adv!?
Adv!
1 I used to go jogging every I did not use to go Didn't you use to go jogging every
morning before breakfast jogging every morning morning before breakfast?
before breakfast.
2 We used to speak English a We didn’t use to speak Did we use to speak English a lot
lot in our previous English a lot in your in our previous company?
company? previous company.
3 The man used to come The man did not use to Did you use to come here as a
here as a child. come here as a child. child?
4 Philip used to sleep very Philip didn't use to sleep Did Philip use to sleep very well,
well, but then he started very well, but then he but then he started doing yoga and
doing yoga and it really started doing yoga and it it really helps?
helps. really helps.
S + used to + be + SC + …! S + didn’t + use to + Did + S + use to + be + SC +
be + SC + …! …?
5 It used to be that way. It didn’t use to be that Did /didn’t It used to be that way?
way.
6 It used to be difficult to It didn’t use to be Did /didn’t it used to be difficult

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find a job in this country.
It’s become much harder
recently.
7 Our offices used to be in
the city center. Now we’ve
relocated to a quieter area in
the suburbs.
difficult to find a job in
this country. It’s become
much harder recently.
Our offices didn’t use to
be in the city center. Now
we’ve relocated to a
quieter area in the
suburbs.
to find a job in this country? It’s
become much harder recently.
Did / didn’t our offices used to
be in the city center. Now we’ve
relocated to a quieter area in the
suburbs?

B. ‘ Be used to ‘ in The Simple Present

‘ Be used to ‘ can be considered as an adjective meaning ‘ accustomed ‘ , as it explains
the noun followed by the preposition ‘ to’ + noun/pronoun or gerund. It is used to say that
something is normal, not unusual.
• be used to + object
• be used to + gerund (v-ing)
1. S + is/am/are + used to + object (noun/noun phrase/adjective
phrase) + (Adv) !
This pattern is used after ‘ used to ‘ followed with: noun / noun phrase/
adjective phrase and identify that that something is normal, not unusual.
Examples:
a. I am used to cats. ( Saya terbiasa dengan kucing)
S P Obj

b. The man is not used to children. ( Lekali itu tidak terbiasa dengan anak-anak)
S P Obj

c. We are not used to her anger. ( Kita tidak terbiasa dengan kemarhanya)
S P Obj

d. My brother, Hendri is used to hard work. ( Dia terbiasa dengan kerja keras)
S P Obj

e. They've always lived in hot countries so they aren't used to the cold weather
S P Obj
here.
f. I can study with the TV on. I am used to it. It means I am accustomed,
S P Obj
adjusted, or don't mind having the TV play while I'm studying.
g. Tim had a hard time living in Tokyo. He wasn't used to so many people.
S P Obj
Tim didn't have experience being with big crowds of people before.
h. A few weeks ago, I finally persuaded my friend Tania to come. She is not a
morning person. But after a month of our new routine, she is getting used to
S P
the early hours.
obj
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2. S + is/am/are + Used to + Gerund ( V-ing) + Obj + Adv !

This pattern is used after ‘ used to ‘ followed with ‘gerund (v-ing) ‘ and identify
that that something is normal, not unusual.
Examples:
1. I am used to living on my own. I've done it for quite a long time.
2. They are used to working in a noisy room.
3. Clara used to living on her own. She has done it for quite a long time.
4. Hans has lived in England for over a year so he is used to driving on the left
now.
5. On Saturday, I got up early to go to my 7 o’clock yoga class. Most of my
friends like to sleep late on weekends. But I've been going to this class for a
year now. So I am used to waking at sunrise.

C. Get Used to
‘ Get used to ‘ shows that something is in the process of becoming normal.
1. S + get/got used to + Object (Noun/Noun Phrase/Adjective
Phrase) + Adv!
After ‘ used to ‘ is followed with ‘ noun / noun phrase/ adjective phrase’ that
function of noun / noun phrase/ adjective phrase are ‘ object ‘.
Examples:
a. He doesn't like eating rice, but he will get used to it.
b. She found the weather is so hot, but she got used to them.
c. Since the accident, she has become very depressed. But I think she will get
used to her new life soon.
d. He doesn't like that small town, but he will get used to it.
e. She found the heels too high, but she got used to them.
f. But after a month of our new routine, she is getting used to the early hours.
g. I hated this haircut at first. But I got used to it. I like it now!
h. The baby will not get used to the new sitter. I think she misses her dad.

