As a business writer and editor, I have participated in many heated conversations on word usage, grammar, punctuation and style. During one such conversation (and to put matters to rest out of frustration), one of my editorial colleagues went to his desk and came back with a copy of Merriam-Webster dictionary. Needless to say, we followed the dictionary’s spelling recommendation.
Following is my top 10 list of words and expressions you can wave good-bye to based on nearly 20 years of intense editorial discussions, face-palm moments, loud cringes and severe eye twitches.
The 10 Usual Suspects
Very: For some reason, this word is as ubiquitous in everyday speech and writing as the air we breathe. Very, which commonly means “to a high degree,” is used to add emphasis by well-meaning individuals. However, it adds little value, if any. Example: “How do you feel, Raquel?” “I feel very well, thank you.” Communicating I feel very well doesn’t really illustrate the degree to which I feel well. Instead, I could write, "I feel amazing” or “I feel great.” Recommendation: Ditch very and replace it with another word for emphasis.
Utilize: As I explained in this post, somewhere in a distant corner of the world an editor is crying at the sight of the word utilize. Why? This word is the equivalent of nails on a chalkboard. It’s also jargon masquerading as a “big” word. Recommendation: Save your readers’ ears. Write use instead.
In + Word + To: This is a long (and clunky) construction. Two commonly overused examples include in regard to (instead of regarding) and in order to (instead of to). Recommendation: This construction is two words too long. Keep it short and stick to a one-word alternative instead.
Good: This word is becoming the new very. Most everything and everyone, for some reason, is and feels good. Recommendation: Go to Thesaurus.com and search for a synonym that more accurately demonstrates how you feel or what someone's true nature is. Post-recommendation: We don’t feel good, even if we think we do. We feel well.
Have + Got: One of these two words has to go. Example: “I’ve got to go home” instead of “I have to go home.” Recommendation: It’s time for have and got to break up. Choose have as your new best friend.
That: I like that. However, that is often used as a filler (it is the written equivalent of the verbal um). Example: “He told me that he loved me” instead of “He told me he loved me.” Recommendation: While I understand the temptation to use that in everyday conversations, in writing you should make absolutely sure this word is truly needed. Post-recommendation: Do not substitute that for which or who. There is a difference. Here’s a good explanation from GrammarBook.
In My Opinion: This phrase is unnecessary if what you’re about to state is your opinion (and everyone knows it). Recommendation: Use this phrase only to avoid confusion, if several opinions or viewpoints will be stated. Also, substitute in my opinion with I or leave it out altogether. Example: Rather than, “In my opinion, this book is a colossal waste of time,” write “I think this book is a colossal waste of time.” Better yet, simply state: “This book is a colossal waste of time.”
–Ing Verbal Phrases: Gerund phrases (or phrases that contain verbs ending in –ing) are lackluster. They need more kick and oomph. Example: “She takes cares of her friends by spending time with them.” Recommendation: Transform or rephrase your -ings. Going back to the last example, you could write: “She spends time with her friends to take care of them.”
Word + Of All: This is another case of something that might sound okay in everyday speech, but is redundant in writing. Commonly overused examples include first of all, second of all and so on. Recommendation: Simplify. First and second are all wonderful alternatives (and much shorter too).
A Lot: This is a tough one. It’s hard not to use a lot. “I liked the movie a lot.” “He likes her a lot.” The reason why it’s tough is because some of the alternatives might sound awkward aloud. “I liked the movie a great deal.” “He likes her immensely.” The problem is we use a lot, well, a lot. Recommendation: If you truly mean a lot, that's fine. If not, choose another word (or set of words) and give a lot a much-needed break.
Words matter, and choosing the right words matters even more. When in doubt, always aim for clarity and simplicity. If you are still in a bind, ask a friendly ear for advice or send me a message.
These 10 words and expressions are by no means definitive. Many experts have created their own lists. Here’s a handful of extra opinions on which words and phrases to avoid:
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