Pleonasm
Pattern
Redundant modifier that reinforces meaning
Definition
Use of more words than necessary to express an idea, adding redundant words for emphasis or style.
Examples
Example 1
I saw it with my own eyes — every last detail.
"My own eyes" is redundant (whose eyes would one see with?), but the pleonasm adds emphasis
Example 2
The reason is because the entire system was built on a foundation of lies.
"The reason is because" is grammatically redundant, but it is a natural intensifier in spoken English
Example 3
She descended down the staircase in a gown of shimmering gold.
"Descended down" doubles the directional meaning; the redundancy creates a stately rhythm
AI Detection Note
AI produces pleonasm both intentionally and unintentionally. Unintentional pleonasm — wordy redundancy without rhetorical purpose — is common in AI text and contributes to its characteristic verbosity.
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