What Are Some Common Redundant and Tautological Phrases in Everyday Language?

Redundant or tautological phrases often arise in everyday language and can make communication less clear. Here are some common examples:

Free Gift

Gifts are inherently free, so the phrase 'free gift' is redundant. A gift, by definition, is something given without payment, making the word 'free' unnecessary. Instead, you could simply say ' gift'.

ATM Machine

An ATM (Automated Teller Machine) already implies a machine, so the term 'machine' is redundant. Instead, you could simply say 'ATM'.

PIN Number

A PIN (Personal Identification Number) is already a number used for identification, so the term 'number' is redundant. Instead, you could simply say 'PIN'.

End Result

The result is by definition the end, so the phrase 'end result' is redundant. Instead, you could simply say 'result'.

Past History

History refers to past events, so the phrase 'past history' is redundant. Instead, you could simply say 'history'.

Close Proximity

Proximity already implies closeness, so the phrase 'close proximity' is redundant. Instead, you could simply say 'proximity'.

Unexpected Surprise

Surprises are expected by nature to be unexpected, so the phrase 'unexpected surprise' is redundant. Instead, you could simply say 'surprise'.

Each and Every

This phrase is often used redundantly to emphasize a point. Instead, you could choose simpler terms such as 'all' or 'every' depending on the context.

Join Together

To join already implies coming together, so the phrase 'join together' is redundant. Instead, you could simply say 'join'.

Repeat Again

To repeat means to do something again, so the phrase 'repeat again' is redundant. Instead, you could simply say 'repeat'.

Hot Water Heater and ATM Machine

These terms are often referred to as pleonasms, which are a special case of tautology. A pleonasm is a figure of speech in which words are used redundantly. Examples include 'tuna fish' (tuna is already a fish), 'two twins' (twins already imply two), 'dark shadow' (a shadow is already dark).

Good Science and Chai Tea

These examples illustrate how even seemingly necessary descriptors can be redundant. 'Good science' and 'chai tea' are often used redundantly where the descriptors are implied by the terms themselves.

Revert Back

The term 'revert back' is redundant, as 'revert' already implies returning to a previous state. Instead, you could simply say 'revert'.

Conclusion

Using these redundant and tautological phrases can dilute clarity in communication. It is often best to avoid them when possible. However, it is important to note that redundancy in language is not always a bad thing, as it can emphasize a point or add eloquence. Nonetheless, in formal or technical writing, clarity is key, and avoiding redundancy can greatly enhance the coherence of your message.

Key Takeaways

Redundant and tautological phrases make communication less clear.Avoid using pleonasms in formal on clarity and precision in your language.