Eduqo
English Grammar›Ch 8: Sentence Structures›Superfluous Expressions
Spot and remove redundant words in competitive exam questions
A superfluous expression uses extra words that duplicate meaning already expressed. Words like return back or cousin brother add redundant words that violate exam grammar. Always remove the extra word to keep sentences crisp.
Memory Hooks
| Redundant Phrase | Core Issue | Correct Form |
|---|---|---|
| return back / revert back | 'Re-' already means back | return / revert |
| cousin brother / sister | 'Cousin' takes no gender suffix | cousin |
| the reason ... because | Both express reason simultaneously | the reason ... that |
| though ... but | 'Though' cannot pair with 'but' | though ... yet (or comma) |
Return
(Drop back)
Drop back
He will return tomorrow.
Cousin
(No brother/sister)
No brother/sister
She is my cousin.
Reason...that
(Drop because)
Drop because
The reason was that he was ill.
Though...yet
(Drop but)
Drop but
Though tired, yet he worked.
Please revert back to my email.Please revert to my email.
'Revert' means to reply or return to a state; using 'back' is incorrect.
He did not give nothing to me.He did not give anything to me.
'Did not' and 'nothing' make a double negative error; use 'anything' instead.
Each and every student was ready.Each student was ready.
'Each and every' is redundant in formal writing; use either 'each' or 'every'.
Kindly repeat the lesson again.Kindly repeat the lesson.
'Repeat' already signifies saying or doing again; omit 'again'.
Q1.Select the sentence free from superfluous expressions:
Q2.Identify the sentence that contains a redundancy error: