overused words in essays

50 Dead Words: Reviving Your Writing from Overused Phrases

In writing, vibrancy and creativity are key.

Yet, often we find ourselves trapped in the monotony of overused words, draining the life out of our prose. This article, from my own journey as a writer, aims to shine a light on these ‘dead words’ and offer fresh alternatives to reinvigorate your writing.

What are Dead Words?

Table of Contents

Dead words are phrases or words that have become so overused in writing and everyday language that they have lost their impact.

They are the clichés, the tired adjectives, and the vague verbs that make our writing seem dull and unoriginal.

As a writer, I’ve learned the hard way that relying on these words can make my work feel lifeless.

That’s why we need to go over the 50 biggest dead words you’ll want to avoid.

50 Biggest Dead Words Explained

So, let’s explore 50 of these dead words, understand why they’re dead, and discover vibrant alternatives to use instead.

Why ‘Very’ is Dead: ‘Very’ is a prime example of a dead word. It’s often used to intensify adjectives or verbs but ends up diluting the intended effect. This adverb has become so commonplace that it’s almost invisible in prose, adding nothing but fluff.

In my experience, ‘very’ can often be eliminated without losing meaning, or better yet, replaced with a stronger, more descriptive word.

• Exceptionally

Why ‘Things’ is Dead: ‘Things’ is a vague word that lacks descriptiveness. It’s a placeholder that we often use when we can’t think of a more specific term.

In my writing, I’ve noticed that replacing ‘things’ with more precise words adds clarity and interest to my sentences.

Why ‘Good’ is Dead: ‘Good’ is an adjective that is so overused it has become meaningless. It’s a generic way of expressing approval or positivity but fails to convey the specifics of what makes something worthy of praise.

In my revisions, swapping ‘good’ for more descriptive adjectives always enriches my writing.

• Outstanding

Why ‘Bad’ is Dead: Similar to ‘good’, ‘bad’ is an overly simplistic adjective that does little to convey the depth of negativity or disapproval.

In my writing, I’ve found that being more specific about what makes something ‘bad’ adds depth and clarity.

Why ‘Said’ is Dead: While ‘said’ is a useful dialogue tag, it can become repetitive and lifeless when overused. In my narrative writing, varying dialogue tags or using action beats in place of ‘said’ can make conversations more dynamic and interesting.

Why ‘Walk’ is Dead: ‘Walk’ is a basic verb that describes movement but lacks flavor. In my descriptive passages, using more specific verbs to describe how a character moves can add layers to their personality and mood.

Why ‘Look’ is Dead: ‘Look’ is a common verb that often feels inadequate in conveying the depth of observation or the manner in which someone views something.

In my work, replacing ‘look’ with more descriptive verbs can paint a clearer picture of a scene or character.

Why ‘Happy’ is Dead: ‘Happy’ is a generic term for a positive emotion, but it fails to capture the range or intensity of happiness. In my storytelling, using more specific terms helps to convey the character’s emotions more vividly.

Why ‘Sad’ is Dead: Like ‘happy’, ‘sad’ is a basic term for a negative emotion that often falls short in expressing the depth of sadness.

In my writing, exploring more nuanced words can provide a deeper understanding of a character’s emotional state.

• Heartbroken
• Melancholic

Why ‘Nice’ is Dead: ‘Nice’ is an adjective that has become so overused it’s almost meaningless. It’s a bland way of describing something pleasant or agreeable.

In my experience, opting for more specific adjectives not only enriches the description but also sharpens the image in the reader’s mind.

Why ‘Great’ is Dead: ‘Great’ is a word that sounds impressive but often lacks substance. It’s so broadly used that it fails to convey what is actually great about something.

In my writing, I’ve found that using more descriptive terms not only adds clarity but also engages the reader more effectively.

• Magnificent
• Exceptional

Why ‘Funny’ is Dead: The word ‘funny’ is a generic descriptor for humor but doesn’t capture the essence or type of humor involved.

In my comedic writing, I’ve learned that specifying the nature of the humor makes the text more engaging and vivid.

Why ‘Really’ is Dead: ‘Really’ is an intensifier that’s often used unnecessarily. It can make statements feel exaggerated or insincere.

In my experience, removing ‘really’ or replacing it with a more impactful word often strengthens the sentence.

Why ‘Got’ is Dead: ‘Got’ is a catch-all verb that can often be replaced with more precise verbs. It’s vague and can make writing feel lazy or unclear.

In my editing process, I always try to replace ‘got’ with a verb that more accurately describes the action.

Why ‘Like’ is Dead: While useful, ‘like’ is often overused in comparisons or as a filler word. It can make prose sound casual or imprecise.

In my more formal or descriptive writing, I aim to use more precise terms or vary my sentence structure to avoid overreliance on ‘like’.

• Comparable to

16. Amazing

Why ‘Amazing’ is Dead: ‘Amazing’ is a word that’s meant to convey awe, but its overuse has rendered it lackluster. In my work, I try to capture the specific aspect that makes something amazing, using a more descriptive adjective.

• Astonishing
• Breathtaking

Why ‘Always’ is Dead: ‘Always’ can be an exaggeration and often doesn’t accurately reflect reality. In writing, using more nuanced phrases can provide a more accurate and believable description of frequency.

• Consistently

Why ‘Never’ is Dead: Similar to ‘always’, ‘never’ is an absolute term that can lack nuance.

I’ve found that exploring the circumstances in which something might happen, instead of using ‘never’, adds depth and realism.

• Hardly ever
• Infrequently

Why ‘Big’ is Dead: ‘Big’ is a basic adjective that fails to capture the scale or significance of size. In descriptive passages, using more specific size-related adjectives helps paint a clearer and more vivid picture.

Why ‘Small’ is Dead: Like ‘big’, ‘small’ is a simplistic term for size. It lacks descriptiveness and can make writing feel generic. In my work, I’ve found that specifying the type of smallness can greatly enhance the imagery.

Why ‘Fast’ is Dead: The word ‘fast’ is a simple descriptor of speed but often lacks excitement and specificity. In my action scenes, I’ve discovered that using more evocative words to describe speed adds thrill and clarity to the narrative.

Why ‘Slow’ is Dead: ‘Slow’ is the antonym of fast but suffers from the same issue of being too generic.

In descriptive writing, specifying the nature of slowness adds depth and imagery.

Why ‘Hard’ is Dead: ‘Hard’ is a common adjective used to describe difficulty or texture, but it’s often too vague. In my experience, more specific words can greatly enhance the understanding of the challenge or texture being described.

• Challenging

Why ‘Easy’ is Dead: Just like ‘hard’, ‘easy’ is a word that’s often used to describe something not challenging, but it fails to convey the ease’s nature or extent.

Replacing ‘easy’ with more descriptive words has often made the text more engaging.

• Straightforward
• Uncomplicated

25. Interesting

Why ‘Interesting’ is Dead: ‘Interesting’ is a word we often use to describe something that captures our attention, but it doesn’t convey what makes it interesting.

In my articles and stories, I try to be more specific about why something is captivating.

• Fascinating
• Captivating

26. Important

Why ‘Important’ is Dead: ‘Important’ is a word that signifies significance but often falls flat in conveying why something is important. In writing, explaining the significance or replacing ‘important’ with a more impactful word has proven more effective.

• Significant

27. Different

Why ‘Different’ is Dead: ‘Different’ is a vague term that fails to specify how something is distinct from others. Using words that describe the nature of the difference makes the text more informative and clear.

Why ‘A lot’ is Dead: ‘A lot’ is a phrase used to indicate quantity but is imprecise and overused. In my professional writing, quantifying or specifying the extent of something adds precision and clarity.

29. Kind of

Why ‘Kind of’ is Dead: ‘Kind of’ is a phrase that often weakens the statement it precedes. It’s a filler that can make writing sound uncertain or vague. In my experience, removing it or using more definitive language strengthens the prose.

• To some extent

30. Literally

Why ‘Literally’ is Dead: ‘Literally’ is frequently misused in modern language, often to emphasize something that’s metaphorical, not literal.

It’s a good idea to ensure its correct use or find a more suitable word to avoid confusion.

31. Awesome

Why ‘Awesome’ is Dead: ‘Awesome’ once meant something inspiring awe, but now it’s so overused that it often means little more than ‘nice’ or ‘cool’. In my creative work, I strive for words that accurately capture the grandeur or impressiveness intended by ‘awesome’.

• Spectacular

32. Basically

Why ‘Basically’ is Dead: ‘Basically’ is a word often used to simplify complex ideas, but it can make explanations sound oversimplified or vague.

I find that diving directly into the explanation without this qualifier is more effective.

• Fundamentally
• Essentially

33. Clearly

Why ‘Clearly’ is Dead: ‘Clearly’ is used to emphasize the obviousness of a statement, but it can come off as condescending or dismissive.

I prefer to present facts or arguments without this qualifier to maintain an objective tone.

• Undoubtedly

Why ‘Maybe’ is Dead: ‘Maybe’ expresses uncertainty but can make writing sound indecisive.

In my professional correspondence, I’ve found that being more definitive, even when expressing possibilities, is more effective.

• Potentially
• Conceivably

Why ‘Just’ is Dead: ‘Just’ is often used to minimize things but can make statements sound trivial or dismissive. Try to avoid ‘just’ to give every element its due importance.

Why ‘Really’ is Dead: Though ‘really’ is a common intensifier, it’s often unnecessary. In my editing process, I’ve noticed that removing ‘really’ or replacing it with a stronger adjective or adverb often makes the sentence more powerful.

Why ‘Stuff’ is Dead: ‘Stuff’ is a vague, catch-all term that lacks specificity. In descriptive writing, using more precise nouns gives the reader a clearer picture of what I’m referring to.

• Possessions

Why ‘Then’ is Dead: ‘Then’ is frequently used in narrative to denote time sequence, but can become repetitive.

In storytelling, varying temporal indicators makes the narrative flow more naturally.

• Subsequently

Why ‘Unique’ is Dead: ‘Unique’ is meant to convey one-of-a-kind, but its overuse has diluted its impact. I’ve learned to show how something is unique rather than simply stating it.

• Distinctive
• Unparalleled

40. Utilize

Why ‘Utilize’ is Dead: ‘Utilize’ is often used in place of ‘use’ to sound more sophisticated, but it can come off as pretentious.

Simplicity often trumps complexity for clarity’s sake.

41. Actually

Why ‘Actually’ is Dead: ‘Actually’ is often used to correct or contradict previous statements but can come across as condescending or redundant. In my writing, I’ve found that getting straight to the fact without this qualifier is more effective and respectful.

• Realistically

42. Basically

Why ‘Basically’ is Dead: Though ‘basically’ is used to simplify explanations, it often signals an oversimplification or a hesitation to delve into details.

I prefer to omit ‘basically’ for clearer, more direct explanations.

• At its core

43. Generally

Why ‘Generally’ is Dead: ‘Generally’ is used to indicate a common or usual state, but it can make statements sound vague and non-committal.

Being specific about the conditions or contexts improves clarity and strength of argument.

44. Obviously

Why ‘Obviously’ is Dead: ‘Obviously’ can come off as dismissive or condescending, as it implies that the point should be clear to everyone,

Avoid ‘obviously’ to maintain a tone of respect and inclusivity.

45. Seriously

Why ‘Seriously’ is Dead: Used to emphasize sincerity or surprise, ‘seriously’ can often sound overly dramatic or insincere.

I find it more effective to let the context and content convey seriousness without this qualifier.

46. Totally

Why ‘Totally’ is Dead: ‘Totally’ is an intensifier that’s often more colloquial than informative. You might want to use more precise adverbs that don’t dilute the statement’s credibility.

47. Ultimately

Why ‘Ultimately’ is Dead: While ‘ultimately’ is used to signify a final point or conclusion, it can be overused and become meaningless.

I recommend that you use more impactful words to denote finality or conclusion.

• In conclusion

Why ‘Very’ is Dead: ‘Very’ is a common intensifier but often adds little to the meaning of a sentence.