2. S + get /got/ + used to + Gerund (V- ing) + Adv!

After ‘get/got used to’ is followed with verb must be put ‘ Gerund (V-Ing) in
front of ‘get/got used to’
Examples:
1. We got used to living in Canada in spite of the cold weather.
2. Clara do not think she will ever get used to waking up early.
3. I have always lived in the country but now I'm beginning to get used to living
in the city.
4. Mike starts to get used to riding his new bike.
5. The woman got used to living in Indonesia in spite of the tropical weather.

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Advanced Structure
D. ‘ Used To ‘ in Passive-Voice
After ‘ used to ‘ cam be transformed into passive voice sentence. Look at the active
and passive voice sentence below.
No Active Voice
S + Used to + Bare Infinitive + Obj +
Adv !
1 Mr. Timoteus used to play the tennis.
2 Many people used to enlarge that street in
the village.
3 We used to speak English a lot in our
previous company.
4 I used to create a lot of program in the
company.
S + get used to + gerund + Obj !
5 Debora get used to reading many articles for
her final projects.
6 The baby will get used to miss the
new sitter.
7 My old grandpa get used to riding his old
new bike to anywhere he goes.
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Passive Voice
S + Used to + Be + Past Participle +
Obj + Adv !
Tennis used to be played by Mr. Timoteus
(him)
That street used to be enlarged by many
people in the village.
English used to be spoken by a lot in our
previous company.
A lot of program used to be created by me
in the company.
S + get used to + be + Past participle
+by Obj!
Many articles for her final projects get used
to be read by Debora (her)
The new sitter will get used to be missed by
the baby
His old new bike get used to be ridden by
old grandpa to anywhere he goes.
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Advanced Structure English Education Study Program

EXERCISES
EXERCISE 1
Direction: Choose the correct sentence
Used To + Infinitive; Get Used To gerund; Be Used To + Gerund
1. A: We aren´t used to listening to that kind of music
B. We aren’t´ used to listen to that kind of music
2. A: She will soon get used to work here
B: She will soon get used to working here
3. A: I used to working for that company
B: I used to work for that company
4. A: We never got used to getting up so early
B: We never got used to get up so early
5. A: We used to getting up early but we are retired now and we don´t need to
B: We used to get up early but we are retired now and we don´t need to
6. A: When she moved to France she had to get used to drive on the right
B: When she moved to France she had to get used to driving on the right
7. A: We couldn´t sleep very well in Japan, we aren´t used to sleeping on the floor
B: We couldn´t sleep very well in Japan, we aren´t used to sleep on the floor
8. A: We used to travelling a lot before having children
B: We used to travel a lot before having children
9. A: The most difficult thing was to get used to eating such spicy food
B: The most difficult thing was to get used to eat such spicy food
10. A: I am used to working on the night shift
B: I am used to work on the night shift
[

EXERCISE 2
Direction Choose the correct answer in the bracket to complete the sentences.
USED TO + infinitive , GET USED TO gerund; BE USED TO + gerund
1. He used to ………………… fat but now he's thin ( be; being)
2. He isn't used to ………………… in these bad conditions. ( work ; working)
3. How did you get used to ………………… in the middle of this mess. ( work ;
working)
4. Did you ………………… write poems when you were young? ( use to ; used to)
5. I need some time to get used to ………………… in this town. ( live; living)
6. Sting used to ………………… a teacher before he became a famous singer. ( being;
be)
7. I'm not used to ………………… linen by hand. ( wash; washing)
8. She'll get used to ………………… in the extremely cold winter of Siberia. (live ;
living)
9. My mother didn't ………………… drink much coffee. But now she has become
addicted to it. ( use to ; used to)
10. There used to ………………… a lot of trees in this court yard. They have all been
cut down. (be; being)
11. When I started to work here I needed a lot of help, but now I ………………… all the
work on my own. ( am used to doing; used to do; get used to do)
12. He ………………… several books a month but he doesn't have time any more. (was
used to reading; used to read; used to reading)

