Redundancy
Redundancy is defined by the Merriam-Webster online dictionary as "a superfluous repetition" or "the part of a message that can be eliminated without loss of essential information" [1].
Contents |
Introduction
In Chapter Seven of Style: Toward Clarity and Grace, Joseph M. Williams reviews different aspects of redundancy. He declares that a more certain sign of our socialization is in what we don't say rather than what we say and how we say it. He adds that this sign is "in what we take for granted as part of a shared but rarely articulated body of knowledge and values" (121). Williams not only discusses the negative impact of redundancy and its effect on one's writing. He also talks about the positive impact it may have on the writer and their future writing. He explains that there are acceptable times to be redundant and appropriate times to avoid excessive detail because the information is assumed to be shared knowledge. This obviously depends on how much information our readers already know. There are three kinds of redundancy that he specifically explores in detail: Belaboring the Obvious, Excessive Detail, and A Phrase for a Word. Overall, Williams implies the key to uncovering redundancy in this statement "you have to think about your prose more carefully and then rewrite more extensively" (119). Ultimately, the writer must decide whether the situation calls for redundancy.
Belaboring the Obvious
Williams stated that as writers, "we are diffusely redundant, needlessly stating what everyone knows"(119). We use words that reflect the same meaning as one another in the same sentence. Take the following sentence for example: Jason left the hospital and made his exit through the back door. The word exit implies left already. Therefore, it is redundant or unnecessary to add to the sentence. Here is the less redundant version: Jason exited the hospital through the back door. It is simple, to the point, and reflects the same meaning the first sentence did.
Excessive Detail
This is when writers provide irrelevant or unnecessary details in their work. Of course, whether extra information is needed depends on the audience and the context. For instance, Williams explains that, "in technical writing addressed to an informed audience, we can usually assume a good deal of shared knowledge"(120). So, giving the definition for medical terms in a graduate anatomy class is not necessary, because everyone should already know what the words mean. Additionally, in an introductory health class, definitions in the textbook are needed for the students to understand what they are reading, proving that redundancy does not always mean excessive detail.
A Phrase for a Word
In chapter seven of Style, Williams says redundancy often arises when writers use a phrase where a simple word will do. Williams says: "There are no general rules to tell you when you can compress several words into a word or two. I can just point out that you often can, and that you should be on the alert for opportunities to do so -- which is to say, try."
Williams offers the examples...
- Due to the fact that = because
- Despite the fact that = although
- Under circumstances in which = if
- See where (something) is = find (something)
- The thing you do before you do anything else = first
For more information, see the section "A Phrase for a Word" in the chapter seven summary.
More Notes on Redundancy
“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler”- Albert Einstein
What exactly is Einstein implying, if anything at all? We’ve all heard the expression, It’s easier said, than done; however, in terms of writing I disagree. You can’t take back something you’ve said, but in writing you have the privilege to edit your work and make the necessary changes to avoid one of the easiest mistakes in writing, redundancy. Shockingly enough, there is evidence of redundancy in my last sentence. To edit your work and make the necessary changes both imply the same concept of revising. Instead my sentence should have read, You can’t take back something you’ve said, but in writing you have the privilege to revise your work and avoid one of the easiest mistakes in writing, redundancy.
As Joseph Williams stated when writing Style, the best way to avoid redundancy is to “compress what you mean in the fewest words” and “Don’t state what your reader can easily infer” (115). The best way to understand these principles is to see them in examples, such as this one:
- Benjamin Franklin began writing, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, in 1771 as a window into his life events.
Even though this sentence makes sense, there are some minor adjustments we can make to avoid sounding redundant. Firstly, since this is in autobiography the reader can conclude that Benjamin Franklin was the sole author. Thus, the reader does not need to know who the author is. Secondly, an autobiography also implies that the author will illustrate their life events. So, following Williams’ principles on redundancy the sentence should be read,
- The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin was written in 1771.
or...
- In 1771, Benjamin Franklin began constructing his autobiography.
Both sentences avoid sounding redundant by using fewer words to make the point clearer and by eliminating what the reader can infer from what an autobiography does.
Redundant Pairs
Williams’ goes into great detail analyzing types of redundant pairs, or doubling words, but does not show us how to correct them.
- First and foremost we must find the cure to the disease before it gets worse.
First and foremost is an example of a redundant pair commonly used throughout English writing. The meaning is virtually the same, so by eliminating one, your point remains the same.
- First, we must find the cure to the disease before it gets worse.
Another example seen throughout Richard Nixon’s farewell address from the White House incorporates another redundant pair, each and every one.
- “I want to say for each and every one of you, not only will we always remember you, not only will we always be grateful to you but always you will be in our hearts and you will be in our prayers."
Although this is a good example of redundancy in the strictest sense, it is also indicative of changes in language use over time. English is a living language and as such is always evolving. The push for more clarity has always been a part of the development of language use. However, until recently the term that Former President Nixon used, "each and every one", was considered a highly acceptable phrase in daily use, and even in written forms, such as speech-writing. It may be a small stylistic change noting the trend towards not only more clarity, but also a more strict sense of efficiency that we are seeing in this prescription for change.
Especially when giving a speech, your audience is well aware of who you are speaking to. Using each and every one is unnecessary. When you take these words away, it shortens your sentence and makes your point clearer.
Emphasis on Twitter
Twitter incorporates a unique way of writing that only allows 140 characters at a time. For some users it reduces the room to express their thoughts/feelings, but for others allows flexibility in the the way they want to write. In some cases, writing redundantly on Twitter is not an option. Many people learn the less you write, the easier it is for others to read. When your limited to only 140 characters, you begin to revise what you're reading and make it as simple as it can be. Also, the rules, or principles, when using Twitter are ignored. There is no longer a need for grammatically correct sentences or appropriateness, Twitter allows you to express exactly what a grammatically correct sentence would, in just a few words.
A perfect example: Would anyone like to get lunch today around 2pm? This is a grammatically correct sentence that makes sense. But when using Twitter, someone can simply put, Lunch? 2pm? The point is clear, without sounding redundant.