I’ve found in my editing work that stronger adjectives or adverbs can replace ‘very’ + [adjective/adverb] combinations for a more concise and powerful statement.

• Particularly

49. Whatever

Why ‘Whatever’ is Dead: ‘Whatever’ can indicate indifference or a lack of specificity, which can make writing seem dismissive or vague.

In my narrative writing, I choose more descriptive words to convey the intended meaning more precisely.

• No matter what

Why ‘Huge’ is Dead: ‘Huge’ is often used to describe something large but lacks descriptive quality.

Opt for words that give a better sense of scale and impact.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dead Words

This FAQ section addresses some of the most common questions about dead words.

What Is a Dead Word Story?

Dead Word Story refers to a narrative or piece of writing that intentionally avoids using dead words.

The purpose is to encourage creativity and expand vocabulary.

Writers challenge themselves to replace overused, vague, or unimpactful words with more descriptive and vibrant alternatives. This practice not only improves the quality of the story but also sharpens the writer’s awareness of word choices, leading to more engaging and expressive writing.

It’s a great exercise for writers of all levels to refine their craft.

What Is a Dead Word Worksheet?

A Dead Language or Word Worksheet is a tool often used in educational settings to help students identify and replace overused words in their writing.

These worksheets typically list common dead words and provide spaces for students to write down more creative alternatives.

This exercise helps in building a richer vocabulary and encourages students to think more critically about their word choices.

Teachers use these worksheets to make students more mindful of their language and to improve the overall quality of their writing.

Is It Ever OK to Use a Dead Word?

Yes, it is sometimes okay to use dead language.

While it’s beneficial to avoid them in order to create more vivid and precise writing, there are instances where a dead word might be the most suitable choice.

For example, in informal communication or when a simple expression is needed for clarity, using a dead word can be effective.

The key is to be mindful of the context and purpose of your writing.

Understanding when and why to use certain words is a crucial part of developing as a writer.

How Can Identifying Dead Words Improve Writing?

Identifying dead words in your writing is a crucial step towards improving clarity, precision, and engagement.

By recognizing and replacing these overused or vague words, you force yourself to think more critically about your word choices, leading to more expressive and impactful writing.

This practice helps in developing a richer vocabulary and fosters creativity.

It also enhances the reader’s experience, as they are presented with writing that is vivid and evocative, rather than dull and generic.

Are Dead Words the Same in All Types of Writing?

No, dead words can vary depending on the type of writing.

What is considered a dead word in a creative narrative might not be so in a technical report. For instance, words like ‘very’ or ‘great’ might be dead in a novel but could be suitable in business or academic writing where simplicity and clarity are prioritized.

The context, audience, and purpose of the writing play a significant role in determining whether a word is ‘dead’.

Therefore, it’s important to consider these factors when deciding which words to avoid.

Here is a funny but evocative video about dead words:

Final Thoughts: Dead Words

Understanding and addressing dead words is an ongoing process in the journey of writing. It’s about balancing creativity with clarity, and precision with simplicity.

Read More About Words

• 75 Other Words For Moon (Best Synonyms and Antonyms)
• 30 Words To Use In Gothic Fiction (Gothic Word Guide)
• 75 Sequence Words: Overview, List & Examples
• How Many Pages Is 650 Words? (Solved W/ 10 Examples)

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51 Commonly Over-Used Adverbs, Nouns, and Clichés in Writing

• January 29, 2024
• 31 Comments

Do you want your writing to get noticed – in a good way? Ditch these over-used adverbs, nouns, and cliches! Eliminating these clichés and over-used descriptors (adverbs, adjectives, nouns, etc) will improve your writing quickly and easily.

Before you scroll down, do you see the over-used, redundant phrase in the sentence above? You get an A if you recognized that “quickly and easily” is an all-too-common descriptor! And an A+ if you recognized the over-used adjective in the last sentence 🙂

A reader asked for more specific tips on how to write better after he read 5 Over-Used Words and Phrases for Writers to Avoid . It took me awhile to write this post, but better late than never.

What’s that you say? The phrase “better late than never” is a cliché? It belongs on my “over-used words and phrases in writing” list? If you caught that, you get a gold star. If you noticed two redundant words in the title of this article, you get TWO gold stars. At the end I’ll tell you what I think they are. Let me know if you agree.

Getting rid of bloated writing is easy if you are familiar with these 51 most commonly over-used words and phrases in writing. Even just recognizing them in other people’s writing will help you become a more successful, confident writer. Compiling this list has certainly opened my eyes to my own weak writing habits.

The following “over-used words in writing” aren’t necessarily on the “no-fly list.” In fact, writers can use them and get delicious results in many circumstances. These adjectives just need to be used creatively and carefully.

Over-Used Adjectives

A noun is a person, place, or thing – and an adjective should describe the noun in more detail (eg, “successful writers”). Some writing teachers say that adjectives are wholly unnecessary, while others advise writers to use sparingly. It’s up to you, fellow scribes…

• Tall/short/fat/skinny
• Truly unique
• Interesting

“As to the adjective, when in doubt, strike it out.” ~ Mark Twain.

Writing tip: Replace your boring over-used tired limp adjectives with strong nouns (eg, instead of “successfully obtains”, use “wins”). Using too many adjectives is a common writing mistake for all writers – not just newbies.

Over-used Adverbs in Writing

A verb contains all the action: writing, editing, getting published, signing copies of your book for fans. An adverb helps describe the action, and can often be unnecessary (see? I used “often be”, which is totally unnecessary. So is “totally”! You see how difficult good writing is?!?!).

Fellow scribes, remember that an over-used adverb can be delicious and even juicy when it’s used in a surprising way.

Are you one of those writers who has a hard time spotting their own over-used words when writing love scenes for romance novels? Read Writing About Love: 20 Words for Writers on Valentine’s Day .

Over-Used Clichés in Writing

“Any great truth can – and eventually will – be expressed as a cliché…and a cliché is a sure and certain way to dilute an idea.” ~ Solomon Short.

• Writing on the wall
• Cry over spilled milk
• Better late than never
• Think outside the box
• At the end of the day
• The bottom line
• It’s not rocket science
• Easy as pie
• Smart as a whip
• Taking candy from a baby
• Love makes the world go ‘round
• Selling like hotcakes
• In the nick of time
• Go get ‘em, tiger!
• When life gives you lemons…

Thank you, AussieExpat (one of my readers), for “keeping it real” and not letting me forget my promise to compile this list of over-used words and phrases in writing.

For more ways to avoid over-used words, read  How to Write Good Sentences – 5 Tips for Making Your Words Flow .

What are the two redundant words in the title of this article? In the fourth paragraph of this post I said you get TWO gold stars if you spot them. I think the words “commonly” and “in writing” (technically two words) are redundant. Instead of “51 Commonly Over-Used Adverbs, Nouns, and Clichés in Writing”, a better title is simply “51 Over-Used Adverbs, Nouns, and Clichés.”

And yes, the word “simply” in the last sentence is also redundant.

Fellow scribes, if you have any over-used words in writing, adverbs, adjectives, clichés, or weak phrases to throw into the ring (excuse the cliché), I welcome you with open arms (excuse the cliché).

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31 thoughts on “51 Commonly Over-Used Adverbs, Nouns, and Clichés in Writing”

Currently is currently used to much. Another example, “I am currently complaining” The present tense already implies “currently”

you missed a HUGE one… Over-used adverb “literally” compliments of everyone under 40.

I also have colleagues who use “simply” and “certainly” egregiously.

My favorite misuse of literally, from a co-worker who stated, “I literally jumped out of my skin!”

“Literally, I do not think that word means what you think it means”

When I read your example of the over-use of literally, Steve, I literally bust a gut laughing!

I know right. My favorite phrase; ‘Misuse of literally is driving me figuratively insane.’

I would add “massive” and “awesome” to the list of overused and abused adjectives.

Also, there is widespread abuse of reflexive pronouns, such as “himself”, “itself” and “herself”. Reflexive pronouns can usually be cut from a sentence without reducing meaning, e.g., instead of “he himself did it”, say “he did it”. I find it appalling that such syntax errors appear even in ancient writings such as English translations of the Holy Bible.

Given the subject matter, perhaps you or another of your readers might offer up a suggestion?

For the last couple of years I’ve used ProWritingAid to help me edit and revise a book I’ve been working on, and until recently it worked fine other than the odd disappearance from Word, which required reloading the program. Recently though it has become completely useless to work with, and the technical backup from the company is non-existent – all that’s been suggested is that I should delete the program and reinstall, a measure I tried before I even contacted them.

I essentially used the program for a number of the points you described – detecting overuse of adverbs, cliches, repetition of words and phrases, etc, as well as a few other reports, such as echoes (words that repeat too closely to each other) that I also find invaluable.

Now I need a replacement and can’t seem to find anything that fits the bill, especially one that actually highlights the problem areas in the text so I can find and correct them quickly. I thought Grammarly might be the answer but unless I’m mistaken it doesn’t really cover most of the areas I mentioned.

Could you – or someone else reading my post – offer up any alternatives? It would certainly be appreciated.

Loved this!! I adapted the information (list) for use in my tutoring class (your full credits given). How intriguing that you live in a treehouse!! My dh’s and my dream living! I will enjoy perusing your site more and to read your articles! So glad I found you today!

Great, Tamara, I’m glad this list was helpful. Tutoring is one of the best ways to learn how to write better. In fact, I recently heard a professional travel writer say he keeps his writing skills polished by teaching at writer’s conferences. The more you teach, the more you learn!

Here’s a good test for whether or not an adverb, adjective or noun is over-used: did it immediately spring into your mind? If it did, it’s a cliche. If you have to search for it — or, even better, take time compare it to something that is similar yet different — then it’s a more interesting choice.

Note the redundancy in my title: “51 Over-Used Adverbs, Nouns, and Clichés in Your Writing.” Over-Used and Cliché are repetitive and unnecessary. 🙂

Overused Words And Alternatives To Use Instead

Being a creative writer can be a lot of fun. Whether you’re writing novels, short stories, fan fiction, or even poetry, you can create worlds. Unfortunately, being a creative writer can also be really challenging. It’s not just difficult to imagine new things all the time—coming up with new and interesting ways to say things is also part of the challenge.

There are some words in creative writing that are terribly overused and common. Luckily, a good dictionary and thesaurus can work wonders on strengthening your writing.

So, we’ve rounded up some of the words writers most often use over and over. We’re not saying you should never use these words, but there are more interesting alternatives you might want to consider next time you sit down to write.

Want more tips on writing? Sign up for Writing Inspiration right in your inbox !

Writing strong dialogue can be difficult. Not only is it hard to write as people talk, it’s hard to incorporate dialogue naturally into a narrative.

Writers typically default to the straightforward verb said to indicate dialogue. This is not always a problem; readers tend to skim over the word without noticing its overuse. However, said isn’t always the only (or best) word you can use. For example:

He said, “She is really smart.”

She said, “No, she is not.”

He said, “Yes, she is.”

Zzzz … snoozefest.

There are lots of good alternatives for said to make dialogue a lot more dynamic and engaging. For example, you could substitute said with a verb like:

• articulated

Check out that same dialogue (from above) with our new words:

He asserted, “She is really smart.”

She retorted, “No, she is not.”

He concluded, “Yes, she is.”

OK, still not the most exciting dialogue ever, but you get the point.

Another verb that can be quickly overused in creative writing is moved .

It’s the most bread-and-butter word to express that a character is doing some kind of action. But, like said , it can get really boring. Not only that, it’s not as descriptive as some alternative verbs, such as:

The word moved can serve an important purpose, but if you find yourself using it too many times, try one of these instead.

Amazing is an amazing word. And it’s  so amazing how many amazing uses it has.

Is your head spinning yet? Do you really understand what we’re trying to say?

Amazing has the distinction of being not only an overused word in creative writing, but also in daily life.

While amazing initially referred to something that causes astonishment or wonderment, now it is used to refer to anything a notch up from “just OK.”

