70 Words and Phrases to Avoid in Academic Writing

19/01/2025

In scholarly work, clarity and precision are everything. Yet even the most diligent writers can fall into the trap of using imprecise, casual, or redundant words that undermine the professionalism and credibility of their research. Drawing on guidelines from leading academic resources, here are 70 key words and phrases you should avoid—alongside more suitable alternatives—to keep your writing concise, formal, and impactful.

First, steer clear of overly informal expressions such as "kind of," "sort of," and "stuff." These casual fillers dilute your analysis and leave your reader guessing. Instead, opt for precise terms like "somewhat," "to a certain extent," or name the exact item or concept in question.

Next, watch out for vague or subjective language—"very," "really," "lots of"—that adds wordiness but no real substance. Instead, quantify whenever possible: say "several studies" instead of "a lot of studies," or "particularly relevant" rather than "very interesting." Such specificity shows you've done thorough research and can discuss your findings with authority.

Redundancies are another common pitfall. Phrases like "plan ahead," "final outcome," or "added bonus" needlessly repeat meaning. Whenever you spot a duplication, replace it with one clear word—"plan," "outcome," or "bonus"—to streamline your text and maintain a professional tone.

Additionally, try to avoid contractions (e.g., "can't," "isn't") in formal papers, as well as sweeping generalizations like "always" or "never," which are nearly impossible to prove. Where applicable, use data or qualifiers to anchor your statements in evidence and nuance.

Finally, keep an eye out for grammar expletives ("there is/are," "it is/was") at the beginning of sentences. Though common in speech, they can weaken the directness of your prose. Transforming statements to highlight the true subject—"The results indicate…" instead of "There are results that indicate…"—will lend authority to your writing.

By avoiding these 70 words and phrases, you'll ensure your academic writing is powerful, accurate, and tailored to a scholarly audience. Whether you're refining an essay, dissertation, or research paper, staying mindful of your language choices can elevate your entire project. For more guidance on academic writing—or professional assistance in polishing your text—visit our Blog at WritGuru, where clarity and quality come first.