Redundancy

In communication, the goal is to convey meaning clearly and effectively. However, sometimes we use more words than necessary, either to sound more formal, to emphasize a point, or simply by habit. This extra wording does not add value; instead, it repeats information unnecessarily.

This is called Redundancy.

What is Redundancy?

Redundancy refers to the use of words, phrases, or information that repeat meaning unnecessarily. In simple words, it means saying the same thing twice without adding new information.

Redundancy in English grammar occurs when two or more words or phrases convey the same idea, leading to repetition that makes speech or writing unnecessarily long, unclear, or boring.

Example:

• Incorrect- He returned back home.
• Correct- He returned home. ("Returned" already means "came back".)

Origin and Importance

The word redundancy comes from Latin redundare, meaning to overflow.
In English, redundancy overflows the sentence with unnecessary elements, making communication heavier and less effective.

Good communication = Clear, Short, Direct
Bad communication = Wordy, Confusing, Repetitive

Why Should We Avoid Redundancies?

Redundancies can:

• Weaken writing by making it wordy and repetitive
• Waste the reader’s or listener’s time
• Hide the main point under unnecessary words
• Make arguments less persuasive
• Sound unprofessional in academic, business, and public communication

Clear sentences are stronger, smarter, and more impactful.

Common Types of Redundancies

1. Redundant Pairs

Definition: Redundant pairs occur when two words are used together, even though one word already carries the meaning of the other.

Redundant Phrase	Corrected Version	Why?
Free gift	Gift	A gift is by definition free.
Past history	History	History always refers to the past.
Close proximity	Proximity	Proximity means closeness.
Advance warning	Warning	A warning is always given before an event.
End result	Result	A result naturally comes at the end.

Examples:

• Incorrect- She gave me a free gift.
• Correct- She gave me a gift.
• Incorrect- The past history of the town is fascinating.
• Correct- The history of the town is fascinating.

2. Unnecessary Modifiers

Some modifiers (like adjectives and adverbs) repeat what the main word already suggests.

Redundant Phrase	Corrected Version	Why?
Absolutely essential	Essential	Essential already means absolutely necessary.
Completely destroyed	Destroyed	Destroyed means totally ruined.
Unexpected surprise	Surprise	A surprise is always unexpected.
Final conclusion	Conclusion	A conclusion is by nature final.

Examples:

• Incorrect- This point is absolutely essential.
• Correct- This point is essential.
• Incorrect- The building was completely destroyed in the fire.
• Correct- The building was destroyed in the fire.

3. Redundant Verbs

Redundant verbs occur when verbs are combined with unnecessary words that repeat the meaning of the action.

Redundant Phrase	Corrected Version	Why?
Repeat again	Repeat	Repeat already means to do again.
Return back	Return	Returning means coming back.
Join together	Join	Joining brings things together.
Postpone until later	Postpone	Postponing naturally refers to a later time.

Examples:

• Incorrect- Please repeat again what you said.
• Correct- Please repeat what you said.
• Incorrect- We need to return back to the main office.
• Correct- We need to return to the main office.

4. Wordy Expressions

These are phrases where a single simpler word can express the same idea more clearly.

Wordy Phrase	Single Word Version	Why?
At this point in time	Now	Simpler, direct.
Due to the fact that	Because	Clear and short.
In order to	To	"To" already conveys purpose.
Whether or not	Whether	"Whether" covers both possibilities.
Each and every	Each	"Each" alone is sufficient.

Examples:

• Incorrect-  We will meet at this point in time to discuss the issue.
• Correct- We will meet now to discuss the issue.
• Incorrect- In order to succeed, you must work hard.
• Correct- To succeed, you must work hard.

Checklist: How to Identify Redundancy

• Does the sentence repeat the same idea?
• Is there an adjective or adverb that is obvious from the main word?
• Can the sentence be shortened without losing any meaning?
• Are there any long phrases that can become a single word?

If yes — cut the extra word!

Summary

•         Redundancy happens when you repeat information unnecessarily.
•         It makes writing and speaking weaker and less impressive.
•          Use one strong word instead of two weak ones!
•          Practice editing to become a clear, confident communicator.

 

Practice Exercises

✏️ Exercise 1: Correct the Redundancies

Ques. Rewrite the sentences by removing unnecessary words.

1. She offered a free gift during the event.
2. We must plan ahead in advance for the wedding.
3. The final outcome was a great success.
4. Please repeat again what was said.
5. They collaborated together on the project.

Answers:

1. She offered a gift during the event.
2. We must plan for the wedding.
3. The outcome was a great success.
4. Please repeat what was said.
5. They collaborated on the project.

 

✏️ Exercise 2: Choose the Clearer Sentence

Ques. Which sentence is better?

1. a) The basic fundamentals of chemistry are important.
   b) The fundamentals of chemistry are important.

2. a) Please descend down carefully.
   b) Please descend carefully.

3. a) Whether or not it rains, the event will happen.
   b) Whether it rains, the event will happen.

4. a) We postponed it until later.
   b) We postponed it.

Answers:

1. b) The fundamentals of chemistry are important.
2. b) Please descend carefully.
3. b) Whether it rains, the event will happen.
4. b) We postponed it.

✏️ Exercise 3: Spot and Explain Redundancies

Ques. Identify the redundant part and explain why it is wrong.

1. PIN number
2. ATM machine
3. Unexpected surprise
4. True facts
5. Merge together

Answers:

Redundant Phrase	Why Redundant
PIN number	PIN = Personal Identification Number. No need to say "number" again.
ATM machine	ATM = Automated Teller Machine. "Machine" is already included.
Unexpected surprise	Surprises are always unexpected.
True facts	Facts are, by definition, true.
Merge together	Merging naturally means bringing things together.