"A phrase or expression in which the same thing is said twice in different words."

That’s the dictionary definition of “tautology”.

Tautologies are reflective of clumsy and unskilled writing . . . and you should hotly avoid their appearance in your submissions.

Three of the most common tautologies I see in Expression of Interest (EOI) and Request for Proposal (RFP) responses are:

1. Past Track Record / Past Experience 

“Track record” is one of those trendy terms that, in a formal document, is best avoided.

However, if you insist on using it (or if it’s a section heading in the procuring organisation’s own market call documentation), then – at the very least – make sure you don’t fall into the trap of referring to your “past track record”.

“Past” is exactly what a “track record” is. Have you ever heard of a future track record or been asked to outline yours?

The same principle applies in the case of “past experience”. Combining these two words produces a nonsensical term. All experiences are past.

2. Joint Collaboration

A collaboration is, by its very nature, a joint effort.

“Joint”, therefore, is redundant.

3. New Innovation

An innovation is new. Have you ever heard of an old or existing innovation?

Here are a few more tautologies often seen in business writing:

• Unite together
• Future plans
• Complete monopoly
• Mutual co-operation
• Present incumbent
• Still continues
• True facts
• Ultimate outcome
• Basic principles
• Personal opinion
• Past history