As I edit other people’s work I notice a lot of redundant phrases. Actually, the problem of redundancy is a good reason to have a second set of eyes look at your writing. It’s hard for a writer to recognize the problem for himself or herself.
Typically, when two words that mean the same thing are used together one of those words can be eliminated. The material becomes more readable when the author chooses one word or the other. Here are some examples of phrases where both words basically mean the same thing:
- Complete comprehensive
- First initial
- Contented and happy
- Syndrome condition
- Final last
In each of these examples, one of the two words could be omitted without changing the meaning. I’m sure that you can think of more examples of redundant writing.
It’s good to make your writing more concise by rooting out redundancies. Concise writing is much more readable.
Here are a couple of sources to help you identify and eliminate redundancy in your own writing:
- “Play It Again, Sam” – Redundancy in Writing from Fiction Factor The Online Magazine for Fiction Writers.
- Common Redundancies from About.com: Grammar and Composition.
I hope that you found this post helpful.
Have you run across any unusual redundant phrases this week? Why don’t you share them in the comments?
Contents (c) Copyright 2007, Laura Spencer. All rights reserved.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Vivienne Quek // Jul 10, 2007 at
Not only I tried to get a 2nd pair of eyes, I gave my article an overnight test to check if I see it from another light the next day. Nice post.
2 Laura // Jul 10, 2007 at
Thanks Vivienne! I think you are right. It is a good idea to leave an article and come back to it.