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13. We were surprised to see her driving - she ………………… when we first met her. (
got used to driving; was used to driving ; didn’t used to drive)
14. Don't worry, it's a simple program to use. You ………………… it in no time, I'm
sure. ( will get to used to; are used to; used to use)
15. When I had to commute to work every day I ………………… very early. (used to
get up; used to getting up)
16. I'm afraid I'll never ………………… in this place. I simply don't like it and never
will. (get used to living; used to live; got used to living)
17. Whenever we came to Coventry we always ………………… in the Central Hotel.
We loved it. ( used to stay; got used to staying)
18. When Pete Smith was the head of our office everything ………………… well
organized. Now it's total chaos here. ( got used to be; was used to being; used to be)
19. Mr Lazy was shocked when he joined our busy company because he
………………… doing much work every day. (wasn’t used to; didn’t used to)
20. At first the employees didn't like the new open-space office but in the end they
………………… it. (got used to; get used to; are used to)

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POST TEST
Direction: These questions are incomplete sentences. Beneath each sentence you will see
five words or phrases, marked (A), (B), (C), and (D). Choose the one word or phrase that
the best complete the sentence.

1. After the holidays it takes me a week ……… up early again.

A. to be used to get
B. to get used to getting
C. to get used to get
D. to be used to getting
E. get up

2. I ……… to play football when I was young. I'm too old and fat to play now.
A. use
B. was used to
C. got used to
D. used
E. using

3. Jerry used to help me with my homework when he had time. But he ……… that
anymore.
A. doesn't do
B. will not do
C. did not used to do
D. had not to do
E. would not do

4. At first it was difficult for her to speak in French all the time but she ……… to it
now.
A. was used
B. gets used
C. 's used
D. uses
E. used to

5. Do you mind if I ……… your phone?

A. used
B. get used to
C. am using
D. use
E. using

6. I've been getting up early every day for years but I ……… to it.
A. am already used
B. use
C. 'm still not used
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D. used
E. using

7. The queue in the baker's ……… to be so bad but now it's terrible. It must be that new
chapattis bread they bake. It's delicious.
A. didn't used to
B. didn't used
C. use
D. didn't use
E. used

8. People ……… Internet yet but in a few years’ time everybody will be surfing around
like crazy
A. don't use
B. aren't used to using
C. isn't used to using
D. are used to using
E. are not used

9. Jim doesn't have a girlfriend now but he ………

A. used to
B. was using to
C. didn't use to
D. uses to
E. used

10. If you go to live in Britain, you ……… on the left.

A. 'd have to get used to
B. 'll have to get used to drive
C. ‘ll have to get used to driving
D. 'd have had to get used to
E. to get used to

11. The girl ……… use to like western music, but now she does.
A. did not
B. do not
C. had not
D. would not
E. will not

12. Pepe Juan was in London for a year. He liked England but he ………. the insipid
food and the disgusting coffee and of course, the miserable weather.
A. could ever get used to
B. ever get used to
C. wasn't used to
D. couldn't ever get used to be

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E. ever get used to

13. My brother, jack always ……… afraid of the dark.
A. Would
B. Can
C. had to
D. was
E. used to be

Direction: In these questions, each sentence has four underlined words or phrases. The
four underlined parts of the sentence are marked (A), (B), (C), and (D). Identify the one
underlined word or phrase that must be changed in order for the sentence to be correct.

