We are often told in writing not to be redundant—not to go beyond what is necessary. But, I think redundancy is important in several cases to benefit our writing, and to save us from some unexpected predicaments. Let me explain.
The Importance of Repetition
Webster’s 1828 dictionary had a unique look at the word redundant. It said, “Redundant words…are such as are synonymous with others used, or such as add nothing to the sense or force of the expression.” But a modern Webster’s dictionary adds that this is marked by repetition. Normally, writers are told not to repeat themselves. Don’t say something over and over again. Usually this is a sign of bad editing. But repetition can be a plus.
If you’ve ever read Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? or Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, or No, David! you know that repetition is a good way to get kids involved in reading. They love to be engaged in the story, repeating the phrase along with you as you read. Repetition can work in a beneficial way because it makes reading fun.
Gives Good Reminders
Redundancy can work in a story with lots of details. Take a mystery for instance. If there are particular clues you want a reader to remember, then being redundant is vital. You want to lead the reader in the right direction. However, as a plot twist, you can also be redundant by sharing more information as a red herring, so that the reader doesn’t figure out until the end the whodunit. Giving good reminders can make a more complicated storyline a little easier to follow.
Can Keep Your Story Safe
I watch a lot of homesteading videos on YouTube because I like the idea of living on a small farm. One of the things I hear many vloggers talk about is having redundant systems. For example, they may have a wood stove and a gas stove for cooking. Or, they have a well and they catch rain water. Or, they are attached to the grid for electricity and have a generator or a solar system in case the power goes off.
We need redundant systems in writing, and that is in saving our work, especially if there is a lot of research involved. The current project I’m working on is very detailed. I don’t want to lose anything. I have research photos and images, along with copies of various maps and documents. It would give me a major headache if I were to lose all of that. So I have a redundant backup plan. Not only am I saving all the information on an external hard drive, but I am also storing backup files on Dropbox. Redundancy may take a little effort, but it is a safety mechanism I don’t want to do without.
Words are purposeful. We don’t want to waste them if they won’t help our stories, but they sure are necessary when we want to drive a message across to our readers, or we want to protect all of our hard work.
Has being redundant ever helped you?
Catherine L. Osornio has written inspirational articles for a women’s ministry newsletter, over 200 leveled reader stories for a school’s reading program, fiction and nonfiction articles for Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines, The Declaration of Independence from A to Z, Thunder Comes a Rumblin’, Mosquitoes Infect!, Danger on Martin Mountain, plus various work-for-hire projects. A former elementary school librarian, Catherine is passionate about sharing the love of reading. She enjoys cartooning, illustration, and reading kids’ books. Email her at CLOsornio@verizon.net or visit her at www.catherineosornio.com.
Unsplash credits: Vitaly Gariev (pictures 1 and 2), Veer Mickey Shah, and Siyuan Hu.