Definition and Examples of Tautologies in English

In grammar, a tautology is a  redundancy,  in particular, the needless repetition of an idea using different words. Repetition of the same sense is tautology. Repetition of the same sound is tautophony. In rhetoric and  logic, a tautology is a statement that is unconditionally true by virtue of its form alone--for example, Youre either lying or youre not. Adjective: tautologous or tautological. Examples and Observations Here are examples of tautology in use by famous authors in their work: It took only as many minutes to find the following half-dozen examples in one days crop of papers: A major nuclear disaster could have been sparked off . . .. . . who died of a fatal dose of heroin. . . equalized the game to a 2-2 draw. . . kept it from his friends that he was a secret drinkerDirty Den has made up his mind never to go back to EastEnders, finally severing his connection with the soap . . . a group for one-parent single mothers Tautology is either unnecessary elaboration (the Inland Revenues white-collar workers), pointless repetition (pair of twins), superfluous description (Europes huge butter mountain), a needless appendage (weather conditions) or a self-cancelling proposition (He is either guilty or not guilty). (Keith Waterhouse, Waterhouse on Newspaper Style, rev. ed. Revel Barker, 2010)At the risk of being redundant and repetitive, and redundant, let me say that tautology is the last thing children need from their parents, especially when they are in trouble.Whatever you have to say, whatever you do, avoid tautology. Try to say it only once! (Tom Sturges, Parking Lot Rules 75 Other Ideas for Raising Amazing Children. Ballantine, 2009)The new public management has brought new ailments, particularly tautology. You often see such phrases as first class organizations are those that perform excellently. (David Walker, Mind Your Language. The Guardian, Sep. 27, 2006) Mark Twain on Tautological Repetition I do not find that the repetition of an important word a few times--say, three or four times--in a paragraph troubles my ear if clearness of meaning is best secured thereby. But tautological repetition which has no justifying object, but merely exposes the fact that the writers balance at the vocabulary bank has run short and that he is too lazy to replenish it from the thesaurus--that is another matter. It makes me feel like calling the writer to account. (Mark Twain, Autobiography of Mark Twain. University of California Press, 2010) Tautologies in Logic In common parlance, an utterance is usually said to be tautologous if it contains a redundancy and says the same thing twice over in different words--e.g., John is the father of Charles and Charles is a son of John. In logic, however, a tautology is defined as a statement that excludes no logical possibilities--Either it is raining or it is not raining. Another way of putting this is to say that a tautology is true in all possible worlds. No one will doubt that, irrespective of the actual state of the weather (i.e., regardless of whether the statement that it is raining is true or false), the statement Either it is raining or it is not raining is necessarily true.(E. Nagel and J. R. Newman, Gà ¶dels Proof, 1958  A  tautology is  a statement that is logically, or necessarily, true or is so devoid of content as to be practically empty (and thus true because completely empty statements, making no claim, cannot be false). Example: Scott Peterson did it or he didnt.  (Howard Kah ane and Nancy Cavender,  Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric, 10th ed. Thomson Wadsworth, 2006)Tautology. Yes, I know, its an ugly word. But so is the thing. Tautology is this verbal device which consists in defining like by like . . .. Since it is magical, it can of course only take refuge behind the argument of authority: thus do parents at the end of their tether reply to the child who keeps on asking for explanations: because thats how it is, or even better: just because, thats all. (Roland Barthes, Mythologies. Macmillan, 1972) Tautology as a Logical Fallacy One of the most boring fallacies, the tautology, basically just repeats the premise. FAN: The Cowboys are favored to win since theyre the better team.​  (Jay Heinrichs, Thank You for Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion. Three Rivers Press, 2007) Pronunciation: taw-TOL-eh-jee Also Known As: pleonasm EtymologyFrom the Greek, redundant

The Role Of Institutional Racism During Bridging The...

The role of institutional racism in bridging the racial divide There is now an African-American president in the White House and there is now no visible trace of slavery in America. Racism, in the eyes of the majority is nonexistent. There is a wide assumption that minorities, especially blacks have progressed to the point where job and income equality is no longer a debate. The majority does not think of racism as a serious problem just because enough progress had been made. Some people think that some progress equates to sufficient progress. However, that is merely a fallacy given to sustain their sense of accomplishment. This false perception is embedded in even the most conscientious when it is clearly evident that there still are economic, political, and social problems that stop a minority from fulfilling their potential in life. According to a CNN poll,â€Å"only 49% of Americans see racism as a big problem†. The racial divide in the US has negative repercussions on the country as a whole, whether it be economically, socially, or politically. The Bill of Rights states that â€Å"all men are created equal...with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness†(1). Disgraceful acts of racism portrays America as being a country against complete acceptance and assimilation. Should new laws be passed in the area of civil rights so that America will emerge as a country of inspiration and a role-model for thoseShow MoreRelatedOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pageswhich were spread ever more broadly among different social groups—including women, laborers, INTRODUCTION †¢ 3 ethnic minorities, and gays—made strides that were perhaps greater than all of those achieved in previous history combined. During the same time span, however, state tyranny and brutal oppression reached once unimaginable levels—in large part due to the refinement or introduction of new technologies of repression and surveillance and modes of mass organization and control.

