Dictionary of English - tautology

This is the name for a particular fault in expression, the unnecessary duplication of an idea using different words. In the phrase: the former musical glories of an earlier time, former is not needed; it means 'of an earlier time'. In the phrase: the circumstances surrounding her death, the word circumstances already means conditions surrounding, so it should be followed simply by of. Here are some further examples.

a new innovation; an amazing marvel; return the book back to the library; at this moment in time; the one single reason; the single most quoted reason; make a beeline straight there; an added bonu.

It is noticeable that many tautological expressions are clichés. They come ready made along tired old grooves of expression. The reader may well wonder whether tired expression means tired ideas.

Some tautologies arise because the writer does not know the precise meaning of a word. An innovation, for example, is a 'new' idea or way of doing something, not just an idea or practice.

It is quite easy to introduce tautologies into a piece of writing when you are searching among various similar phrases for a way to express an idea, so it is wise to look out for them when you are checking a piece of writing.

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