In the game of writing, not all words were created equal. Here are twenty-five weak words writers should avoid. I have included stronger alternatives.
- “Good“: This word is subjective and lacks specificity. It can be replaced with more precise words such as “excellent,” “superb,” “wonderful,” or “commendable” depending on the context.
- “Bad“: Similar to “good,” this word is subjective and lacks specificity. Consider using more precise words such as “terrible,” “dreadful,” “awful,” or “negative” to convey a clearer meaning.
- “Big“: This word is vague and lacks specificity. It can be replaced with more descriptive words such as “large,” “enormous,” “gigantic,” “massive,” or “huge” depending on the context.
- “Small“: Like “big,” this word is vague and lacks specificity. Consider using more descriptive words such as “tiny,” “minuscule,” “petite,” “compact,” or “little” to convey a clearer meaning.
- “Great“: While this word is positive, it can be vague and overused. Consider using more precise words such as “fantastic,” “outstanding,” “impressive,” “exceptional,” or “remarkable” to convey a more vivid and specific meaning.
- “Important“: This word is broad and lacks specificity. It can be replaced with more precise words such as “crucial,” “vital,” “significant,” “essential,” or “critical” depending on the context.
- “Interesting“: This word is subjective and lacks specificity. Consider using more precise words such as “intriguing,” “captivating,” “compelling,” “fascinating,” or “engaging” to convey a more vivid and specific meaning.
- “Nice“: This word is vague and lacks specificity. It can be replaced with more descriptive words such as “pleasant,” “friendly,” “kind,” “agreeable,” or “delightful” depending on the context.
- “Funny“: This word is subjective and lacks specificity. Consider using more precise words such as “humorous,” “amusing,” “comical,” “witty,” or “entertaining” to convey a more vivid and specific meaning.
- “Amazing“: Similar to “great,” this word can be vague and overused. Consider using more precise words such as “astonishing,” “awe-inspiring,” “incredible,” “stunning,” or “breathtaking” to convey a more impactful meaning.
- “Awesome“: Like “amazing,” this word can be vague and overused. Consider using more precise words such as “awe-inspiring,” “majestic,” “impressive,” “extraordinary,” or “awe-worthy” to convey a more vivid and specific meaning.
- “Wonderful“: While this word is positive, it can be vague and overused. Consider using more precise words such as “fantastic,” “superb,” “splendid,” “excellent,” or “delightful” to convey a more vivid and specific meaning.
- “Beautiful“: This word is subjective and lacks specificity. It can be replaced with more descriptive words such as “gorgeous,” “stunning,” “elegant,” “breathtaking,” or “lovely” depending on the context.
- “Pretty“: Like “beautiful,” this word is subjective and lacks specificity. Consider using more descriptive words such as “attractive,” “charming,” “graceful,” “lovely,” or “pleasing” to convey a more vivid and specific meaning.
- “Lovely“: This word can be vague and lacks specificity. Consider using more descriptive words
- “Very“: This word is often used to intensify another word, but it can be weak and lacks specificity. Consider using more precise words that convey a stronger meaning, such as “extremely,” “exceedingly,” “remarkably,” “exceptionally,” or “incredibly.”
- “Just“: This word is often used as a filler word and can weaken sentence structure. Consider removing it or rephrasing sentences to make them stronger and more concise.
- “That“: This word is often used as a filler word and can be omitted in many cases without changing the meaning of the sentence. Consider reviewing sentences that contain “that” and see if it can be eliminated to make the sentence more concise.
- “Seemed“: This word is often used to convey uncertainty or hesitation, but it can weaken the impact of a statement. Consider using stronger verbs or more precise language to convey a clearer meaning without relying on “seemed.”
- “Like“: This word is often used as a filler word or to make comparisons, but it can be overused and weaken sentence structure. Consider rephrasing sentences to eliminate unnecessary “likes” or finding more precise ways to make comparisons.
- “Suddenly“: This word is often used to convey surprise or unexpectedness, but it can be overused and become repetitive. Consider using more varied and descriptive language to create a sense of surprise or suddenness in your writing.
- “But“: This word is often used as a conjunction, but it can be overused and weaken sentence structure. Consider reviewing your writing for excessive use of “but” and see if sentences can be restructured for better flow and coherence.
- “Then“: This word is often used to indicate a sequence of events, but it can be overused and weaken sentence structure. Consider rephrasing sentences to eliminate unnecessary “thens” or finding more varied ways to indicate the sequence of events.
- “Of“: This word is often used in phrases such as “kind of,” “sort of,” “type of,” etc., but it can be vague and weaken sentence structure. Consider using more precise language without relying on “of” to convey a clearer meaning.
- “Thing“: This word is often used as a vague and generic term to refer to something, but it lacks specificity and can weaken sentence structure. Consider using more precise and descriptive words that accurately convey the intended meaning, such as “object,” “item,” “element,” “aspect,” or “component.”
Remember that while these words may be commonly used, it’s not necessarily that they are always weak word choices. It’s important to consider the context, tone, and style of your writing when evaluating word choices and make sure they align with your intended meaning and desired impact on readers.