Website lesson 9 redundant word
Avoid Redundant Words in Academic Writing
Lesson 9 of 20 Thesis Editing Tips
From the Examiner’s Desk
“I frequently examine theses in which years of excellent research are obscured by weak writing.”
Many writing guides focus on grammar.
This lesson focuses on readability.
Its purpose is to help readers understand your ideas more quickly and with less effort.
As a PhD examiner and thesis editor, I often see students using two words where one would do.
Editors call this tautology or redundancy.
It happens when two or more words express exactly the same idea.
Although redundant words rarely change the meaning of a sentence, they make academic writing longer, weaker and less professional.
One of the easiest ways to improve your writing is to identify unnecessary words and remove them.
Good academic writing values precision over repetition.
What Are Redundant Words?
Redundant words repeat information that is already understood.
Editors often refer to this as tautology.
For example:
❌ advance planning
✅ planning
Planning always happens before the event.
The word advance adds no new meaning.
Removing it makes the sentence shorter without changing the message.
Why Redundant Words Weaken Writing
Many students believe that using more words makes their writing sound more academic.
In reality, the opposite is usually true.
Unnecessary repetition makes writing:
• Longer.
• Less precise.
• Less confident.
• More difficult to read.
Strong academic writing communicates ideas using only the words that contribute new meaning.
Common Examples
Instead of writing:
❌ advance planning
write:
✅ planning
❌ close proximity
✅ proximity
❌ consensus of opinion
✅ consensus
❌ cooperate together
✅ cooperate
❌ future prediction
✅ prediction
❌ basic fundamentals
✅ fundamentals
❌ final outcome
✅ outcome
❌ end result
✅ result
❌ repeat again
✅ repeat
❌ completely eliminate
✅ eliminate
Each shorter version communicates exactly the same meaning.
Examples from Academic Writing
Example 1
❌ Careful advance planning was required before data collection began.
✅ Careful planning was required before data collection began.
The revised sentence is shorter and more direct.
Example 2
❌ The committee reached a consensus of opinion after reviewing the evidence.
✅ The committee reached a consensus after reviewing the evidence.
Nothing has been lost.
The sentence simply reads more naturally.
Example 3
❌ The treatment completely eliminated bacterial growth.
✅ The treatment eliminated bacterial growth.
The word eliminated already means removed completely.
Example 4
❌ Future predictions suggest increasing temperatures.
✅ Predictions suggest increasing temperatures.
Removing the redundant word improves readability immediately.
💬 WhatsApp with Dr Anastasia Apostolides (reasonable hours)
Why Examiners Notice This
A single redundant phrase is unlikely to attract attention.
However, repeated unnecessary wording throughout a thesis creates the impression that the writing has not been carefully edited.
Academic writing should communicate ideas efficiently.
Removing redundant words allows readers to focus on your research rather than your writing style.
Practical Editing Strategies
During your final edit:
• Look for pairs of words that appear to reinforce each other.
• Ask yourself:
“Does every word add new meaning?”
If removing one word does not change the meaning, delete it.
Small edits like these quickly make your writing more concise and more professional.
Quick Editing Checklist
Before submitting your thesis, ask yourself:
✓ Have I removed unnecessary repeated words?
✓ Does every word contribute new meaning?
✓ Can any phrase be shortened without changing the message?
✓ Have I replaced wordy expressions with precise alternatives?
✓ Does every sentence read naturally?
Key Takeaway
Strong academic writing is not about using more words.
It is about choosing the right words.
Every unnecessary word slows your reader.
Every precise word strengthens your argument.
Removing redundant words makes your writing clearer, more concise and more professional.
Need Professional Thesis Editing?
If you would like an experienced PhD examiner to review your thesis before submission, I’d be happy to help.
Whether you need a complete thesis edit, advice on improving clarity or feedback on a proposal, feel free to get in touch.
Dr Anastasia Apostolides
PhD Examiner • Thesis Editor • Proposal & Academic Consultant
Helping Master’s, MBA, DBA and PhD students write with clarity and confidence.
💬 WhatsApp with Dr Anastasia Apostolides (reasonable hours)
📧 Email: info@uedit.org
📍 uedit.org
Continue Learning
This article is part of the 20 Thesis Editing Tips series.
Continue to the next lesson or explore the complete collection of free thesis resources to strengthen every stage of your academic writing.