A few tautologies and otherwise interesting phrases that have snuck into our magazine engine room recently:
"continues to remain"
Um, just 'continues' will do. Or failing that, 'remains'.
"enquired verbally"
That would be 'asked'...
"closely scrutinise"
As opposed to what, casually scrutinise?
"the tunnel prevents vehicles having to retrace their steps"
Vehicles with feet – brilliant!
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4 comments:
But can't you ask in writing?
Yes, but unless specified otherwise I would assume that 'ask' is spoken, not written.
Interestingly, the OED defines 'ask' firstly as "say something in order to obtain an answer or some information", which also suggests spoken not written.
I was just thinking, not having the context, that perhaps the writer felt the need to rule out a written question. It seems that unlike the others on your list, that one wasn't automatically a tautology.
You're right, of course. Hopefully it qualifies as an 'interesting phrase' if not strictly a tautology!
I can't remember the context now sadly...
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