redundant phrasing

USAGE SUMMARY

"redundant phrasing" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing language that unnecessarily repeats information. An example: "The phrase 'free gift' is an example of redundant phrasing." Alternative expressions include "unnecessary repetition" and "superfluous wording."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Be precise, and avoid redundant phrasing and inexact terminology.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's a redundant phrase.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Avoid the redundant phrases, the distracting adjectives, the unnecessary adverbs.

The Guardian - Books

As his established talents gained him fame and fortune, journalists sought new angles and Berra became known for his Yogi-isms, the malapropisms and self-contradictory or redundant phrases that were unintentionally witty.

The New York Times - Sports

Significantly, of 25 amendments to the bill proposed in the House of Lords by Lord Saatchi's noble colleagues, he has accepted only one of them, the removal of a single redundant phrase.

The Guardian

— LYNN ZINSER The American men's water polo team finished off a hard-fought (yes, that's a redundant phrase in water polo) 10-8 victoveroveRomaniain in a preliminary round game.

The New York Times

This manner of writing was characterized by an excessive use of learned Arabic words and redundant phrases, and it was given a poetic tone by the introduction of rhymed prose (sajʿ) and the insertion of lines of verse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr Lochhead said of the Scottish government's plans: "This is all part of the SNP's long term vision of making rural disadvantage a redundant phrase.

BBC

Based on previous work with clinical documents, we observed that many types of reports contain highly redundant phrases, i.e., expressions that have a high frequency conditioned on the domain and the specific hospital.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

After pilot participants reported respondent fatigue to the original 90-minute session, all scales were replaced with existing shorter versions and the instrument was carefully parsed to omit all redundant phrases.

Globalization and Health

Snip off redundant phrases.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When editing, actively seek and eliminate "redundant phrasing" to improve clarity and conciseness. Ask yourself if the same meaning can be conveyed with fewer words.

Common error

Be vigilant for subtle instances of "redundant phrasing" that might seem natural but add no value. For example, avoid phrases like "basic fundamentals" or "visible to the eye" where one word implies the other.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "redundant phrasing" functions primarily as a noun phrase describing a characteristic of language. It identifies instances where word choice leads to unnecessary repetition. As Ludwig AI shows, it's often used in contexts discussing writing and editing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

24%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

11%

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "redundant phrasing" refers to the unnecessary repetition of meaning within a phrase, hindering clarity and conciseness. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is grammatically sound and useful in discussions about writing and editing. Recognizing and eliminating such redundancy is crucial for effective communication. Strategies include scrutinizing each word for essential contribution and replacing wordy phrases with more concise terms. While the phrase is used in various contexts, it's particularly prevalent in discussions within news media, wikis, and scientific publications. Overall, mastering the art of concise writing involves actively identifying and removing instances of "redundant phrasing".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unnecessary wording

Focuses on the lack of necessity in the choice of words, rather than the repetition.

superfluous language

Highlights the excessive and unnecessary nature of the language used.

wordy expression

Emphasizes the excessive use of words in the expression.

repetitive language

Directly points out the repetition of words or ideas.

verbose phrasing

Highlights the use of more words than necessary to convey a meaning.

tautological expression

Refers to an expression that repeats the same idea in different words.

pleonastic wording

Indicates the use of superfluous words in a sentence or phrase.

excessive verbiage

Points out the overabundance of words.

overly elaborate language

Stresses the unnecessary detail and complexity in the language.

circular definition

Highlights the use of a definition which uses the term it attempts to define, leading to redundancy.

FAQs

What exactly does "redundant phrasing" mean?

The term "redundant phrasing" refers to the use of words or phrases that unnecessarily repeat the same meaning, leading to wordiness and a lack of clarity in writing. It's about identifying and removing words that don't add unique information to a sentence.

How can I identify "redundant phrasing" in my writing?

To identify "redundant phrasing", carefully review your sentences and ask yourself if each word is essential. Look for phrases where one word duplicates the meaning of another, such as "completely full" or "past history". Removing one of the words won't change the core meaning.

What are some common examples of "redundant phrasing"?

Common examples of "redundant phrasing" include "added bonus", "free gift", "personal opinion", and "new innovation". In each case, one word is unnecessary because its meaning is already implied by the other.

What are some strategies for avoiding "redundant phrasing" in my writing?

To avoid "redundant phrasing", focus on concise word choices and precise language. Use a thesaurus to find single words that convey the same meaning as a phrase, and practice editing your work with a critical eye for unnecessary repetition. Simplify your sentences by cutting out extra words.