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In writing, redundancy means conveying the same meaning twice. Like other
kinds of wordiness, redundancy makes writing fat. Sometimes people use redundant
expressions because they don't recognize the precise definition of a word. For example,
close proximity is redundant because proximity by itself means nearness. Can there be
any other kind of nearness than close nearness? Other times people fall into redundant
expressions because they don't pay enough attention to what they are writing—for
example, small in size, few in number, or red in color.
Look for redundant expressions and you'll find them easily. 1 and 2 present a
short list to get you started. When you write, check your drafts to make sure you are
getting the -full value of the words you choose and not adding unnecessary ones.
Many wordy expressions make use of there is, there are, or it is. These constructions
can often be eliminated.
Overused intensifiers
Intensifiers are words intended to add force to what you say: very, absolutely,
positively, really, quite, and so on. Sometimes you need them, but more often you can
prune them without it affecting your tone or meaning. Review the following examples.
Thousands of wordy expressions exist, and new ones are created every day.
Following are a few examples. Check your writing for similar roundabout ways of saying
something.
• after the conclusion of = after: After the concert we left. NOT After
the conclusion of the concert we left.
• all of = all: All the boys came NOT All of the boys came.
• for the simple reason that = because: She won because she was best
NOT She won for the simple reason that she was best.
• In a place where = where: They lived where no trees grew NOT They
lived in a place where no trees grew.
• in order to = to: He said this to help you NOT He said this in order to
help you.
• in spite of the fact that = although or though: Although she agreed,
she was sad NOT In spite of the fact that she agreed, she was sad.
• in the near future = soon: We'll see you soon NOT We'll see you in
the near future.
• in view of the fact that = because: Because she helped us, we won
NOT In view of the fact that she helped us, we won.
• rarely ever = rarely: She rarely speaks to a large group NOT She
rarely ever speaks to a large group.
• the fact is that, the truth is that = often omit altogether: You are the
right candidate NOT The fact is that you are the right candidate.
• which was when = when: I spoke with him yesterday when he called
NOT I spoke with him yesterday, which was when he called.
• with the exception of = except: I like all sports except boxing NOT I
like all sports with the exception of boxing.