The \u201ckeep it simple\u201d (KISS) approach to writing is not all that new. Two thousand years ago, the Roman philosopher Seneca advised that in expressing oneself, \u201cWe do not need many words, only effective ones\u201d. <\/p>\n
Thomas Jefferson, principal author of the American Declaration of Independence, weighed in with: \u201cThe most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do\u201d. Hemingway, Nobel Prize Laureate in Literature (1954), concurred. <\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a list of tacky tautologies (duplications and redundancies) and silly superfluities I\u2019ve come across while editing. It\u2019s dedicated to plain language fanatics. Let\u2019s eradicate mechanical, repetitive and meaningless speech or writing (known as psittacism \u2013 from \u201cpsitaccus\u201d, Latin for \u201cparrot\u201d). <\/p>\n
Enjoy spotting the repetitions and illogicalities:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Classic tautologies<\/p>\n
\u2022\tEroded away
\n\u2022\tThe old classics
\n\u2022\tFellow friends
\n\u2022\tA grown-up adult (An adult)
\n\u2022\tThey merged together \/ they merged as one
\n\u2022\tBlending together
\n\u2022\tJoined together
\n\u2022\tAll the little detail<\/p>\n
Superfluous words<\/p>\n
\u2022\tIt will gradually be phased out
\n\u2022\tThe largest share of (= most)
\n\u2022\tWith its own en suite bathroom
\n\u2022\tOne of the oldest surviving species today
\n\u2022\tOn a daily basis (= daily; similarly \u201cannually\u201d.)
\n\u2022\tA main priority
\n\u2022\tWithin 15 minutes, or less
\n\u2022\tOld vintage car for sale
\n\u2022\tOf all his achievements in life
\n\u2022\tRehashing an idea time and time again
\n\u2022\tHe still currently works\u2026
\n\u2022\tIt\u2019s a clear indication
\n\u2022\tAs a result of this\u2026
\n\u2022\tHeart of the city centre
\n\u2022\tAn indispensable addition to
\n\u2022\tLooking forward in anticipation
\n\u2022\tHe went on to work\u2026 (= He worked)
\n\u2022\tExported to 30 different countries
\n\u2022\tEscalating more rapidly
\n\u2022\tAt 9am in the morning
\n\u2022\tOver-exaggerated
\n\u2022\tContinue on
\n\u2022\tReturn back
\n\u2022\tRevert back
\n\u2022\tTo focus specifically
\n\u2022\tFocusing primarily on
\n\u2022\tLiterally on your doorstep (Note: OYD is a figurative expression. The qualification \u201cliterally\u201d is generally used as an extension of the expression in an attempt to give it literal currency, when in fact, particularly in real estate-speak, it\u2019s a deceit.)<\/p>\n
Miscellaneous marketing mistakes<\/p>\n
\u2022\t\u201cIf peak demand was reduced down\u2026\u201d (Eskom \u2013 SA State Electricity Dept.)
\n\u2022\t\u201cIt is important that we never combine two brand identities together.\u201d
\n (Pearson Education)
\n\u2022\t“The decision is that we go after him and retrieve our money back.”
\n (Senior PRASA Manager \u2013 SA rail agency)
\n\u2022\tOver the years \u201cx\u201d has evolved (Rather say: Since *year*, \u201cx\u201d has evolved)
\n\u2022\tA variety of different flavours
\n\u2022\tIn the public world
\n\u2022\tBenefits of the product (= product benefits)<\/p>\n
Completed states of being <\/p>\n
\u2022\tTotally depleted
\n\u2022\tPure perfection
\n\u2022\tMost pristine
\n\u2022\tMost unique<\/p>\n
Corporate waffle<\/p>\n
\u2022\tHeaded up by\u2026
\n\u2022\tOccupying the title of MD (= as MD)
\n\u2022\tWhere he currently holds the position of Managing Director (= where he is
\n currently MD)
\n\u2022\tLives his life<\/p>\n
A smattering of oxymorons<\/p>\n
\u2022\tTry to ensure [Either you tackle something squarely with a goal in mind or
\n you merely attempt it. What’s the objective?]
\n\u2022\tA focused twist
\n\u2022\tA comprehensive overview [Either its in-depth or it\u2019s a summary; it cannot
\n be both.]
\n\u2022\tSuperficial to the core<\/p>\n
The \u201ckeep it simple\u201d (KISS) approach to writing is not all that new. Two thousand years ago, the Roman philosopher Seneca advised that in expressing oneself, \u201cWe do not need many words, only effective ones\u201d. Thomas Jefferson, principal author of … Continue reading ![\"if-it-takes-a-lot-of-words-to-say-what-you-have-in-mind-give-it-more-thought-quote-1\"](\"http:\/\/www.gavinford.com\/thinkspot\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/if-it-takes-a-lot-of-words-to-say-what-you-have-in-mind-give-it-more-thought-quote-1-232x300.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"