Redundancy in a Nutshell

Words in redundant phrases are repetitious, stating the same thing twice, such as
the phrase “few in number.” The word “few” already means a small amount or a
small number, so “in number” is redundant and should be dropped from the phrase.
The same holds true for the phrase “consensus of opinion” because the definition of
“consensus” is majority of opinion. Thus “of opinion” needs to be scrubbed. In fact,
the redundant phrase “consensus of opinion” has earned a lot of criticism, and
rightly so. It isn’t often found in formal writing any more but we hear it often
enough that it can easily creep into our speech.

Common Redundant Modifiers

In this list, the unneeded words have been italicized.

cooperate together final completion collaborate together

the future to come round in shape connect together

basic essentials habitual custom descent down

basic fundamentals personal beliefs empty hole

end result past history entirely eliminate

climb up new initiatives evolve over time

terrible tragedy past memories small size

true fact free gift spliced together

future plan important essentials write down

foreign import armed gunman final ultimatum

advance reservations blend together input into

brief summary completely filled joint collaboration

natural instinct mental telepathy revert back

Practice
Practice looking for redundant terms in the sentences below and decide which
words should be deleted.

1. It is a true fact that the U.S. has more divorces per capita than any country in
the world.

2. If you want to go to Quebec after graduation, you had better make plans in
advance for public transportation.

3. Timmy said the UFO he spotted was oblong in shape.

4. According to our mayor, the root cause of west side crime is poverty.

5. Michelle said she didn’t care what we gave her as long as it was purple in color.

6. We have yet to ascertain the final outcome from their efforts.

7. From what I was told, they have stamped his past history as Top Secret.

8. If we don’t stop that company from buying up the competition, they will have a
complete monopoly of the software market.

9. The little people in her diorama are made out of clay.

10. “George, you had better make advance reservations at that hotel before we get
on the plane!”

11. Mother has to descend down the basement stairs to do the family laundry.

12. Everyone who attends the grand opening celebration will receive a free gift.

13. Mary made him repeat his promise twice.

14. In my personal opinion, the lines at the Post Office have grown too long.

15. Becky was late getting home because of a terrible tragedy at work.

16. Because of their past memories of Fido, the children cried when he was
euthanized.

17. “You two cannot play X-Box games until you have completely finished your
homework.”

18. As he took apart the motor, Fred spread out the component parts on the picnic
table.

19. Did you know that she called me at 1 a.m. in the morning?

20. The rally attendance was estimated at about one thousand.

21. On Thursday, each and every child will receive a cupcake after lunch.

22. Nancy rejoiced when her calculus class was over and done with.