Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Hidden Redundancies

When we’re writing, we’re in creative mode. There are some things we just aren’t aware of, which is why we have beta readers, a professional proofreader, or a copy editor review our material when we‘re finished. One thing you want to look for in our writing is redundant terms. Here are some examples:

10 AM in the morning: 10 AM says it all, folks, unless there is a parallel universe where we have 10 AM in the evening. I’ve yet to go there.

The reason why: The reason is good enough. You don’t need the word why.

The end result: The result is sufficient. No need for “and” or “final.” As opposed to what? The semifinal result? The final, final, final result? Something that occurred after the end result? No, you are good with, “The result was great.”

My past experience: All experience has taken place in the past. I don’t even like the term “lived experience,” although I recognize it has ideological connotations and is frequently used for emphasis. But if you’re writing generally, without emphasis, you can simply say, “my experience.”

Close proximity: Merriam-Webster dictionary defines proximity as closeness. So, you are saying the same thing twice. You could easily say, “He lived in proximity to the grocery store.” Most people clarify with close, but it’s really unnecessary.

 

 

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