Editor’s note: This post has been updated from its original posting on September 22, 2014.
When it comes to writing, everyone has their favorite words, phrases or even idioms. There’s nothing wrong with having a distinct “style” of writing (Hemingway is just one example of how you can make a career out of it!), but it’s also important not to use those words or phrases as a crutch.
Whether you’re a PR professional, a journalist or a content marketer, being able to utilize a large vocabulary is critical. It shows you can get your point across in a unique way and that you fully understand your topic. But it’s easy to rely on your safety net of stock phrases when you want to reiterate an idea or transition into a new one – or even if you’re rushing to meet a deadline.
Using the same stock phrases repeatedly, though, is not going to benefit your content. We’ve previously discussed how content is king, and why creating unique pieces can help companies stand out in the crowd. Instead of focusing on stock phrases, be sure you’re using strong keywords to improve your SEO strategy.
Walker Sands has gathered some of the more common stock phrases to try to remind all of us not to use them – or at least use them sparingly! Remember: there’s nothing wrong with these phrases and colloquialisms. But is it always necessary to add in that extra little bit of fluff? As a former journalist, I always try to edit things down where I can. Why say three words when one will do?
Take a look at our list, which is hardly conclusive, and help us in our quest to craft truly unique content!
Want to learn even more about what it takes to create an elevated content marketing strategy? Reach out to Walker Sands!
- One thing above all
- More important than ever
- Most important of all
- Most importantly
- It’s important to remember
- More and more
- These days
- Right now
- There was a time
- At the same time
- At the end of the day
- In this day and age
- The truth is
- In truth
- The fact is
- In fact
- The reason is
- The point is
- The competition is fierce
- It comes down to
- It’s no secret
- It’s not surprising
- It’s no surprise
- It’s easier than ever
- It’s harder than ever
- In large part
- In other words
- In a big way
- In the first place
- The problem is
- This is especially
- This is why
- This comes down to
- This all comes down to
- This is all changing
- A number of
- Especially considering
- Especially true
- Especially because
- Particularly because
- A big splash
- That means
- Which means
- That’s why
- That way
- That said
- Those that
- One should
- What this tells us
- What this means
- When it comes
- To combat this
- Tackling
- Like never before
- Comes into play
- Play an important role
- The key
- Interestingly enough
- Thanks to
- A hot topic
- Really shine
- Making strides
- In short
- To say the least
- Not only that
- There’s no question
- There’s no doubt
- There’s little doubt
- Rings true
- Moving rapidly
- Hardening the divide
- First and foremost
- Boils down
- Can help
- Try to
- Consequently
- Increasingly important
- Increasingly
- Doesn’t just
- To be clear
- The same holds true
- Tip of the iceberg
- That means that
- Serving up
- Fresh
- Today
- The art of
- The best part
- Truly
- Materials
- Solutions
- Pain point
- Secret sauce
- Regardless
- Irregardless
- Savvy
- Picking up steam
- Pieces of the puzzle
- Breaking the bank
- Cut through the clutter