14. This street is once very quiet, but nowadays it's full of traffic.
A B C D

15. Caroline used to having a Walkman, now she had an iPod.

A B C D

16. We haven't seen Bob very often since he got a promotion. He's very busy. He didn't used to
A B C D

17. I've just got my first job. It's exciting but I'll have to get used to work regular hours.
A B C D

18. It is difficult for Tom to drive in England. He isn't used to drives on the left-hand side of the
A B C D

19. When Peter was young, he used to rode a bicycle to school.

A B C D

20. People from India usually find our food tasteless. They are used to eaten spicy food.
A B C D

21. Jerry used to help me with my homework when he had time. But he did not used to do that
A B C D
anymore.

22. Computers used to very expensive. Now the prices are more reasonable.
A B C D

23. English has become international. Businessmen have got used to speaks English at
A B C D
international meetings.

24. During my childhood, I used to spent a lot of time with my grandparents.

A B C D

25. Maria used to think that she would never get used to lived in New York
A B C D

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THE REDUNDANCY

Redundancy means superfluity or using words unnecessarily or using words for a second
time. Given here are some word combinations that are always redundant, and thus should
never be used.

Examples:
• advance forward
• proceed forward
• progress forward

The word ‘ forward ‘ after the three words is not necessary because the ‘ forward ‘, with
the advance, proceed and progress are the same meaning. So, we have to put out the word
of ‘ forward’. .

Look at the examples below that use redundancy.

No Redunducy Explanations
1 advance forward advance , proceed , and progress all mean “ to move in forward
proceed forward direction”; thus, the word forward is not necessary.
progress forward
2 return back return and revert mean “ to go back or to send back” so back
revert back is not necessary.
3 sufficient enough these words are identical; one or the other should be used.
4 complete together complete means “ to take part in a contest against others”.
5 reason…….because these words indicate the same thing; the correct pattern is
reason…….that.
6 join together join means “ to bring together, “ “to put together” or “to become
a part or member of,”” to take place among”.
7 repeat again Repeat means “ to say again” (usually means ”again”).
8 new innovations innovation means” a new idea”.
9 matinee matinee means “ a performance in the afternoon”
performance
10 same identical these words are identical.
11 two twins twins means “ two brothers or sisters”.
12 the time when the time and when indicate the same thing; one or the other
should be used.
13 the place where The place and where indicate the same thing; one or the other
should be used.

Thus, these redundant expressions are called pleonasms. Some common ones are in
the list below. Remove the superfluous words (in brackets) and you will not subtract
from the overall meaning of the expression.
1. (actual) experience 3. (advance) reservations
2. (advance) planning 4. (advance) warning

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5. all meet (together) 24. filled (to capacity)

6. (armed) gunman 25. (free) gift
7. at (12) midnight 26. (frozen) ice
8. at (12) noon 27. (general) public
9. autobiography (of my life) 28. green (in color)
10. (awkward) predicament 29. join (together)
11. (baby) boy was born 30. (natural) instinct
12. (basic) fundamentals 31. never (at any time)
13. cease (and desist) 32. (null and) void
14. cheap (price) 33. (pair of) twins
15. (close) proximity 34. (past) experience
16. cold (temperature) 35. (poisonous) venom
17. commute (back and forth) 36. (pre-)recorded
18. consensus (of opinion) 37. reason is (because)
19. (difficult) dilemma 38. (regular) routine
20. each (and every) 39. (small) speck
21. (empty) space 40. (suddenly) exploded
22. (end) result 41. surrounded (on all sides)
23. estimated (roughly) at 42. (unexpected) surprise

Examples and Explanations

No Examples Explanations
1 If all of us cooperate together, we will succeed. In this sentence, the words
cooperate and together have been
used. But both these words convey
the same meaning.
The correct sentence is: One of the two words should be
• If all of us cooperate, we will succeed. dropped in order to make the
• If all of us work together, we will succeed. sentence a correct one.
Both these sentences are correct
ones.
2 The accused was guilty of false misstatement. This sentence uses false and
The correct sentence is: misstatement whereas both these
➢ The accused was guilty of misstatement. words convey the same meaning.
3 The three brothers had nothing in common with each Here also two phrases in common
other. and with each other have been
The correct sentence is: used to convey the same meaning.
➢ The three brothers had nothing in common. These examples might have made
it clear for you how to avoid
Redundancy in your sentences.
4 I am enclosing herewith my bio-data. Enclosing and herewith are the
The correct sentence is: two words which convey the same
➢ I am enclosing my bio-data. meaning.
5 There was an ovation when the minister rose up to The two words (rose and up)
speak. convey the same meaning.

