Overly Redundant
Posted on Friday, July 31, 2009 at 2:52 PM
Trimming the superfluous from your articles.
By
Meredith L. Dias
It can be difficult for even the most astute
writer to avoid redundancy in an article. Sometimes, we forget that
certain words are linked definitionally and, when paired, become
redundant.
Here are some common redundancies to avoid in your
writing:
Revert back -- As a general rule, avoid using the
word "back" after words with the "re-" prefix. (See also: "reflect
back", "return back", etc.)
ATM machine -- Be
careful when appending acronyms; often times, the extra words are actual
components of the acronym. (See also: "HIV virus", "CIA Agency", etc.)
End
result -- When framing your sentences, think carefully about the
definitions of the words you choose. In cases like this, the two words
share a definitional link. (See also: "past history", "crisis
situation", etc.)
Completely destroyed -- When
introducing adjectives and verbs with an adverb, keep in mind whether or
not the adverb is implied in the subsequent word. The word "destroyed"
denotes complete ruin; therefore, "completely" is superfluous. (See
also: "originally created", etc.)
Look online for some
comprehensive lists of redundancies. Odds are, you will find one or two
that you have either used in your own writing or allowed to pass into
print. Fear not -- you are certainly not the first editor to fall into
this trap. By paying closer attention to word meanings and connotations,
you will sharpen your eye for these mistakes and avoid them in future
issues.
Meredith L. Dias is the research editor of Editors
Only.