中式英语之鉴

扎扎。

The discussion on overused introductory verb phrases in Chinglish highlights a broader issue in translation and English writing: the tension between literal translation and natural expression. While Chinese often employs verb phrases like "make great efforts to," "pay attention to," or "do a good job in" for emphasis or formality, English tends to favor direct, action-oriented language.
Key Insights:
The Illusion of Emphasis
Many redundant phrases (e.g., "make every effort to") are meant to convey urgency or importance, but in English, they often dilute impact rather than strengthen it.
Example:
Weak: "We must make great efforts to improve quality."
Stronger: "We must improve quality." (The imperative already implies effort.)
Lesson: If the action itself is clear, additional framing is usually noise.
Cultural Differences in Rhetoric
Chinese official and formal writing often uses ritualized phrases to signal seriousness (e.g., "attach great importance to").
In English, such phrases can sound bureaucratic or hollow, especially when overused.
Adaptation Strategy: Replace ceremonial language with concrete actions or specifics.
Instead of: "We will do a good job in implementing reforms."
Try: "We will implement reforms effectively."
The Danger of "Zombie Phrases"
Some phrases (e.g., "follow a policy of") become so overused that they lose meaning—like my grandfather’s "I’m going to go to work and take a nap."
Test for Relevance: If removing the phrase doesn’t change the meaning, it’s likely filler.
When to Keep Introductory Phrases
Not all verb phrases are bad. They’re justified when:
The manner of action matters (e.g., "We must strive to innovate" vs. "We must innovate"—the former suggests struggle).
The phrase carries unique meaning (e.g., "China adheres to a policy of peaceful development"—"policy" is key here).
Broader Implications for Writing:
Clarity Over Ceremony: English rewards brevity. Ask: "What is the core action?" and strip away the rest.
Audience Awareness: If translating for Western readers, cut cultural baggage that doesn’t translate.
Revise Ruthlessly: As Strunk & White advised, "Omit needless words"—a rule that transcends language.
Final Thought:
The struggle against redundant phrases isn’t just about "fixing Chinglish." It’s about unlearning the habit of adding words to sound authoritative and trusting the verb itself to do the work. Good writing, in any language, is often the simplest version of the truth.