If you find yourself reaching for this adjective, try to drill down and really think about what you’re trying to express. Some alternatives are:

• unbelievable

Very is a modifier that we use all the time in daily life, no problem-o. On the page, though, very is kind of flat. It’s an adverb that’s used for emphasis, but if it’s overused it loses some of its punch.

Instead of using very a hundred million times in your creative writing (and definitely don’t use it more than once in a row, like “this is very, very, very boring”), there are tons of other alternatives you can use for emphasis. Some of our favorites adverbs are:

That said, sometimes it’s enough to let the narrative speak for itself. If you’re tempted to use a modifier for emphasis, go back over the sentence and ask yourself if it’s truly necessary. Sometimes a light touch, like  very , can actually be best.

Love is a wonderful thing. We love love. Who doesn’t?

But love is a word whose meaning is notoriously hard to pin down. When you’re writing about feelings of great affection, romantic or otherwise, love might seem like an obvious word to use. But we recommend using the word love sparingly, like nutmeg. Or salt. Love can be either a noun or a verb. If you’re using love as a noun, such as “I felt a strong feeling of love,” consider some of the following alternatives:

• infatuation
• appreciation

If you’re using love as a verb, as in “I love you,” we recommend some of these alternatives:

• be attached to

There’s nothing wrong with the classic love , but consider some of these options next time you put pen to paper.

Look is another basic verb that is often overused, similar to said and moved . In boring writing, characters are always just looking, whether at objects or each other.

But there are so many more exciting ways to describe someone experiencing something via sight.

For example, there are verbs like:

fAh, thing. We’ve saved the worst for last. No offense to The Thing , thing is like a lead balloon in the middle of a story.

We have an entire thesaurus (and dictionary of course) full of thousands of vibrant, specific, interesting words to replace the imprecise, overworked noun thing .

Next time you find yourself describing something as a thing , take another pass at it. Dig in deep and use a word that really conveys what you’re talking about. Consider if the thing you’re referring to is an emotion, a particular object, or an idea and, then, name it.

The thesaurus is your friend. Don’t hesitate to pull it up and take a look around to find the bon mot , the just-right word or expression, to take the place of thing .

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10 Overused Words (And Brilliant Alternatives You Never Knew You Needed)

• 3-minute read
• 14th September 2015

Keep in mind when writing an essay that the person marking it will probably have to read dozens of similar assignments from your classmates.

One way to make sure your work stands out is to have it checked by a professional . Another is to vary your vocabulary. In this post, we offer alternatives for ten words commonly used in academic writing.

The word ‘also’ is great for connecting two related sentences but you might need a few alternatives in a longer essay.

At the start of a sentence, words like ‘furthermore’, ‘moreover’ and ‘in addition’ can serve the same purpose.

This word is both a verb and a noun. When used as a verb (e.g. ‘to answer my research question’) you could also use terms like ‘address’ and ‘resolve’.

When used as a noun (e.g. ‘the answer to this dilemma’), good alternatives include ‘solution’ and ‘explanation’.

3. Bad/Good

Synonyms for the basic term ‘bad’ include ‘poor’, ‘inferior’, ‘negative’ and ‘deficient’.

Alternatives to ‘good’ include ‘satisfying’, ‘valuable’, ‘excellent’, ‘positive’ and ‘high-quality’.

Possible replacements for the verb ‘change’ (i.e. the act of changing something) include ‘transform’, ‘modify’ and ‘adjust’.

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The nouns which accompany these words (i.e. the change made) are ‘transformation’, ‘modification’ and ‘adjustment’.

5. Describe

When referring to the work of others you might draw upon their written descriptions. Substitute words for ‘describe’ include ‘portray’, ‘characterise’ and ‘report’.

It’s common to say that you’re going to ‘explain’ something in your essay. Other options here include ‘clarify’, ‘elaborate’ and ‘account for’.

7. Important

If you want to identify some detail or idea as important, alternate possibilities you might use incorporate ‘significant’, ‘vital’, ‘critical’, ‘imperative’ and ‘essential’.

This one is particularly important when quoting other sources. Instead of repeatedly saying ‘so and so said that’ to introduce a quotation, try using words like ‘stated’, ‘explained’, ‘argued’ or ‘claimed’.

9. Therefore

The word ‘therefore’ is used to introduce a conclusion based upon a premise or argument (e.g., ‘Because X , therefore Y’ ). Alternative terms include ‘consequently’, ‘accordingly’ or ‘as a result’.

If describing an experiment you’ll need to identify the methods used. As well as ‘use’, terms which can be helpful here include ‘utilise’, ’employ’, ‘apply’ and ‘adopt’.

Of course, the best thing you can do if you’re struggling to find alternatives to common words is check a thesaurus . Just make sure you understand a word before using it, as many terms have more than one meaning!

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Words and Phrases to Avoid in your College Essays

When it comes to college essays, sometimes the words you choose not to write make just as much of an impact as the words you do choose to write.

Readers get bored with seeing the same old clichés and run-on expressions over and over again. And adding in fluffy language or confusing idioms can leave them feeling lost in your words.

So how do you know exactly which words and phrases you should avoid in your writing assignments?

To start, you can seek inspiration from college essays that worked for other students. But ultimately it's nice to have a list of what not to do to help you avoid potential mistakes along the way.

What you Should Avoid

1. contractions.

Contractions may seem informal or lazy to the reader. Take the time to write the full phrase out.

NO: It's been a journey.

YES: It has been a journey.

Idioms can be confusing and are often overused. Clearly state what you mean in your own words.

NO: I thought the fancy-looking house was going to be awesome, but all that glitters is not gold .

YES: Even though I thought the new house was going to be incredible with its fancy appliances and enormous windows, I was proven wrong as the appliances all broke within the first week and the windows all leaked.

Also, phrases that introduce idioms are overused. Avoid using phrases like: You know what they say ... But we all know ... As we've heard over and over again ...

Clichés are so... cliché. Everyone is using them, and the words have lost their power. Choose specific and illustrative examples to use so your essay isn't lumped into a pile with all the essays that use worn-out clichés.

NO: I knew I had to give 110% if I was going to win the race.

YES: I knew I needed to train harder than I ever had before—before school, after school, every weekend—if I was going to win the race.

Phrases like “ Every cloud has a silver lining ” and “ Better late than never ” have no place in a creative and original college essay. This is your chance to paint a complete picture of yourself and your personality. Use descriptive language to let the reader hear your voice in your writing instead of an overused, out-of-date expression.

4. Slang and Abbreviations

I hope u r 2 smart to write something like this in a college essay. Abbreviations are not at all acceptable in formal writing such as a college essay.

Also, slang needs to be avoided. Use common language that people of all ages will understand. Remember your audience; you're writing for your professor, not your friends. And tone should reflect that.

NO: The party was lit , and everything was Gucci .

YES: The party was lively, the music was loud and fun, and everyone was having an amazing night.

5. Vague or Elementary Words

Use words that show you're capable of a deeper, more thorough understanding of topics. Avoid words that are vague or simple when there is a better way to demonstrate your meaning.

NO: The thing I read showed that the environment is bad .

YES: The article I studied concluded that the environment had been devastated by the recent occurrences of hurricanes and flooding.

If you find yourself using words like thing, stuff, bad, good, shows, and gives , challenge yourself to replace these words with stronger, more descriptive language.

6. Run-On Expressions

A run-on expression is a phrase, usually at the end of a list, that indicates you could add more examples ( and so on, and so forth, etc. ).

If something needs to be added to your list of examples, add specific examples. Don't add expressions such as etc. and and so on . These are vague and add nothing of substance to your essay.

NO: I love many sports: basketball, baseball, etc.

YES: I love many sports: basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, and lacrosse.

7. Filler Words or Weak Modifiers

Increasing your word count by adding filler words will make your essay actually, very, very, very weak.

If you can get rid of a word and it makes no difference to your writing, get rid of it. Or better yet, rephrase it to demonstrate what you truly are trying to convey.

NO: I totally believe that we should actually make the laws much, much more strict very soon.

YES: I believe we should urgently make the laws more strict.

8. Exaggerated Words

Not everything you write about needs to be about the best or the worst . When you exaggerate in writing, it can come off as being insincere. Words like always and perfect also fall into this category.

NO: My team was the best team ever because we always played well and our shots were always perfect .

YES: My team was gifted at the game and played well. We could make some amazing shots.

9. Unnecessary Words

Sometimes writers don't even realize they are adding words that aren't needed. Compare these two examples:

NO: She has got four little puppies.

YES: She has four little puppies.

NO: This lotion helps to smooth the skin.

YES: This lotion helps smooth the skin.

Eliminating unnecessary words makes writing more clear and coherent. This is also an easy way to cut down when you're trying meet a word count requirement .

10. Grammatical Errors, Fragments, and Run-on Sentences

When your college essay draft is complete, make sure to proofread it thoroughly. And have a teacher or talented writer proof it again for you.

Avoid any spelling and grammatical errors, but also avoid fragments and run-on sentences. When it doubt, use an online sentence fragment checker or a grammar checker such as Grammarly to triple-check your work.

When writing, choose your words carefully. Pick the words that will make the greatest impact on your message and keep the reader's attention. Avoid the words and phrases that will make your essay weak and boring.

With careful consideration of your word choices, your essays will stand out for all of the right reasons. You'll be submitting advanced writing assignments that will help you ace your coursework!

How to Write Essay Titles and Headers

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Inclusive Language Tone of Voice

16 Overused Words and Phrases and What to Say Instead

Content warning: This article references racial slurs and offensive language.

Have you ever asked for a “ballpark figure” when negotiating the price of something? Or maybe you’ve felt “down in the dumps” because you’re spending too much time and effort “weeding out” the overuse of clichés in your content?

The funny thing about clichés, is that they didn’t start as clichés. Once upon a time, they were colorful, inventive phrases that framed ideas in a new and interesting way. But over the years they’ve been overused to the point where they’ve become stale, unoriginal, and more likely to detract from a piece of writing than add to it. And some, as we’ll discover, are counterproductive to greater inclusion in the workplace . 

Not Just Outdated: Non-inclusive Clichés are Disrespectful

Clichés, overused words and phrases, and jargon can often annoy readers. But it goes deeper than that. Many clichés have a history of being non-inclusive to certain individuals or groups of people, and can be interpreted as demeaning, or downright discriminatory. Some examples include:

Clichés = A Poor Customer Content Experience 

Readers are more likely to disengage when they come across tiresome and unoriginal means of expression. And as a content creator, that’s the last thing you want to happen.

In content marketing , every word is important, so you need to make sure you choose the ones that have the most impact. That means ditching overused expressions! Usually, saying something in clear, plain language , in a conversational tone , is the best way to make yourself understood. 

*Yawn* — 16 Clichés to Avoid in Your Content

The good news is that there are lots of ways to convey what you’re trying to say, without having to rely on clichés. Here are some of the most overused words in content writing and some alternatives you can use instead.

1. Giving 110%

Not only is this mathematically impossible, it’s an arbitrary figure. Giving it your all or going over and above is what is really meant here.

2. Out of left field

Unexpected, surprising, erratic, and peculiar are just a few of the many adjectives that are infinitely more thought-provoking than this old baseball term.

3. At the end of the day

Are you actually talking about the real end of the day? If it’s not taking place at 6 pm, then what you really mean is finally or ultimately.

4. Get your ducks in a row

The sight of a mother duck leading her ducklings into a lake might be a nice one, but it doesn’t really convey the need to get organized, prepare, and get every element in place, does it?

5. Content is king

Let’s be honest, we’ve all used this one, haven’t we? Content is an integral part of marketing, not a sovereign in and of itself. Think about what you’re actually trying to say about content, like how powerful messaging impacts customer behavior and use that instead.

6. Get granular

If you’re not engaged in some kind of science experiment, what you mean to say is that a person needs to focus in on the fine details. 7. Think outside the box

This is quite possibly one of the most irritating phrases used in business. It dates back to the 1970s and originally had nothing to do with a box. Use “expand your thinking,” “stretch your imagination,” or “examine from a different perspective” instead.

