Redundancy
Redundancy means superfluity or using words unnecessarily or using words for a second time.
Example-1:
• If all of us cooperate together, we will succeed.
In this sentence, the words cooperate and together have been used. But both these words convey the same meaning.
One of the two words should be dropped in order to make the sentence a correct one.
• If all of us cooperate, we will succeed.
• If all of us work together, we will succeed.
Both these sentences are correct ones.
Example-2:
• The accused was guilty of false misstatement.
This sentence uses false and misstatement whereas both these words convey the same meaning.
The correct sentence is:
• The accused was guilty of misstatement.
Example-3:
• It was the general consensus of opinion that we must go to the movie.
The two words which convey the same meaning are consensus and opinion.
One word should be removed to make this sentence correct one.
The correct sentence is:
• It was the general opinion that we must go to the movie.
Example-4:
• The three brothers had nothing in common with each other.
Here also two phrases in common and with each other have been used to convey the same meaning.
The correct sentence is:
• The three brothers had nothing in common.
These examples might have made it clear for you how to avoid Redundancy in your sentences.
Example-5:
• I am enclosing herewith my bio-data.
Enclosing and herewith are the two words which convey the same meaning.
The correct sentence is:
• I am enclosing my bio-data.
Example-6:
• There was an ovation when the minister rose up to speak.
The two words (rose and up) convey the same meaning.
The correct sentence is:
• There was an ovation when the minister rose to speak.
Example-7:
• Do not return back home without completing the work.
In this sentence also, two words, conveying the same meaning have been used.
The correct sentence is:
• Do not return without completing the work.
These examples might have made it clear for you how to avoid Redundancy in your sentences.
Examples:
• You must first do this before you go. (Incorrect)
• You must do this before you go. (Correct)
• The flight will arrive at 7 p.m. in the afternoon. (Incorrect)
• The flight will arrive at 7 p.m. (Correct)
• He carefully examined each and every letter. (Incorrect)
• He carefully examined each letter. (Correct)
• In my opinion, I think it is going to rain. (Incorrect)
• I think it is going to rain. (Correct)
• Frank was elected as Chairman unanimously by all members. (Incorrect)
• Frank was elected as Chairman unanimously. (Correct)
• I have a client of mine who insists on paying his fee in advance. (Incorrect)
• I have a client who insists on paying his fee in advance. (Correct)
• Have you read the latest biography of Indira Gandhi’s life? (Incorrect)
• Have you read the latest biography of Indira Gandhi? (Correct)
• The police restored the stolen purse back to the rightful owner. (Incorrect)
• The police restored the stolen purse to the rightful owner. (Correct)
• All other boys except Peter came for picnic. (Incorrect)
• All boys except Peter came for picnic. (Correct)
• I am looking for a job with a salary of at least US $2000 or more. (Incorrect)
• I am looking for a job with a salary of at least US $2000. (Correct)
• You must come promptly at 10 a.m. or else we will leave without you. (Incorrect)
• You must come promptly at 10 a.m. or we will leave without you. (Correct)
• The prices of Car companies have fallen down by 30% in the last one week. (Incorrect)
• The prices of Car companies have fallen by 30% in the last one week. (Correct)
These examples might have made it clear for you how to avoid Redundancy in your sentences.
The common error in redundancy is the use of the phrase the reason….because.
The redundancy in such sentence arises because the word reason itself signifies because.
Such sentences should be corrected by replacing the conjunction because with that.
Examples:
• The reason why India is economically week is because it was under foreign rule for over two hundred years. (Incorrect)
• The reason why India is economically week is that it was under foreign rule for over two hundred years. (Correct)
• The reason why I did not attend the party last night was because I had a headache. (Incorrect)
• The reason why I did not attend the party last night was that I had a headache. (Correct)
These examples might have made it clear for you how to avoid Redundancy in your sentences.
Heerendra Bagchi
Director
Lingua Franca Language Academy, Indore