Overused Words

We’re all guilty of using clichés at some point or another, often without even realizing that we’ve done so. There are many ways to convey what you’re trying to say, without having to rely on the tired, old usual suspects. Here are eight overused words 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.
5. Think outside the box. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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 many overused phrases do you use?

Nancy Roe
Author