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Still on the Stakeout for
Worn-Out Words and Phrases
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Worn-Out Word/Phrase
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Problem Beyond Overuse
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Alternatives in Careful Writing
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all in (adj. phrase)
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This phrase actually offers economy by shortening
expressions such as “engaged” or
“participating”; in this case, overuse is the
main problem
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(use more sparingly)
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at this point in time
(adv. phrase)
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wordy
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now, currently, presently
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each and every
(adj. phrase)
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wordy; it double-dips into enumerating adjectives where one
will suffice
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each, every, all
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game changer
(noun phrase)
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trendy catch phrase meaning
a new element or factor that notably changes an
existing situation or activity
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crossroad, twist, tiltpoint
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give a shout/holler
(verb phrase)
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wordy, overly casual
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alert, notify, contact
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having said that
(participial phrase)
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expendable filler
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(strike as unnecessary) or thus, therefore,
accordingly
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hope that helps
(verb phrase)
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(overuse is the main problem)
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(use more sparingly)
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I agree 100% [or greater amount] (verb clause)
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wordy; potential
tautology, as 100% is implicit in full agreement
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I agree
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It is what it is
(idiomatic clause)
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wordy
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so be it
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| look (interj , e.g., Look, I already told you)
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expletive meaning see here
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(strike as unnecessary)
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no problem/worries
(noun phrase)
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overly casual
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okay, sure, all right
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oftentimes (adv)
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unnecessary length
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often
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over and over again
(adv. phrase)
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wordy
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often, frequently
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pushing the envelope
(verb phrase)
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elusive idiomatic imagery
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testing boundaries, taking chances, pioneering
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that’s what I’m talkin’ about (idiomatic
clause)
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wordy, overly casual
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okay, I agree, that’s right/correct
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time after time
(adv. phrase)
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wordy
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often, frequently, regularly
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whatever (expletive, e.g., You want me to work all weekend? Whatever!)
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trendy and overly casual buzz word meaning yeah, right
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(strike as unnecessary)
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you know (interj, e.g.,
You know, we could do even better if we trained longer)
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irrelevant insertion for emphasis
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(strike as unnecessary)
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In sharing these additional worn-out words and phrases, we once again
acknowledge that many will remain common and perhaps even useful in
speech. Spoken English accepts overuse, redundancy, and casualness to
suit interpersonal connection and comfort. It also establishes trust
through greater simplicity and familiarity.
Writing, on the other hand, lets us be more concise, selective, and
disciplined in expression, because let’s face it: We all can be less
forgiving of time lost to long-winded writing than to word-laden gab.
By studying and referring to the worn-out words and phrases identified thus
far, we commit ourselves further to efficient writing. And as surely as
language will go on evolving, the number of entries will continue to grow.
United with you as careful writers, we welcome your suggestions for
potential additions to future lists.
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View and comment on this
article on our website.
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