9 of the Most Overused Words in English (and What To Use Instead)

If you open a copy of Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, you’ll find thousands of words at your fingertips. With an almost limitless vocabulary  to choose from, it makes you wonder why some people consistently repeat the same boring, basic terms over and over. If everything is “good,” can anything be “better” or “best”? Varying your word choice makes for stronger writing and more engaging speech. Here’s a closer look at nine of the most overused English words, and some alternative options to give your message more nuance. 

Overusing the word “bad” is, well, bad. According to the mega-popular YouTube account Interactive English, “bad” is the 23rd most common English adjective, used to describe all sorts of unpleasant situations. The issue is that while “bad” does an OK job of conveying negativity like it’s supposed to, it also omits details that could make the story more interesting. For example, if you’re feeling ill and a friend asks how you are, responding with “achy” or “nauseated” paints a clearer picture than “bad.”

While it’s very useful, the word “very” can almost always be swapped out with a more descriptive alternative. Open up the thesaurus and look for synonyms that match the intensity you’re looking for. For example, “jubilant” can replace “very happy” and “vile” can substitute for “very mean.” 

When using “like” to introduce a set of examples, it’s best to swap out the word for “such as.” If you say, “The lunch will have several vegetarian options, like tomato soup, quiche, and a portobello sandwich,” that technically reads as if the lunch options will be similar to the listed items, but may not include those items. Use “such as” instead of “like” to clarify that you mean the listed examples.  

The word “many” is among the vaguest quantifiers imaginable. “Many” to one person may be five, but to another, “many” may be 500. If you know the exact number or a close estimate, we suggest using that instead of “many.” If you don’t have a numerical estimate, there are plenty of synonyms to describe amounts, such as “countless,” “droves,” “copious,” “sundry,” “abundant, “myriad,” or “umpteen” — pick one that works for your context. 

While “nice” is a familiar and versatile word, it’s been overused to the point that it’s just plain boring. It also leaves out details that could potentially make a more intriguing point. For example, instead of telling a colleague they had a “nice idea,” consider describing it as a “thought-provoking idea.” And instead of calling someone “nice,” say they’re “kind” or “charming.”

Without context, the word “thing” doesn’t mean much. If you don’t know what an object is, call it a gadget, device, tool, or even a thingamabob (it’s in the thesaurus). If you’re detailing things you have to do, tell someone about your plans, activities, exploits, or undertakings. If you need to say you have things on your mind, you could instead talk about your feelings, concerns, matters, worries, or preoccupations. If you can’t remember that thing someone said, maybe it was a remark, a statement, an utterance, or a pronouncement. When it comes to “thing,” there’s always a better synonym. 

Not only is “basically” basic, but its presence is almost always unnecessary. There’s no reason to start a sentence with “basically,” as it’s just filler before getting to the point. If you need an adverb to make the point,, we’d suggest “fundamentally” or “essentially,” both of which add nuance to your message. 

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We’ve all claimed that something is amazing even if it’s only mildly OK. But even if something wows you, “amazing” has been overused to the point that it has lost any power it may have once had. Consider alternatives such as “remarkable,” “stupefying,” “prodigious,” or “marvelous.” If you hear something is “amazing,” you may take it with a grain of salt, whereas hearing that something is “thrilling” means it warrants attention.

People really enjoy using the word “really,” despite it lacking specificity. Such is the case with most adverbs, which can often be replaced with a stronger alternative verb (“devoured” instead of “ate quickly,” for example). Try swapping out “really” for a less overstated term, such as “genuinely.” Using a more specific adverb will add emphasis and sincerity.