Final answer:
It is true that both redundancy and cliches should be avoided in written and oral communication. Redundancy dilutes the message with unnecessary repetition, and cliches can make the expression seem unoriginal. Intentional repetition can be a literary tool but should be distinguished from excessive, unintended repetition.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the use of language in both written and oral communication, it is generally true that redundancy and cliches should be avoided. Redundancy occurs when words or phrases are overused or unnecessary, essentially repeating the same idea multiple times. This can make communication less effective because it bogs down the message with superfluous information.
An example of a wordy sentence would be 'In almost every situation that I can think of, with few exceptions, it will make good sense for you to look for as many places as possible to cut out needless, redundant, and repetitive words and phrases from the papers, reports, paragraphs, and sentences you write for college assignments.' A more concise version would be 'It's sensible to eliminate unnecessary words from your college assignments.'
Cliches are overly familiar phrases or expressions that have lost their impact due to overuse. They can make the writing or speech appear unoriginal and can detract from the writer's or speaker's credibility. Effective communication usually requires original thought and expression to keep the audience engaged. For example, replacing cliches like 'at the end of the day' with specific details relevant to the context can make a statement stronger and more meaningful.
While repetition can be a powerful rhetorical device, it should be used intentionally and sparingly. Authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald have employed repetition purposefully to create motifs or emphasize important themes, as observed with the recurring mention of the green light in The Great Gatsby.
However, unintentional and excessive repetition can make prose tedious and difficult to read. Therefore, one must discern between intentional literary repetition and needless repetition that should be avoided to maintain clarity and conciseness in communication.