Tautology

Tautology is one of the oddest literary devices out there. This is because, while it serves a valid purpose, the redundancies it creates are found incredibly annoying by many people. While it is true that redundancies are unnecessary repetitions of words, meaning, or ideas, in the case of tautologies, these occurrences are actually done on purpose. So, what exactly is a tautology? Read on to find out. If you’re still confused, check out the educational video at the end of this post.

What is Tautology?

Tautology is a literary device that repeats a statement two or more times and by using different, yet similar words. Tautology is most commonly used to emphasize a point but is often mistaken as a stylistic error due to its redundancy. Tautology is typically used intentionally by the writer but sometimes, it is accidental.

Tautology is not classified as repetition because it does not repeat the statement or phrase exactly. Rather, it repeats using different words with the same or similar meanings.

When and Why Do Writers Use Tautology?

Writers use tautology for a variety of reasons. Some of those reasons include emphasizing a point or statement previously made, to create intentionally ambiguous statements, or to to encourage the reader to view a character in a certain way.

Writers often use tautology when:

• Language is limited or inadequate.
• To provoke thought in the reader.
• As a form of derision, mocking an idea or person.
• To highlight the psychological significance of a subject, phrase, or idea.
• As a poetic device to make a piece of writing more memorable.

As previously noted, the use of tautology can sometimes be accidental. In most cases, this occurs when a writer desires to add more words to their work or use a variety of vocabulary words. Of course, there’s always human error, too, with no rhyme or reason for it.

Tautology in Everyday Expression

As most English instructors will tell you, tautologies sound simple but when thinking about redundancies, they can become quite confusing. They may even be difficult to identify. To help simplify, here are some examples from everyday speaking.

ATM machine – Automated Teller Machine
VIN number – Vehicle identification number number
PIN number – Personal identification number number
“First and foremost, let’s begin.”
“It is what it is”
“This is a short summary . . .”
“I get up at 6 a.m. in the morning.”
“A necessary requirement”
“Enough is enough.”

For a Deeper Understanding of Tautology

For a better understanding of tautology, check out this great instructional video. The instructor goes really in depth and provides numerous examples of tautology in English.

Tautology in Literature and Pop Culture 📚

It comes as no surprise that when combing the internet for tautology examples, most of what is out there amounts to nothing more than an overload of repetition, not tautology. However, there is this wonderful example from “The Raven.”

“The Raven,” Edgar Allen Poe –

“To be, or not to be, that is the question.” – Hamlet, Shakespeare

Now let’s look at other examples throughout history and pop culture.

“With malice toward none, and charity for all” – Abraham Lincoln
“Once there was an ugly barnacle. He was so ugly that everyone died.” – “The Ugly Barnacle,” Sponge Bob Square Pants

Tautology in Song 🎧

In music, tautology is also very common. Since the list is long, check out a few of the most well-known examples.

“I just want to live while I’m alive” – “It’s My Life,” Bon Jovi
“Que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be” – “Whatever Will Be, Will Be,” Doris Day
“Shout it, shout it, shout it out loud” – “Shout It Out Loud,” Kiss

Tautology in Advertising 📺

While not necessarily common in print ads, ad campaigns often include additional phrases in an explanatory or attention-grabbing aspect. Check out these common examples.

“This is a new innovation”
“Please prepay in advance”
“Here’s an added bonus”
“We’re giving away free tickets.”

Often Mistaken For . . .👥

Parallelism – The same thing is said twice with few differences. In contrast, tautology repeats the same thing two or more times using different words.