8. Synergize

One of the most overused buzzwords to come out of business, synergize is also one of the most stigmatized. If you mean work together, collaborate effectively, or cooperate, then go for one those options instead.

9. A no-brainer

It’s a no-brainer to change this tired word to “easy” or “simple” to avoid coming off as patronizing. 10. Hit the ground running

It sounds like someone’s being chased, rather than being encouraged to seize an opportunity and start a project prepared, and at full speed.

11. Get the ball rolling

Here’s another ball metaphor. It’s also a waste of a lot of words when you could simply say “get started” or better yet “begin.”

12. Keep your eye on the ball

Tired of this old sporting analogy? If you mean someone should focus or pay complete attention to a thing, then that’s what you should say.

13. On the same page

In an age of eBooks and online newspapers, people aren’t on the same page. Avoid this phrase by saying “working in harmony,” “having a shared understanding,” or “coming from the same perspective.”

14. Bandwidth

You should only use bandwidth if you’re referring to internet usage, otherwise “capacity” is perfectly acceptable.

15. Leverage

You’re using something to its maximum advantage, not exerting force using a lever. Overusing this one is a big pet peeve in business, so it’s definitely one to avoid.

16. Bang for your buck

This is the kind of cliché you’d expect to hear from a used car salesman. Stick to describing how you want to achieve a better result for the effort you’ve put in.

How to Avoid Using Clichés and Overused Phrases

• Consider the cultural differences of your target audience. For example, not everyone will understand sporting clichés, and linguistically diverse audiences may miss key information among idioms, metaphors, and jargon.
• Think about what the phrase or expression actually means and work your way back from there. Oxford Dictionaries has some helpful advice if you’re struggling to define the meaning. Look up the cliché in a dictionary and use the definition as a starting point to look up synonyms in a thesaurus.
• Often, a cliché or over-used phrase can be directly replaced with one or two simple words. Plain language makes content cognitively accessible to a wider audience! For more information on how plain language works, download the Acrolinx Inclusive Language Guide . 
• While you’re at it, also make sure you’re not reinforcing negative gender stereotypes. If you’d like more help on inclusive language for all genders, check out our blog on gender neutral language . 

Interested in developing or refining a brand tone of voice that avoids clichés? With Acrolinx you can define your   enterprise content guidelines and then Acrolinx turns your guidelines into editorial assistance  to help your writers create on-brand content across more than  50 authoring integrations . 

Download our second edition Tone of Voice eBook today if you want to get to work on defining your brand tone!

Are you ready to create more content faster?

Schedule a demo to see how content governance and AI guardrails will drastically improve content quality, compliance, and efficiency.

The Acrolinx Team

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Top Dead Words List: 103 Overused Words to Avoid

Visit the graveyard of the English language with our dead words list. Breathe life into your writing by avoiding these linguistic relics.

Our dead words list will help you convey meaning and intent with clarity and flare. As the founder of Modern Linguistics and Semiology, Ferdinand de Saussure , shared: “Without language, thought is a vague, uncharted nebula.”  

Although there are 500,000 words compiled in the Oxford English Dictionary, we still struggle to use precise language. But why should we use precise language anyway ? 

I’ll give you an example: My reading pet peeve is seeing a word or phrase repeated through one scene. Take this excerpt from Haruki Murakami’s Kafka on the Shore :

“How about we play our game?” he says . “All right,” I say . I close my eyes and quietly take a deep breath. “Okay, picture a terrible sandstorm,” he says . “Get everything else out of your head.”

Given the novel was translated from Japanese to English, I can excuse the repetition. And knowing the reputation of the author, it is unlikely the paragraph was handled so ineptly in the original Japanese. Still, seeing the word “say” three times in a row vexes me. The word “say ” is an example of a dead word.

Check out our article on the best Haruki Murakami books of all time !

What Are Dead Words?

Dead words list, dead words alternatives, meaningless dead words, common phrases and buzzwords, dead metaphors or clichés.

Dead words are English words or phrases “used to the death.” As they are overused, they lose their impact. Dead words include vague or broad terms that don’t offer additional information. 

Moreover, dead words mar academic essays or work catering to an audience requiring respect or formality. Any writing oversaturated with dead words becomes repetitive and disengaging. You should recognize and avoid dead words for stronger writing.

Below is a list of dead words and phrases to jettison! Expand your vocabulary and learn some new words now.

This category involves worn-out and vague word choices that can be more specific or descriptive. You will see that removing the dead word often necessitates changing the form of the sentence, making your writing more succinct. 

1: A Lot/Lot

Dead word: Anna has a lot of magazines strewn across the room.

Better: Anna has heaps of magazines strewn across the room.

2: All in all

Dead word: All in all , the event was a success.

Better: Overall , the event was a success.”

Dead word: He is also an excellent pianist.

Better: Moreover , he is an excellent pianist.

Dead word: Mary prefers tea and biscuits.

Better: Mary prefers tea together with biscuits.

Dead word: The teachers left the school early because it was raining.

Better: Since it was raining, the teachers left the school early.

Dead word: The speaker said we’re the best .

Better: The speaker said we’re the crème de la crème .

Dead word: The new car model is better than the 2020 version.

Better: The new car model is superior to the 2020 version.

Dead word: Malbork Castle is the Polish knights’ big headquarters.

Better: Malbork Castle is the Polish knights’ colossal headquarters.

Dead word: Loki loves him, but his ambition gets in the way.

Better: Loki loves him, yet his ambition gets in the way.

10: Clearly

Dead word: The king clearly favors his first son.

Better: The king obviously favors his first son.

Dead word: The wind made it cold outside.

Better: The wind made it chilly outside.

Dead word: Parents should always do the task themselves.

Better:  Parents should always perform the task themselves.

Dead word: Solving this puzzle is easy for him.

Better: Solving this puzzle is effortless for him.

14: Etcetera/Etc.

Dead word: Lyca likes reading, watching movies, etc .

Better: Lyca likes reading, watching movies, and more .

Dead word: Every student received a certificate.

Better: Each student received a certificate.

Dead word: The cheetah needs to be fast to catch its prey.

Better: The cheetah needs to be swift to catch its prey.

Dead word: I’m feeling fine !

Better: I’m feeling splendid !

Dead word: Let’s finish this meeting with a group picture.

Better: Let’s wrap up this meeting with a group picture.

Dead word: Nico is fun at cookouts.

Better: Nico is entertaining at cookouts.

Dead word: The studio’s latest movie is funny .

Better: The studio’s latest movie is humorous .

21: Get/Got/Getting/Gotten

Dead word: Her grandparents got her new paintbrushes from Germany.

Better: Her grandparents obtained her new paintbrushes from Germany.

Dead word: The university gives scholarships to minority groups.

Better: The university grants scholarships to minority groups.

Dead word: He is a good pawn in the emperor’s plans.

Better: He is a valuable pawn in the emperor’s plans.

Dead word: Sorry, but cafeteria food is gross .

Better: Sorry, but cafeteria food is disgusting .

Dead word: Allen’s a chill guy .

Better: Allen’s a chill chap .

26: Have/Have to

Dead word: We have to live up to our parents’ expectations.

Better: We must live up to our parents’ expectations.

27: Hopefully

Dead word: Hopefully , the weather will be nice tomorrow.

Better: Ideally , the weather will be nice tomorrow.

Dead word: The sun is hot in the summer.

Better: The sun is scorching in the summer.

29: Interesting

Dead word: Authors like Toni Morrison create interesting novels.

Better: Authors like Toni Morrison create spellbinding novels.

30: It (generic)

Dead word: It is water under the bridge now.

Better: The issue is water under the bridge now.

Dead word: You should never involve the kids in divorce discussions. 

Better: You should never involve the children in divorce discussions.

Dead word: You must know the consequences of your actions.

Better: You must be aware of the consequences of your actions.

Dead word: Tom got mad when he lost the game.

Better: Tom went ballistic when he lost the game.

Dead word: The poll results mean there will be a new administration.

Better: The poll results indicate a new administration.

Dead word: The department needs more time to complete the project.

Better: The department needs additional time to complete the project.

Dead word: Lauren is a nice landlord.

Better: Lauren is an agreeable landlord.

37: Nothing

Dead word: The girls’ team beat the boys in baseball, six to nothing . 

Better: The girls’ team beat the boys in baseball, six- nil .

38: Nowadays

Dead word: Nowadays , the youth cares more about internet likes than scholarly endeavors.

Better: Currently , the youth cares more about internet likes than scholarly endeavors.

39: Okay/OK

Dead word: The slideshow is okay , but it could be better.

Better: The slideshow is acceptable , but it could be better.

Dead word: The building at the end of the road is old .

Better: The building at the end of the road is ancient .

Dead word: The people of England prefer Queen Anne of Cleves . 

Better: The citizens of England prefer Queen Anne of Cleves.

42: Perfect

Dead word: She was a beloved queen with a perfect reputation.

Better: She was a beloved queen with an unblemished reputation.

43: Possess

Dead word: The king should possess a strong army to protect his kingdom.

Better: The king should command a strong army to protect his kingdom.

Dead word: The merchant sells pretty pendants.

Better: The merchant sells charming pendants.

Dead word: She’s sad as her dream university rejected her.

Better: She’s disheartened as her dream university rejected her.

46: Says/Said

Dead word: He said the phrase with a smile.

Better: He uttered the phrase with a smile.

Dead word: The thought scared her into submission.

Better: The thought terrified her into submission.

Dead word: The king will show his daughter all over the city.

Better: The king will parade his daughter all over the city.

Dead word: It’s a small diorama.

Better: It’s a minuscule diorama.

Dead word: It was raining, so we stayed inside.

Better: It was raining; therefore , we stayed inside.

Dead word: That was a stupid mistake.

Better: That was a foolish mistake.

Dead word: We had dinner, then watched a movie.

Better: We had dinner and watched a movie afterward .

53: ‘Til/’Till

Dead word: He endured her horrible antics ‘til their divorce.

Better: He endured her horrible antics up to their divorce.

54: Used to

Dead word: I used to live in the city.

Better: I was accustomed to living in the city.

Dead word: Many students find him weird .

Better: Many students find him eccentric .

Dead word: She performed well as a department head.

Better: She performed competently as a department head.

Dead word: They went to Thailand for vacation.

Better: They traveled to Thailand for vacation.

Meaningless dead words include qualifiers to “soften” statements. These words affect the specificity or certainty of the sentences. 

This category also involves words that perform semantic bleaching. Semantic bleaching reduces a word’s intensity or literal meaning. It happens when the words are used for emphasis or as fillers influenced by poor street or colloquial language. 

As an example, people often use the word ‘literally’ to emphasize their point. 

“I literally hang around the house all day.” When they could just say,

“I hang around the house all day.”

or even better!

“Figuratively speaking, I have around the house all day.”

You can substitute meaningless dead words with more fitting terms or by removing the dead word or phrase altogether.

58: Actually

Dead word: Shelly’s cooking actually tastes good.

Better: Shelly’s cooking surprisingly tastes good.

59: Amazing

Dead word: Rena has an amazing voice.

Better: Rena has an extraordinary voice.

60: Awesome/Cool/Great/Rad

Dead word: The magician’s new trick is rad .

Better: The magician’s new trick is mind-boggling .

Dead word: The dictator’s treatment of the civilians is awful .

Better: The dictator’s treatment of the civilians is sickening .

62: Basically/Essentially/Totally

Dead word: He basically said we won’t work out as a couple. 

Better: He said we won’t work out as a couple. 

63: Fantastic

Dead word: BTS is a fantastic boy band.

Better: BTS is a phenomenal boy band.

64: I believe/feel/think

Dead word: I think the judge is biased.

Better: The judge is biased.

65: In my opinion

Dead word: In my opinion , the judge should have let the jury see all the evidence.

Better: The judge should have let the jury see all the evidence.

Dead word: I’m just a freelance writer.

Better: I’m a freelance writer.

67: Kind of/Kinda/Sort of/Sorta

Dead word: I’ll be honest — what you did to me yesterday kind of hurt me.

