In literary terms, a tautology, is simply repeating oneself.
You can repeat yourself in many ways (ask my Mum), but there are a few defined types of tautology.
In grammar, it’s repeating an idea, statement, or word — but using different words, or synonyms.
In rhetoric and logic, a tautology is a little like a circular argument. It’s something that’s unconditionally true by virtue of logic.
Let’s take a closer look at the different tautologies, with some examples.
The Verbal Tautology
A verbal tautology is a grammatical redundancy — you repeat the same idea but word it differently.
For example, asking customers to “Prepay in advance”.
They can pay in advance, or they can prepay. But you don’t need to say the same thing twice!
A verbal tautology is a grammatical redundancy — you repeat the same idea but word it differently.
For example, asking customers to:
“Prepay in advance.”
They can pay in advance, or they can prepay. But you don’t need to say the same thing twice!
Or this one:
“I went to see him personally.”
You might add “personally” for emphasis. But it doesn’t add anything. If I went to see him, it must have been personally.
As we’ll see later, a verbal tautology can be used to add emphasis and rhythm to your writing.
However, a clear, concise sentence is often the better choice.
The Logical Tautology
A logical tautology is a statement that is always true — it covers all scenarios.
For example:
“You either have blue eyes or you do not have blue eyes.”
“You are brave or you are not brave.”
“I will get in trouble or I will not get in trouble.”
These statements are always true, because when you put both halves of the sentence together, there’s no possibility of it not being true. Therefore, it feels redundant, just like a verbal tautology.
Examples of Tautology You Didn’t Even Know You Used
Now that you’ve seen what the dictionary says, let’s take a closer look at some tautologies that you’d hear in everyday conversations.
Chances are, your own language is filled with them.
Recognize any pet favorites?
“It is what it is.“
This is a logical tautology because it uses the repetition of “it is” in a simple statement that is universally true about whatever “it” is. But repeating it doesn’t add any information.
As Nina Simone (and many others) said:
You’ve got to:
“Do what you’ve gotta do”.
This is the same type of logical tautology.
But what is that thing you’ve got to do?! The meaning is implied in the context. What you’re really saying is you have no choice in the matter.
Logical tautologies are often used more deliberately than verbal tautologies.
Verbal Tautology Examples
We use a ton of verbal tautologies in our local dialects and speech mannerisms. Many of us use tautological redundancies to add emphasis, rhythm, variety, or even a splash of local color to a phrase.
“I personally made this card for you with my own hands.”
“The soggy ground was wet and covered in mud.”
“The teacher assisted me by helping me complete the assignment.”
“Enjoy your added bonus!”
If you live in a community where these tautologies are common in local chit chat, by all means join in and have some fun!