Improve your writing: Avoid overused words

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Questions and Answers

Which word is often misspelled because people pronounce it with an extra syllable?

  • Probably (correct)
  • Especially
  • Really
  • Favorite

Which of these words is most commonly misused in place of 'knew'?

  • Now
  • Know (correct)
  • No
  • Knew

Which word is frequently misspelled due to its silent 'gh'?

  • Thought (correct)
  • Until
  • Friend
  • Said

Which of these words often drops a letter in its common misspelling?

<p>Beautiful (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which word is most likely to be confused with 'threw'?

<p>Through (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which word might be mistakenly written as 'alot'?

<p>A lot (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If someone means to convey 'at last' in their writing, which of these words could mislead the reader if misspelled?

<p>Finally (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these words, when intended to describe an entire object, concept or area, is most commonly confused with a homophone?

<p>Whole (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which word is misused in place of 'weather' when discussing atmospheric conditions?

<p>Whether (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which word is most likely to be misspelled because of variable pronunciation across different regions and dialects?

<p>Said (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

"A lot"

A considerable amount or quantity.

"Because"

Expressing reason or cause.

"Favorite"

Most liked or preferred.

"Said"

Past tense of 'say'.

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"Know"

To have information or be aware of something.

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"Friend"

A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.

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"Really"

In actuality; genuinely.

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"Finally"

At the end or conclusion.

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"People"

Human beings in general or considered collectively.

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"Until"

Up to a particular point in time.

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Study Notes

  • These are commonly overused words in writing.
  • Using these words too often can make writing seem less impactful and less specific.
  • Writers should aim to replace these words with stronger, more descriptive alternatives.
  • Overuse can dilute the message and bore the reader.
  • Varying word choice enhances the clarity and engagement of the text.
  • Relying on these words can be a sign of weak vocabulary or lazy writing.
  • Good writing involves selecting the most precise and vivid words.
  • "A lot" can be replaced with specific quantities or amounts.
  • "Favorite" could be substituted with "preferred" or a more descriptive adjective.
  • "Said" can be swapped with verbs like "stated," "declared," or "whispered" to add nuance.
  • "Know" might be better expressed as "understand," "realize," or "perceive."
  • "Friend" could be clarified with "colleague," "ally," or "companion."
  • "Really" is often unnecessary and can be removed without changing the meaning.
  • "Finally" can be replaced with "eventually" or "in conclusion" for variety.
  • "People" can be more specific, such as "citizens," "individuals," or "community members."
  • "Until" could be substituted with "before" or "leading up to."
  • "Different" can be expressed as "distinct," "varied," or "unique."
  • "Outside" might be better as "exterior," "beyond," or "external."
  • "Through" could be clarified with "via," "by means of," or "during."
  • "Probably" can be replaced with "likely," "possibly," or "presumably."
  • "Before" might be more precise as "prior to" or "preceding."
  • "Would" is often used in conditional sentences and can sometimes be rephrased.
  • "Whole" could be substituted with "entire," "complete," or "total."
  • "Another" might be expressed as "additional," "alternate," or "supplementary."
  • "Believe" can be replaced with "trust," "accept," or "have faith in."
  • "Thought" could be clarified with "idea," "concept," or "notion."
  • "Beautiful" can be swapped with "stunning," "gorgeous," or "exquisite."
  • "Usually" might be better as "typically," "generally," or "ordinarily."
  • "About" can be replaced with "regarding," "concerning," or "approximately."
  • "Happened" might be more specific as "occurred," "transpired," or "arose."
  • "Especially" could be substituted with "particularly," "notably," or "primarily."

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