Better:  I’ll be honest — what you did to me yesterday hurt me.

Dead word: I was like , thinking if I should like , give him another chance.

Better: I was thinking if I should give him another chance.

69: Literally

Dead word: I literally exploded with anger last night.

Better: I exploded with anger last night.

Dead word: Maybe you wouldn’t be in this position if you listened to your wife.

Better: Perhaps you wouldn’t be in this position if you listened to your wife.

71: Obviously

Dead word: He’s obviously upset.

Better: He’s visibly upset.

Dead word: The principal was really mad at her.

Better: The principal was furious at her.

73: Things/Stuff

Dead word: I need to think over some personal stuff .

Better: I need to think over my career and family .

Dead word: The bride is very happy .

Better: The bride is thrilled .

This section includes some common words, phrases, or buzzwords that have become unfashionable or overused. 

75: Circle back

Dead word: Let’s circle back to this concern in three days.

Better: Let’s revisit this concern in three days.

76: Go-getter

Dead word: I am a go-getter who increased my department’s quarter sales. 

Better: I am an ambitious leader who increased my department’s quarter sales target by 10%.

77: Happiness

Dead word: Jane did not expect motherhood to bring her happiness .

Better: Jane did not expect motherhood to bring her contentment .

Dead word: The police department requires us to be moral .

Better: The police department requires us to be law-abiding .

79: Move the needle

Dead word: Ask yourself how you can move the needle on this company.

Better: Ask yourself how you can leave an impact on this company.

80: Proactive

Dead word: I was proactive in preventing problems within my previous organization.

Better: I resolved problems within my previous organization.

81: Reasonable

Dead word: He’s a reasonable ruler.

Better: He’s an impartial ruler.

82: Responsible

Dead word: Munch was a responsible detective.

Better: Munch was a conscientious detective.

Dead word: The scientists chose the right route.

Better: The scientists chose the ethical route.

84: Self-motivated

Dead word: I am a self-motivated employee.

Better: I am a committed employee.

85: Success

Dead word: Brownlee’s last-minute play was a success .

Better: Brownlee’s last-minute play was a triumph .

86: Synergy/Synergize

Dead word: The marketing and manufacturing departments must synergize to achieve the company’s objectives.

Better: The marketing and manufacturing departments must cooperate to achieve the company’s objectives.

87: Team player

Dead word: I’m a team player and can work competently in any team.

Better: I’m adaptable and can work competently in any team.

88: Think outside the box

Dead word: I always think outside the box .

Better: I am innovative .

89: Wheelhouse

Dead word: Coding is my wheelhouse .

Better: Coding is my key strength .

Also known as ineffective metaphors, dead metaphors are figures of speech, idioms, or expressions that have become too familiar to the audience. These phrases don’t spark any imagination for the readers anymore.

The best alternatives for this category are lesser-known metaphors, more specific descriptors, or simply laying down the meaning of the metaphors. Learn more about this topic through our article on the common types of metaphors .

90: A clean slate

Dead word: He wants a clean slate after serving his sentence. 

Better: He wants a fresh start after serving his sentence.

91: Bed of roses

Dead word: You’ll be in a bed of roses once you marry the king.

Better: You’ll be in clover once you marry the king.

92: Elephant in the room

Dead word: Will we ever discuss the elephant in the room ?

Better: Will we ever discuss the apparent issue ?

93: Fall/Falling in love

Dead word: Are you falling in love with Lady Anne?

Better: Are you besotted with Lady Anne?

94: Go belly up

Dead word: If she keeps spending money she doesn’t have, her salon will soon go belly up.

Better: If she keeps spending money she doesn’t have, her salon will soon fail .

95: Gut-wrenching pain

Dead word: It’s impossible to explain the gut-wrenching pain of seeing her husband with another woman. 

Better:  It’s impossible to explain the heartrending agony of seeing her husband with another woman. 

96: Heart of gold

Dead word: The emperor has a heart of gold .

Better: The emperor is benevolent .

97: In the nick of time

Dead word: The rescuers came in the nick of time .

Better: The rescuers came right on time .

98: Like a broken record

Dead word: I’m tired of hearing you complain — you’re like a broken record !

Better: I’m tired of hearing you complain repeatedly .

99: Step up to the plate

Dead word: You’re not her father; she can’t force you to step up to the plate .

Better: You’re not her father; she can’t force you to take responsibility .

100: Stick in the mud

Dead word: My late grandpa was a stick in the mud .

Better: My late grandpa was a traditionalist .

101: Tall, dark, and handsome

Dead word: How did you catch a tall, dark, and handsome beau?

Better: How did you catch a criminally attractive beau?

102: The ball is in your court

Dead word: I’ve been honest; the ball is in your court now.

Better: I’ve been honest; the decision is yours now.

103: Without a care in the world

Dead word: He’s parading his mistress without a care in the world .

Better: He’s nonchalantly parading his mistress.

• November 8, 2019

Overused Words to Replace in Your English Writing

Communication is great, but sometimes it gets just a little predictable. That’s because, despite the thousands upon thousands of words we could use to express ourselves, we keep on insisting on using the same ones.

You may feel a little restricted with the words you can use because of the requirement for simple, plain and inoffensive language. But that doesn’t mean you have to be predictable and, well, dull. 

Without further ado (so), let’s start now by identifying some of the main culprits, and looking at suitable alternatives to make your English writing just that little bit more interesting:

When it comes to quantifying something, some just doesn’t get the job done. Can you be more specific? And that is the point. This type of vague language only succeeds in frustrating the reader, who cannot say, with any great conviction, how many you are actually talking about.

Alternatives : couple, several, dozens, one, two, three, four etc.

This has to be the worst adjective in English. Okay, maybe not quite, but it’s certainly the most overused, and the one that describes the least. Think of a surly teenager who doesn’t want to reveal any information about anything, but at the same time doesn’t want to give the impression that anything is wrong. Good tells us nothing. It is so undescriptive, it is laughable. There’s really no good reason to use it (well-spotted!).

Alternatives : interesting, informative, enjoyable, uplifting, eye-opening (depending on the context).

Great is good ’s slightly less annoying, but more excitable big brother. We know that it’s better than good , but it’s also a word that fails to deliver the idea that it really should. No one can get excited about great , even though that is exactly the feeling that great should convey.  But when it comes to attaching a value to something, instead of using a word such as great , which really means nothing, seek to use a word that is more descriptive and explicit, or go for something which makes a valid comparison.

Alternatives : even better than the last time, incredibly rewarding, of magnificent value.

Other is a word that is incredibly practical, so it’s not as annoying as something like good , which really has no value at all. The problem with other is that it just turns up too frequently in writing, so here you just need to think about repetition, and go for something a little different each time.

Alternatives : additional, alternative, further, supplementary.

More . This word even sounds dull. But it’s similar to other , both in meaning, and in that it is incredibly practical. Instead just look for those nicer sounding alternatives.

Alternatives : additional, alternative, further, supplementary, extra.

This word is horrible for two reasons. Firstly, because a lot of the time, it just isn’t true. We live in a society now where everything is brilliant or terrible. Everything is either the best or the worst, ever! But it actually isn’t, is it? What you are saying is a massive overstatement. So, avoid using such superlatives when they do not apply. Secondly, it’s all about opinion anyway, so just because it is the best for you, is it really the best for others? Scrap this word! 

Alternatives : the most suitable, the most fitting, the most practical, one of the most…

Everything is important . Or nothing is. It all depends who you are talking to, or what you are talking about. And what is important for one person isn’t important for another (see best ). And another thing, important doesn’t mean best in English: this is a false translation from other languages.

Alternatives : crucial, essential, vital.

Like is a word that is shockingly overused in speech, but it is also creeping in more and more to English writing, which is a cause of major frustration to language purists, and those who like language to be clear. Because like just isn’t. Like has multiple meanings, but almost all of them can be better expressed in other ways. Here are some examples:

I like it. = I think it is an interesting proposition. It was like last time. = It was similar to the previous occasion. It feels like you have misunderstood… = You have misunderstood…

Does it really feel similar to that? Or is that how it feels? Stop stepping around the issue, and SAY WHAT YOU MEAN!

Alternatives : as above.

A pro tip : Linguix allows you learning new words while writing. The Linguix Grammar Checker and paraphraser (here is our Chrome extension ) have a built-in AI-fueled synonyms-selection engine. This feature allows you to see synonyms of English words. Just hold down the Alt button and double-click on a word to see a list of its synonyms. 

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Words to Avoid in Writing: Weak Words to Find, Cut, and Replace

When you're writing your book, it is common to include a lot of words that you don't need. This doesn't mean you are a bad writer, because everyone does this.

Additionally, there are so many words that are unnecessary, and many authors don't even know it. As you gain experience writing, you will find that these words feel stale, and there are better words to replace them.

Thankfully, using the advice in this article, you can turn weak phrases into good writing and become a better writer in the process.

So what do you do about all of these words, and how can you find them?

• The different types of words to cut
• A list of specific words you should avoid
• How to find and replace these words

Note: in this article, we will be using ProWritingAid and Atticus as software examples to get this job done. These are our best recommendations for a proofreading software and a writing software, respectively. However, much of this can also be done in almost any writing program you use. It just might take a little longer. Some of these links may also be affiliate links.

Types of Words to Cut

While we do provide a list of the most common words to look for, there are whole categories of words that you should avoid in your writing, unless you have a specific reason to use them.

Adverbs are words that usually end in “–ly”. They can be helpful, but should not be overused. Adverbs are a good example of “telling, not showing”, when there is a better action verb or descriptor to convey the same information.

To Be Verbs

To be verbs include the words was, is, are, were, etc. While these verbs are certainly necessary, they often act as a big signpost that a better verb could be used.

For example, instead of saying “John was tired,” you could say, “John rubbed his eyes,” or, “John collapsed in his chair.”

Once again, to be verbs provide a clue that you are telling instead of showing.

To be verbs are also a potential sign of passive voice. For example, instead of saying “the ball was thrown by John,” you could say “John threw the ball.” 

Prepositional Phrases

A prepositional phrase is a short phrase that ends with a noun, phrases that often increase the length of the sentence.

An example could be, “at the store,” or, “near the middle,”. There are usually better ways to phrase these sentences.

Run-on Sentences

While a little harder to spot using a find and replace feature, run-on sentences are sentences that go on for too long. There are two kinds of run-ons: fused and comma splices. A fused sentence consists of two independent clauses  fused  together with no punctuation; a comma splice has two independent clauses joined together by a comma.

To fix them, you must either insert a coordinating conjunction, separate them into two separate sentences with a period, or use a semi-colon.

Some tools, such as the Hemingway app , as well as a report in ProWritingAid , will help you identify potential run-on sentences.

Nominalizations

Nominalization are verbs or adjectives that are turned into a noun, when it would be better to keep them as an adjective or verb.

Examples include words like collection, analysis, slowness, intention, accuracy, disagreement, or suggestion.

For example, the phrase, “she performed an analysis,” would usually be better off said, “she analyzed.”

Tautologies

Tautologies are words and phrases that mean the same thing, meaning you can cut one of the words.

Examples include things like “evening sunset”, or “autobiography of her life.” In these examples “evening” and “of her life” mean the same thing as “sunset” and “autobiography” respectively. You don't need both.

Excessive Dialogue Tags

Dialogue tags are necessary when constructing good dialogue, as they inform the reader who is speaking.

However, if you have a conversation between two people, putting a dialogue tag at the end of every single piece of dialogue becomes excessive. Sooner or later, the reader will know who is speaking, and the tags begin to slow down the pacing.

Therefore, when you have two people talking, include the dialogue tags at the beginning of the conversation, but remove them as the conversation progresses.

Overused Words

We all have these, and it is different for every author. There are words that you rely on more than others. These could be words like grin, sigh, suddenly, etc.

Get to know your own personal writing style and identify the words you use as a crutch. ProWritingAid can help with this, as they have a tool that quickly identifies your most-used words.

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Specific Words to Avoid

Now that we've covered some of the basic categories of words to avoid, let's look at individual words that should be a big warning sign for you.

