ABSTRACT
Style is all the manoeuvrability that exists between any set of undisputed convention. Such a set of conventions may be virtually universal within English usage, such as the requirement for every sentence to contain a finite verb and to end with a full-stop. Cliches are groups of words that have become gummed together. 'Cliche' is a French technical term from the printing trade meaning a print block. In other words it is a block of information which goes about the place together, indivisible. Repetition is annoying and confusing. It irritates the reader rather like the recurrence of blocked letters on an ill-maintained typewriter. Journalists necessarily work under pressure, and sometimes great discomfort, so that they can be excused for some infuriating repetitions. There are areas where reduced usage is to be encouraged in the interests of fluent unhesitating style. Litotes means using understatement, or negatives. In isolation, it can be a wholesome and harmless form of description.
