Every language in the world contains linguistic phenomena that are considered redundant or unnecessary. One such phenomenon is pleonasm — the use of superfluous words that add no new meaning but merely repeat what has already been said. Pleonasms often occur unconsciously in speech, but they can affect the quality and clarity of language. In some cases, pleonasm is used deliberately as a stylistic device, but more often — it is a mistake. In this article, Baltimore Chronicle will take a detailed look at the nature of pleonasm, its causes, examples, and ways to avoid it.
What Is a Pleonasm: Definition and Examples
A pleonasm is a redundancy in speech, where a phrase includes words whose meanings are already implied by other components of the sentence. In other words, it is a duplication of meaning.
Common examples of pleonasms in the Ukrainian language include:
- give for free
- repeat again
- my own home
- main essence
- Mr. Shevchenko speaks personally himself
These constructions may seem natural, as we often hear them in everyday speech, media, advertising, or even literature. However, from a grammatical perspective, they are redundant.
Pleonasm vs. Tautology: What’s the Difference?
Although these two phenomena are similar, a pleonasm is redundancy in the structure of a phrase, while a tautology is the repetition of the same meaning using words with the same root.
For example:
- Pleonasm: mutual cooperation (the word “cooperation” already implies mutuality)
- Tautology: round circle, speak with words
In practice, they often overlap, but the goal of any speaker or writer is to avoid both phenomena when possible.
Why Pleonasms Occur in Speech
Pleonasms rarely appear by accident — they are usually caused by certain psychological or linguistic factors. Here are some main reasons:
- Desire to emphasize or clarify meaning
People intuitively add words to strengthen a phrase, which sometimes results in duplication of meaning. - Influence of other languages
Many pleonasms enter Ukrainian via calques from Russian or English. For example, “important condition” (calqued from “важное условие”). - Linguistic inertia
Common expressions and clichés are used so often that they are perceived as standard — even if grammatically redundant. - Stylistic devices
In literary language or poetry, pleonasm is sometimes used deliberately to create an emotional or rhythmic effect. - Lack of language competence
People uncertain of the correct word usage may include extra components “just in case.”
Common Pleonasms in Modern Ukrainian Speech
In everyday life, we often come across many pleonasms that seem correct at first glance. Here are some of the most common:
- absolutely accurate
- first premiere
- memorable souvenir
- free gift
- important priority
- gather together
- forecast ahead
These phrases should be avoided or edited: “premiere” instead of “first premiere”; “gift” instead of “free gift”, since a gift is already free by definition.
Editing Pleonasms: Suggested Alternatives
| Pleonasm | Recommended Form |
|---|---|
| my own house | my house |
| repeat again | repeat |
| main essence | essence |
| gather together | gather |
| prior experience | experience |
How to Avoid Pleonasms: Tips for Linguistic Precision
To avoid pleonasms in your own speech or writing, pay attention to context, word meaning, and the logical structure of the sentence.
Here are several effective tips:
- Reread what you’ve written — look for words that repeat each other.
- Use a dictionary to verify the meanings of ambiguous words.
- Avoid bureaucratic language and clichés.
- Replace wordy constructions with simpler, more precise ones.
- Consult editors or language specialists — they can easily spot such mistakes.
When Is a Pleonasm Acceptable?
Pleonasm is not always a linguistic flaw. Sometimes it is used:
- for stylistic expressiveness
- to enhance rhythm or rhyme in poetry
- in dialogue, to convey the authenticity of spoken language
- in advertising texts to improve memorability
For instance, the phrase “living organism” may be appropriate in context, especially when contrasting it with artificial organisms in a scientific article.
Pleonasms in Media, Advertising, and Official Texts
Special attention should be given to pleonasms in the media, advertising, and official style, where clichéd constructions often dominate. This damages the style, precision, and credibility of the author.
Most common examples include:
- actively operates
- continues to last
- available resources
- successfully implemented project
- short summary
These phrases are often replaceable with a single accurate word without loss of meaning. For example, instead of “continues to last,” simply say “continues.”
Is Attitude Toward Pleonasms Changing in Modern Language?
With the development of digital media and social networks, pleonasms spread faster than in traditional speech. Many people repeat constructions used by bloggers, journalists, or content creators without analyzing whether they are correct.
However, it is worth noting:
- The number of language initiatives and campaigns for Ukrainian language purity is growing
- Educational resources explain and demonstrate examples of language errors
- More people strive to improve their speech style, especially in professional settings
Thus, fighting pleonasms is not only desirable but also entirely realistic — one only needs to pay attention to every word.
Earlier we wrote about how to distinguish a hyphen from a dash.