Cut the Clutter: Say It Once, Not Twice.

Have you ever said, “The reason why I…” or “Please return back soon” ? You’re not alone but guess what? You’ve just used a tautology. English is a beautiful language, but sometimes we add extra words without realizing it. One of the most common slip-ups is repeating the same idea using different words, a habit known as tautology . It sneaks into everyday speech and writing, making our messages longer and less clear. Let’s clear up one of the most common culprits: “the reason why.” What’s a Tautology? A tautology is when two words express the same meaning, used together unnecessarily. Think of it as repeating yourself, only fancier. Example of a Tautology: The reason why he left was personal. Here, both “reason” and “why” are doing the same job- explaining cause. You only need one. Better Options: The reason he left was personal. Why he left was personal. See? Still clear, but neater. Other Common Tautologies to Watch Out For: Retur...