English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)
PADDING IN ENGLISH
When you add more words to a fixed expression, it’s called linguistic padding.
He took his bags, his books and all whatnot (nonstandard).
He took his bags, his books and whatnot (standard).
Be rest assured that you’ll pass the exam (nonstandard).
Be assured that you’ll pass the exam (standard).
Rest assured, you’ll pass the exam (standard).
Make sure he’s in love with you before you sign on the dotted lines (nonstandard).
Make sure he’s in love with you before you sign on the dotted line (standard).
GAB
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