I have heard it severally and it is in the air every now and then, particularly among learners of the language and the non-conformists, the rather infamous expression “new innovation.” The academics are equally guilty of this over time as some of them still speak of “new innovation” while delivering papers at inaugural lectures as the case may be. Kudos to the media that have since dumped the statement knowing full well that it is tautology to speak or write “new innovation” in the present circumstance. To digress a bit, the statement “full well” is the current usage of the phrase not “fully well” as many people would speak. The verbal abuse of the statement has become so rampant that the audience no longer notice the grammatical summersault in the phrase “fully well.
” Now that you know, detach yourself from the dysfunctional and meaningless statement “fully well.” Embrace and stay with the phrase “full well.” The expression “new innovation” is not acceptable by any standard. Split the two separate words to read “new” or “innovation.” You will be mistaken to think of giving undue emphasis to the “new innovation” when you combine “new” and “innovation” but instead you end up confusing the reading or listening publics. So, it will be safe to write or speak of “The construction of speed-breakers on the ever busy street is an innovation to contain the high rate of accident involving cars and motor bike riders.” Never write or speak of “The construction of speed-breakers on the ever busy street is a new innovation to contain the high rate of accident involving cars and motor bike riders.
” Tautology is defined by Chambers 21st century dictionary as “the use of words which repeats the meaning found in other words already used.” It went on to beautifully illustrate it as in “I myself personally am a vegetarian.” From the example, we understand that “I myself personally” is tautology personified. Use one of either “I myself ” or “personally.” For instance, “I myself am a vegetarian” or “personally am a vegetarian.” It takes more than a casual look to identify tautology in a statement. That is why it is advisable to switch to another word or phrase when in doubt. There are no limits to our vocabulary on the condition that we read wide. There are plenty of tautologous statements flying left right and centre we should be wary of or avoid. The expression often bandied about by the smart copy writers in the advertising business, for example, “completely unique” is tautology, even though they claim to engage in it only for promotional purposes to sell or push the client’s products or services to the buyer.
That is largely for a technical writer who does it for selfish ends but not to be copied or replicated by the polished writer whose aim is to inform, educate and entertain the publics using the Standard English. Another common tautologous phrase that appears to be so tolerated and accepted is “return back” always making the rounds whether in informal or formal setting. Prefers either “return” or “back” to mean what you say. “He returned from London yesterday.” Or “he came back from London yesterday.”
