The unnecessary repetition of words and phrases in a sentence to clarify the meaning and/or idea is called redundancy. It is a mistake that apparently seems insignificant, but has much adverse effect on your language proficiency. It is a common mistake made by both native and non-native speakers of English. Redundancy may be easily overlooked in spoken language. But when it comes to formal written English, it is noticeable. Thus a redundant word or sentence becomes a negative attribute of the overall text.
Although redundancy is used to clarify meaning and to show one’s command of language, it is always translated in negative way. Hence it is a flaw rather than a credit. Therefore, such a repetition of words must be avoided.
Some Examples of Redundancy
Let me repeat again.
Maximize as much as possible
Minimum of at least
Red in color
Small in size
Chase after
Morning breakfast
Deadly lethal
Now at the present time
Surrounded on all sides
Two different kinds
Free gift
Very unique
Each and every
Foreign imports
Bald – headed
Cold ice-cream
End result
Few in number
Follow after
General public
But yet
Collaborate together
Current status quo
Bouquet of flowers
Continue on
Underground Tunnel
Adequate enough
Burning fire
Blend together
Actual fact
Browse through
Join together
Little baby
False pretense
Free gift
Black darkness
Merge together
Big mountain
Some examples of Redundant Sentences and their correct forms:
1. Can you please combine the three study groups into one?
The correct sentence would be:
Please combine the three groups.
“Into one” is redundant because on combining the study groups we will automatically get one.
2. Could you please repeat again what you said?
The correct sentence would be:
Could you please repeat what you said?
“Repeat again” is redundant because on repeating something, we actually say it again.
3. The new innovations were awesome.
The correct sentence would be:
The innovations are awesome.
“New innovations” is redundant because “innovation” is always something new. It can never be an old thing. So the word “new” becomes superfluous.