Feeling and Thinking Words

These are words like felt, feel, think, thought, wonder, ponder, understand, realize, or believe.

All of these words are usually unnecessary, and they are signs that you are telling, not showing. There are usually better verbs to use, or you can rephrase the sentence to show more.

This way, you are not distancing yourself from the viewpoint character. You can get directly inside their head, instead of describing what they are feeling.

Example: instead of saying “I thought the food tasted horrible,” you could say, “Yuck! That food made me gag.” 

“Then” is a commonly used word to transition in a sequence of events. It is overused and can sound basic. Try rearranging your words, and use “and” instead.

Example: instead of “I tripped on the dance floor, then fell flat on my face, then everyone laughed at me,” say, “I tripped on the dance floor, fell flat on my face, and everyone laughed.”

Words like breathe, breath, inhale, exhale, etc. are words frequently relied on by authors to show an internal character emotion. I know for myself that I relied far too heavily on “let out a breath I didn't know I was holding” in my early books.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it can get overly repetitive. Instead, change it up by finding another way to show what caused that character to breathe differently.

Example: instead of “David rushed around the corner and I inhaled sharply,” use, “David rushed around the corner, a manic look in his eye, and my body tensed.”

Shrug, Nod, Smile, Reach

These are common words used by authors over and over again. While this doesn't make them bad, you want to make sure there isn't a more accurate and specific way of describing the situation.

Sometimes, a smile is just a smile, and you don't need a more specific word or phrase, but sometimes you've used it too often, and you need a better way of saying it.

Example: instead of, “He reached for the hammer,” use, “He lunged for the hammer.”

Really, Very

Really and Very are heavily used in writing but are almost always inferior. In almost every situation, there is a stronger adjective that will describe the situation more accurately (the exception, of course, is when a character might use them in dialogue).

Example: instead of, “the giant was very big,” use, “the giant towered over me.”

Just is a word, similar to “very” or “really” that can be easily deleted. It is unnecessary in most situations, and often doesn't even need a replacement.

Example: instead of, “he just wants to be loved,” say, “he wants to be loved.”

“That” is a necessary word, but is often overused. There are many instances when you can remove the word and maintain the meaning of the phrase.

Example: instead of “Dave told Jason that that explosion was deliberate,” say, “Dave told Jason the explosion was deliberate.”

Overused -ly Adverbs

Adverbs should be reduced in general, but there are some that are overused more, including: totally, completely, absolutely, literally, definitely, certainly, probably, actually, basically, virtually.

All of these words add nothing to the sentence, and you can usually remove them. An action word makes a better replacement.

Example: instead of “the drawer was completely full of socks,” say, “the drawer was full of socks.”

“Thing” and “It” are vague words that don't accurately describe what you're talking about. When possible, replace these words with a more specific word to describe the object you are referring to.

The exception for “it” occurs when you have already used the object's name in a sentence, in which case you can use “it” as the correct pronoun going forward.

Example: Instead of, “Bring me that thing,” say, “Bring me that book/smartphone/food/etc.”

Start, Begin

Words like start, begin, began, and begun are often unnecessary, as you can just describe the action instead, with the “starting” of that action already implied.

Example: instead of, “she began to run,” say, “she ran”.

“There was” is a common way to start a sentence, and can be easily replaced by a more descriptive action.

Example: instead of, “there was a cat scratching at the door,” say, “a cat scratched at the door.”

“Up” and “down” are often unnecessary words, since the direction is usually implied by other words in the sentence. Analyze whether you need these words, and delete if necessary.

Example: instead of, “she sat down on the carpet,” say, “she sat on the carpet.”

“Have got” is a tautology, meaning that both words mean the same thing. Instead, you can just use “have”.

Additionally, “got” is not a useful word overall, and you can usually find a better word to use instead.

Example: instead of, “she got to her feet,” say, “she leapt to her feet.”

“Literally” is a word that is often used out of context, in a situation where it is not meant to be taken…literally. Make sure that when you use this word, that it means what it says.

There are exceptions, like when a character is supposed to talk that way, but generally you should avoid it.

Example: instead of “The sun was so hot, John was literally melting,” you can remove the word “literally” or replace it with a word like “practically”.

“About” is a vague word that doesn't specify anything. You can use words like “approximately” or provide a more specific range instead.

Example: instead of “the wall was about 10 feet high,” say, “the wall was between 10 and 12 feet high.”

Filler Phrases

There are a lot of filler words and phrases that can be entirely cut from your manuscript. These words and phrases include:

• Each and every
• In order to
• At the end of the day
• As a matter of fact
• For all intents and purposes
• For the most part
• With regard to
• In reference to
• Needless to say
• It is important to note that
• During the course of
• When it comes to
• Due to the fact

All of these phrases are empty, add no new meaning to the sentence, and should be avoided.

Example: instead of, “At the end of the day, it is important to note that, as of yet, we have not found a cure for the common cold,” say, “We have not yet found a cure for the common cold.”

Sort of, Kind of

These two phrases are used often in spoken language, but are unnecessary in writing. They are empty phrases that mean nothing and you can easily eliminate them.

The meaning can shift slightly when you eliminate it, so make sure that there isn’t a better way to say it, or that it means what you want it to say.

Example: Instead of “The meeting progressed kind of on schedule,” say, “The meeting progressed on schedule.”

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How to Cut These Words From Your Book

The best tool to cut an unnecessary word from your creative writing is a standard Find and Replace feature. While you can access this in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and others, I’m going to be using Atticus , which uses a special system built specifically for writers.

In Atticus , you can access the Find and Replace feature by selecting the More Tools button on the top right, then selecting the icon that looks like a magnifying glass.

Then, you have a number of options.

• You can select whether to search through a single chapter or the whole book
• Input the word you are searching for into the Find section
• You can select whether to match the whole word or match the case
• Scroll through the Previous and Next copy of that word
• Input the word you want to replace (if needed)

Once you have inputted your word into the “Find” field, you can then see how many times that word appears in each chapter, as shown in the chapter menu.

Simply Find and Replace, or Find and go through them one by one to ensure the change is what you want.

If the Find and Replace feature isn’t enough, you can use a program like ProWritingAid (which also integrates with Atticus).

ProWritingAid is better than Find and Replace for some types of word searches, such as overused words that you might not know you are overusing, or cases of passive voice and filler phrases.

Those who purchase the lifetime version of ProWritingAid through our link get a 20% off coupon ! That’s a huge savings for the lifetime package, which provides incredible savings on its own. 

ProWritingAid is (by far) our top pick for authors. It’s great for long-form writing, academic writing, or a blog post, and has more reports than any other grammar checker.

So take these tools and writing advice and use them to improve your academic paper, short story, or novel.

Jason Hamilton

When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

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3 Strategies for Avoiding Overused Phrases in Your Writing

• Revised: April 27, 2021

Once upon a time in the world of content creation, we had colorful, inventive phrases that expressed ideas in a new and exciting way. Today, deep into the digital age, words have become stale, unoriginal, and downright overused.

The worst part? We are all guilty.

If you are looking to attract and engage readers with a heavy dose of buzzwords and cliches, the time is now to stop. These terms –  redundant, verbose, and boring – will not only make you (and your business) look lazy and careless, but they are highly likely to disengage your audience.

Today, we’ll talk about overused phrases, strategies to help you avoid them, and some common examples you should be aware of.

What is an “Overused” Phrase?

An overused word, phrase, or term is one that is used so frequently that it’s no longer effective or compelling. 

At some point, we have all been guilty of relying on overused words and phrases to make our writing appear more intelligent for our industry. Often we don’t even realize that they’ve become something of a literary crutch.

And yet, the fact is that overused phrases and cliches make your content harder to read, show a lazy side of writing, and limit your ability to express your message. Essentially, they defeat the goal of content creation – to engage your audience and provide value.

Why Should You Avoid Overused Phrases?

Whether you’re a novelist, journalist, or website writer, you probably have a few writing patterns or trends that you lean on. While it’s normal to repeat words and phrases (especially if they are industry-specific), it’s beneficial to avoid clichés and weak word choices.

By continuously using the same dull language, your audience will get tired of your writing style and lose sight of your message. Your audience will tune out whenever they read an overused phrase or a cliché and consequently miss the point you’re trying to make.

Overused phrases are often just “fillers” to pad out a blog post, maintain speech flow, or both. Yes, you can easily increase the length of your blog post, but you’re not, in any way, improving its general quality.

3 Strategies for Eliminating Overused Phrases

Some website writers rely on repetitive grammar and overly complex sentences because they believe they can’t enhance their writing in any other way. Here are some strategies for eliminating this bad habit and improving your writing.

1. Outline Your Content

A content outline is a breakdown of the topic that you want to write about. Your outline will enable you to choose the correct vocabulary (lexis) and tone while helping you align your concepts for a more effective and cohesive approach to blog writing .

Content outlines help eliminate fluff and empower you to only write about the things that matter. Writers who don’t outline their content tend to ramble along and fail to follow their original idea.

Here are the fundamental steps for creating a content outline:

• Decide on a topic – What is it that you want to write about for your website? Ensure that it’s a topic that people will be interested in and unique enough to generate attention.
• Develop your talking points – Brainstorm a list of topics that you’ll tackle. Write down your thoughts even if the connections to the topic are loose. Write sentences or paste links that support your thesis.
• Organize your ideas – The next step is to organize your ideas so you’ll have a logical flow. Also, make sure you remove any ideas that are too far-fetched or don’t support the topic at hand. This step will help you develop a structure that makes it easy for your audience to understand the purpose of the piece.
• Expand your talking points – This is where you conduct some supporting research. Launch your favorite search engine and find three to five supporting and authoritative links for each topic.
• Review your outline – The final step in the process is to review your outline. Ensure that your topic matches your theme, brand tone, editorial guidelines, and audience’s expectations.

Outlines empower you to stay on topic and utilize compelling language . These content planning tools should help get you started.

2. Focus on Identifying and Removing Fluff

What is fluff in writing?

Fluff means general information or details that don’t add value to your content . Another approach to eliminating unoriginal expressions is identifying fluff and getting rid of them without losing intent or meaning. 

Here are several ways to identify and remove fluff in writing :

If you need to look up the meaning of a word in a dictionary, don’t use it. You need to engage your audience, not show how vast your vocabulary is. Be clear and direct with your readers.

When you use a word or phrase specific to a particular profession, industry, or group, you’re using jargon. Depending on your audience, jargon can hurt the clarity and impact of your content.

You can remove these altogether from your piece, and it won’t change a single thing. Fillers that you should avoid include: really , even , such , just , that , and quite .

They are beneficial for describing something, but it’s a big no-no if you use them to make something sound too good to be true. For instance, you should avoid expressions like “incredible” and “amazing.” Using too many objectives can affect your content’s credibility.

Intensifiers

These are used to emphasize other words to make them stronger or weaker. Words like very , really , and extremely are often unnecessary and can be replaced by better alternatives.

3. Edit and Revise

Everyone should edit and revise their work. Write your first draft and analyze everything that you’ve written. Decide whether you need to remove a particular word, phrase, or expression.

Can you still make the same point without it? Identify the fluff, clichés, and slang words, and eliminate them. Replace the overused ones with simple synonyms.

Then, check it again. And again.

It’s easy to overuse certain phrases, and sometimes, you can’t avoid it. By editing and revising your copy, you can easily catch all the tired phrases and clichés, take a mental note, and avoid them in the future.

While there are a few great grammar tools that can help in this respect, Grammarly is our favorite. Its engagement suggestions can help you identify less than ideal words and replace them with stronger choices.

10 Examples of Overused Words and Phrases

Now, let’s look at some of the stalest language around, as well as some suggested alternatives. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it should give you an idea of how using these phrases can degrade your content’s quality.

1. In terms of

Everyone likes to use this phrase because it helps them sound more academic. This phrase is a filler, and it’s best to remove it.

What to use instead: Use a single preposition to replace this phrase.