Public Budgeting- Revenue Sources Free Essays

Three revenue sources in public budgeting Property Tax: Property tax can be defined as a levy that the government issues on a person’s property. The value assessed to the property is taxed. Revenue of local governments like cities and counties are derived from property taxes. We will write a custom essay sample on Public Budgeting- Revenue Sources or any similar topic only for you Order Now The revenue is used for administration in government and expenses concerning law enforcement, paramedics etc. ; and also to fund courts in local governments and helps for the payment of services which include civic centers, community programs, libraries, parks and recreation, and schools. Property taxes are also often used to pay some state programs such as Medicaid (in New York for example) and also to provide public assistance such as assistance to needy family (TANF), child welfare services and other social services such as supported employment, adult protective services, domestic violence and personal care assistance. This revenue can also be tracked in public safety like in juvenile detention, probation services and other mandates (corrections/ county jail, law library in county jail, staffing for state and county court, prosecution services, community colleges etc. ). Property tax revenue can be tracked in many ways, it depends on each state but all states generally use these revenues to fund almost the same programs. Intergovernmental Revenue: Intergovernmental revenue is the funds obtained from other governments. These funds usually include grants, taxes which are shared, and contingent loans and advances. Here, funding emanates from all governments (federal, state and local governments). â€Å"Financial arrangements for funding and delivering intergovernmental services can be complex according to the variability of government structure, organization, roles and responsibilities. For example, government support concerning elementary and secondary schools includes direct funds from the federal government that are passed through state and local governments to local educational agencies† (www. gao. gov). There are also funds allocated to cover costs for elementary and secondary education, these funds include the rent on school buildings for example. Charges for services: Charges for services are defined as customers’ charges and others charges coming from governmental and business activities. Charges for services within the governmental activities category include items such as licenses and permits (for example, business licenses and building permits), fines and forfeits, and operating special assessments sometimes charged for services provided outside the normal service area or beyond the normal level of services. Charges to other governments for services such as incarceration of prisoners also are reported in the Charges for Services column† (Kattelus Reck, 2007). These charges include various services rendered within the states for example park entrance fees, document fees, court-filling fees etc. It also implies any government which purchases, uses or benefits from goods and services provided. References Wilson, E. R. , Kattelus, S. C. , Reck, J. L. (2007). Accounting for governmental and nonprofit entities. (14th ed. ). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill Irwin. http://www. gao. gov/special. pubs/longterm/state/intergovrevenue. html How to cite Public Budgeting- Revenue Sources, Essay examples

