Redundancy

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.