Final answer:
The correct synonym for completing the sentence about the storm is 'abate.' Additionally, eliminating wordiness in writing is crucial for clarity and conciseness. Understanding homophones and proper word usage is also key for effective communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The synonym that appropriately completes the sentence "If the storm doesn’t _______, we’ll have to spend the night in the cabin." among the given options is abate. The verb 'abate' means to become less intense or widespread, which is suitable in the context of a storm diminishing to a level that allows for continued travel or activity. The other options, 'diminish', 'decrease', and 'dwindle', are synonyms but 'abate' is more commonly used specifically about weather conditions or other events that lessen in severity over time.
When it comes to improving writing by eliminating wordiness, the key is to trim sentences down to their essential elements without losing their meaning. For example, instead of writing "There was a really bright light that was shining on the waves in the ocean.", it is more concise to write "A bright light shone on the ocean waves." This revision removes unnecessary words while maintaining the core information.
We also looked at sentences that require choosing the correct homophones, such as "Can you (hear/here) the phone ring from (hear/here)?" and considerations about the right form of a word in context, like "This show always has a depressing (affect/effect) on me." Understanding the nuances of English words and their proper usage is critical for clear and effective communication.