Editorial Help Desk

Tip of the Month

Pleonasm: (noun). Sounds like plee·uh·na·zm. Hear it here.

The use of more words than are necessary to convey meaning, either unintentionally or for emphasis. A redundant expression.

Examples: “see with one's eyes,” "exact replica," "burning fire," "blended smoothie," “free gift,” “added bonus,” “false pretenses,” and “fact-based journalism” (all journalism is fact-based, otherwise, it’s not journalism), “kick it with your foot,” “repeat again,” “return back,” advance warning,” “close proximity” (proximity means nearness), “evolve over time {evolution occurs over time), “new innovation” (an innovation is new by definition), “vast majority” (a majority is already vast), surrounded on all sides” (surrounded means encircled on all sides), “revert back” (revert means to go back), and “pair of twins” (twins always come in pairs).

Some pleonastic phrases are part of a language's idiom:  tuna fish, chain mail, safe haven.

The more you read the more they pop up. Now you can recognize them as a “thing.” Use them intentionally.

Do you have any pleonasms to share?

As always, when in doubt, check it out! Contact the Editorial Help Desk for help (Donna_M_MarksPleasant@mcpsmd.org).