tautology in language
Critics often argue that tautological sentences like “Tomorrow is tomorrow” or “A is A” are stylistically weak because they don’t add new information. Scholars in rhetoric and linguistics note that tautology can be seen as a fault of style when unintentional, though it can sometimes be used deliberately for emphasis or poetic effect.
What is tautology in language?
Definition: A tautology is a statement that repeats the same idea without adding new meaning. For example, “It is what it is” or “Free gift”.
Criticism: In rhetoric, tautologies are often considered stylistic flaws because they don’t advance knowledge or enrich communication.
Philosophical angle: Logical tautologies (like “A is A”) are always true but trivial; they don’t expand understanding. Language tautologies, meanwhile, are redundant and can feel empty.
Scholarly and critical perspectives
Linguistic misconceptions: A recent study in Southern African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies highlights how tautology is often misunderstood as emphasis rather than redundancy. The authors argue that tautological expressions can hinder clarity in communication.
Rhetorical critique: According to Scribbr’s rhetoric guide, tautologies are “unnecessary repetition” and usually faults of style, though they may occasionally serve as rhetorical devices.
Wikipedia overview: The Wikipedia entry on tautology explains that in literary criticism, tautology is “saying the same thing twice” and is often conflated with pleonasm. It notes that while sometimes intentional for emphasis, tautology is generally seen as weak communication.
Why expanding tautologies matters
Instead of “Tomorrow is tomorrow”, elaborating into something like “Tomorrow is a new possibility to start again” adds semantic richness:
It conveys new information (possibility, renewal).
It provides emotional or motivational value.
It avoids the stylistic fault of tautology by moving beyond repetition.
| Expression Type | Example | Communicative Value | Criticism |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tautology | “Tomorrow is tomorrow” | None (repetition) | Seen as empty, stylistic flaw |
| Expanded Statement | “Tomorrow is a chance to begin again” | Adds meaning, inspires | Considered richer, stylistically effective |
| Intentional Tautology | “It is what it is” | Emphasis, resignation | Acceptable in idiomatic use |
So, the critique you remembered is very much part of rhetorical and linguistic discussions: tautological sentences are often dismissed as non-informative communication. Expanding them into metaphor, elaboration, or context transforms them into meaningful language.
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