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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.

The 12 longest-living animals on Earth (and how they cheat time)

Nature doesn’t just create beauty, it crafts survival miracles. While most animals have short lives, a rare few have mastered the art of staying alive for centuries, even millennia. These aren’t just long-lived creatures; they’re nature’s ultimate time travelers. From the frozen depths of the oceans to the darkest corners underground, they’ve developed bizarre, brilliant strategies to cheat death. Get ready to meet 12 animals whose lifespans will absolutely blow your mind.

Record age: up to 15,000 years

This unassuming sea sponge thrives in the freezing waters of Antarctica, where temperatures hover around 28.6 °F—so cold that biological processes hit the brakes. In such icy conditions, metabolism slows to a crawl, allowing these sponges to live for thousands of years.

Some have reached impressive sizes of over 3 feet tall and have been around since mammoths were still thundering across the tundra. They don’t move, they don’t stress, and they barely change, just quietly existing while centuries pass them by. Their secret to extreme longevity? Glacial patience, deep-sea stillness, and a lifestyle that redefines "low-maintenance".

Age: technically… infinite

This tiny jellyfish, no bigger than a fingernail—less than 0.2 inches—is like the ocean’s very own Benjamin Button. What makes it truly extraordinary is its ability to rewind its life story, flipping back to a youthful, juvenile stage whenever it wants. While it’s not completely invincible (predators and other threats are still very real), if left undisturbed, it can keep hitting the reset button on aging indefinitely, making it one of the most fascinating "time-benders" in nature.

Record age: 507 years

In 2006, a special clam was discovered buried deep in the seabeds of the North Atlantic. Scientists were able to determine that it had been there since at least 1499—that’s centuries before the United States was even a thought! This ancient marvel, nicknamed "Ming", was able to perfect a slow-and-steady approach to life. Growing at a snail’s pace and barely budging, Ming’s sedentary lifestyle turned out to be a brilliant strategy for beating the clock. Who knew doing almost nothing could be the ultimate secret to longevity?

Record age: estimated 392 years

These sharks aren’t your average ocean cruisers—they can stretch over 20 feet long and weigh up to 2,200 pounds. But what’s really mindblowing is how slowly they move, like they’re in a permanent state of deep relaxation. Living in the icy Arctic waters, these giants don’t hit adulthood until they’re about 150 years old, and some can glide through the depths for nearly 400 years. Imagine that! These ancient swimmers were already around before America declared independence... and they are still out there, silently roaming the seas!

Record age: over 211 years

This whale is a true ocean giant, stretching up to 60 feet long and weighing a staggering 200,000 pounds. But what makes it stand out isn’t just its size but its age. Some of these majestic creatures carry harpoons from the 1800s still lodged in their skin, like walking history books. Just picture living so long that you’re literally carrying outdated technology embedded in your body—talk about being a time traveler of the seas!

Record age: 200 years

Spanning the chilly Pacific coastline from California all the way up to Alaska, this spiky little ball—about 7 inches across—is full of surprises. It munches on algae and calls the deep, dark ocean its home, thriving at depths of up to 300 feet. Don’t let its size fool you: this prickly creature is a true elder of the cold seas, quietly outliving many ocean neighbors while keeping a low profile. A tough, slow-living veteran wrapped in spikes!

Record age: 226 years

Meet Hanako, a legendary Japanese koi who swam through life for an astonishing 226 years. Scientists discovered how old she was by studying the rings on her scales, much like counting the growth rings of a tree. These colorful, ornamental fish aren’t just symbols of good fortune; they’re also secret long-lifers with the potential to celebrate over two centuries of birthdays, as long as they get the right care and a peaceful pond to call home.

Record age: 190 years

Jonathan is a male tortoise living on the remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. He was born back in 1832, and he’s still happily chomping lettuce and soaking up the sun today. Weighing in at more than 400 pounds and measuring around 3 feet long, Jonathan holds the title of the oldest known living land animal on the planet. If he could share tales, they’d span nearly two centuries of history. Imagine that!

Record age: 152 years

This ancient-looking fish, with its whisker-like barbels, looking like a tiny underwater submarine, prowls the lakes of North America. It can reach an impressive length of up to 7 feet and weigh around 200 pounds. These slow-living creatures don’t rush into adulthood—they start breeding only around age 20—and then take their time cruising through life at a leisurely pace. Believe it or not, one legendary catch in Wisconsin was estimated to be over 150 years old!

Record age: over 90 years

This chunky, night-loving parrot from New Zealand is a true oddball—it can’t fly, snores like a grumpy grandpa, and smells like fresh flowers. Despite its quirks, this bird boasts an impressively long lifespan. Sadly, it teeters on the edge of extinction. The oldest known kakapo, affectionately named Richard Henry, lived 90 years, earning him the title of the charmingly eccentric elder statesman of the avian world.

Record age: 37 years

This tiny, kooky rodent—barely 3 inches long and just over an ounce in weight—could’ve been cast straight from a sci-fi apocalypse flick. Dwelling in vast underground colonies across Africa, it’s practically invincible to cancer, pain, and the usual effects of aging. Scientists are fascinated by this little marvel, even if it’s not winning beauty contests anytime soon. Its superpowers make it a star in longevity research!

Record age: estimated 100+ years

Lobsters have a totally different rulebook than us when it comes to aging. They don’t really grow old; they just keep getting bigger and bigger. Some giant lobsters weigh over 40 pounds and stretch beyond 3 feet long. Their biggest threats? Not old age, but predators or the risky process of shedding their shells. In theory, they could live forever if left alone—but let’s be honest, not many get to enjoy a peaceful, lobster-sized retirement!