| The Three Most Common Tautologies Found in Bids “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 EOI / RFP / RFT responses are: 1. (a) Past Track Record / Past Experience “Track record” is one of those trendy terms 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 |
