Grammar Grappler #32: We Completely Eliminated the Problem

This is another example of language we can send to the Redundancy Department of Redundancy. Yet, we do hear people say:

“We completely eliminated the problem.”

“This form has been entirely eliminated from the website.”

“This tweet has been eliminated in its entirety.”

Eliminate means “completely remove.” When something is eliminated, it is gone. You can’t eliminate something halfway. You can’t eliminate something partially. It’s eliminated. Period.

So, using completely or entirely with the word eliminate is redundant. In fact, those unnecessary adverbs can be eliminated.

 

To customize a keynote or professional development session that will have your audience laughing and learning, contact Mandi Stanley.

Certified Speaking Professional Mandi Stanley works with business leaders who want to boost their professional image by becoming better speakers and writers through interactive high-content keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, technical writing seminars, and fun proofreading classes. 

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