A tautology is typically defined as a redundant statement, often due to its repetition of the same idea using different words or expressions. From both logical and linguistic perspectives, it is widely accepted that every tautological statement conveys the same message using similar words or phrases without adding any additional information. Tautologies can also be used for emphasis, rhetorical purposes, or clarity. Below are some common linguistic tautological expressions found in everyday English, along with explanations of their redundancies.
Free Gift
The word “gift” inherently means something given without payment, making the term “free” redundant. In essence, all gifts are free by definition. “Gift” already implies that no money is exchanged.
Future Plans
“Plans” are inherently made for the future. When we talk about plans, we’re generally referring to actions that have not yet occurred. “Plans” are future-oriented by definition, making “future” unnecessary.
End result
Explanation: The word “result” refers to an outcome, which inherently occurs at the end of something, making “end” superfluous. A result, by nature, happens at the conclusion.
Unexpected surprise
A “surprise” is defined as something that is unexpected. Thus, calling it “unexpected” is redundant. “Surprise” already means it is unexpected.
Repeat again
To “repeat” something already means to do it again, so adding “again” is redundant. “Repeat” inherently suggests doing it once more.
Close proximity
“Proximity” refers to closeness or nearness, so using “close” to describe proximity is unnecessary. “Proximity” already conveys the idea of closeness.
Past history
“History” refers to events that have already occurred, so the word “past” is redundant. History is, by definition, something from the past.
Rising upwards
“Rising” means moving upward, so the addition of “upwards” is unnecessary. “Rising” already denotes upward motion.
Final conclusion
A “conclusion” is the final decision or result, making “final” redundant. Conclusions are always final, so the adjective “final” adds no new meaning.
Completely full
“Full” already implies that something is completely filled to capacity, so “completely” is redundant. “Full” by definition means it is entirely occupied.
Totally unique
“Unique” already implies something is one of a kind, so adding “totally” does not add any new meaning. “Unique” means one-of-a-kind, making “totally” unnecessary.
End results
Repetition of the same concept. As previously mentioned, “result” implies an outcome that happens at the end, so “end” is redundant. A result inherently happens at the end.
Basic fundamentals
“Fundamentals” refers to the basic principles or core elements of something, so “basic” is redundant. “Fundamentals” are by definition the basics.
A new invention
An “invention” is something newly created or devised, so calling it “new” is redundant. All inventions are, by definition, new.
First priority
The term “priority” inherently means something of the highest importance, so adding “first” does not alter its meaning. A “priority” is inherently the first or most important task.
Actual fact
A “fact” is, by definition, something that is true or real, so the word “actual” is unnecessary. “Fact” inherently means truth or reality.
Added bonus
A “bonus” is something added as an extra or reward, so the word “added” is superfluous. “Bonus” inherently means something extra.
Necessary requirement
A “requirement” is already something necessary, so calling it “necessary” is redundant. A “requirement” is, by nature, something that must be fulfilled.
Unexpected event
An “event” can be either expected or unexpected, but typically, when we refer to an event, we are implicitly acknowledging that it could surprise us. The nature of an “event” allows for it to be unexpected, making the adjective unnecessary.
Brief moment
A “moment” already refers to a very short period of time, so “brief” is redundant. A “moment” is inherently brief.
Close inspection
“Inspection” already implies a detailed, thorough look, so “close” is unnecessary. “Inspection” suggests something is being closely examined.
Revert back
“Revert” already means to return to a previous state, making “back” redundant. “Revert” inherently means to go back.
___________________ Samuel Tolulope Alimi is the founder and lead scholar at English TV, an online platform dedicated to teaching the English language on various social media platforms. He earned a BA (Ed) from the prestigious Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, where he majored in English and Education. As a Grammar Columnist at Peoples Daily newspaper, one of the foremost and trusted national newspapers, he writes about Nigerian English on Page 23 of every Saturday's publication, with his column titled "Common Errors in English with Samuel Alimi." His writings have attracted considerable readership across several states, with over 30 detailed articles published. Samuel is a goal-oriented ambassador of Scholarship IQ, promoting its mission to build the world's largest African student directory in two local governments in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. He has also gained hands-on experience in ghostwriting autobiographies, community service, and research through his internship at SO41 Educational Consultancy, Ogun State. LinkedIn: Samuel Tolulope Alimi samueltolulopealimi@gmail.com
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