Study Skills > Writing Elements > Writing Style & Grammar
Clichés & Slang
Clichés are phrases and expressions which are so used that they have begun to "wear out". Avoiding clichés like the plague, and ensuring a level-playing field will help you get ahead and prevent you from going belly up. Don't expect to find a definitive list of clichés which you can consult. Deciding whether a phrase is a cliché or not is very much an individual judgement, although you can follow a couple of simple rules.
When you check your work be on the look out for phrases which sound too informal. If you've used a cliché now is the time to rewrite the sentence and find a more original and eloquent way of expressing yourself.
For example, you may have written:
Many teachers when faced with a disruptive pupil will not see their way clear to removing him or her from the classroom straight away.
This could be rewritten as:
Many teachers when faced with a disruptive pupil will not immediately decide to exclude that student from the class.
The clichéd phrase "see their way clear" has been replaced by a form of words which is both clearer in meaning and easier to read. If you take care with your writing and aim for maximum clarity then you won't have a problem with clichés.
Replace the clichés below with more appropriate words or phrases:
- I couldn't get my head around this text.
- The event was a total flop.
- She hit the nail right on the head with that remark.
Some Suggested Answers:
- I found it difficult to understand this text.
- The event was a total failure.
- She was timely and accurate with that remark.
Using slang terms in formal writing
My placement was ace, and the gang I worked with were really welcoming.
Generally the writing you do at University will be formal in nature and you will need to avoid using words which are not recognised as being Standard English. Standard English (abbreviated to SE) is the form of English most commonly used in print and which is taught in schools. It is also the form of English used for academic writing.
The introductory statement is of course exaggerated, but rendered in more formal English the result would be:
My placement was a great personal success, and my colleagues were extremely welcoming.
Don't feel constrained by having to use formal English, but try and express yourself using words which most people would understand, and which are appropriate to the context. Watch out too for regional words and phrases. For example, a southerner may have little idea as to what a 'snicket' or a 'ginnel' might be!
Always keep your reader in mind!
Identify the slang in the following sentences and try to think of better alternatives:
- Her mates were like a rock to her when her uncle kicked the bucket.
- This book was great and the guy who wrote it has had a massive effect on loads of people.
- The poem talks about a whole bunch of stuff that really gets people down.
Some Suggested Answers:
- Her friends were a great support and comfort to her when her uncle passed away.
- This text was inspirational and the author has had a profound effect on a great number of people.
- The poem touches upon many issues that cause suffering in people's lives.
Summary
- Avoid clichés and opt for more formal language in your writing.
- Avoid the use of slang when writing your assignments; reserve slang for speech only.
Other pages in this section:
