Pariksha SaathiRedundancy Questions with Solutions
A redundant phrase pairs two words that say the same thing twice — "repeat again," "free gift" — where one word already contains the other’s meaning. Here’s the approach, four fully worked examples, and a few to try yourself.
The approach, quickly
- Check whether removing one word from a pair changes the meaning at all — if "free" adds nothing to "gift" (gifts are inherently free), the pair is redundant.
- Many redundant pairs involve a word that already implies time, finality, or scope: "past history" (history is already about the past), "final outcome" (an outcome is already final), "future plans" (plans are inherently about the future).
- A word implying "together" or "mutual" paired with another word already meaning that is a common redundancy pattern: "mutual cooperation," "join together," "combine together."
- The fix is almost always to simply delete the redundant word, not to replace the phrase with something else — redundancy questions test recognising the overlap, not rephrasing.
Worked examples
1. Identify the redundant expression and correct it: "Please repeat that again for me."
Solution
- "Repeat" already means "to say again" — "again" adds nothing and should be deleted.
Answer: "Repeat that again" → "Repeat that"
2. Identify the redundant expression and correct it: "They offered us a free gift for signing up."
Solution
- A gift is, by definition, given free of charge — "free" is redundant and should be deleted.
Answer: "Free gift" → "Gift"
3. Identify the redundant expression and correct it: "We need to focus on the final outcome of the project."
Solution
- An outcome is, by definition, what results at the end — "final" adds nothing and should be deleted.
Answer: "Final outcome" → "Outcome"
4. Identify the redundant expression and correct it: "The two companies agreed to mutual cooperation on the new venture."
Solution
- Cooperation is, by definition, a two-way (mutual) activity — "mutual" is redundant and should be deleted.
Answer: "Mutual cooperation" → "Cooperation"
Try these yourself
Find the word that adds no new meaning to its pair, then check against the answer.
1. Identify the redundant expression and correct it: "The scientists made a new innovation in battery technology."
Answer: "New innovation" → "Innovation"
2. Identify the redundant expression and correct it: "The two offices are located in close proximity to each other."
Answer: "Close proximity" → "Proximity"
3. Identify the redundant expression and correct it: "The announcement came as an unexpected surprise to everyone."
Answer: "Unexpected surprise" → "Surprise"
Where this comes up
Redundancy is tested directly in the English Language section of every exam Pariksha Saathi covers — SSC CGL, SSC MTS, SSC CHSL, IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI PO and SBI Clerk.
Practice more Redundancy questions
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