Grammar Quiz: wordiness and redundancy

Which word in this sentence is redundant and can be removed?

He was the younger of the two twins.

• younger

• He

• two

• twins

Answer explanation

The word 'two' is redundant because the phrase 'the younger of the twins' already implies there are two twins. Removing 'two' maintains the meaning without losing clarity.

Which word in this sentence is redundant and can be removed?

In a moment of hopeful optimism, the student selected an answer.

• selected

• answer

• hopeful

• optimism

Answer explanation

The word 'hopeful' is redundant because 'optimism' already conveys a sense of hope. Therefore, 'hopeful' can be removed without losing the meaning of the sentence.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

Which word in this sentence is redundant and can be removed?

The girl has multiple different kinds of candy.

• girl

• multiple

• candy

• kinds

Answer explanation

The word 'multiple' is redundant because 'different kinds of candy' already implies variety. Removing 'multiple' maintains the meaning without unnecessary repetition.

Tags

CCSS.RF.3.3B

CCSS.RF.3.3C

CCSS.RF.3.3D

CCSS.RF.4.3A

CCSS.RF.5.3A

What is a redundant word or phrase?

• A redundant word or phrase is one that is concise and to the point, adding value to the sentence.

• A redundant word or phrase is one that is ambiguous and unclear in meaning.

• A redundant word or phrase is one that is essential and crucial to the sentence.

• A redundant word or phrase is one that is unnecessary or superfluous, adding no extra meaning or value to the sentence.

Answer explanation

A redundant word or phrase is unnecessary and adds no extra meaning to a sentence. The correct choice highlights that redundancy does not contribute value, making it the best definition.

Tags

CCSS.RF.3.3B

CCSS.RF.3.3C

CCSS.RF.3.3D

CCSS.RF.4.3A

CCSS.RF.5.3A

The sentence below is an example of a

"The energetic pre-school teacher asked the students to circle around the room."

• correct sentence.

• wordy sentence.

• redundant sentence.

Answer explanation

The phrase 'circle around' is redundant because 'circle' implies movement around something. Thus, the sentence contains unnecessary repetition, making it a redundant sentence.

Which of the following is NOT a redundant phrase?

• qualified expert

• qualified member

• 1st anniversary

• brilliant genius

Answer explanation

The phrase 'qualified member' is not redundant because being a member can require specific qualifications, unlike the other options which contain inherent redundancies.

One way to make a wordy/redundant sentence is concise is by

• correcting the dangling modifier.

• rephrasing the sentence without removing words.

• using the active voice of the verb.

• using the passive voice of the verb.

Answer explanation

Using the active voice makes sentences clearer and more direct, reducing wordiness. It emphasizes the subject's action, leading to a more concise expression compared to passive constructions.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.8.1B

CCSS.L.8.1D

CCSS.L.8.3A

Why does redundancy happen frequently?

• It is easy to use

• It sounds conversational

• People like to restate obvious ideas

• Students like to make Mr. Smith upset

Answer explanation

Redundancy often occurs because it sounds conversational, making communication feel more natural. People tend to restate ideas to emphasize points or ensure clarity, leading to repetitive expressions.

What does the word precise mean?

• Full of life

• exact and careful

• clarity

• unnecessary repetition

Answer explanation

The word 'precise' means 'exact and careful', indicating a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. This definition aligns with the correct answer choice, distinguishing it from the other options provided.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1F

CCSS.L.2.1E

Simplify the sentence by eliminating any wordiness or redundancies.

There are a number of students on the waitlist who are hoping to attend the performing arts school.

Answer explanation

The sentence can be simplified to: "Several students are on the waitlist hoping to attend the performing arts school." This removes unnecessary phrases like 'There are a number of' and 'who are' for clarity.