Avoid Redundancy & Over-Descriptive Writing: How to Keep It Clear
We’ve already tackled passive voice, adverbs, and the balance between showing and telling. But sometimes the problem isn’t that your writing is weak—it’s that there’s just… too much of it.
Redundant phrases, wordy sentences, over-description—these sneak in when you’re trying to be clear and end up cluttering the page instead. Think of it like packing three flashlights for a camping trip: it feels safer, but really you just weighed down your bag.
Let’s look at what redundancy and over-description are, why they happen, and how to fix them so your prose stays sharp.
What Is Redundancy in Writing?
Redundancy is when you repeat yourself without adding value.
Redundant: “Each and every student must attend.”
Clear: “Every student must attend.”
Redundant: “He nodded his head.”
Clear: “He nodded.”
The meaning doesn’t change—only the number of words does.
What Is Over-Descriptive Writing?
Over-description is when you layer on detail until the main point gets buried.
Over-Descriptive: “The room, small yet cozy, warmly lit by the golden glow of the sun through gauzy curtains, contained two plush velvet chairs nestled together in the corner.”
Clear: “Sunlight warmed the small room where two velvet chairs sat close together.”
One sets a scene. The other sets a scene, a mood, and possibly a real estate listing.
Why Writers Slip Into Wordiness
Fear of being misunderstood. So you explain the same idea three different ways.
Trying to sound formal or “literary.” Extra words = false authority.
Habit. We talk this way, so we write this way.
How to Fix Redundancy and Over-Description
Cut the repeats. If two words mean the same thing, keep one. (“Unexpected surprise” → “surprise.”)
Trim the filler. Words like really, very, actually, kind of often add bulk without impact.
Choose precision over fluff. Instead of “walked slowly” → “crept.”
Keep the focus. If detail doesn’t move the scene or reveal character, it’s clutter.
Quick Before & After
Wordy: “In my personal opinion, I think that it would be best if we postponed the meeting until a later time.”
Clear: “I think we should postpone the meeting.”
Wordy: “At this point in time, we are currently working on the project.”
Clear: “We’re working on the project.”
Takeaway
Redundancy and over-description don’t make your writing stronger—they weigh it down. Clarity is power. Say it once, say it well, and trust your reader to keep up.
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