You probably do it too

Looking to sound smarter? Here are 12 redundant words & how to avoid them

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Some of these phrases belong to what is known as RAS (Redundant Acronym Syndrome), a linguistic phenomenon in which an acronym or initialism is used alongside one of the words it represents, such as "ATM machine." Others are simply redundancies that have become common through frequent use, like "free gift." Still, we all use a couple of these—at least. Which of these 12 do you use the most?

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The phrase "ATM machine" is redundant because "ATM" already stands for "Automated Teller Machine," so adding "machine" repeats the word unnecessarily. It’s like saying "Automated Teller Machine machine."

This phrase is not the only example of RAS on the list, as we will see in the following entries.

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An expression commonly found in advertising and marketing, "free gift," is redundant because a gift already means something given without payment. Adding "free" simply repeats what the word "gift" already implies.

Though often used in advertising to emphasize that there’s no cost, "free gift" technically restates the same idea twice.

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Saying "PIN number" is redundant because "PIN" already stands for "Personal Identification Number," so adding "number" repeats the word unnecessarily.

While common in casual speech, this expression is best avoided in formal or precise writing.

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Another redundant phrase, "end result" falls into this category because "result" already means the outcome of something. Adding "end" repeats an idea that’s already implied in the word.

Saying "end result" is like saying "final outcome outcome." Simply using "result" is clear and complete on its own. Though stylistically the phrase is still widely used for emphasis in both spoken and written English.

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"Added bonus" is redundant because a bonus already means something extra or beyond what’s expected. Saying "added" simply repeats the idea unnecessarily. Since "bonus" already implies an addition, the word "added" doesn’t contribute any new meaning. It’s a clear example of redundancy in language.

Like "free gift," this phrase is very common and often used for emphasis in everyday speech or marketing.

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"Close proximity" is redundant because "proximity" already means closeness or nearness. Adding "close" simply repeats the same idea.

Not unlike the previously mentioned "PIN number," where "number" is already part of the acronym. In both cases, one word unnecessarily duplicates the meaning of the other.

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The expression "advance warning" is redundant because a warning already implies something given ahead of time. Adding "advance" simply repeats the idea of "beforehand."

Since "warning" means prior notice of danger or trouble, saying "advance warning" is like saying "beforehand warning," which adds no new meaning. However, it’s worth noting that this phrase is very common and often considered idiomatic, especially in formal or technical contexts.

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This one should be obvious, but we’ve all seen it from time to time. "Unexpected surprise" is redundant because a surprise is, by nature, not expected.

Saying "unexpected" adds no new meaning—unless, of course, the person was already expecting a surprise and received a different one, which effectively surprised them.

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Saying that something is "completely destroyed" is redundant because "destroyed" already means total ruin. Adding "completely" simply repeats the idea without adding any new meaning.

When something is destroyed, it’s already beyond repair or use. Saying "destroyed" alone is clear and sufficient.

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A much-used phrase in the age of fake news, "true fact" is redundant because a fact is, by definition, something that is true or can be proven. Adding "true" just repeats what’s already implied.

It’s like saying "frozen ice" or "past history"—the second word adds no new meaning. While "true fact" may be used for emphasis, it’s unnecessary and best avoided in formal writing.

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Since all plans are, by nature, in the future, the expression "future plans" is redundant. Adding "future" repeats what is already understood.

Unless you have a time machine, you can’t make plans for the past, so the word "future" adds nothing. Simply saying "plans" is clear and more concise.

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Another expression used for added drama, "unsolved mystery" is redundant because a mystery already implies something unexplained or unresolved. Adding "unsolved" repeats what’s inherently part of the word.

A mystery is, by definition, something not yet understood, so saying "mystery" alone is clear and more concise.

Not everyone is a car buff

10 car-related words to avoid getting fooled by the mechanic

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As long as you aren’t directly involved in it, not being savvy with a certain profession’s lingo is usually not a problem. But alas, exceptions exist, and these situations can create confusion and anxiety for the uninformed party in a conversation. Just like a patient who struggles to understand the complex terms a doctor uses to explain their condition, many people feel unsure when a mechanic explains a problem with their car. Listed below are 10 words and phrases that car buffs and mechanics use frequently. How many of these do you know?

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In the context of cars, the term "banger" refers to traditional combustion engines. While many people are familiar with engine cylinders, not everyone knows how the term "banger" relates to them.

For example, some refer to four-cylinder engines as "four-bangers" because of the distinct "banging" sound they produce.

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When talking about pillars in a car context, we are referring to the structural divisions between the windows. The A-pillar typically denotes the section on each side of the windshield, the B-pillars are located between the driver and passenger windows, and the C-pillar is positioned toward the rear of the vehicle.

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A limited-slip differential reduces wheel slip with the least traction, by shifting a portion of the torque to the wheel with the most traction, therefore, improving the performance of a car. This results in better overall traction.

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Brake bias refers to how braking power is distributed between the front and rear wheels. Brake bias can either reference the front of the car or the rear, depending on where it’s dispersed. Brake bias is often expressed as a percentage of braking power sent to the front brakes (e.g., 52%).

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The camber is an adjustable element of the car’s wheels that sets the tilt angle. Depending on the direction of the tilt, camber is classified as either negative or positive. Each car’s camber setting is adjustable and varies based on the driver’s preference.

How a driver sets their camber affects how quickly the tires wear over time. When in doubt, always check with a specialist.

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Another expression relating to the brakes is the action of "bedding the brake pads." All brake pads require a bedding process to enhance performance, which involves creating a thin transfer film between the pads and the rotor.

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A diagnostic check takes place when a mechanic connects a laptop or specialized equipment to a car to detect documented faults. Each fault is assigned a unique code, and by accessing the car's electronic control unit (ECU), the specific number will identify what the problem is.

Most modern mechanics use computers that can connect to a car’s electronic system and read the error log for problems.

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In the automotive world, suspension bushings are small rubber components attached to suspension parts that help absorb shocks and vibrations from the road. Since they are made of rubber, they can deteriorate and wear out over time, requiring periodic replacement.

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The third and final brake-related term on this list, "spongy brakes," is an expression used to describe an instance where the brake pedal offers little resistance when pressed down. This typically indicates a lack of brake fluid, which is fairly cheap to buy and add.

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A car differential is a set of gears that splits engine torque, allowing the wheels to rotate at different speeds. This is especially important when turning, as the outer wheels must rotate faster than the inner wheels to cover more ground in the same amount of time.

The front differential is located between the two front wheels and distributes the engine’s power to the front wheels. In the same manner, the rear differential is located between the two rear wheels and distributes the engine’s power to the rear wheels.