What is “redundancy”?: Difference between revisions
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== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
" A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all his sentences short, or that he avoid all detail, but that every word tell. If a writer fails to do this his paper may suffer from redundancy"(Grammar). | |||
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;; Unneccessary Repetitions | ;; Unneccessary Repetitions | ||
Writers often repeat certain lines or words in their writing to captivate the reader or just for an effect; however, these repetitions may seem awkward if there is a more concise version(Hacker,125). | "Writers often repeat certain lines or words in their writing to captivate the reader or just for an effect; however, these repetitions may seem awkward if there is a more concise version"(Hacker,125). | ||
If the writer can get effect from the reader with fewer words, the writer should (Hodges312). | "If the writer can get effect from the reader with fewer words, the writer should" (Hodges312). | ||
'''Example''' 1: | '''Example''' 1: | ||
''incorrect'' Our fifth patient, in room six, is a mentally ill patient. | ''incorrect'' Our fifth patient, in room six, is a mentally ill patient. | ||
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''correct'' The best teachers help each student grow both academically and emotionally. | ''correct'' The best teachers help each student grow both academically and emotionally. | ||
The above repetitions should be avoided (Hacker,125). | "The above repetitions should be avoided" (Hacker,125). | ||
;; Saying the Samething Twice | ;; Saying the Samething Twice | ||
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''true fact, and etc.....'' | ''true fact, and etc.....'' | ||
;; Wordy Sentences | ;; Wordy Sentences | ||
A wordy sentence is a sentence composed of unneccessary words in attempt to convey its meaning. | "A wordy sentence is a sentence composed of unneccessary words in attempt to convey its meaning. | ||
When one word will do the job of several words in a sentence, the writer should use the one word(OWL). | When one word will do the job of several words in a sentence, the writer should use the one word"(OWL). | ||
'''Example''' | '''Example''' | ||
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;;Empty Clausing and Phrases | ;;Empty Clausing and Phrases | ||
An empty clause is one that can be reduced to a phrase, and an empty phrase is one that can be reduced to a simply phrase or a single word (Grammar). | "An empty clause is one that can be reduced to a phrase, and an empty phrase is one that can be reduced to a simply phrase or a single word (Grammar)". | ||
''Phrases to Avoid'' | ''Phrases to Avoid'' | ||
in my opinion, | in my opinion, | ||
Revision as of 13:15, 14 March 2005
Introduction
" A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all his sentences short, or that he avoid all detail, but that every word tell. If a writer fails to do this his paper may suffer from redundancy"(Grammar).
- Redundancy
Redundancy is a common source of wordiness. For Example:
- unneccessary repetitions,
- saying the samething twice,
- wordy sentences,
and
- empty clausing and phrases
Avoiding Redundancy
- Unneccessary Repetitions
"Writers often repeat certain lines or words in their writing to captivate the reader or just for an effect; however, these repetitions may seem awkward if there is a more concise version"(Hacker,125). "If the writer can get effect from the reader with fewer words, the writer should" (Hodges312). Example 1:
incorrect Our fifth patient, in room six, is a mentally ill patient. correct Our fifth patient, in room six, is mentally ill.
Example 2:
incorrect The best teachers help each student to become a better student both academically and emotionally. correct The best teachers help each student grow both academically and emotionally.
"The above repetitions should be avoided" (Hacker,125).
- Saying the Samething Twice
Restating a key point in different words can help the reader understand it; however, there is no need to rephrase readily understood terms. It is redundant(Hodge312).. For example the writer should not use words with the same meaning or connotation:
cooperate together
close proximity
basic essentials
or
true fact, and etc.....
- Wordy Sentences
"A wordy sentence is a sentence composed of unneccessary words in attempt to convey its meaning. When one word will do the job of several words in a sentence, the writer should use the one word"(OWL).
Example
incorrect There well always be a person or group who will test the legislature and publish libelous statements as long as they can until they are caught.
Eliminating "there" and "be" and putting the subject and verb in their proper place will make the sentence more concise.
better People will always test the legislature and publish libelous statements as long as they can until they are caught.
Better, but there remains a repetition of the word "they." Get rid of the repetition.
correct People test the legislature by publishing libelous statements as long as they can.(OWL)
;;Empty Clausing and Phrases
"An empty clause is one that can be reduced to a phrase, and an empty phrase is one that can be reduced to a simply phrase or a single word (Grammar)". Phrases to Avoid
in my opinion,
in today's society, and etc....
Work Cited
- Hacker, Diana. A writer's Reference. New York:Bedford/St.Martin's 2003
- Hodge, John C.. Hodges' Harbrace Handbook. 5th Edition. United States of America: Handle, a part of the Thomson Corporation. 2004
- Macon State College. Tutorial. Eliminating Wordiness.2005 <http://tutorials.maconstate.edu/owl/wp/wp40.asp>
- Darling, Professor Charles.Concise Grammar. Capital Community College. <http://www.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/concise.htm>