I heard this in a conference call.
Problem:
The adverb “back” in “echo back” is redundant.
Explanation:
The verb ” echo ” means to return a signal or message, so the meaning of “echo back” would be to return back [sic] a signal or message.
The “re” in “return” means back. Therefore, one could argue that something that “echoes back” would never reach the original sender.
Solution:
“echo”
I heard this spoken by a police officer on the “COPS” television show.
Problem:
The “at” in this statement is unnecessary.
Explanation:
I blogged about “at” last month in my “Where are you at?” post. As I wrote then, “where” implies “at” because “where” is conceptually equivalent to “at” plus a location. Therefore, “at” is unnecessary.
Beyond failing to think a second time about what the word “where” means, I believe that there is another reason why someone would say “she’s at” instead of “she is”, especially at the end of a sentence. Try saying “she’s at” and “she is”; I believe that you’ll agree with me that “she’s at” is simpler to say than is “she is”.
The phrase “she’s at” rolls off the tongue quickly as SHE-ZAT. The phrase “she is” struggles off the tongue as SHE-IZZ. Also, one must hold the IZZ part longer than one must hold the ZAT part to be understood by the listener.
In other words, the tendency of some to prefer “she’s at” over “she is” is consistent with my “Devolution toward Simpler” hypothesis.
Solution:
“I’m not sure where she is.”
I often hear “translator” when people mean “interpreter”.
Problem:
The noun “interpreter” should be used when one specifically is referring to something spoken.
Explanation:
The primary definition of the noun “translator” is someone who translates written text from one language to another. The primary definition of the noun “interpreter” is someone who provides an oral interpretation between speakers who speak different languages.
In other words, “translator” is for written language, whereas “interpreter” is for spoken language.
Many will use “translator” when what they really mean is “interpreter”. I believe that this is consistent with my “Devolution toward Simpler” linguistic hypothesis. The noun “translator” has three syllables; the noun “interpreter” has four syllables and is more difficult to say.
Solution:
Use “translator” when you’re talking about someone who converts written text from one language to another language. Use “intepreter” when you’re talking about someone who converts spoken text from one language to another language.