words and phrases that are not exactly correct

When you are writing, it is difficult to think about the grammar and spelling as well as the
different connecting devices, all at the same time. However, if you can learn to control the
reference and connections in your writing, it gives you greater freedom, and more time, to
concentrate on the content and the ideas.

In this exercise, you are going to look at a mixture of connections. Some words or phrases
are almost correct; some are completely wrong; and yet others are repetitions. Read the
text below once and then read it again, replacing, where possible, the underlined words with
suitable words/phrases.

Why are people turning more and more to alternative medicine?

Alternative, or non-orthodox, medicine is now attracting an ever-
increasing number of people. There are, (1)however, many (2)causes behind this (3)custom.

The most important argument is the public's increased awareness of their (4)condition. (5)The public are no longer willing to bear the mildest of pain, (6)as headaches, or (7)bear even minor illness like flu. (8)On the other hand, (9)the public spare no effort looking for help by any means available. As orthodox medicine often
does not work or needs time to work, (10)they do not hesitate to seek help from an acupuncturist or osteopath in the hope of better relief.
(11)And in chronic situations, (12)namely arthritis, headaches or backache, where (13)orthodox medicine can often do little, some forms of (14)unorthodox medicine are favoured by an increasing number of people.

(15)Other important reason is that (16)in contrary to orthodox medicine, non-orthodox forms of treatment do not usually involve much intervention. (17)They also fear being admitted to hospital for any length of time, taking drugs or chemicals,
which may do harm. Above all, they (18)fear operations of any kind. (19)In addition, when something simple promises relief, they naturally (20)switch to it.

Keys:
1. in fact/ in effect/ of course
Notes: notice that there is no cotrast between the two sentences. Moreover, the second
sentence is not a development of the first; it is a fact related to the first sentence.
2. reasons
Notes: you can not say causes behind. The title also asks you for reasons: why...
3. development/ change/ trend/ phenomenon
Note: the first sentence does not describe a cuestom. Note how strong the connections are
here: in fact- reasons- this development.
4. health
Note: the word condition is not specific enough. The next few sentences indicate the
meaning of the word required. Note that the word health is looking forward in the
text.
5. people
Note: you need to avoid repetition in a text by looking for alternative words.
6. such as/ for example
Note: you have the word like later in the same sentence.
7. cope with/ tolerate/ endure/ suffer
Note: again you need to avoid repetition. Note that the following alternatives are too
colloquiai: stand/ stomach/ put up with.
8. Moreover/ Further, etc
Note: the phrase on the other hand does not mean the same as in addition.
9. They
Note: this is the third time you have seen this phrase. You cannot use people again as this
would be repetitive; hence, the pronoun.
10. people/ the public
Note: you need to use a noun here, as the word you need to refer to is too far away.
11. Similarly/ Furthermore, etc
Note: you have probably seen the word and used at the beginning of sentences. Note,
however, that the word is not an adverb of connection; it is a conjunction.
12. for example/ such as/ like
Note: the word namely is wrong here, as you are only giving examples. You need to avoid
repeating the same word/ phrases as 6 above.
13. To avoid repetition above and in the next paragraph, you can use conventional medicine
as a synonym for orthodox medicine.
14. To aoid repetition the word orthodox and medicine, you can use alternative treatments.
15. The word another is needed here.
16.You need in contrast here.
17. people/ The public
Note: you need a noun here.
18.To aviod repetition of the word fear, you could use: are frightened of/ are worried about/
dread/ are afraid of/ are terrified of
19. thus/ hence
Note: this sentence is the conclusion of the paragraph.
20. turn
Note: the word switch is too colloquial. Also, look at the title.