Is that another essay you have to write? Well, you’re quite a copious writer, I tell you. Now let’s see what you’ve got there… Oops. Sorry, champ, your paper needs a health check – it looks like it’s infested with commonplace ideas. To understand how to avoid clichés, learn some of the most terrible clichés ever and stay away from them.

How to Avoid Clichés: Fifteen Unbelievably Hackneyed Stock Ideas

Check these common clichés:

1. “Out of the frying pan into the fire.”

Avoid most of the set phrases – they have worn out their welcome already.

2. “Since the dawn of time…”

Metaphors are great void-fillers, but you need to be original, so get rid of them ASAP.

3. “I think that…”

Okay, that’s downright immature. Students raise their hands and say quietly, “I think that,” while real writers believe that, are certain that, realize fully that, argue that, etc.
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