7 Annoying Redundant Phrases

Redundant phrases annoy people. And they suck the life right out of your writing. In redundant phrases, one word does all the “work” in delivering the message while the other word(s) sit around and watch.

I don’t know about you, but laziness annoys me. I want all my words to work hard to deliver my message.

Here’s the thing, you probably don’t even know that you’re using redundant phrases because they’re so commonplace. But your readers notice because they drain the power from your explosive words.

So please do a sista a favor and watch out for these “word power” burglars:

1. Forever and ever

I know this was cool when Andre’ 3000 used in one of his raps, but it really has no place in your writing. Why? Because ever is forever.

2. Revert back

Hmm. Revert means to return something to its original state. And we all know what back means. So combining these two words is like saying back back.

3. Written down

Okay, I use this one, but I shouldn’t. To write something is actually to record it and put it down on paper. So down is just an extra word that means nothing here.

4. Repeat again

To repeat something is to say it again, so again shouldn’t be coupled up with repeat.

5. Add an additional …

To add is to increase or make more of something. Drop additional.

6. Ask a question …

Yep, I say this too. To ask is the act of posing a question. Question is redundant.

7. Free gift

A gift is something that is free so free is redundant. Now, I have used this to add emphasis on my free offer – sure it’s not right, but it’s alright. 🙂

These are just a few of the “word power” of the many “word burglars. Do you have any others to add? Let me know in the comments.

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