Why Redundancy Is the Enemy of Great Writing (And How to Spot It)

As writers, we pour our hearts into our drafts, carefully crafting sentences that bring our ideas to life. But let’s be honest—sometimes we get a little too comfortable with certain words or phrases, and they sneak their way into our work more often than we’d like. It’s natural. We all have our favorite words or “safe” phrases that we lean on, but in the editing phase, they can become glaring distractions.

So, what’s the big deal about redundancy?

Why Redundancy Can Hurt Your Writing

When a word or phrase pops up repeatedly, it can dull the reader’s experience. Instead of focusing on the story or message, they might start noticing the repetition, pulling them out of the moment. It’s like listening to a song on repeat—it might be great the first few times, but eventually, it loses its charm.

Reducing redundancy isn’t just about cutting words—it’s about making your writing sharper, more intentional, and ultimately more enjoyable to read.

How to Spot Redundant Words

The first step to tackling redundancy is awareness. During the editing phase, take note of any words, phrases, or sentence structures that seem to repeat too often. Here are some common culprits:

• Adverbs and fillers: Words like "really," "very," and "just" often sneak in unnecessarily.
• Character actions: Does every character “smile” or “nod” in every other scene?
• Descriptive phrases: Are you describing the same object or emotion in similar ways throughout the text?

The Search Trick That Saves Time

One simple and effective way to spot overused words is to do a quick search in your document. Most writing software has a “find” feature (Ctrl+F or Command+F) that can help you pinpoint where these words appear. If you notice certain words cropping up repeatedly, it’s time to make some decisions:

1. Can the word be replaced with a synonym?
2. Can it be cut altogether without changing the meaning of the sentence?
3. Does its repetition serve a purpose (e.g., emphasizing a theme or mood)?

A Clean Draft Is a Powerful Draft

Editing isn’t about stripping your writing of its personality—it’s about amplifying its impact. When you reduce redundancy, you make room for your unique voice to shine. You create a reading experience that feels intentional and seamless, drawing your audience deeper into your story or message.

So, the next time you’re in the editing phase, take a moment to search for those sneaky repeat offenders. Your readers (and your future self) will thank you for it.

Remember: A clean draft doesn’t just happen—it’s built, one intentional edit at a time.