Redundancy!

My friend, Joy, at GardenJoy4Me recently published a post titled, “When Awesome is Truly AWESOME”. She discussed how the word “awesome” is very much overused, but she wanted to use it because there was no better descriptive. In Joy’s case, her use of the word was completely acceptable. However, this caused me to consider my own vocabulary, as I tend to overuse quite a few adjectives and exclamations (such as the word "use" in this paragraph). I thought of the comments I’d left for bloggers after reading their “Awesome” posts and viewing their “Amazing” photos. Hmmmm!

So, I stand before you admitting my guilt. I am largely at fault for exploiting expressions, using worn-out words, writing excessive exclamations and expressing redundant remarks. I’m even guilty for using entirely too many exclamation points!!!! See what I mean?!

In my own defense, I AM a typically happy, enthusiastic person and DO become easily excited about gardens and gardening successes. I study the detail in blogger’s photography, soaking in the features of each flower, garden scene, landscape picture, instructional series and even family clips. I read and reread the words of the eloquent writers who put so much work into their prose. And I actually, physically, laugh out loud when those with the great gift of humor share it in their blogs through so many various avenues.

With that said, and considering my allotted time for blogging (that seems to dwindle on a weekly basis), I tend to rush through my comments. I feel the need to express my excitement and enjoyment to the author but have little time to do so. I mean, so many blogs…so little time!! Thus, I am a habitual user of worn-out words.

What are my “go-to” words…my typical phrases and expressions? I’m sure some of you already know, as I really do use them in excess. The list includes, wow, amazing, awesome, gorgeous, beautiful, fantastic, unbelievable, incredible and I love it, to name a few. I’m a little embarrassed to have to admit the obvious, but if I don’t, this ridiculous habit may persist, humiliating me further.

There are a tremendous number of alternatives. I know because I actually completed the exercise of checking the thesaurus for appropriate synonyms. For those of you who may suffer as I, I’ve listed some acceptable remarks:

Splendid, breathtaking, astounding, GRAND, treMENdous, remarkable, AWE-inspiring, humbling, WoNdErFuL, marvelous, mind-blowing, staggering, SUPERB, BRILLIANT, spectacular, out of this world, stunning, striking, dazzling, dramatic and impressive.

I’m sure there are more, but this list provides a good number of alternatives.

What does any of this have to do with gardening? Nothing at all. However, I’m quite certain that those bloggers who appreciate variety in vocabulary will value my attempt at self correction.

Alas, most great attempts fail at one time or another, and I have prepared myself for such. Although success is my goal, I am well aware that poor habits are difficult to break. So, for those unfortunate souls who may receive redundant comments, I apologize in advance. Just know that I have the best intentions and am trying to express my sheer delight for the post I’ve just devoured or the photos I’ve just relished.

May our words be as varied as our flowers!