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

February 20th, 2010 • Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen • Related • Filed Under

Do you want your writing to get noticed – in a good way? Ditch those boring, over-used words and phrases! Stop using amorphous adverbs and namby-pamby nouns! Delete crummy clichés! Two months ago I promised a reader in the comments section of 5 Over-Used Words and Phrases for Writers to Avoid that I’d write this post…and here it finally is…. better late than never!

What’s that you say? The cliché “better late than never” is over-used and boring, and belongs on my “over-used words and phrases in writing” list? If you caught that, you get a gold star! (jeez, there I go again with the tired clichés).

If you’re serious about learning the mechanics of writing, check out Mignon Fogarty’s The Grammar Devotional: Daily Tips for Successful Writing from Grammar Girl – you’ll learn a new tip for great writing every day. And, here are 51 over-used words and phrases in writing – which I hope helps you become a more successful, confident writer. Compiling this list has certainly opened my eyes to my own weak writing habits…

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

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, is all.

Over-Used Adjectives in Writing

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…

Many
Pretty
Nice
Kind
Pleasant
Tall/short/fat/skinny
Big/little
Shimmering
Absolutely
Same exact
Truly unique
Quite
Funny
Many
Incredible
A lot
Bad/good
Roaring
Interesting
Amazing
Any

“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?!?!).

Very
So
Kind of
Really
Totally
Actually
Seems
Suddenly
Probably
Could have
Hopefully
Just
Perfect
Viciously
Usually

Fellow scribes, remember that an over-used adverb can taste delicious when used in a surprising way.

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, for “keeping it real” and not letting me reneg on my promise to compile this list of over-used words and phrases in writing! I appreciate you.

Fellow scribes, if you have any adverbs, adjectives, clichés, or weak phrases to throw into the ring (please excuse the cliché) – or thoughts on my lists – I welcome you with open arms (please excuse the cliché).

There Are 12 Responses So Far. »

Pingback by Will Peach » February 20th Links on 20 February 2010:

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Comment by George Angus on 21 February 2010:

For me, the disclaimer at the front of this list says it all. Use these sparingly/creatively and you’ll probably be okay. Some writing is rife with these and that makes for a difficult read.

George
George Angus´s last blog post ..How To Get Your Expectations Met When Outsourcing Work To A New Writer
Comment by Chris on 22 February 2010:

Great list! I try and make a point of not using these. The cliches are easy enough to avoid. It’s those adjective and adverbs that require more conscious writing. Thanks for posting!
Chris´s last blog post ..Review: Blackberry Curve 8530
Comment by Robert Earle Howells — Surefire Writing on 22 February 2010:

Not bad…er, I mean, not despicable.

I’d add “beautiful” to the adjectives and “experience” to the verbs, as used in so many travel-magazine headlines.

And no offense, but I’d also banish the word “scribe” along with “wordsmith.”
Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 23 February 2010:

Thanks for your comments, all.

No offense taken, Robert Earle Howells…you’re one of my favorite scribes (er, I mean wordsmiths), and I’m always happy to experience feedback from fellow writerly folk

Do you ever feel that constructive or even negative feedback is more helpful than positive? I wish I had more constructive criticism of my writing — my Reader’s Digest editor was GREAT at that.

Anyway, thanks for being here!

Laurie
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen´s last blog post ..Starting a Magazine Writing Career – How to Make Money as a Freelancer
Comment by Michelle Salater on 23 February 2010:

While I’m acutely aware of many typical clichés and overused words, too often they still manage to slither their way into first drafts of my writing! Thank you for the reminder to keep our writing quality high!
Michelle Salater´s last blog post ..Is Your Advertising as Effective as It Should Be?
Comment by Jamie on 24 February 2010:

I try to stay away from these, but, admittedly, it does happen. Thanks for the reminder! : )
Comment by Manalto on 24 February 2010:

Watch that “acutely aware” Michelle. HA!
Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 25 February 2010:

That’s clever, Manalto — “acutely aware” may be redundant!
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen´s last blog post ..Starting a Magazine Writing Career – How to Make Money as a Freelancer
Comment by Robert Earle Howells — Surefire Writing on 1 March 2010:

Laurie,

Constructive criticism is always helpful. Getting careful editing is one of the overlooked benefits of writing for print. To put it gently, the Web allows a lot of autodidacts to run amok.

Bob
Robert Earle Howells — Surefire Writing´s last blog post ..Freelance Writers: A Caution About Content Farms
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