Redundancy: a : superfluous repetition : prolixity b : an act or instance of needless repetition the part of a message that can be eliminated without loss of essential information --- Merriam-Webster Dictionary
When I started writing, one of my biggest writing mistakes was redundancy. Examples of redundant phrases I’ve been guilty of using were: each and every, could possibly, all throughout, first of all, first started, and more. Today, I can say that I am more aware of it and I try to avoid redundancies as much as I can.
Here are other examples of redundant phrases which are common in marketing copies, advertisements and articles online. Note that the texts in Italic simply repeat the meaning of its paired word and therefore, can be omitted.
basic fundamentals
confused state
actual fact
bouquet of flowers
advance preview
brief moment
current trend
advance reservations
brief summary
depreciate in value
add up
cancel out
added bonus
circle around
disappear from sight
close proximity
drop down
ask the question
combine together
assemble together
autobiography of his/her life
completely surrounded
emergency situation
ATM machine (Automated Teller Machine)
end result
PIN number (Personal Identification Number)
estimated at about
SEO optimization (Search Engine Optimization)
HTML language (Hyper Text Markup Language)
final completion
BASIC code (Beginner’s All-Purpose Instruction Code)
LCD display (Liquid Crystal Display)
free gift
repeat again
rectangular in shape
past (or prior, previous) experience
Getting Over Redundancies
Redundancies are not corrected by the Microsoft Word Checker but you can avoid redundant writing! Consider the following tips:
Be aware. It may not be that easy at first especially if you were used to using expressions like absolutely necessary, and also, empty space, exact same and other cliches. By familiarizing yourself, you can spot redundancies when you proofread.
Watch out the intensifiers! A redundant phrase is often accompanied by an intensifier such as extremely, very, absolutely, quite, fairly, definitely, etc. Look out for these words in your article. Did you use it on purpose? Does it strengthen the word it follows? Or is it unnecessary?
Sometimes, an intensifier can be used for emphasis but if your sentences contain too many intensifiers, then you should omit words that do not add much value to a statement.
Starting a sentence with a wordy phrase. Introductory phrases like "As a matter of fact", "In the case of", etc. should be used sparingly. If you can say something directly without using an introductory, better.
Avoid repeating the same words in one sentence. Unless on purpose, avoid using the same words over and over in your article. Use a thesaurus to find appropriate synonyms.
Do not add unnecessary words just to meet the minimum word count. Remember that wordiness does not win an audience. Those extra words will only increase word count, not the value of the piece. If a word or phrase does not add meaning or depth to your writing, delete it. And who wants to read a very long article filled with repetitions anyway?
Do you have other ideas on how redundant writing can be avoided?
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