essay

Here are words and phrases to AVOID when writing:

- I think – I know you “think” this because you are writing about it

- I believe – if you don’t believe it – don’t write it

- I feel – in writing, this phrase means “I think” or “I believe” and we know better, right?

- It has come to my attention, - a wordy phrase writers use when they have difficulty starting a

paper

- As you already know, - if the reader already KNOWS what you are about to write – why

would he waste his time reading your memo, letter, etc.?

- In my opinion, - your name is on the paper – so obviously, the ideas are your opinion- right?

-Last but not least, = wordy/ a phrase used to increase word count!

- First and foremost, = wordy/ a phrase used by people who also use “Last but not least”

- Being that = confusing/wordy = use “because”

- Reason why = redundant – The reason why -- use “the reason” OR use “why” NOT both

- that – I want you to know that I hate wordiness. - I want you to know I hate wordiness. -I

hate wordiness!

- Got = vague/slang – got sick, got good grades, got in trouble, got in the car, got down, got

milk? America’s Got Talent! What does GOT mean? Use specific words instead.

- honestly – are you planning on lying?

- absolutely – wordy

- very – It was very, very, very, very hot. - It was a blistering 112 degrees yesterday. Which is

better?

- really - do not use this to mean “very” = use it to mean the opposite of fake or false – Class is

canceled on Monday. Really? No, not really.

- amazing – vague - is this word positive? or negative? Amazing has lost its meaning and impact

– Amazing, huh?

- always – nothing can always happen

- never – never say never – ugh

- literally – wordy and often misused because people have forgotten what literal means

- just – wordy

- maybe – say yes or no – maybe? Or may be? Know the difference.

- stuff – the ultimate VAGUE word – there is lots of stuff on this page

-things – not much better than stuff!

- have to – wordy – use must (my own issue!)

- Take it to the next level – so we are moving to the third floor? huh? Wordy cliché

- Go above and beyond – so before you were below and behind??? – wordy cliché

What other words/phrases can we add to this list?

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