《中式英语之鉴》3 Unnecessary Modifiers

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The second section of "Unnecessary Modifiers" in English translations, categorizing them into five types:  
1. Redundant Modifiers  
2. Self-evident Modifiers  
3. Intensifiers
4. Qualifiers
5. Clichés  

1.Redundant modifiers
The semantics of such modifiers are already implicit in the modified word or other components of the sentence, and deleting them does not affect the original meaning, but rather makes the expression more concise.
Typical example:
Female businesswoman ":" businesswoman "already contains gender information Female redundancy.
New innovations ":" Innovation "itself refers to new things Repeat 'new'.
Mutual cooperation ":" Cooperation "means" mutual cooperation ", there is no need to emphasize" mutual ".
Popular pop star ":" pop "is an abbreviation for" popular music ", and" star "implies popularity.
Deep Logic:
Chinese tends to emphasize through repetition or overlapping modifications (such as "major natural disasters"), but English places more emphasis on logical simplicity. For example, in "financial revenue and expenditure" Revenue and expenditure "itself refers to financial income and expenditure, and there is no need to add" financial ".
2. Self evident modifiers
The information provided by such modifiers can be assumed without explicit expression.
Case analysis:
“proper readjustment”： The adjustment itself should be reasonable Proper "is redundant.
“appropriate raise”： The policy adjustment should be 'appropriate' and does not require additional explanation.
“developed countries”： The default refers to economic development, there is no need to emphasize "economically".
cultural difference:
Chinese common modifiers reflect caution or formality (such as "do a good job seriously"), but excessive modifiers in English can appear unprofessional.
3. Intensifiers
Intensifiers (e.g., extremely, certainly, serious) aim to amplify meaning but frequently end up sounding exaggerated or unconvincing.  
·Issues and Solutions
- Weak Word + Intensifier" Combinations
  ①A: extremely important → B: crucial / vital (use a stronger, more precise term)  
  ②A: they absolutely wanted to → B: they were determined to (more concise and forceful)  
- Refinement Strategies
  ① Replace "very + generic adjective" with a more expressive word (e.g., very good → excellent).  
  ② Omit unnecessary intensifiers, e.g., definitely in "will definitely be stability" is redundant since will already conveys certainty.  
4. Clichés  
Overused paired modifiers (e.g., arduous tasks, painstaking efforts) have lost impact due to excessive repetition in official or formal contexts.  
Common Clichés in Chinglish  
①firm and effective measures  
②vigorously promote  
③resolutely enforce  
④scientific analysis (unless contrasting with unscientific methods)  
Improvement Approach  
- Delete or replace unless the modifier adds unique meaning.  
  ①A: carry out unswervingly → B: persist in (more natural).  
  ② A: study conscientiously → B: study thoroughly (less formulaic).  
5. Qualifiers  
Words like quite, rather, relatively soften statements but can make writing seem hesitant or noncommittal.  
When to Avoid Them  
①A: a reasonably substantial book → B: a comprehensive book (removes doubt).  
②A: create quite important conditions → B: create essential conditions (stronger assertion).  
Exception: Use qualifiers only when deliberately expressing caution (e.g., "The results are relatively consistent" if outliers exist).  
6. Key Revision Principles  
①. Eliminate redundancy:  
   - new innovations → innovations (since new is inherent).  
②. Prefer strong, precise verbs/nouns over "weak word + modifier":  
   - make an adjustment → adjust.  
③. Challenge clichés: Ask if the modifier is meaningful or habitual.  
④. Use qualifiers sparingly: Only to mitigate absolutes (always, never).