You probably do it too

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

Image: Linh Pham

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?

Image: Precious Madubuike

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.

Image: Ekaterina Shevchenko

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.

Image: Eduardo Soares

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.

Image: Jakub Żerdzicki

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.

Image: Frugal Flyer

"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.

Image: Marek Studzinski

"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.

Image: Breana Panaguiton

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.

Image: Ben White

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.

Image: Julia Joppien

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.

Image: Hartono Creative Studio

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.

Image: Glenn Carstens-Peters

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.

Image: 𝓴𝓘𝓡𝓚 𝕝𝔸𝕀

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.

What science says

It was false after all: 10 health myths that sound true—but aren't

Image: Alicja Gancarz

Health myths are everywhere! These ideas were simply passed down for so long that they became part of what we believed. But now science has stepped in to clear things up. Does cold weather make you sick? Can lemon detox your body? Is reading in low light really harmful? Let's uncover the truth behind 10 common health myths!

Image: Element5 Digital

Have you ever been told that cutting your hair will make it grow faster? We're sorry to say that's just a myth. Hair grows from the root, not the ends. So, trimming it won't boost growth, though it does help remove split ends that can make your hair look dry or unhealthy.

Image: Thom Holmes

This is one of the most common health myths. Cold weather often gets blamed, but it's not the temperature that makes you catch a cold. During winter, we tend to stay indoors with others and keep the windows closed, an environment that makes it easier for viruses to spread. That's why colds tend to be more common in winter!

Image: Michelen Studios

The idea that eating before bed automatically leads to weight gain is a myth. In reality, it has more to do with what you eat and how much, rather than the time of day. Often, when we eat very late at night, we're tired and more likely to reach for quick, high-calorie, heavy foods. This can disrupt sleep and lead to consuming more calories than we burn, both of which may affect weight. If it's close to bedtime, it's better to have something light and healthy in a moderate portion than to skip a meal altogether.

Image: Bud Helisson

Does wearing glasses weaken your vision? Myth! If an eye doctor prescribes glasses, wearing them as directed helps correct your vision; it won't make it worse. Additionally, the right glasses can help prevent or reduce headaches caused by reading or spending long hours in front of a screen.

Image: Amir Balam

This myth is closely related to the previous one. If you love reading and sometimes have to do it in low light because of the situation, don't worry. According to experts, reading in low light doesn't cause permanent or irreversible eye damage. However, it's not recommended because it can make your eyes feel tired or strained, leading to discomfort or headaches.

Image: engin akyurt

We're all different, and so are our bodies. The idea that everyone should drink exactly eight glasses of water a day is more of a general guideline than a rule. Staying well hydrated throughout the day is extremely important, but how much water you need depends on factors like your weight, age, climate, and overall health. We should prioritize staying consistently hydrated instead of obsessing over the number of glasses we drink.

Image: Tirza van Dijk

Some people say drinking lemon water helps eliminate toxins and cleanse the body. While adding a slice of lemon to your water is a refreshing way to stay hydrated, it doesn't have any special "detoxifying" powers. The vitamin C in citrus fruits is beneficial, but the body has its own natural detox system. The liver and kidneys are the main organs that filter waste and eliminate toxins.

Image: Aneta Voborilova

Not all fats are bad! Just like other food groups, your body needs fats to function properly. The important thing is knowing the difference between healthy fats and those that can be harmful. Foods like avocados, seeds, olive oil, fish, and nuts are rich in healthy fats. On the other hand, the fats found in processed or fried foods are the ones that can have a negative impact on your body.

Image: Elevate

Liver diseases can be serious. While heavy and frequent consumption of alcohol and fats is a major contributor, it's not the only cause. Liver problems can also result from many other factors. These include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, high blood pressure, and exposure to certain chemicals.

Image: Brooke Lark

There's some truth to it: breakfast is important because it replenishes our glucose and energy levels and supports proper metabolism. However, the idea that it's the most important meal of the day might be an exaggeration. Everyone's body has different needs, and all meals are important, so we shouldn't skip any of them!