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The correct sentence is:

➢ There was an ovation when the minister rose to
speak.
6 Do not return back home without completing the In this sentence also, two words,
work. conveying the same meaning have
The correct sentence is: been used.
➢ Do not return without completing the work.

OTHER EXAMPLES OF CORRECT SENTENCES:

1. The army advanced after the big battle. OR the army moved forward after the big
battle.
2. The peace talks advanced. OR The peace talks progressed.
3. We have sufficient money to buy the new dress.
4. They have enough time to eat a sandwich before going to work.
5. The teacher proceeded to explain the lesson.
6. John and his brother are completing in the running games.
7. The teacher asked us to join the students who were cleaning the room.
8. Mary repeated the question slowly so that Jim would understand.
9. Beside the two evening showings, there will also be a matinee.
10. The reason I want to take that class is that the professor is supposed to be very
eloquent.
11. This is where I left him.
12. That was the time I hit a home run.

MORE COMMON REDUNDANCIES

WRONG RIGHT WRONG RIGHT

actual facts facts fellow colleagues colleagues
added bonus bonus first began began
all-time record record foreign imports imports
alternative choice alternative free gift gift
armed gunman gunman frozen ice ice
ask a question ask future plans plans
assemble together assemble general public public
at the present time at present grow in size grow
bald-headed bald hurry up hurry
basic essentials essentials invited guests guests
basic fundamentals fundamentals Irregardless regardless
best ever best joint collaboration collaboration
biography of his/
biography kneel down kneel
her life
bouquet of flowers bouquet lag behind lag
brief moment moment lift up lift
classify into groups classify natural instinct instinct
compete with each compete never before never

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other
current trend trend basic essentials essentials
depreciate in value depreciate basic fundamentals fundamentals
desirable benefits benefits best ever best
disappear from biography of his/
disappear biography
sight her life
end result result bouquet of flowers bouquet
estimated at about estimated at brief moment moment
exact same same classify into groups classify
compete with each
face mask mask compete
other
fall down fall small size small
fellow classmates classmates soft in texture soft
old proverb proverb sudden impulse impulse
pair of twins twins suddenly exploded exploded
surrounded on all
period of time time surrounded
sides
personal friend friend tall in height tall
plan ahead plan tiny bit bit
plan in advance plan true facts facts
undergraduate
postpone till later postpone undergraduate
student
reason is because reason is unexpected surprise surprise
reason is why reason is usual custom custom
rise up rise warn in advance warn
round in shape round serious danger danger
same identical same or identical

EXERCISES
EXERCISE 1
Direction: Cross out the redundant word in each of the following sentences.
Example: The carpenter joined the two beams together with long nails.
(together is the redundant word)

1. After Jill had shown Tim how to insert the paper once, she repeated the operation
again.
2. The twins have the same identical birthmarks on their backs.
3. I think we have sufficient enough information to write the report.
4. When the roads became to slippery, we decided to return back to the cabin and wait
for the storm to subside.
5. Nobody could get out of work early enough to attend the matinee performance.
6. The mountain climbers proceeded forward on their long trek up the side of the
mountain.
7. Rita and her sister competed together in the musical talent show.
139 FBS - UNINDRA PGRI Jakarta By Selamat H. Napitupulu
Advanced Structure English Education Study Program

8. I think that we should come up with a new innovation for doing this job.
9. The minister joined the bride and groom together in holy wedlock.
10. My cousins love to play with the two twins from across the street.

EXERCISE 2
Revise each sentence below to eliminate “There” and “It” openers and needless prefaces.
Avoid passive voice, needless repetition, and wordy phrases and clauses. The first
sentence has been done as an example.
Example:
You must first do this before you go.
You must do this before you go.

