Redundancy means using unnecessary repetition of words in a sentence, which can make the sentence less clear and appealing. Removing redundant words or phrases improves the readability of the sentence. Here are some commonly redundant words or phrases that should be avoided:
Redundant Words/Phrases
- As for example: Use "as" or "for example" separately, as they both mean the same thing ("like" or "such as").
- Advance forward / Proceed forward / Progress forward: Use "advance," "proceed," or "progress" instead, as they already imply moving forward.
- Return back / Revert back: Use "return" or "revert" alone, as they both mean to go back.
- Absolutely certain/correct/right: Use "certain," "correct," or "right" alone, as they already indicate definiteness.
- Add an additional: Use "add" without "additional," as it means to unite or join.
- Ask a question: Use "ask" without "a question," as it means to put a question.
- At the present time: Use "at present" instead, as it means "at this time."
- Await for: Use "await" or "wait for," but not "await for." "Await" is used without a preposition.
- Basic fundamentals: Use "basic" or "fundamentals" separately, as they both refer to something fundamental.
- Close proximity: Use "proximity" alone, as it means nearness in place or time order.
- Compete together: Use "compete" without "together," as it means to strive to outdo another.
- Completely filled/finished/opposite: Use "filled," "finished," or "opposite" alone, as they already indicate completion.
- Dictionary book: Use "dictionary" alone, as a dictionary is already a book.
- End result/final outcome: Use "result" or "outcome" alone, as they already refer to the final findings.
- Few in number: Use "few" alone, as it already implies a small number.
- Foreign import: Use "import" alone, as it means to bring something from a foreign country.
- New innovation/invention/discovery: Use "innovation," "invention," or "discovery" alone, as they already imply something new.
- Past history/record: Use "history" or "record" alone, as they already refer to what happened in the past.
- Repeat again: Use "repeat" alone, as it means to say something again.
- Two twins: Use "twins" alone, as it already means two siblings.
- Matinee performance: Use "matinee" alone, as it means a performance in the afternoon.
- The place where: Use "where" or "place" separately, as they both refer to the same thing.
- The time when: Use "time" or "when" separately, as they both refer to the same thing.
Examples of Redundant Sentences:
- Incorrect: What is the end result of the game?
- Correct: What is the result of the game?
- Incorrect: Artificial Intelligence is a new invention in technology.
- Correct: Artificial Intelligence is an invention in technology.
- Incorrect: Bale has bought a new dictionary book.
- Correct: Bale has bought a dictionary book.
- Incorrect: We should know the past history of our nation.
- Correct: We should know the history of our nation.
- Incorrect: The work is nearly almost finished.
- Correct: The work is almost finished.
- or
- Correct: The work is nearly finished.
- Incorrect: The two twins have the same identical birthmarks on their backs.
- Correct: The twins have identical birthmarks on their backs.
- Incorrect: Matthews repeated the question slowly again so that Jim would understand.
- Correct: Matthews repeated the question slowly so that Jim would understand.
- Incorrect: Helen and her sister competed together in the musical talent show.
- Correct: Helen and her sister competed in the musical talent show.