{"id":7091,"date":"2020-02-13T20:23:47","date_gmt":"2020-02-13T12:23:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/?p=7091"},"modified":"2026-03-18T18:32:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T18:32:17","slug":"words-you-should-never-use-in-an-essay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/words-you-should-never-use-in-an-essay\/","title":{"rendered":"164 Phrases and words You Should Never Use in an Essay\u2014and the Powerful Alternatives you Should"},"content":{"rendered":"

This list of words you should never use in an essay will help you write compelling, succinct, and effective essays that impress your professor.<\/p>\n

\"Words<\/p>\n

Writing an essay can be a time-consuming and laborious process that seems to take forever.<\/p>\n

But how often do you put your all into your paper only to achieve a lame grade?<\/p>\n

You may be left scratching your head, wondering where it all went wrong.<\/p>\n

Chances are, like many students, you were guilty of using words that completely undermined your credibility and the effectiveness of your argument.<\/p>\n

Our professional essay editors<\/a> have seen it time and time again: The use of commonplace, seemingly innocent, words and phrases that weaken the power of essays and turn the reader off.<\/p>\n

But can changing a few words here and there really<\/em> make a difference to your grades?<\/p>\n

Absolutely.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re serious about improving your essay scores, you must ensure you make the most of every single word and phrase you use in your paper and avoid any that rob your essay of its power (check out our guide to editing an essay<\/a> for more details).<\/p>\n

Here is our list of words and phrases you should ditch, together with some alternatives that will be so much more impressive. For some further inspiration, check out our AI essay writer<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Vague and Weak Words<\/strong><\/h2>\n

What Are Vague Words and Phrases?<\/h3>\n

\"Ambiguity<\/p>\n

Vague language consists of words\u00a0and phrases that aren’t exact or precise. They can be interpreted in multiple ways and, as such, can confuse the reader.<\/p>\n

Essays that contain vague language lack substance and are typically devoid of any concrete language. As such, you should keep your eyes peeled for unclear words when proofreading your essay<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Why You Shouldn’t Use VAGUE Words in Essays<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Professors detest vagueness.<\/p>\n

In addition to being ambiguous, vague words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely useless.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s say you have researched the link between drinking soda and obesity. You present the findings of your literature review as follows:<\/p>\n

\u201cExisting studies have found that drinking soda leads to weight gain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Your professor will ask:<\/p>\n

What research specifically?
\nWhat\/who did it involve? Chimpanzees? Children? OAPs?
\nWho conducted the research?
\nWhat source have you used?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

And the pat on the back you deserve for researching the topic will never transpire.<\/p>\n

Academic essays should present the facts in a straightforward, unambiguous manner that leaves no doubt in the mind of the reader.<\/p>\n

Key takeaway: Be very specific in terms of what happened, when, where, and to whom.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

VAGUE Words and Phrases You Shouldn\u2019t Use in an Essay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Word\/Phrase to Avoid in an Essay<\/strong><\/td>\nMuch Better Alternative(s)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
About\/around<\/em><\/td>\nApproximately<\/em>, in combination with a range.
\nUse: \u201cThe event was attended by approximately 80-100 people.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThe event was attended by about 100 people.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Almost<\/em><\/td>\nProvide very specific detail in your essay.
\nUse: \u201cWhen the clinical trials were complete.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cWhen the research was almost complete.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Area<\/em><\/td>\nState which area specifically.
\nUse: \u201cThere was a significant amount of flooding in the north of Miami.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThere was a significant amount of flooding in the area.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Big\/small\/short\/tall<\/em><\/td>\nUse more specific adjectives to describe the person, place, or thing.
\nUse: \u201cThe elephant weighed 18,000 pounds and was 13-foot tall.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThe elephant was big and tall.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kind of<\/em><\/td>\nDelete.
\nUse: \u201cThe interesting thing about the character was\u2026\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThe character was kind of interesting because\u2026\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Meaningful<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cThe results add value to the existing body of knowledge on obesity among youths because\u2026\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThe results were meaningful because\u2026\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
More or less<\/em><\/td>\nReplace with something more precise:
\nUse: \u201cThe character\u2019s quest was unsuccessful because\u2026\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThe character more or less failed in her quest.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Other(s)<\/em><\/td>\nState exactly who.
\nUse: \u201cThese findings were replicated by Ghott et al. (1990).\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThese findings were replicated by other researchers.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Poor<\/em><\/td>\nQualify what you mean by \u201cpoor.\u201d
\nUse: \u201cThe essay grade was ten points below a pass.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThe essay grade was poor.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Situation<\/em><\/td>\nBe specific about what situation you are referring to.
\nUse: \u201cThis essay will explain the political events that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThis essay will explain the situation that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Something<\/em><\/td>\nSpecifically delineate the \u201csomething\u201d you are referring to.
\nUse: \u201cThis finding teaches us that the ideal storage temperature is\u2026\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThis finding teaches us something.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sort of<\/em><\/td>\nQualify your opinion with more in-depth information.
\nUse: \u201cThe essay was interesting but could be improved by…\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThe essay was sort of interesting.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stuff<\/em><\/td>\nExplain what specifically you are referring to:
\nUse: \u201cWe added the salt powder to the solution.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cWe added the stuff to the solution.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Thing<\/em><\/td>\nReplace with something more precise:
\nUse: \u201cI found this comparison between rich and poor most interesting.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThis was the thing I found most interesting.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Flabby Words and Expressions<\/strong><\/h2>\n

