The term trite language refers to expressions that have been used over and over again until they become clichés. These expressions are so familiar that they have lost their original effect and, at times, appear generic and insincere to the reader. Therefore, using trite expressions in most writing is strongly discouraged.

Let’s take a look at some examples of trite expressions that should be avoided:

all in all                                                              in our world today
as a matter of fact                                              it goes without saying
at the crack of dawn                                          it has come to my attention
at the drop of a hat                                            last but not least
back to the drawing board                                 per your request
better late than never                                         playing with fire
beat around the bush                                         rotten to the core
best of both worlds                                           since the dawn of man
beyond the shadow of a doubt                          water under the bridge
draw a blank                                                    when all is said and done
first and foremost                                              window of opportunity
in a nutshell                                                       without further ado

Note that this is only a brief list of some trite expressions that you might be tempted to use in your writing. There are thousands of these types of expressions in the English language, so the best rule to follow is that if it sounds like a cliché, don’t use it.

Along with our website, we recommend the following site: http://clichesite.com/alpha_list.asp?which=lett+1.  Not sure if it’s a cliché?  Look it up and find out.  This site features an alphabetized list of over 2000 clichés, many of which you will want to avoid using in your writing.

Test your ability to identify clichés by underlining them in the following sentences.

1. Judith obtained the promotion, so it looks like the ball is in her court.

2. So many children in America are falling through the cracks of the school system.

3. I could only come up with one essay topic off the top of my head.

4. There was no rhyme or reason to Terry’s book review.

5. Caffeine consumption seems to be a necessary evil for college students.

Answers

1. Judith obtained the promotion, so it looks like the ball is in her court.

2. So many children in America are falling through the cracks of the school system.

3. I could only come up with one essay topic off the top of my head.

4. There was no rhyme or reason to Terry’s book review.

5. Caffeine consumption seems to be a necessary evil for college students.

Grammatically Correct is a grammar tip of the week created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas.

Comments about this newsletter should be directed to Summer Leibensperger, leibenspergers@uhv.edu.

Subscribe/Unsubscribe/View Archive