Improve vocabulary by avoiding these 10 overused words

July 28, 2023

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"My day was literally like so totally insane. I was really overwhelmed, but um, my boss said I was doing good, so that was cool."

Do you sound like this when you speak? Or do you know someone who does?

We're guessing the answer to at least one of those questions is "yes." But there are at least ten overused words in those two sentences alone that, if swapped, would improve clarity and tone.

So, if you're curious to learn what overused words you should banish from your vocabulary to improve your communication, keep reading!

Stop using these 10 words and instantly improve your vocabulary

For a fun and satisfying way to learn 10 overused words you should do away with when communicating, check out this short video:

To recap, here are 10 overused words to avoid if you want to sound smarter and come across as more interesting:

Really
Very
Totally
Literally
Interesting
Amazing
Cool
Good
Like
Um

Benefits of improving your vocabulary

Avoiding certain words and instead using more precise and interesting words in your spoken and written communication can have a positive effect on your life.

Not only can it make you sound more intelligent, but it can also help you form stronger relationships with others. That's because using varied vocabulary can help you express yourself in a clearer and more nuanced way, allowing others to better understand your thoughts and feelings. This can foster deeper connections and build trust between you and other people.

Additionally, when you use more descriptive words, people are more likely to remember and understand what you are saying. And when the people you're talking to fully understand your message, it results in greater confidence when speaking or writing.

Play games to improve vocabulary skills

By making a conscious effort to avoid overused words and expand your vocabulary, you'll be well on your way to becoming a more effective communicator.

A great way to get started with building your vocabulary is by downloading Elevate on iOS or Android. Elevate is an award-winning brain training app that offers a variety of games specifically designed to improve communication skills such as vocabulary, comprehension, and even public speaking. With its engaging interface and personalized training program, Elevate makes it easy and fun to take your communication skills to the next level. So what are you waiting for? Download Elevate today and start improving your vocabulary while having fun at the same time!

Stop saying "very" to start sounding smarter