Sometimes we—yes, me too—add words to our sentences to sound more informed or more intelligent. We think quantity equals wisdom. However, that habit often creates the opposite impression, because the added words are redundant or unnecessary. Here are examples taken from a single four-hour sitting watching television. Admittedly, part of the time was watching college football. Though they are allegedly college grads, some of the football analysts can barely put together a coherent sentence.
“…exact same message.”
“…tie the ballgame up.” (Twice)
“…focus in on…”
“…where his house is located at.”
“…never seen that in my entire life.” (Double redundant!)
“…his abilities with mine together.”
“I would like to counter back.”
“…as fast as he absolutely can.”
“If you’re trailing way behind…”
“…one of only 65 made in the world.” (Doesn’t count others made elsewhere in the galaxy.)
“As per usual…”
“The net result is…”
“…building my collection up.”
“…over and over again.”
“…short amount of time.”
“…short period of time.” (As opposed to a short period of cheese?)
“…refined the idea down.”
“…as fast as he absolutely can.”
“…where it originated from.”
“…for a period of time.”
“…at some point later down the road.” (But not up the road.)
“…divide up and conquer.”
“…first time ever.”
“I’m not going one way or the other.” (So your point is…?)
“Wanna hear a true fact?” (Um, “facts” are only true.)
“One of my finest moments I’ve ever had.”
“They lead for the first time all night.”
“The Mets continued on…”
I think we should always quit talking this way anymore, forever.