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Once You See This Amateur Mistake, You Can’t Unsee It
Writers should beware of doing this unintentionally
Repeat after me, ‘I shall say this only once.’
We are all prone to repeating ourselves. We do it in conversations without thinking. That can be a tiny, teeny-weeny, itsy-bitsy annoying for those on the receiving end.
I read dozens of articles for my publication every week, and one thing that stands out is the unnecessary repetition of words or ideas. I’m talking about tautology.
I understand why those new to writing make these mistakes, but it is surprising how many seasoned writers don’t realise they do it. I find it a tiny, teeny-weeny, itsy-bitsy like the reading version of driving over a speed hump.
Tautology isn’t always a mistake, it is only considered a fault of style when unintentional. Intentional repetition can emphasise a thought or help the listener or reader understand a point. I’ve deliberately used it twice; although they mean the same thing, tiny, teeny-weeny, and itsy-bitsy sounds witsy.¹
Even if most of your readers tune it out, the people who matter: your future agent, editor, or publisher, will wince, and it could cost you dearly. Clear communication is best practice, and it puts you ahead of every other writer who isn’t…
