Less is More: Eliminating Redundant Words with Examples

Redundant words, also known as pleonasms, refer to the unnecessary repetition of words or phrases in a sentence, where one of the words or phrases is sufficient to convey the intended meaning. They often add no additional information and can make writing or speech appear verbose or clumsy. Here's the

Meaning/Definition

Redundant words are unnecessary repetitions in speech or writing that don't add to the meaning of a sentence. They can include synonyms, phrases, or modifiers that are superfluous.

Examples:

    "Free gift" - The word "free" is redundant because a gift is inherently free.
    "Close proximity" - "Proximity" already implies closeness, so "close" is redundant.
    "Added bonus" - A bonus is something additional, so "added" is unnecessary.
    "Past history" - History refers to the past, so "past" is redundant.
    "End result" - The result is the end product, making "end" redundant.
    "New innovation" - An innovation is something new, so "new" is redundant.
    "True fact" - A fact is inherently true, so "true" is unnecessary.
    "Future plans" - Plans are by definition for the future, making "future" redundant.
    "Basic fundamentals" - Fundamentals are basic principles, so "basic" is redundant.
    "Unexpected surprise" - A surprise is something unexpected, so "unexpected" is redundant.

More examples

    "Exact same" - "Exact" and "same" convey the same idea, so one of them is redundant.
    "Personal opinion" - An opinion is inherently personal, so "personal" is unnecessary.
    "True fact" - A fact is by definition true, so "true" adds no extra meaning.
    "General consensus" - Consensus implies general agreement, making "general" redundant.
    "Mutual cooperation" - Cooperation involves mutual participation, so "mutual" is redundant.
    "Brief summary" - A summary is a brief overview, so "brief" can be omitted.
    "Final outcome" - The outcome is the final result, making "final" redundant.
    "Advance warning" - A warning is given in advance, so "advance" is unnecessary.
    "Joint collaboration" - Collaboration implies working together, so "joint" is redundant.
    "Revert back" - "Revert" already means to return or go back, so "back" is redundant.
    "Safe haven" - A haven is a safe place, so "safe" is redundant.
    "Unsolved mystery" - A mystery is something that's not yet solved, making "unsolved" unnecessary.
    "Final conclusion" - A conclusion is already final, so "final" is redundant.
    "Old adage" - An adage is a traditional saying, so "old" is redundant.
    "Consensus of opinion" - Consensus already implies a shared opinion, so "of opinion" is redundant.
    "Repeat again" - "Repeat" means to do something again, so "again" is redundant.
    "Past experience" - Experience refers to past events, so "past" is unnecessary.
    "Added bonus" - A bonus is something additional, making "added" redundant.
    "Free gift" - A gift is given without cost, so "free" is redundant.
    "Advance planning" - Planning involves preparing in advance, so "advance" is unnecessary.

In conclusion, redundant words are unnecessary repetitions in speech or writing that do not contribute to the meaning of a sentence. They often include phrases or modifiers that are superfluous because the meaning is already conveyed by other words. Identifying and eliminating redundant words can enhance clarity and conciseness in communication, leading to more effective writing and speech.