Five common problems with word choice may make it hard for readers to understand your point.
Vague and Abstract Words
Vague and abstract words are too general. They do not give your readers a clear idea of what you mean. Here are some common vague and abstract words.
Vague and Abstract Words
| a lot | cute | nice | stuff |
| amazing | dumb | OK (okay) | terrible |
| awesome | good | old | thing |
| bad | great | pretty | very |
| beautiful | happy | sad | whatever |
| big | huge | small | young |
When you see one of these words or another general word in your writing, replace it with a concrete or more specific word or description. A concrete word names something that can be seen, heard, felt, tasted, or smelled. A specific word names a particular person or quality. Compare these two sentences:
| VAGUE AND ABSTRACT | An old man crossed the street. |
| CONCRETE AND SPECIFIC | An eighty- |
The first version is too general to be interesting. The second version creates a clear, strong image. Some words are so vague that it is best to avoid them altogether.
| VAGUE AND ABSTRACT |
It is awesome. [This sentence is neither concrete nor specific.] |
Slang
Slang, informal and casual language, should be used only in informal situations. Avoid it when you write, especially for college classes or at work. Use language that is appropriate for your audience and purpose.
| SLANG | EDITED |
|---|---|
| S’all good. | Everything is going well. |
| Dawg, I don’t deserve this grade. | Professor, I don’t deserve this grade. |
Wordy Language
Too many words can weaken a writer’s point.
| WORDY | I am not interested at this point in time. |
| EDITED |
I am not interested now. [The phrase at this point in time uses five words to express what could be said in one word: now.] |
Common Wordy Expressions
| WORDY | EDITED |
|---|---|
| As a result of | Because |
| Due to the fact that | Because |
| In spite of the fact that | Although |
| It is my opinion that | I think (or just make the point) |
| In the event that | If |
| The fact of the matter is that | (Just state the point.) |
| A great number of | Many |
| At that time | Then |
| In this day and age | Now |
| At this point in time | Now |
| In this paper I will show that … | (Just make the point; do not announce it.) |
| Utilize | Use |
Clichés
Clichés are phrases used so often that people no longer pay attention to them. To get your point across and to get your readers’ attention, replace clichés with fresh and specific language.
| CLICHÉS | EDITED |
|---|---|
| I cannot make ends meet. | I do not have enough money to live on. |
| My uncle worked his way up the corporate ladder. | My uncle started as a shipping clerk but ended up as a regional vice president. |
| This roll is as hard as a rock. | This roll is so hard I could bounce it. |
Common Clichés
| as big as a house | few and far between | spoiled brat |
| as light as a feather | hell on earth | starting from scratch |
| better late than never | last but not least | sweating blood/bullets |
| break the ice | no way on earth | too little, too late |
| crystal clear | 110 percent | 24/7 |
| a drop in the bucket | playing with fire | work like a dog |
| easier said than done |
Sexist Language
Language that favors one gender over another or that assumes that only one gender performs a certain role is called sexist. Such language should be avoided.
| SEXIST |
A doctor should politely answer his patients’ questions. [Not all doctors are male, as suggested by the pronoun his.] |
| REVISED | A doctor should politely answer his or her patients’ questions. |
|
Doctors should politely answer their patients’ questions. [The first revision changes his to his or her to avoid sexism. The second revision changes the subject to a plural noun (Doctors) so that a genderless pronoun (their) can be used. Usually, it is preferable to avoid his or her.] |