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5/6/12 Tameri Guide for Writers: Words to Avoid

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Words and Phrases to AvoidWhen editing a manuscript, some words deserve to die — not

always, but usually. (If you miss the humor of the preceding sentence,you won’t after reading this document. The sentence contains a basicgrammar error, a style slip, and several “vague” words.)

The words listed in the table below appear in order of popularity.Words and phrases abused with the greatest frequency top the list.For more on words to avoid, read our guide to word usage andabusage.

any infinitive (to walk)aboutallalmostalwaysanxiouslybelieveeagerlyevery

feelfinallyfrequentlygotjustmerelynearlyneednever

notoftenonlysothat“the public”thenvery

VerbsAvoid any “uncertain” words or phrases. The two that appear

frequently in academic papers are “I feel” and “I believe.”believe ­ Change sentences that start with “I believe” to statements ofcertainty, especially in academic or business writing. You do notwant readers to question your viewpoint or doubt your conclusions.

have got ­ You have something, without the “got.”feel ­ You do not “feel” an opinion. Feel should be reserved forphysical condictions and actions.

AdverbsWhen used as modifiers of verbs, adverbs are ambiguous. If “he

quickly ran,” then just how fast did he run? Adverbs do not answer towhat degree or extent, despite what grammarians might say.Adverbs of time are overused. Writers litter manuscripts with

words such as “finally” and “then” because people do so in speech.“Not” and other adverbs of manner are easy for writers; while itrequires little effort to use these words, better words or phrases canbe found in most cases.very ­ While “very” is intended to magnify a verb, adverb, or noun, itlacks precision. “Very” is seldom essential. (Now, what’s wrong with“seldom” in the preceding sentence?)

not ­ “Not” is an adverb meaning “in no manner” or “to no degree.”We discourage writers from using “not” and negative words formedusing the prefixes “ir­” and “un­” when possible.

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never / always ­ Absolutes either lock a writer into a position orgive the appearance of conceit. Use these words when the absolute isa command or instruction.

Always make sure the nuclear reactor chamber is sealedproperly.

often / frequently ­ Individuals have unique opinions of whatconstitutes frequently or often. Such measures of time are mattersof perspective.

almost / nearly ­ Approximations should be used sparingly. Use“almost” or “nearly” when a precise measurement is unrealistic infiction or impossible.

anxiously / eagerly ­ “Anxiously” implies with anxiety and“eagerly” implies with anticipation. Both are weak adverbs that canbe replaced by better describing a situation.

She waited anxiously.She sat waiting, biting her lip and looking around theroom.

only / merely ­ Condescending when used to describe a noun.

Weak Linksfinally ­ When describing a series of events, the word “finally”indicates laziness on the part of the writer. “Finally” implies anexhaustion or distaste for the series.

then / next ­ When recounting events, “then” and “next” are weaktransitions. Try eliminating “then” with specific references to time,location, or list characteristics.

As we drove down Main Street, we first saw SmallvilleHardware. Then, across the street was Ma’s Kettle, apopular restaurant. Next, we saw a bar, the post office, anda barbershop. Finally we reached City Hall.

As we drove down Main Street, we first saw SmallvilleHardware. Across the street was Ma's Kettle, a popularrestaurant. Passing the next block, we saw a bar, the postoffice, and a barbershop. City Hall greeted us at the end ofthe street.

AdjectivesWriters must remember that adjectives are relative to a reader’s

experiences. Describing a character as tall without specifying a heightallows every reader to imagine a different measurement. Somewriters prefer to allow audiences a lot of freedom, but doing so can bedangerous.amazing / wonderful / etc ­ Avoid overstating how special aperson, thing, or event is. Romance novels, in particular, overusethese words.

big / small, short / tall ­ Remember each reader has a unique

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perspective from which he or she views other people. Give precisedescriptions of characters when possible.

all / every ­ “All” and “every” imply absolute quantities.perfect ­ Nothing real is perfect. However, one makes exceptions forperfect scores, perfect angles, and the perfect tense of verbs.

Nounsthe public ­ The public seldom thinks or acts as a single unit. When apolitician claims “the public” wants something, question what thepolitician is claiming.

need ­ There are few needs, but wants and desires are plentiful. Youneed food, though you might want chocolate.

Prepositionsabout ­ (adv) Use the phrase “went around” or a similar phrase thatmore clearly indicates a sense of direction. (prep) When usedcolloquially in the phrases “how about,” “what about,” and “notabout to,” kill the phrase and rewrite the sentence.

What about going to the party later?Should we go to the party later?

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Word Usage • Stylebook • Grammar • Words to Avoid • Writing Terms

Writing • Editing • Formatting

Copyright © 2011 C. S. Wyatt & Susan D. Schnelbach

Writer: C. S. WyattUpdated: 17­Feb­2012 Editor: S. D. Schnelbach