Redundancy

Redundancy questions involve removing unnecessary words. On the ACT, you’ll encounter two types of redundancy:

1. Words that essentially repeat or unnecessarily define previous words. 

2. Awkward and useless phrases that could be omitted or condensed into fewer words.

Example #1

Wrong: Our problem is that we’re too self-aware of ourselves.

Correct: Our problem is that we’re too self-aware.

Self-Aware already implies ourselves, so we don’t need of ourselves in the sentence.

Example #2

Wrong: I once believed and had faith in the power of love.

Correct: I once believed in the power of love.

The phrase had faith repeats the same meaning as believed.

Example #3

Wrong: The reason why red pandas have ringed tails is because they are relatives of both the giant panda and the raccoon.

Correct: Red pandas have ringed tails because they are relatives of both the giant panda and the raccoon.

Correct: The reason red pandas have ringed tails is that they are relatives of both the giant panda and the raccoon.

Example #3 Cont

This specific redundancy error is very common. It has three words that essentially mean the same thing - reason, why, and because, all of which point to the cause of something. You only need one of those words.

Example #4

Wrong: After hearing the spy’s information, the general knew that an attack was imminent in the future.

Correct: After hearing the spy’s information, the general knew that an attack was imminent.

Imminent by definition means in the future.

Example #5

Wrong: It’s only on the night before the test that I wish my notes had been more clearer

Correct: It’s only on the night before the test that I wish my notes had been more clear.

It’s unnecessary to use both more and the -er ending because they convey the same thing.

Example #6

Wrong: We should evacuate the building immediately in the hypothetical event that a fire occurs.

Correct: We should evacuate the building immediately if a fire occurs.

The phrase in the hypothetical event that a fire occurs is too wordy and awkward. How much a certain phrase can be shortened can be a matter of style. Luckily for you, the answer choices will be very clear-cut on the ACT. You’ll definitely know from the answer choices when they’re testing wordiness.