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Mumbojumbo Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

Tautology

Is tautology (redundancy) grammatically correct?

For e.g. 'revert back' seems incorrect, but 'each and every' seems ok.

Also, 'Sahara desert' seems correct.

Thanks,
MJ
  

Top answer

All languages have redundancy. There is nothing wrong with redundancy in and of itself. However, some people think that certain redundant expressions are wrong.

— Anonymous

  • All languages have redundancy.
  • There is nothing wrong with redundancy in and of itself.
  • However, some people think that certain redundant expressions are wrong.
  • Your best hope, if you want to know what is considered correct in standard English, is to consult a style guide.
  • All 3 of your examples are fine with me.
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2 Answers
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All languages have redundancy. There is nothing wrong with redundancy in and of itself.
However, some people think that certain redundant expressions are wrong. Your best hope, if you want to know what is considered correct in standard English, is to consult a style guide.

All 3 of your examples are fine with me.
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Grammatically correct but stylistically poor if egregious-- as in revert back. Each and every is a sort of stock phrase used for emphasis, and is OK if not overdone (in my opinion). Sahara desert is no more redundant than Pacific Ocean or Atlas Mountains-- it is the name of a specific desert.
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