2. Due to the fact that

If you have to use “due to the fact that,” your content is in trouble. Did you mean because ? This phrase is too wordy and a waste of time for readers. Due to can be used after a linking verb but otherwise avoid or use an alternative expression below.

What to use instead: Therefore, thus, hence, because, because of this

3. Needless to say

This expression means “it is assumed” and refers to something self-evident. Again, this is one expression that you can altogether avoid.

What to use instead: The clue is in the word itself – it doesn’t need to be said.

4. At the end of the day

This phrase’s origin is an idiom. This means that it’s less appropriate for use in formal writing. Also, do you really need a six-word cliché to express the notion that you should take everything into consideration?

What to use instead: Ultimately, eventually

5. Basically / Essentially

These come in handy when you don’t know how to start a sentence. However, they seldom add anything useful to the sentence and are unnecessary most of the time.

What to use instead: Try removing them altogether.

6. In this day and age

Here’s another cliché that’s too wordy and redundant. We suggest that you check a thesaurus for synonyms.

What to use instead: Today, nowadays

7. Important

Important is one of the most hackneyed words in writing. The meaning of the word is too general and vague. Just how important is it? Is it urgent? Or is it merely notable?

What to use instead: Essential, significant, meaningful, influential, crucial

8. All walks of life and other clichés

Calm before the storm, in the same boat, never a dull moment, etc., are other examples of tired sayings. This type of journalistic terminology is stale and unoriginal and is used to pad content. Often, it’s easily replaceable with a one-word alternative.

What to use instead: Remove or replace them with a simpler alternative.

9. Very / really / quite / incredibly

These are intensifiers, but they rarely influence the impact or definition of the piece. If it’s an option, try removing them.

What to use instead: Instead of saying “she’s very pretty,” you can say “she’s stunning.”

10. Literally

Is the speaker literally on fire? Is the person literally hanging on for his dear life? Literally is one of the most misused words of all time.

What to use instead: It’s better to avoid the word altogether.

Level Up Your Writing by Eliminating Overused Phrases

Overused words, phrases, and clichés will undoubtedly sneak into your content. It’s just a fact of life when it comes to the process of developing compelling content. And yet, by being mindful and challenging yourself to avoid the misuse of them, you will quickly “raise the bar” for your content (there’s another phrase to avoid).

Vincent D'Eletto

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• Writing Tips

25 Overused Words in Business Writing

7-minute read

• 10th January 2022

If you write often, it’s easy to overuse certain words out of habit. But limiting your word choices to a handful of trusty mainstays can lessen the impact of professional writing .

Do you fall back on crutch words like good, really, and absolutely ? Or do you tend to pad out your prose with filler words like just, then, and that ? If so, your writing is in danger of becoming boring and predictable. More seriously, it could lack meaning and come across as lazy and unimaginative.

The key to compelling writing is determining exactly what you want to say and choosing words that fit precisely. With over 170,000 words at your disposal, there should always be an option that’s both apt and original.

Below we list some of the most common examples of overused words and suggest ways to replace them.

Ranking Words: Good, Great, and Bad

These are all words that indicate the quality of something. (Another common offender in this category is nice .) The problem is, they don’t tell the reader anything about why the object in question is good, great, or bad. They merely express the writer’s opinion of its value.

If you find yourself reaching for one of these words, try searching for one that reveals more information. For example, if you’re writing about an idea for an email campaign, don’t simply describe it as a good idea. Instead, consider what you like about the idea and find a word that communicates that (e.g., inventive or clever).

Likewise, if you’re tempted to label something as bad , consider why you feel it’s bad and find a more expressive and meaningful alternative. Bad could mean quite a few things, such as tedious, unsuitable , or inaccurate .

If you do want to offer your opinion on the overall quality of something, try to think of a more powerful alternative. Instead of good or great , consider remarkable , terrific , or phenomenal . And if something isn’t so great, how about inadequate or mediocre ?

Degree Words: Very, Really, Rather, and Quite

Adjectives like these are used to modify another adjective:

The webinar will be very interesting .

These statistics are really worrying .

The customer was quite unhappy .

There are two ways to avoid these overused degree words. In some cases, you can simply remove them without changing the meaning of the sentence. More often, however, you can use a stronger adjective. Have a look at these alternatives to the above examples:

The webinar will be fascinating .

These statistics are disturbing .

The customer was unhappy .

In the first two, we replaced two adjectives with a single, more powerful one, making the sentences more dynamic and concise. In the third, the degree word quite weakened the impact of the sentence, so we simply removed it.

Quantity Words: Many, Few, and a Lot

These terms vaguely indicate an amount, but you can easily find more descriptive substitutes. Here are a few ideas to start you off:

●  Instead of many or a lot of , try copious , myriad , plentiful , or slew .

●  For a few , consider scattered , negligible , or rare .

Alternatively, if you know the exact number you’re alluding to, be specific (if appropriate). For example, “We have looked at a lot of other options” could be “We have looked at sixteen other options.” In this situation, using the exact figure adds authority and authenticity.

Unoriginal Words: New, Important, and Interesting

Unfortunately, some words are so overused that readers ignore them altogether. When your “important message” is competing with a hundred other “important messages,” you’ll have to come up with a term that stands out more. Important might be correct, but it gets used so much in business writing that its meaning is now diluted.

Here are our suggestions for swapping out some of those unoriginal words, but you’ll find plenty more by checking a thesaurus :

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●  Important : vital, key, essential, crucial.

●  New : fresh, radical, novel.

●  Interesting : gripping, intriguing, engaging.

When you use less-familiar words like these, your writing immediately becomes more distinctive. However, be careful not to pick words that are too obscure. Readers should never have to reach for the dictionary, no matter how bodacious your writing!

Unnecessary Words: Absolutely, Completely, and Totally

Absolutely is used to add weight to an adjective. All too often, though, it’s used with adjectives strong enough to stand on their own. When you’re tempted to use this word, ask yourself if absolutely adds anything to the meaning. In most cases, the answer will be “no.” For example, if something is impossible, it can’t be achieved by any means, so to describe something as absolutely impossible is redundant because there’s no such thing as “slightly impossible.”

Completely and totally fall in the same category. In most cases, you can drop them without changing the meaning of the sentence. On other occasions, you should replace the modified word with something more descriptive:

The report is completely finished. ✘

The report is finished. ✓

The report is totally awesome. ✘

The report is accurate and beautifully presented. ✓

Watch out for other unnecessary words like actually , honestly , and definitely . Using these can imply that you’re trying to persuade the reader of something, which may lead them to question your integrity.

Uncertain Words: Think and Believe

When you preface a statement with I think or I believe , it creates doubt in the reader’s mind. The fact that you’re the writer indicates your agreement with the information. To add I think suggests uncertainty, while I believe implies that others might disagree.

These words (along with the phrase in my opinion ) can therefore be dropped. They don’t need replacing—just get straight to the point!

Filler Words: Just, That, and Then

More often than not, these words serve no purpose other than to increase the word count. Consider these sentences:

Would you just take a look at these figures?

 I was just wondering if you think that we should plan another campaign.

We will gather the data, then discuss it at the meeting, and then consider what to do next.

In all three examples, the words, just , that , and then can be omitted without altering the meaning.

This will nearly always be the case with just (unless you’re using it as a synonym for fair ) and then . However, the word that is less straightforward because sometimes it’s needed for clarity. Generally, if that follows an attributive verb (e.g., say, think), it can be removed.

Overused, But Not Illegal

We hope this post helps you spot any overused words in your reports, presentations , emails, etc. By swapping them for stronger, more precise terms, your writing will be more engaging and effective. However, don’t feel like you have to cut them out altogether. It’s okay to include any of the words we’ve mentioned from time to time, as long as you’re confident you’ve got the best word for the job.

If you’d like any of your professional writing checked for errors, our proofreaders can help. As well as correcting spelling and grammar mistakes, our business writing experts will highlight areas that are unclear or repetitive. Why not try us out today by sending 500 words to proofread for free ?

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• Essay Editor

How to Use Transition Words for Essays + Examples

Transition words play a key role in essay writing. They connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, helping readers follow your text easily. These words do many jobs, from comparing things to showing cause and effect. They turn scattered thoughts into a clear story.

Learning to use transition words for essays isn't just about making your writing sound better. It's about making your ideas clearer and easier for readers to understand. Let's look at transition words and how to use them well in your essays.

Understanding Transition Words for Essays

Transition words for essays are like road signs. They guide readers through your ideas. They help show how your thoughts connect, making your writing easier to follow.

The Purpose and Placement of Transition Sentences

Transition sentences do several important things:

• They make your ideas flow better
• They help readers grasp your main point
• They link sentences and paragraphs
• They show how ideas relate to each other
• They make your writing easier to read

Where you put transitions matters. They're often used:

• Between parts of an essay to sum up or introduce new ideas
• Between paragraphs to show connections or changes in focus
• Within paragraphs to link related thoughts

Here's an example: 

"The Industrial Revolution brought many new technologies. On the other hand, it also caused social problems."

In this case, "On the other hand" shows a contrast between the good and bad effects of the Industrial Revolution.

Putting transitions in the right places helps your ideas flow smoothly. For instance, transition words to start a paragraph in an essay can signal a new point or a shift in focus, preparing the reader for what's next.

Types of Transitions Words

There are different types of transition words for essays, each with its own job. Knowing these types can help you pick the right words for different parts of your writing.

• Adding information: "Also," "In addition," "Furthermore"
• Showing contrast: "But," "However," "On the other hand"
• Showing cause and effect: "So," "As a result," "Therefore"
• Showing order: "First," "Second," "Finally"
• Giving examples: "For example," "Such as," "To illustrate"

Using different transition words can make your essay flow better and be more coherent. Aithor can suggest good transition words based on what your essay is about, helping you improve your writing.

Creating Smooth Transitions in Your Writing

To make your transitions smooth:

• Use your essay's structure to find logical connections between sections.
• Put transitions where they best show how ideas relate.
• Don't use too many transition words, or your writing might sound forced.
• Try not to use the same few transitions over and over.

Remember, sometimes less is better. Using too many transition words can make your writing sound unnatural. Writing tools like Aithor can help you find places where transitions might make your essay flow better, suggesting good transition words based on your essay's content.

List of Transitions

Let's look at different types of transition words and phrases you can use in your essays:

1. Addition

Transition words to start a paragraph in an essay that add information include:

• Furthermore
• Additionally
• In addition

Example: "The new policy aims to cut down on carbon emissions. Also, it encourages the use of energy from renewable sources."

2. Contradiction

To show contrast, you can use:

• Nevertheless
• On the other hand
• In contrast
• Despite this

Example: "Many people thought the project would fail. On the other hand, it did better than anyone expected."

3. Condition

Conditional transitions include:

• Provided that
• In the event that

Example: "The company will grow bigger if the market stays good."

4. Emphasis

To highlight important points, use:

• Undoubtedly

Example: "The experiment gave surprising results. In fact, it made people question many old theories in the field."

5. Similarity

Transition words for the second body paragraph showing similarity include:

• In the same way

Example: "The novel explores themes of love and loss. In the same way, the author's previous work dealt with complex human emotions."

To show outcomes or consequences, use:

• As a result
• Consequently

Example: "The team worked very hard on the project. As a result, they finished it early."

7. Conclusion Transitions

Transition words for the conclusion paragraph include:

• In conclusion
• To summarize

Example: "In conclusion, the study shows that social media greatly affects how consumers behave."

8. Sequence

To show order or progression, use:

• First, Second, and Third
• Subsequently

Example: "First, we'll look at the data. Then, we'll explain what it means. Finally, we'll make conclusions based on what we found."

9. Location

Spatial transitions include:

• Adjacent to
• In the vicinity of

Example: "The rare plant was found growing nearby the river bank."

As you start writing, remember this important tip: use transition words carefully. While these words help make your writing easy to read, using too many can confuse your reader. Think of transition words like spices in food — they make it taste better, but too much can ruin the dish.

Your goal is to help your reader easily follow your ideas, not to create a maze of connecting words. So, when you write your next essay, remember: when it comes to transitions, often using fewer is better. Use them thoughtfully to make your argument clear, and your writing will be easy to understand and follow.

