Good writing requires adhesion to grammar rules. However, even the most talented and experienced writers sometimes tend to clutter their sentences with superfluous phrases. Although redundant phrases help bulk up writing and make our sentences longer, these sentences simply become difficult to read. 

Good writing should be concise and informative. When we become redundant with our writing, our sentences become excessive, repetitive, and contain phrases that are unnecessary. 

To illustrate, here are some examples of redundant phrases that we should avoid, especially in written communication:

Unexpected Accident

An accident is defined as an unexpected, unforeseen, and unplanned event. Using the phrase unexpected prior to the word accident is already a surplusage.

Major Breakthrough

A breakthrough is already a major event. The use of major in this phrase is unnecessary.

Postpone at a later time

When something is postponed, it already means that it is scheduled at a later time. To add value to the postponement, use a more specific time frame instead of adding the phrase “later time” in your sentence.

Still remains

We often read “ still remains” in many write-ups, however, we have to note that to remain is to be still.

Sufficient enough

We should know by now that when something is sufficient, it is already enough. Choose which between the two synonyms you should use in your sentence depending on the tone of your writing.

New Innovations

Innovations already indicate that something is new and novel. The use of the word “new” prior to innovations is unnecessary.

Connected together

 This is a very common redundant phrase use in many articles. When one is connected to another, it already means that they are together.

Note, however, that not all types of redundancy can be considered bad writing. Most especially when we want to put emphasis on several key terms, repetition can be helpful. However, if you have a targeted audience and considering their attention span, your writing must be as concise as possible.

The examples already discussed above are just the tip of the iceberg. Redundancy has been a continuing predicament of many literati and grammarians because they continue to proliferate,, especially in modern writing. 

Recognizing superfluity in sentences takes a lot of practice. A great writer knows that he has to read his creatives over and over again before releasing the final copy. Some even wait several days before proofreading their articles which allows them to revisit sentences and phrases with a fresh perspective. 

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