If you’ve ever withdrawn money from an ATM machine or received an invitation with the instructions, “Please RSVP,” then you’ve encountered RAS syndrome. Let’s learn about the signs and symptoms of the condition and how to avoid an RAS infection in your writing (and when it’s not necessarily a bad thing).
What Is RAS?
The abbreviation stands for “Redundant Acronym Syndrome,” and it shows up when one of the letters in an acronym is repeated in an adjoining word. The phrase “RAS syndrome” itself illustrates the point. When spelling out the acronym, we get “Redundant Acronym Syndrome syndrome.”
The grammar sticklers out there will be familiar with these common culprits of RAS:
ATM machine → Automated Teller Machine machine
DC Comics → Detective Comics Comics
FBI investigation → Federal Bureau of Investigation investigation
GRE exam → Graduate Record Examination exam
HIV virus → Human Immunodeficiency Virus virus
IRA account → Individual Retirement Account account
ISBN number → International Standard Book Number number
LCD display → Liquid Crystal Display display
NPR radio → National Public Radio radio
OPEC countries → Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries countries
PDF format → Portable Document Format format
PIN number → Personal Identification Number number
Please RSVP → Please Répondez S'il Vous Plaît (plaît being French for “please”)
SAT test → Scholastic Aptitude Test test
UPC Code → Universal Product Code code
VIN number → Vehicle Identification Number number
The humorous term to describe redundant acronyms was coined in April 2001 in an article in New Scientist magazine. The magazine reported on Microsoft’s “NT technology,” which it (incorrectly) assumed meant “New Technology technology,” making it a redundant acronym.
How to Avoid RAS in Writing
Redundant acronyms are not the most pressing grammatical issue. In fact, when speaking to friends and family, it’s no big deal to say, “I’m taking the SAT test,” or “Don’t share your PIN number.” These are minor errors, and most folks won’t notice the repetition.
But in formal writing, it’s important to eliminate unnecessary words and pay attention to the nuance of your message. Redundant words might give the impression you don’t know the details of the subject matter. For example, if you’re describing yourself as an expert in banking and finance, it’s probably important to refer to your client’s “IRA,” and not their “IRA account.”
Is RAS Always Wrong?
Removing unnecessary words from writing is a best practice. But repetition does have its place. In fact, sometimes redundant acronyms can serve a purpose and assist with clarity. For example, when writing, “The car’s VIN is on the dashboard,” it may be necessary to add the word “number” if your reader is an automotive novice. This person might need extra help to know they are looking for a series of digits on the dashboard, rather than a device or object.
In other cases, a redundant acronym wouldn’t be incorrect at all. For example, “The three OPEC countries met to discuss their options,” describes nations belonging to the larger group, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Similarly, “They opened an FBI investigation into the crime,” describes an investigation conducted by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Feature image credit: Viktoriia Bielik/ iStock