This rule identifies and flags instances of redundant phrases where a word in the expansion is repeated alongside the acronym or initialism - a phenomenon sometimes known as "RAS syndrome" (Redundant Acronym Syndrome syndrome). These redundancies occur when people combine an acronym with one of the words that the acronym already stands for.
This is important because:
- It introduces unnecessary wordiness
- It's technically incorrect since you're repeating information
- It can make your writing appear less professional
- It can confuse readers who know what the acronyms stand for
Examples:
| ✗ Incorrect |
✓ Correct |
| "PIN number" (Personal Identification Number number) |
"PIN" |
| "ATM machine" (Automated Teller Machine machine) |
"ATM" |
| "LCD display" (Liquid Crystal Display display) |
"LCD" |
| "GPS system" (Global Positioning System system) |
"GPS" |
| "HIV virus" (Human Immunodeficiency Virus virus) |
"HIV" |
| "Please RSVP" (Please Répondez S'il Vous Plaît) |
"RSVP" |
The rule will flag any of these redundant combinations and suggest removing the redundant word, keeping only the acronym itself when appropriate.
