what not to say in a college essay
When it comes to higher essays, sometimes the words you lot cull non to write make just every bit much of an impact as the words you do choose to write.
Readers go bored with seeing the same old clichés and run-on expressions over and again. And adding in fluffy linguistic communication or confusing idioms can exit them feeling lost in your words.
And then how do y'all know exactly which words and phrases you lot should avoid in your writing assignments?
To beginning, you can seek inspiration from college essays that worked for other students. But ultimately information technology's dainty to take a list of what not to do to help you lot avert potential mistakes along the way.
What you lot Should Avoid
1. Contractions
Contractions may seem informal or lazy to the reader. Take the time to write the full phrase out.
NO: It's been a journeying.
Yes: It has been a journey.
two. Idioms
Idioms tin be confusing and are ofttimes overused. Clearly state what you mean in your own words.
NO: I idea the fancy-looking business firm was going to be awesome, simply all that glitters is non golden.
YES: Even though I idea the new house was going to be incredible with its fancy appliances and enormous windows, I was proven incorrect equally the appliances all broke inside the starting time week and the windows all leaked.
As well, phrases that innovate idioms are overused. Avoid using phrases like: You know what they say... But nosotros all know... Every bit we've heard over and over once more...
3. Clichés
Clichés are so... cliché. Anybody is using them, and the words have lost their ability. Choose specific and illustrative examples to utilise then your essay isn't lumped into a pile with all the essays that use worn-out clichés.
NO: I knew I had to give 110% if I was going to win the race.
Aye: I knew I needed to train harder than I ever had before—before school, later on school, every weekend—if I was going to win the race.
Phrases like "Every cloud has a silver lining" and "Better late than never" have no identify in a artistic and original college essay. This is your gamble to paint a complete picture of yourself and your personality. Apply descriptive linguistic communication to permit the reader hear your voice in your writing instead of an overused, out-of-appointment expression.
iv. Slang and Abbreviations
I hope u r ii smart to write something similar this in a college essay. Abbreviations are not at all adequate in formal writing such as a college essay.
Also, slang needs to exist avoided. Use common language that people of all ages volition sympathize. Remember your audience; y'all're writing for your professor, non your friends. And tone should reflect that.
NO: The party was lit, and everything was Gucci.
Aye: The party was lively, the music was loud and fun, and anybody was having an amazing nighttime.
5. Vague or Elementary Words
Use words that show you're capable of a deeper, more thorough understanding of topics. Avert words that are vague or elementary when there is a better way to demonstrate your pregnant.
NO: The thing I read showed that the environs is bad.
Yes: The article I studied concluded that the environment had been devastated by the recent occurrences of hurricanes and flooding.
If you discover yourself using words like thing, stuff, bad, good, shows, and gives, challenge yourself to supplant these words with stronger, more descriptive language.
6. Run-On Expressions
A run-on expression is a phrase, usually at the cease of a listing, that indicates you could add more examples (and so on, and so forth, etc.).
If something needs to be added to your list of examples, add specific examples. Don't add expressions such as etc. and and so on. These are vague and add nothing of substance to your essay.
NO: I love many sports: basketball, baseball, etc.
Aye: I love many sports: basketball, baseball game, soccer, tennis, and lacrosse.
7. Filler Words or Weak Modifiers
Increasing your word count by adding filler words volition make your essay actually, very, very, very weak.
If you lot tin can become rid of a word and it makes no difference to your writing, get rid of information technology. Or meliorate yet, rephrase it to demonstrate what you truly are trying to convey.
NO: I totally believe that nosotros should actually make the laws much, much more strict very soon.
Yep: I believe we should urgently make the laws more strict.
8. Exaggerated Words
Not everything y'all write about needs to be about the best or the worst. When you exaggerate in writing, it tin come off as being insincere. Words similar always and perfect also fall into this category.
NO: My team was the best squad ever considering we always played well and our shots were e'er perfect.
YES: My team was gifted at the game and played well. Nosotros could brand some astonishing shots.
nine. Unnecessary Words
Sometimes writers don't fifty-fifty realize they are calculation words that aren't needed. Compare these ii examples:
NO: She has got 4 little puppies.
YES: She has four little puppies.
NO: This balm helps to shine the skin.
Yep: This lotion helps smoothen the skin.
Eliminating unnecessary words makes writing more clear and coherent. This is also an easy way to cut downward when you're trying meet a word count requirement.
10. Grammatical Errors, Fragments, and Run-on Sentences
When your college essay typhoon is complete, make sure to proofread it thoroughly. And have a teacher or talented writer proof it once more for you.
Avoid any spelling and grammatical errors, but as well avoid fragments and run-on sentences. When it doubt, use an online sentence fragment checker or a grammar checker such every bit Grammarly to triple-check your work.
When writing, choose your words carefully. Choice the words that will make the greatest touch on your message and keep the reader's attention. Avoid the words and phrases that volition brand your essay weak and boring.
With careful consideration of your word choices, your essays will stand out for all of the correct reasons. You'll be submitting avant-garde writing assignments that volition aid you lot ace your coursework!
Source: https://wordcounter.io/blog/words-and-phrases-to-avoid-in-your-college-essays/
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