Pleonasms

Definition

Pleonasms are the use of more words than necessary to convey meaning, often resulting in redundancy. This can lead to less precise and less clear writing, as it introduces unnecessary complexity to sentences. Identifying and removing pleonasms is crucial for achieving precision and clarity, as well as for revising content to enhance conciseness.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pleonasms often occur in everyday language, making them easy to overlook but important to correct for clarity.
2. Common examples of pleonasms include phrases like 'free gift' or 'end result,' where the additional word does not add any new meaning.
3. Removing pleonasms can help make writing more impactful by allowing the main ideas to stand out without distraction.
4. Identifying pleonasms is a critical step in the revision process, helping writers refine their work for precision.
5. Using concise language can improve reader engagement and comprehension, which is essential for effective communication.

Review Questions

• How do pleonasms impact the clarity and precision of writing?
  • Pleonasms negatively affect clarity and precision by introducing unnecessary words that can confuse readers. When a writer uses more words than needed, it obscures the main idea and detracts from the overall message. This redundancy can lead to misinterpretation and a lack of engagement from the audience, making it essential to identify and eliminate pleonasms during the writing process.
• Discuss the relationship between pleonasms and wordiness in written communication.
  • Pleonasms are a specific type of wordiness characterized by redundant phrases that do not contribute additional meaning. Wordiness includes any excessive use of language that could be simplified or made more concise. Both concepts hinder effective communication; however, focusing on eliminating pleonasms can significantly reduce overall wordiness, resulting in clearer and more direct writing that engages readers.
• Evaluate strategies for revising text to eliminate pleonasms while maintaining the author's intended meaning.
  • To effectively revise text for pleonasms, authors should first identify redundant phrases through careful reading and possibly peer review. Once identified, writers can replace pleonastic phrases with simpler alternatives or remove them altogether without losing the original meaning. Maintaining an awareness of concise language practices during writing will also help prevent pleonasms from occurring in the first place, ensuring that the author’s intent remains clear and focused throughout the piece.

Related terms

Redundancy: The unnecessary repetition of ideas or phrases, which can clutter writing and obscure the intended message.

Concision: The quality of being clear and brief in expression, eliminating unnecessary words to convey information effectively.

Wordiness:

The use of more words than needed, which can make writing less effective and harder to understand.