If you want to get even better at writing essays, Aithor has special features that can help you choose the best transitions for what you're writing about, making sure your essays flow smoothly from start to finish.

Happy writing!

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Essential words to improve vocabulary

Enhancing your vocabulary is a powerful way to improve how you express yourself and engage with others. Whether you're writing essays, delivering presentations, or simply conversing, having rich vocabulary skills allows you to communicate with precision and impact. Here’s a guide to essential words that can help elevate your vocabulary from average to advanced.

Understanding vocabulary levels

Before exploring the words, it's useful to understand different vocabulary levels :

• Basic : Words that most native speakers know, can include overused words and phrases.
• Intermediate : Words needed for professional fluency and nuanced expression.
• Advanced : Complex words used in specialized or academic contexts.

Essential words for an advanced vocabulary

Advancing your vocabulary involves adopting words that not only enhance your language but also allow you to express ideas more clearly and accurately. Here are several categories and examples of essential words that can enrich your vocabulary:

Words that express magnitude

• Colossal : Extremely large or great.
• Minute : Extremely small.
• Plethora : A large or excessive amount of something.

These words help you describe quantities and sizes with greater accuracy and impact.

Words for describing feelings and emotions

• Euphoric : Intensely happy or confident.
• Melancholic : Sad, typically with no obvious cause.
• Apathetic : Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

Using precise emotional descriptors can make your stories and explanations more engaging and empathetic.

Descriptive adjectives

• Pristine : In its original condition; unspoiled.
• Surreptitious : Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of.
• Volatile : Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.

Rich adjectives like these can deepen your descriptions and offer clearer, more detailed imagery.

Verbs to express action

• Galvanize : Shock or excite (someone) into taking action.
• Mitigate : Make less severe, serious, or painful.
• Usurp : Take (a position of power or importance) illegally or by force.

Dynamic and specific verbs can invigorate your sentences, making them more powerful and memorable.

Strategies to incorporate new words into your vocabulary

Read widely and often.

Reading a variety of genres and styles is an effective way to encounter new vocabulary. Challenge yourself with materials that go beyond your current level to discover new and useful words. And if you find yourself in a rush for time, you can count on Elevate’s reading games as a time-sensitive substitute.

Use a vocabulary journal

Maintain a journal where you record new words, their definitions, and example sentences. Regular review will help reinforce your memory of these terms.

Practice using new words

Make an effort to use new vocabulary in your everyday communication. This practice helps integrate new words into your active vocabulary, making them more familiar and easier to recall.

Engage with interactive learning tools

Consider using apps like Elevate, which provide engaging exercises and vocabulary games designed to enhance your speech systematically and enjoyably.

Your guide to a richer vocabulary

Becoming more articulate is a journey of continuous learning and application. By focusing on key words that elevate your language skills and actively using them, you can significantly enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your communication and learn to speak eloquently .

Ready to expand your vocabulary and transform your communication skills? Download the Elevate app today and start improving with every word you learn!

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Special Education and Inclusive Learning

How to Write a Compelling College Application Essay

The college application essay is one of the most critical components of the admissions process. It provides an opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and writing skills, offering a window into who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Writing a compelling essay can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and thoughtful reflection, you can create an essay that stands out to admissions officers.

The Importance of the College Application Essay

Role in the Admissions Process The college application essay plays a pivotal role in the admissions process, serving as a key factor in differentiating you from other applicants with similar academic achievements. It’s your chance to make a personal connection with the admissions committee and present yourself as a unique individual.

Opportunity to Stand Out In a sea of applications, the essay is your opportunity to leave a lasting impression. It allows you to highlight your strengths, share your passions, and tell your story in a way that no one else can. Admissions officers look for essays that are engaging, authentic, and reflective of the applicant’s true self.

Personal Storytelling as a Key Component A compelling college essay goes beyond mere facts; it tells a story. This narrative should weave together your experiences, values, and goals, offering insight into who you are as a person and what you will bring to the college community.

Understanding the Prompt

Carefully Reading the Prompt The first step in writing a compelling essay is to thoroughly understand the prompt. Read it multiple times, and break it down into its key components. What is the prompt asking you to address? Are there specific themes or questions you need to focus on? Understanding the prompt ensures that your essay is on target and meets the expectations of the admissions committee.

Choosing the Right Prompt Most college applications offer a selection of essay prompts. Choose the one that resonates most with you, one that allows you to tell a story that is both meaningful and reflective of your experiences. Consider which prompt will best showcase your strengths and provide the most room for a thoughtful and personal response.

Analyzing What Admissions Officers Are Looking For When reviewing essays, admissions officers seek to understand your character, values, and how you think. They look for a balance between confidence and humility, insights into your personality, and evidence of your ability to grow and learn from your experiences. Your essay should provide a window into who you are, how you’ve evolved, and what you aspire to become.

Brainstorming Ideas

Reflecting on Personal Experiences Begin your brainstorming process by reflecting on your life experiences. Think about moments that have shaped you, challenges you’ve overcome, and achievements that are significant to you. These reflections will help you identify a central theme or story that will resonate in your essay.

Creating a List of Potential Topics When creating a list of potential topics for your college application essay, it’s essential to dig deep into your personal experiences and identify those that are both meaningful and distinctive. Start by reflecting on moments that have had a significant impact on your life—whether it’s overcoming a challenge, experiencing a personal transformation, or achieving something that made you proud. As you brainstorm, jot down any ideas that come to mind, even if they seem unconventional at first. The goal is to compile a diverse array of topics that reveal different aspects of your personality, values, and growth.

Once you have a list, prioritize those topics that are unique and genuinely reflect who you are. Avoid overused themes, like winning a sports game or volunteering abroad, unless you can bring a fresh perspective that sets your story apart. For example, instead of just describing the experience, focus on the deeper meaning it holds for you and how it has shaped your outlook on life. If you’re unsure whether a topic stands out, consider using tools like the Just done tool or a compare and contrast essay generator to help evaluate and refine your choices. These resources can assist in highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each idea, ensuring that you select a topic that will resonate powerfully with admissions officers. By carefully curating your list of potential topics, you’ll be well-equipped to craft an essay that not only meets the prompt’s requirements but also showcases your individuality in a compelling way.

Using Mind Mapping Techniques Mind mapping is a valuable tool for organizing your thoughts and identifying connections between ideas. Start with a central theme and branch out into related experiences, lessons, and values. This visual approach can help you narrow down your focus and identify a specific story or angle to pursue in your essay.

Crafting a Strong Narrative

Choosing a Central Theme or Story A strong essay revolves around a central theme or story. Choose an experience that is not only relevant to the prompt but also significant to you personally. Your story should highlight your growth, learning, and development, providing insight into your character and values.

Developing a Clear Structure A well-structured essay is easier to follow and more compelling to read. Organize your essay into three main sections: introduction, body, and conclusion. Each section should serve a distinct purpose and contribute to the overall narrative.

• Introduction : Set the stage by grabbing the reader’s attention with an engaging opening. Introduce the main idea of your essay and provide a glimpse of what’s to come.
• Body : Build your narrative by diving deeper into your story or experience. Focus on key moments, challenges, and turning points that have shaped you.
• Conclusion : Reflect on your journey and connect it to your future aspirations. Summarize the insights gained and how they have prepared you for the next chapter of your life.

Writing with Authenticity Authenticity is crucial in a college application essay. Write in your own voice, and be true to your experiences. Admissions officers can tell when an essay is forced or exaggerated, so focus on being genuine. Your honesty and sincerity will make your essay more relatable and impactful.

Writing the Introduction

Crafting a Hook The introduction is your chance to make a strong first impression. Start with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention—this could be an anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a striking quote. The goal is to pique the reader’s curiosity and encourage them to keep reading.

Setting the Tone The tone of your essay should be reflective of your personality and the message you want to convey. Whether it’s serious, lighthearted, or somewhere in between, the tone you set in the introduction should carry through the rest of the essay.

Introducing the Main Idea In the introduction, clearly state the main idea or theme of your essay. This will provide the reader with a roadmap of what to expect and set the stage for the story you’re about to tell.

Developing the Body Paragraphs

Expanding on the Central Theme The body of your essay is where you expand on your central theme or story. Delve into the details of your experience, highlighting challenges, turning points, and moments of growth. Each paragraph should build on the previous one, creating a cohesive and compelling narrative.

Using Specific Examples and Details To make your essay more vivid and engaging, use specific examples and details. Instead of simply stating that you overcame a challenge, describe the situation, how you felt, and what you learned. Concrete examples help the reader connect with your story and understand your experiences on a deeper level.

Maintaining Coherence and Flow A well-written essay should have a logical flow, with each paragraph connecting smoothly to the next. Use transitions to guide the reader through your story, and ensure that each paragraph contributes to the overall narrative. Avoid going off on tangents or including irrelevant details that could distract from your main point.

Writing the Conclusion

Reflecting on the Journey The conclusion of your essay should provide a reflection on the journey you’ve described. Summarize the key insights and lessons you’ve learned, and emphasize how these experiences have shaped you. This reflection should tie back to the main theme of your essay and provide closure to your narrative.

Connecting to Future Goals In addition to reflecting on the past, use the conclusion to connect your experiences to your future goals. How have these experiences prepared you for college and beyond? Demonstrate your readiness for the challenges ahead and how you plan to apply what you’ve learned.

Ending with Impact The final sentence of your essay should leave a lasting impression. Consider ending with a powerful statement, a call to action, or a thought-provoking idea that reinforces the central theme of your essay. Your conclusion should resonate with the reader and leave them thinking about your story long after they’ve finished reading.

Revising and Editing

Reviewing for Content and Clarity Once you’ve completed your first draft, take a step back and review your essay for content and clarity. Does your essay effectively answer the prompt? Is your narrative clear and easy to follow? Make sure that your essay presents a cohesive story and that your ideas are well-organized.

Polishing Language and Style After reviewing the content, focus on polishing the language and style of your essay. Refine your word choice, sentence structure, and tone to ensure that your essay is engaging and professional. Eliminate any redundant phrases or clichés, and make sure that your writing is concise and impactful.

Seeking Feedback Before submitting your essay, seek feedback from teachers, peers, or mentors. They can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas for improvement. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to make revisions that enhance the quality of your essay.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Overused Topics and Clichés One of the most common pitfalls in college application essays is choosing an overused or clichéd topic. Admissions officers read thousands of essays, so it’s important to select a topic that is unique and personal to you. Avoid writing about subjects like winning a big game or volunteering in a foreign country unless you can offer a fresh and original perspective.

Overloading the Essay with Achievements While it’s important to highlight your achievements, your essay should not read like a resume. Focus on personal growth and the lessons you’ve learned, rather than simply listing accomplishments. Admissions officers want to see how you’ve developed as a person, not just a catalog of your successes.

Neglecting the Basics Finally, don’t neglect the basics of good writing. Proofread your essay carefully to catch any grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors. Ensure that your essay adheres to the word count and formatting guidelines provided by the college. A well-written and error-free essay demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.

Final Tips for Success

Starting Early One of the best pieces of advice for writing a compelling college application essay is to start early. Give yourself plenty of time for brainstorming, writing, and revising. Starting early will reduce stress and allow you to produce a more thoughtful and polished essay.

Staying True to Yourself Remember that your college essay is about you. Write in your own voice, and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable or honest. Embrace your imperfections and be authentic in your storytelling. Admissions officers are looking for students who are genuine and self-aware, so focus on presenting your true self.

Remembering the Audience As you write your essay, keep the admissions officers in mind. They are looking to learn about you as a person, so write with the goal of making a genuine connection. Consider what you want them to take away from your essay and how you can best convey your message.

Writing a compelling college application essay is a process that requires reflection, creativity, and careful planning. By following the steps outlined above, you can craft an essay that is authentic, engaging, and impactful. Remember to stay true to yourself, take your time, and seek feedback to refine your essay. With dedication and effort, you can create a powerful narrative that sets you apart in the competitive college admissions process.

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