1. Frank was elected as Chairman unanimously by all members.

2. The flight will arrive at 7 p.m. in the afternoon.
3. He carefully examined each and every letter.
4. There was severe fire damage to the reactor.
5. There are several reasons why Jane left the company..
6. It is essential that we act immediately.
7. It has been reported by Bill that several safety violations have occurred.
8. This letter is to inform you that I am pleased to accept your job offer.
9. There are several ways to improve communication in the department.
10. I feel that the time that we meet at should be changed.

EXERCISE 3
Direction: Revise each wordy and vague sentence below to eliminate weak verbs.
Example:
The final conclusion was to close the bakery.
The conclusion was to close the bakery.

1. Our disposal procedure is in conformity with federal standards.

2. You must come promptly at 10 a.m. or else we will leave without you.
3. Please make a decision today.
4. The companies merged together last year
5. We need to have a discussion about the problem.
6. They replied back yesterday.
7. I have just come to the realization that I was mistaken.
8. Could you repeat that again, please?
9. We certainly can make use of this information.
10. Do you have any cash money?
11. His conclusion is in agreement with mine.
12. Although Bradley Hall is regularly populated by students, close study of the building
as a structure is seldom undertaken by them.
13. He dropped out of school on account of the fact that it was necessary for him to help
support his family.
14. It is expected that the new schedule will be announced by the bus company within the
next few days.

140 FBS - UNINDRA PGRI Jakarta By Selamat H. Napitupulu

Advanced Structure English Education Study Program

15. There are many ways in which a student who is interested in meeting foreign students
may come to know one.

EXERCISE 4
Direction: Revise each wordy sentence below to eliminate needless phrases, redundancy,
and needless repetition.
Example:
Mr. Otto Hasibuan returned back yesterday.
Mr. Otto Hasibuan returned yesterday.

1. I have admiration for Professor Jones.

2. Due to the fact that we made the lowest bid, we won the contract.
3. On previous occasions we have worked together.
4. She is a person who works hard.
5. We have completely eliminated the bugs from this program.
6. This report is the most informative report on the project.
7. Through mutual cooperation we can achieve our goals.
8. I am aware of the fact that he scheduled a meeting.
9. This offer is the most attractive offer I’ve received.
10. All other boys except Peter came for picnic.

EXERCISE 5
Revise each sentence below to eliminate needless prepositions and to be constructions,
and to cure noun addiction (nominalizations).
1. Our survey found 46 percent of users to be dissatisfied.
2. In the event of system failure, your sounding of the alarm is essential.
3. These are the recommendations of the chairperson of the review committee in our
department.
4. Our acceptance of this policy is a necessity.
5. Please perform an analysis and make an evaluation of our new system.
6. I consider Juan to be an excellent technician.
7. Power surges are associated in a causative way with malfunctions of computers.

EXERCISE 6
Revise each sentence below to eliminate inappropriate negatives, clutter words, and
needless qualifiers.

1. Our design must avoid nonconformity with building codes.

2. Never fail to wear protective clothing.
3. Do not accept any bids unless they arrive before May 1.
4. We are currently in the situation of completing our investigation of all aspects of the
accident.
5. Do not accept bids that are not signed.
6. Basically it appears that I seem to have misplaced the contract.

141 FBS - UNINDRA PGRI Jakarta By Selamat H. Napitupulu

Advanced Structure English Education Study Program

7. At this point in time our current situation is that we actually cannot offer you
employment.
8. Roger Davis, who is the executive director of Minneapolis Downtown, Inc., will be
speaking at the conference.
9. I think that it is imperative to change the schedule that we will be using in the spring.

EXERCISE 7
Now, find at least two sentences in your draft that could use some pruning. Write both the
original and revised versions below:
Original Sentence:
1. …………………………………………………………………………………………………..
2. …………………………………………………………………………………………………..
3. …………………………………………………………………………………………………..
4. …………………………………………………………………………………………………..
5. …………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Revised Sentence:
1. …………………………………………………………………………………………………..
2. …………………………………………………………………………………………………..
3. …………………………………………………………………………………………………..
4. …………………………………………………………………………………………………..
5. …………………………………………………………………………………………………..

142 FBS - UNINDRA PGRI Jakarta By Selamat H. Napitupulu