Avoid These Common Redundant Phrases to Speak More Clearly

Have you ever worried about experiencing a “complete failure”?

You've probably heard phrases like “free vacancy” or “work colleague” and sensed something was off. You’re right: these are pleonasms—unnecessary word combinations where the meaning is duplicated. They clutter your language, making texts less concise and harder to read. It’s best to eliminate such redundancies. Here are some common examples.

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1. Priority is Already the Top

The word “priority” inherently means something is foremost or has precedence. Saying “main priority” is redundant because priority cannot be secondary. Simply use “priority” alone.

2. Treasures Are Inherently Valuable

The dictionary defines “treasure” as valuable or precious items. Saying “valuable treasure” duplicates the meaning unnecessarily. However, phrases like “priceless treasure” are acceptable since they emphasize something beyond value.

3. Failure Means Complete Defeat

“Failure” already implies total defeat, so “complete failure” is redundant. However, other words like “collapse” can be qualified as complete, absolute, or spectacular.

4. Phenomenon Implies Uniqueness

A phenomenon is by definition unusual or extraordinary. To emphasize rarity, use alternatives like “rare occurrence,” “astonishing event,” or “extraordinary case.”

5. Surprise Is Unexpected by Nature

“Surprise” originates from the French word for “to astonish” and means an unexpected event or gift. Adding “unexpected” before “surprise” is unnecessary.

6. Optimal Means the Best Choice

“Optimal” already signifies the most favorable or best option. Saying “most optimal” is redundant. Choose either “optimal” or “most favorable.”

7. Officials Are by Definition Government Employees

We sometimes use pleonasms to add weight to phrases. Saying “government official” is redundant because an official is inherently a government employee.

8. Hospitalize Means Admitting to a Facility

Journalists often say “hospitalized in a hospital,” but “hospitalize” already means to admit someone to a medical facility. Choose either “hospitalize” or “admit to the hospital.”

9. Postponement Implies Delay

“Postponement” means delaying an action. Saying “temporary postponement” is repetitive. Instead, specify the delay duration, like “a one-week postponement.”

10. Incriminate Means to Accuse

“Incriminate” means to accuse someone of wrongdoing. Saying “incriminate guilt” is incorrect. Simply say “he was incriminated for bribery,” for example.

Also read 🧐 9 Tricky Verbs That Make You Sound Uneducated

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