| Clichés:
Let them rest in peace.
As a new
Year's resolution — let's get rid of clichés.
A cliché
is a phrase or expression that has been overused to the point
of losing its intended force or purpose. The word originates
from the era of block printing, when lazy printers would cut
out frequently-used pieces of type, store them in a drawer,
and bring them out again when the phrase reappeared.
Initially
refreshing, these phrases are now considered by many readers
to lack creativity, innovation or sincerity. For example,
think about the phrase “If you have any further questions,
please don’t hesitate to contact me.” How often
have you seen or written this?
When you
read it are you impressed with the writer’s manners?
Or do you pretty much ignore the thought? When you write it,
do you really believe the reader would be afraid to call you
unless told otherwise? Do you think that readers today would
hesitate to call or e-mail you if they were confused or wanted
to complain?
I believe
many writers still use clichés because they are lazy
and writing in a robotic mode. If you want to look like an
energetic professional, write in a warm, friendly fashion
using words you would use in a face-to-face conversation.
Take a
look at the following phrases. If you can immediately supply
the next word, you know the phrase is overworked.
It has
come to my ___________.
Please find __________.
________your request,
If you have any questions, please feel ____________________.
For
a list of more clichés and suggestions for alternatives,
please click here.
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