Remember that list of redundant phrases I shared on my blog a few weeks ago? Well, here are some more examples of phrases collected from the Elevate – Brain Training app that should be edited for brevity. Sometimes it seems like we never run out of these common redundancies, doesn’t it? One of the many reasons editing will always be a necessity for writers!
So for your reference, here are 14 more redundant phrases you should simplify during your editing phase. Enjoy!
Edit to: “If you buy one shirt, you’ll get another free.”
1) Absolutely crucial: Crucial already implies that something is absolutely important. Simplify “absolutely crucial” to “crucial”.
2) Added bonus: Bonus indicates something extra, making the word “added” unnecessary. Simplify “added bonus” to “bonus”.
3) ATM machine: ATM stands for “automated teller machine”, so the word “machine” is redundant. Simplify “ATM machine” to “ATM”.
4) Circle around: To circle already means to move all the way around something. Simplify “circle around” to “circle”.
5) Close proximity: Proximity already means the state of being close. Simplify “close proximity” to “proximity”.
6) First introduced: Introduced already indicates something that was seen or shown for the first time. Simplify “first introduced” to “introduced”.
7) For free: Free by itself means no charge, so the preposition “for” is unnecessary. Simplify “for free” to “free”.
8) Honest truth: Both the words “honest” and “truth” indicate an adherence to facts and reality. Simplify “honest truth” to “truth”.
9) Necessary prerequisite: A prerequisite, by definition, is a requirement, so the word “necessary” is redundant. Simplify “necessary prerequisite” to “prerequisite”.
10) New discovery: Discovery already implies that a finding is new. Simplify “new discovery” to “discovery”.
11) Temper tantrum: A tantrum is an outburst of anger, so the word “temper” (in the sense “an angry state of mind”) is redundant. Simplify “temper tantrum” to “tantrum”.
12) Temporary reprieve: A reprieve is short-term relief from something unpleasant, so the word “temporary” is unnecessary. Simplify “temporary reprieve” to “reprieve”.
13) Various differences: Differences are ways in which things vary, making the word “various” redundant. Simplify “various differences” to “differences”.
14) Visible to the eye: Visible already means able to be seen with the eyes. Simplify “visible to the eye” to “visible”.
Do you use any of these redundant phrases in your writing? What others would you add to this list?
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