Day 22 – Using better words

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Elevate Your Writing: Replacing Overused Words With Purpose (Without Sounding Like You’re Trying Too Hard)

Introduction:
Let’s face it: words like “good,” “bad,” “very,” and “thing” are writing crutches. We use them when our mental thesaurus hits a roadblock. But overused words don’t just make your prose feel lazy—they can also turn a compelling idea into a bland blur. The secret to engaging writing isn’t about stringing together the most obscure vocabulary (though a sprinkle of that can help). It’s about choosing words that work harder for you. This isn’t about sounding clever—just clearer, more vivid, and authentically thoughtful.

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Why We Fall into the “Word Rut”

We all do it. When we’re tired, stressed, or simply in a hurry, our brains default to the most familiar tools at hand. But just like using “very” to spice up a basic adjective, slapping a thesaurus-derived word onto a sentence for the sake of it doesn’t elevate your message. In fact, it can backfire. Ever read a sentence that feels like someone dressed their words up for a party, but the content wasn’t invited to? That’s what happens when you prioritise sound over meaning.

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5 Common Words to Upgrade (With Examples That Don’t Sound Forced)

1. “Good” → Be Specific
   • Overused: “This was a good movie.”
   • Better: “The film was hauntingly atmospheric, with a plot that lingered long after the credits rolled.”
     Why it works: Instead of using a vague adjective, focus on sensory details or emotional impact. Replace “good” with descriptors like “compelling,” “nuanced,” or “luminous.”
2. “Bad” → Explain How or Why
   • Overused: “The policy is bad for the environment.”
   • Better: “The policy exacerbates deforestation by relaxing critical regulatory safeguards.”
     Why it works: Specificity shows you’ve analysed the issue, not just thrown out an opinion. Words like “harmful,” “detrimental,” or “counterproductive” can anchor your argument.
3. “Very” → Use Stronger Adjectives
   • Overused: “I was very frustrated by the delay.”
   • Better: “The delay left me seething with irritation.”
     Why it works: Adverbs like “very” often highlight weak adjectives. Replace the pair with a punchier verb or descriptor: “absurd,” “exasperating,” or “unacceptable.”
4. “Thing” → Know What You Mean
   • Overused: “There are a few things to consider here.”
   • Better: “Several key factors demand attention: budget constraints, team capacity, and timeline realism.”
     Why it works: “Thing” is a placeholder for ideas you haven’t fully fleshed out yet. Replace it by naming what’s actually important.
5. “Stuff” → Be Exact
   • Overused: “I’ve got a lot of stuff to do.”
   • Better: “I need to finalise the report, schedule client calls, and prepare for tomorrow’s presentation.”
     Why it works: Specificity builds credibility. If “stuff” is unavoidably casual, try “tasks,” “materials,” or “details,” depending on context.

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How to Use Better Words Without Falling into the “Try-Hard” Trap

1. Know Your Audience: A research paper deserves technical precision; a text to your friend calling off lunch doesn’t.
2. Write First, Polish Later: Let your ideas flow in the first draft. Use more precise language during revisions.
3. Read Aloud, Then Edit: Awkward phrasing sticks out when you hear it. Trim any word that feels like it’s showing off.
4. Learn Through Context: Read authors whose style you admire. Notice how they balance simplicity and flair.

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The Final Word

Using better words isn’t about impressing anyone—just about expressing yourself more clearly, honestly, and vividly. It’s about caring enough to let your voice be distinct, not generic. So the next time you catch yourself typing “good,” “bad,” or “stuff,” pause. Ask: What am I really trying to say? Then choose a word that does the heavy lifting. Your readers—and your writing—will thank you.

P.S. Need a quick fix? Keep a list of go-to replacements handy (think: exceptional, nuanced, detrimental, nuanced, pragmatic). But remember: the best word is still the one that feels right for the moment.