Repetitively Redundant Writing and How to Fix It!

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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Redundancy is when two or more words that mean the same thing are used together .

For example:

I don't want to be a doctor anymore. That's past history. Now, I want to be a dentist.

It is redundant to say past history.

• Have you ever known history to not have happened in the past?

It is also redundant when a modifier's meaning is contained within the word it is modifying.

For example:

First, make groups of five people. Then merge together as many tables as you'll need for everyone.

It is redundant to say merge together.

• Have you ever merged something apart or separated something together?

Of course not. Together already implies the same concept that merge does; therefore, it is redundant. Instead, you should say:

After you organize people into groups of five, put together as many tables as you need.

When writing, it is important to be as clear and concise as possible.

Getting a message across without adding unnecessary words makes the writing stronger, which reflects positively on you, the writer.

Try out these quick challenges:

Good job.

Adding filler to your writing with redundant words will only bore and confuse your readers.

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