What are Flabby Expressions?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Unnecessary<\/p>\n

Flabby expressions and words are wasted phrases. They don\u2019t add any value to your writing but do take up the word count and the reader\u2019s headspace.<\/p>\n

Flabby expressions frequently contain clich\u00e9d, misused words that don\u2019t communicate anything specific to the reader. For example, if someone asks you how you are feeling and you reply, \u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d you\u2019re using a flabby expression that leaves the inquirer none the wiser as to how you truly are.<\/p>\n

Why Should Flabby Words be Removed from an Essay?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Flabby words are fine in everyday conversation and even blog posts<\/a> like this.<\/p>\n

However, they are enemies of clear and direct essays. They slow down the pace and dilute the argument.<\/p>\n

When grading your essay, your professor wants to see the primary information communicated clearly and succinctly.<\/p>\n

Removing the examples of flabby words and expressions listed below from your paper will automatically help you to take your essay to a higher level.<\/p>\n

Key takeaway: When it comes to essays, brevity is best.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Flabby Words and Expressions You Shouldn\u2019t Use in an Essay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Flabby Word\/Phrase to Avoid in an Essay<\/strong><\/td>\nMuch Better Alternative(s)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Go on<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cI will continue to present the final analysis.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cI will go on to present the final analysis.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
I might add<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cThis research proved\u2026\u201d<\/span>
\nNot: \u201cI might add that this research proved\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
In terms of<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cThis essay effectively demonstrated\u2026\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThis essay was effective in terms of\u2026\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
In my opinion<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cShakespeare was a talented writer.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cIn my opinion, Shakespeare was a talented writer.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
In spite of the fact<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cAlthough this paper was written 50 years later, nothing has changed.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cIn spite of the fact this paper was written 50 years later, nothing has changed.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
In the event of\/that<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cIf new research emerges, the situation may change.”
\nNot: \u201cIn the event that new research emerges, the situation may change.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
In the process of<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cI concluded that the hypothesis was incorrect.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cIn the process of writing the essay, I concluded that the hypothesis was incorrect.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
It seems like<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cFreud probably believed\u2026\u201d
\nNot: \u201cIt seems like Freud was of the opinion\u2026\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
They made it to<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cThey reached the United States.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThey made it to the United States.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
On a regular basis<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cKant frequently argued this point.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cKant argued this point on a regular basis.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pick out<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cIn this paper, I will highlight the most relevant findings of my study.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cIn this paper, I will pick out the most relevant findings of my study.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Point out<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cIt is important to emphasize the implications of this argument.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cIt is important to point out the implications of this argument.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
The first step is to<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cStart by describing the research methodology.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThe first step is to describe the research methodology.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Take action (to)<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cIt is clear the government must act now to resolve the issues.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cIt is clear the government must take action now to resolve the issues.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Talk about<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cIn Section 6 of the essay, we will examine the research findings.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cIn Section 6 of the essay, we will talk about the research findings.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
The most important thing is to<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cConsider the thesis statement…\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThe most important thing is to consider the thesis statement.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
The reason<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cJane Eyre cried because\u2026\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThe reason Jane Eyre cried was because\u2026\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
This is a<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cStudents frequently fail this exam.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThis is an exam that students frequently fail.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Time and time again<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cThis essay has demonstrated\u2026\u201d
\nNot: \u201cTime and time again, this essay has demonstrated\u2026\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Try to figure out<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cAfter reviewing the survey outputs, I will determine\u2026\u201d
\nNot: \u201cAfter reviewing the survey outputs, I will try to figure out\u2026\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Very<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cThe argument was fascinating.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThe argument was very interesting.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Went back over<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cI then revaluated the research findings.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cI then went back over the research findings.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
When it comes to<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cWe must consider the historical context when reviewing George Orwell\u2019s work.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cWhen it comes to the work of George Orwell, we must consider the historical context.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Which is\/was<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cThis essay, written over 100 years ago, offers an insight\u2026\u201d
\nNot: \u201cThis essay, which was written over 100 years ago, offers an insight\u2026\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who is<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cKotler, a renowned marketing expert, claims\u2026\u201d
\nNot: \u201cKotler, who is a renowned marketing expert, claims\u2026\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Will be different<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cEvery experiment in the study will differ.\u201d
\nNot: \u201cEvery experiment in the study will be different.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
With reference to the thesis statement<\/em><\/td>\nUse: \u201cThe thesis statement asserts…\u201d
\nNot: \u201cWith reference to the thesis statement…\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Words to Avoid in an Essay: Redundant Words<\/h2>\n

What are Redundant Words?<\/h3>\n

\"Redundant<\/p>\n

Redundant words and phrases don\u2019t serve any purpose.<\/p>\n

In this context, redundant means unnecessary.<\/p>\n

Many everyday phrases contain redundant vocabulary; for example, add up, as a matter of fact, current trends,<\/em> etc.<\/p>\n

We have become so accustomed to using them in everyday speech that we don\u2019t stop to question their place in formal writing.<\/p>\n

Why You Shouldn’t Use Redundant Words in Essays<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Redundant words suck the life out of your essay.<\/p>\n

They can be great for adding emphasis in a conversational blog article like this, but they do not belong in formal academic writing.<\/p>\n

Redundant words should be avoided for three main reasons:<\/p>\n