Pleonasm, which means using more words than necessary to convey meaning, often redundantly.
‘I saw it with my own eyes’ is a pleonasm. Of course you did! We didn’t think you saw it with your ears!
How about “True facts?” Are there any false ones?
And my favorite: “Act now and get a free gift!”
Really? I usually pay for gifts!
While pleonasm can sometimes be seen as a flaw or stylistic error, it can be used deliberately to emphasize a particular point or to enhance the rhythmic quality of speech.
‘I saw it with my own eyes’ underscores personal witness and credibility.
In your speeches or writing, be mindful of pleonasms. Used intentionally, they can add emphasis or style, but accidental overuse will clutter your message and weaken your impact.
