Redundancy in English Writing

_17_

In chapters IV to VI of The Translator’s Guide to Chinglish, the author provides a detailed analysis of redundancy in English writing. Citing Wilson Follett’s “maxim against redundancy” and the assertion from Robert Graves and Alan Hodge that “unless for rhetorical emphasis or necessary recapitulation, no idea should be stated more than once in the same passage,” the text exposes three types of redundancy: simple restatement, self-evident statement, and mirror-image statement. This theory resonated deeply with my own writing experiences.

I have often found myself unconsciously repeating ideas in translations and essays—for example, expressing “arrive at the station on time” alongside “be punctual,” which, despite different wording, reiterates the same message. Reading these chapters, I realized that such “linguistic fat” not only slows the flow of an article but also obscures the central idea. The critique of simple restatement made me understand that every redundant phrase is an affront to the reader’s intelligence and a challenge to one’s own mastery of language.

The discussion on self-evident statements reminded me of everyday conversations where we over-emphasize the obvious. The author’s vivid examples showed that redundant emphasis often weakens the force of our message. Reflecting on my past writings, I recognized that trimming excess words can greatly enhance both logical clarity and emotional impact.

The section on mirror-image statements brought to mind the bureaucratic clichés often found in formal settings. Although repetition may sometimes be used for emphasis, the text warns that overuse results in verbose and hollow prose. This served as an important wake-up call for me: effective communication lies not in reiterating the obvious but in conveying ideas precisely and succinctly.

These chapters have transformed my approach to writing, pushing me toward a mindset of minimalism where every word counts. Each time I revise my drafts, I strive to eliminate unnecessary modifiers and redundant expressions. This shift has not only refined my writing style but also deepened my confidence in delivering clear and impactful messages.