Many of us struggle when it comes to avoiding basic vocabulary. It is common for all of us to overuse phrases and words within our essays. These are a few words to avoid and words to use instead.
1. Very
C'mon, very? There are so many other words and terms to enhance the next word or phrase. You're not in middle school and your writing shouldn't be stuck there either.
Alternatives:
Extremely, Substantially, Absolutely, Awfully, Certainly, Decidedly, Deeply, etc.
2. Like
Nearly as bad as "very. "Actually, they're about the same. Writers should refrain from using these as much as they can.
Alternatives:
Comparable, Related, Similar, Parallel, Relating, Matching, etc.
3. Really
This is an excruciatingly bland word. Not only are there much more sophisticated terms that can spice up your writing, repeating "really" in every few sentences can get old fast.
Alternatives:
Absolutely, Unquestionably, Certainly, Easily, Admittedly, etc.