Redundancy Trouble Quiz

Redundancy in Writing

• Using redundant phrases in formal writing may make the writer sound less important and less clear.
• Redundant expressions can sneak into writing due to habits from everyday language, trying to sound official, or trying to fill a word count.

Causes of Redundancy

• Writing without paying attention to language usage.
• Using redundant phrases due to habits from everyday language, such as "last and final" or "at the present moment in time".
• Trying to sound official or important, but actually making the writing less effective.

Avoiding Redundancy

• Enlist help from a friend or teacher to identify redundant phrases in your writing.
• Keep a list of common redundant phrases near your computer and do a search for them when revising your writing.
• Focus on clarity and precision in formal writing, as they are more impressive than redundant phrases.
• Use metaphors, vivid verbs, and sentence or paragraph length to add emphasis instead of redundant phrases.
• Cut out unnecessary words and focus on conveying your point clearly.

Examples of Redundancy

• Using "added bonuses" or "free gifts" when "bonuses" or "gifts" would suffice.
• Specifying "foreign immigrant", "unknown stranger", or "9 A.M. in the morning" when the words "immigrant", "stranger", or "9 A.M." already imply those meanings.

Effective Writing

• Prioritize clarity and precision over redundant phrases.
• Use concise language to make your point, and then stop.
• Show, don't tell, and use metaphors or vivid verbs to add emphasis.
• Focus on writing more content, not more fluff.