Redundancy
A redundant expression uses a word that is not needed because the meaning of that word is already contained in another word or expression in the sentence. A redundant word can be omitted without altering the meaning of a sentence. Redundancy also refers to the use of an additional word that is already included in the meaning of another word.
These are definitions
The English Oxford Living Dictionary defines redundant as: “(of words or data) able to be omitted without loss of meaning or function.
”The Macmillan Contemporary Dictionary defines redundancy as: “Use of more words than are necessary to convey an idea; needless repetition.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines redundant as:“Characterised by or containing an excess, specifically: using more words than necessary.”
You should avoid redundant words and expressions in speech and especially in writing.
The sentence below contains a redundant expression.
Example: I am going to reverse back the car. In that sentence back is a redundant word because reverse means to go backwards. The word back is already included in the meaning of reverse so it can be omitted. The correct sentence is: I am going to reverse the car.
You may have often heard someone say: Repeat that for me again. Repeat again is a redundant expression because repeat means to say or do again. The meaning of again is already included in the word repeat. You should omit the word again.
Other redundant expressions are:
in my opinion, I think; Your opinion is what you think so use one of those expressions but not both at the same time.
new innovation; An innovation is a new method, a new idea. The use of the word new with innovation is not necessary.
He was the shorter of the two twins. The word “twins” refers to two persons so the use of “two” is redundant.
The events will start at 11 a.m. in the morning. The abbreviation a.m. refers to a time in the morning. Adding “in the morning” creates a redundancy.
The reason I lost the race is because I was tired.
Reason….is because is a redundant expression. Reason already implies a cause so you do not need the word because. Likewise the word because indicates that you are stating a reason so you would not need the word reason. You have to use one or the other. Correct usage is: “The reason I lost the race is that I was tired” or “I lost the race because I was tired.”
Avoid using redundant expressions when you are speaking or writing to make your use of language more precise.
Here are some other common redundant expressions.
free gift
merge together
exact same
completely filled
protrude out