Language/English/Grammar/Redundancy-/-Tautology

Redundancy (Tautology) Redundancy, also called tautology is the use of roundabout expressions, useless details or irrelevant repetitions that obscure the meanings of sentences. It also entails the unnecessary repetition of the same idea in other words. This is achieved when a second word (called the redundant word) is added to provide meaning already given by a previous expression or word. Why Tautology This is common when people want to sound eloquent language learners must avoid such scenarios as it will portray a shallow knowledge of the language. How to avoid tautology • Avoid irrelevant additional words:

◇ The man was tired and weary.
◇ The man was weary.

In the first sentence above, the redundant word is either tired or weary. The second sentence is better.

◇ Mr. Martin’s family returned back early. (wrong)
◇ Mr. Martin’s family returned early. (correct)
◇ Mr. Martin’s family came back early. (correct)

◇ The elevator descended down. (wrong)
◇ The elevator descended. (correct)

• Avoid irrelevant explanatory phrases:

◇ The employees left one after another in succession.
◇ The employees left one after another. (correct)

The addition of ‘in succession’ in the sentence is unnecessary.

◇ She tried her possible best to get the job. (wrong)
◇ She tried her best to get the job. (correct)

◇ The hats were few in number. (wrong)
◇ The hats were few. (correct)
◇ There were few hats. (correct)

◇ Could you please repeat the piece over again? (wrong)
◇ Could you please repeat the piece? (correct)

This topic will be completed in subsequent lessons.