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Grammar & Punctuation,Writing for Authors
17 Nov 2020 at 08:08 PM PST
Posted 2 years ago

Common Tautology to Avoid in Your Writing

By Catia Shattuck

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Common Tautology to Avoid in Your Writing

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Tautology is using different words to say the same thing twice. In writing, this is generally not a good thing. Cutting out tautology will make your writing more concise and professional, so watch out for these common tautology phrases while self-editing your writing.

Literal Repetition (Easy to Catch)

  • ATM machine
  • GPS system
  • PIN number
  • Please R.S.V.P.
  • VIN number
  • ISBN number
  • DVD disc

Repetition by Meaning (Harder to Catch)

  • I saw her personally
  • prepay in advance
  • morning sunrise
  • frozen ice
  • close proximity
  • hot water heater
  • dilapidated ruins
  • In my opinion, I think . . .
  • completely devoid
  • 8 a.m. in the morning
  • adequate enough
  • come together in unity
  • I thought to myself
  • creeping slowly along
  • new innovation
  • I assisted her by helping her get to work
  • shout loudly
  • free gifts

Note that sometimes tautology can be used on purpose to reiterate something, as a poetic device, or to mock someone or something, but if it is used this manner, then it must be on purpose (see what we did there?).

What common tautology have you seen that authors should watch out for? Let us know in the comments below!

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Avatar for Catia Shattuck
Catia Shattuck

I am a copyeditor and a typesetter of print books, and have been editing and typesetting (using InDesign) for thirteen years. As the executive editor at Book Cave, I enjoy helping authors be successful, and I only get interrupted a little bit (ha!) by my cute, rambunctious two-year-old.


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