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Cut back on wording that wastes your breath

‘As of yet’ should be consigned to the scrapheap

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.
Mon May 04 2026 - 05:45

Sir, - Billy Loughnane (Letters, May 2nd) is right about the irritating phrase, “in and of itself”. It should be filed alongside “as of yet”, whatever that might mean. - Yours, etc,

PÁDRAIC HARVEY,

An Cheathrú Rua,

Co na Gaillimhe.

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Less is more

Sir, - I, myself, personally, couldn’t agree more with Billy Loughnane’s letter on superfluous language. - Yours, etc,

TOMÁS FINN,

Ballinasloe,

Co Galway.