Blood Brother Essay Example For Students

Blood Brother Essay I am applying for the job of directing the new production of Blood Brother. I think that I would be suited to this position because I have a good understanding of the play. The story is based around twin brothers in Liverpool, separated at birth, as their mother cannot afford to keep them both, but later on an inevitable fall out between the boys leads to a sudden end. There are noticeable differences between the two twin brothers; Mickey and Eddie, as they are background and upbringings play a big part in their different characteristics. The first scene that I have chosen is the one in which Eddie returns from university to find Mickey looking very dejected. Eddie returns ready to party and have fun, but Mickey realizes that they are now very different and after a small fight with Eddie they part. To reflect Mickeys mode in the scene I would use dark lighting to get the mood across as quite depressed and dejected. Mickey would be sat on the street pavement, staring into space, as this would give the impression that he was bored, not knowing what to do. When Eddie turns up to surprise Mickey, he would come onto the stage with a spring in this step, almost skipping with excitement. The lighting would change as he walked across the stage until he reached Mickey where it would darken again to suggest to the audience just how glum Mickey is, so much so that its putting a dark cloud over everything. When Mickey first speaks in the scene, in response to Eddies guess who. He says Father Christmas he would need to say it a flat monotone to get the point that he is depressed across, and a t the same time keeping his head low and not looking at Eddie too deep in his own thoughts to do so. Further on the scene Mickey explains to Eddie why he no long her has a job, but Eddie does not seem to understand why it is a problem. Why.why I s a job so important? If I couldnt get a job Id just say, sod it and draw the dole, live like a bohemian, tilt my hat to the world and say screw you. So youre not working. Why is it so important? When Eddie says this it need to sound like ha has a carefree attitude to life, and that he does not really think of money and Mickeys situation. This can be done by Eddie opening his hand, like hes asking the whole stage why its a problem and spoken in a light hearted voice, almost chuckling like he doesnt give a care to the world, basically saying its not the end of the world, youre still alive. When Eddie is saying this to Mickey, he needs to turn away, like hes angry that Eddie doesnt understand his situation and that hed much rather be in eddies shoes, with money floating everywhere and not worrying how he was going to pay for his next meal. Over all the scene is quite gloomy with quite a tense atmosphere between Mickey and Eddie, but Eddie acting cheerfully not taking into full consideration Mickeys worries and being more bothered about the parties and alcohol. The next scene I have focussed on is where Linda, Mickeys girlfriend, visits him in prison. The atmosphere is again quite hostile as Mickey is taking the anti-depressants he has been prescribed by the doctor, but Linda is unhappy that he is taking them, pleading him to stop taking them but Mickey again ends the conversation, like in the previous scene by telling her to leave him alone. The scene would again be dark and dingy to try to recreate the colourings and mood of the prison and prisoners. When Linda meets him she greets him by saying, what are ydoin? She should say this in a very shocked and angry tone, almost disapproving at the fact that he is still taking them. But then her voice would change as she changes tack, now trying to beg Mickey to come off themlisten, Mickey. Ive told y. Theyre just junk. .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f , .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f .postImageUrl , .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f , .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f:hover , .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f:visited , .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f:active { border:0!important; } .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f:active , .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u95971555b0201610b547472a3d40c58f:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Woman in Black Argumentative EssayHer voice would become sympathetic and quieter to try to make Mickey feel guilty about taking them in the hope that he will stop taking them. In the last comment that Mickey makes toward Linda, Leave me alone, will y? I cant cope with this. Im not well. The doctor said, didnt he? Im not wellI cant do things.leave me alone. He should make it appear like hes having problems just speaking, stuttering and then repeating the words gives the impression that hes unstable. Mickey should be looking around, not wanting to make eye contact with Linda or any of the officer in the cell, which will also give the impression that hes not mentally fit and finds everyday simple tasks a struggle. Over all this scene follows a similar pattern to the first one, being set in a dark and gloomy are and the atmosphere being tense between the two character and Mickey being very argumentative and refusing to stop taking the pills, even though Linda is very nearly on her hands and knees begging him not to take them any more. The final scene have chosen to look at is the very last scene in the play, where all the characters are in the town hall. Again the atmosphere is tense, so much so it could be cut with a knife. The two brothers are face to face, with about 10 metres between them, both holding a strong eye contact with each other to give the impression that Mickey is serious about shooting Eddie. But to give the impression that Mickey is still quite unstable and nervous at the fact that hes pointing the gun at what he does not yet know is his brother, he need s to be breathing quite heavily. In addition, with a wide-eyed expression on his face, in slight disbelief of what Eddie has done and what he is about to do. The surrounding character all need to be taken aback, with shocked expressions, almost as if they are holding their breath, but at the same time petrified at what Mickey will do, as they dont know what he is going to do with the gun. When Mickey first interrupts eddies speech and says stay where you are, to give the impression that hes unstable his voice need to be quivering and shaking slightly, just to give the idea hes not certain what is going top happen, that no one is. His facial expressions also need to be shocked, like a rabbit caught in headlights, still working out what he is doing. As the scene progresss and Mickey become angry the lighting need to be tinted red to reflect Mickeys anger in the scene. As Edward is stood up on stage, unable to move with Mickey point a loaded gun at him he also need to be shocked, speaking cautiously to Mickey just in case he decided to dire. So when he says yes I remember it need to be in a quiet voice, almost sounding like he is pleading. He also need to make the phrase sound like he remembers all the good times, so hes remembering all the good things and the exciting places they went together. Giving a slight glimmer of hope to the audience that the very worst is not going to happen. As the police arrive the scene should be as quite as possible, to create a sense that the tension is mounting in the room, that all eyes are on the twins. As the bang of dickeys gun goes, the scene need to break into an up roar, with gasping and howls from the crowds and his mother and then the fatal shot from the police that hits Mickey. When the shot is fired the lighting need to go dark and a flash happens, giving the impression of an actual gun shot. .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd , .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd .postImageUrl , .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd , .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd:hover , .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd:visited , .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd:active { border:0!important; } .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd:active , .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ud5740515b8e295808e0465775db81bbd:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Oedipus the king EssayOnce the bang takes place, the crowd need to move trying to cower away from the action. The only people that move towards the two characters and theyre mother and the police. However, the police beating Mrs. Johnstonne to the scene, shooting Mickey down before she can stop them. Mrs. Johnstonne should then break down, unable to believe what has happened the loose of both sons in one short space of time. In conclusion, the three scenes I have described in detail are all very dramatic and all have tension in the air. I think if my descriptions are followed for the three scenes they would work well as a mixture of different lighting and character movements will create a very intense and gripping play. I hope you have taken my application of director into account and I thank you for taking your time to read it.