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About Say It Once: The Redundant Phrases Quiz
Give your memory a workout with Say It Once: The Redundant Phrases Quiz: 15 multiple-choice questions aimed at mixed difficulty, free to play right in your browser. "Free gift," "past history," and "advance warning" all say the same thing twice — can you spot the hidden extra word lurking in these everyday phrases? Expect to spend about 7 minutes; every question comes with an explanation, so you learn something even when you miss.
A few sample questions
1. In the phrase 'ATM machine,' which word is redundant?
Answer: Machine — because the M in ATM already stands for 'Machine'
ATM stands for 'Automated Teller Machine,' so saying 'ATM machine' is the same as saying 'Automated Teller Machine machine' — the word 'machine' appears twice.
2. In the phrase 'PIN number,' which word is already contained within the abbreviation PIN?
Answer: Number — because the N in PIN already stands for 'Number'
PIN stands for 'Personal Identification Number,' so saying 'PIN number' actually says 'Personal Identification Number number' — the word 'number' appears twice.
3. Which word in the phrase 'free gift' is redundant?
Answer: Free — because a gift is already something given at no cost
A gift is, by definition, something given freely and without charge, so adding the word 'free' simply repeats what 'gift' already means.
4. The phrase 'safe haven' is a pleonasm. What does the word 'haven' mean on its own?
Answer: A place of safety or shelter
'Haven' already means a safe place or refuge, so the word 'safe' in 'safe haven' simply repeats what 'haven' already says.
5. In the phrase 'end result,' which word is redundant?
Answer: End — because a result is already a final outcome
A 'result' is by definition a final outcome, so adding 'end' in front of it simply repeats what 'result' already conveys.
Things you'll learn along the way
- 'History' by definition deals with events from the past, so placing the word 'past' in front of it is entirely redundant.
- A warning is, by definition, a message given in advance of a danger or event, so adding the word 'advance' simply repeats what 'warning' already implies.
- 'Destroyed' already means completely and utterly ruined, leaving nothing intact, so 'completely' adds no new meaning to the phrase.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Say It Once: The Redundant Phrases Quiz take?
Most players finish Say It Once: The Redundant Phrases Quiz in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.
What's a good follow-up after Say It Once: The Redundant Phrases Quiz?
If you enjoyed this word games quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.
Can I print Say It Once: The Redundant Phrases Quiz?
Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.
Will I lose my progress if I close the page?
Your overall progress — XP, streaks, and badges — is saved in your browser automatically. A quiz that's underway restarts if you leave mid-game, but at about 7 minutes, Say It Once: The Redundant Phrases Quiz fits comfortably in one sitting.
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