By E.J. Smith

Today we are presenting a list of words that mean the same thing that are often put together in sentences. Using two words like this may not be very noticeable to some, but to others it can be confusing and is redundant: A point can be made by using just one word: try it in the following examples: 

I have observed over the years that people often use two or more words in the same sentence that have the same (exact) meaning. See? If a thing is exact, it is the same. If it is the same, it is exact. No need to use both at the same time.

Next is two twins: twins means two…no need to tell me your sister has two twins, I know it is two already.

Actual fact: Actual means it is true and the same with fact. This is an actual fact should be this is actual or this is fact.

Whole/entire is a synonym. No need for both in a sentence.

Various/different: these two are synonyms as well.

First dibs: If you have dibs, you are first.

Historic milestone: If something is a milestone, it is historic.

Join together: If something is joined, it comes together with something else.

Slight hint: A hint is a tiny way to help someone guess something, so is also already slight.

Plan ahead: If you plan, you are working ahead to get something done.

Sum/total: these are synonyms.

Proceed/further ahead: If you are proceeding, you are getting

further or ahead.

Over-exaggerate: How can one over-exaggerate when exaggerate is the ultimate word for overdoing something? This is like being kind of pregnant, it can’t be done.

Speaking of kind of: Kind of means nearly or sort of. Panic is the worst you can do in a situation; you cannot kind of (kinda) do it. One cannot kind of or sort of panic; it’s all or nothing! You may have almost panicked.

Manually, by hand: manual means by hand. No need for both.

I heard someone say, “He was very verbal when he talked about it.”  When one speaks, one is being verbal. This struck me as very humorous!

There are many more words that we misuse or overuse. We haven’t scratched the surface of this subject. If you have others, please let me know at burnsmybiscuit@gmail.com

In the meantime, you are in my prayers.

E.J.