Stop Overusing These 11 Words —Instantly Enrich Your Vocabulary

We all do it. Fall back on the same old words — “very,” “really,” “nice,” “amazing.” They’re easy, familiar, and completely worn out.

The more we rely on them, the flatter our language sounds. Everything starts to blur together, and nothing sticks. If everything is “literally amazing,” then nothing really is.

Luckily, English has better tools. Sharper, clearer, and way more interesting ones.

This guide rounds up 10 of the most overused words in English and gives you smarter swaps that actually say what you mean. No judgment. Just better words.

1. “Very”

If there’s one word that needs a long vacation, it’s “very.” It’s everywhere. Very tired. Very good. Very annoying. It’s the duct tape of the English language — it kind of works for everything, but also kind of makes everything look sloppy.

The issue? “Very” usually shows up when we can’t think of a better word. It’s a linguistic crutch. And like most crutches, the goal is to stop using it as soon as you can stand on your own.

Instead of stacking “very” on top of an adjective like you’re building a word sandwich, just use a word that’s already strong enough on its own. “Exhausted” hits harder than “very tired.” “Massive” sounds way more confident than “very big.” And let’s be honest — “very good” sounds like something your kindergarten teacher said when you remembered to raise your hand.

Here are some easy swaps to level up your vocab without sounding like you’re trying too hard:

Instead of “very,” try:

• Very tired: exhausted, drained, wiped out
• Very happy: elated, overjoyed, ecstatic
• Very good: excellent, superb, top-notch
• Very bad: terrible, awful, dreadful
• Very big: enormous, massive, gigantic
• Very small: tiny, minuscule, microscopic
• Very important: crucial, vital, essential
• Very interesting: captivating, fascinating, compelling
• Very strong: powerful, robust, formidable

One word. No “very.” Way better.

2. “Really”

“Really” is one of those words that sneaks into your sentences like background noise. You barely notice it. But once you start spotting it, you can’t unsee it. “Really good.” “Really bad.” “Really, really annoying.” It’s the verbal equivalent of underlining something twice and still not making your point.

The truth? “Really” doesn’t usually add much. It’s filler. Fluff. The word you use when you want to sound emphatic but don’t want to commit to a stronger word. And that’s fine if you’re chatting casually. But if you want to sound clear, confident, and just a little sharper — it’s time to retire this overused intensifier.

The fix is simple: trade “really + adjective” for a better adjective. One that can do the job on its own, no crutches required. You don’t need to say something is “really awful” when “horrendous” gets the message across just fine. And let’s be honest, “really happy” doesn’t hold a candle to “overjoyed.”

Here’s a quick hit list of upgrades:

Instead of “really,” try:

• Really good: phenomenal, superb, exceptional
• Really bad: horrendous, abysmal, dreadful
• Really sure: certain, confident, positive
• Really interesting: riveting, thought-provoking, absorbing
• Really fast: rapid, swift, lightning-quick
• Really slow: sluggish, lethargic, glacial
• Really angry: furious, irate, livid
• Really happy: thrilled, jubilant, over the moon

In short: if you’re about to type “really,” pause. You probably have a stronger word in your brain already — it’s just waiting for you to give it a shot.

3. “Amazing”

Once upon a time, “amazing” actually meant something. Like, gasp-out-loud, drop-your-coffee levels of awe. But now? It’s been overworked to the point of burnout. Your sandwich was amazing. Your socks are amazing. Your weekend plans? Also amazing. Everything’s amazing, and somehow nothing is.

It’s not that “amazing” is a bad word. It’s just tired. Like a rockstar doing their tenth encore. When you use it to describe anything even slightly better than average, it loses its sparkle — and your audience starts to tune out.

The fix? Be more specific. What made it so impressive? Was it breathtaking? Mind-blowing? Did it knock your metaphorical socks off or just mildly surprise you? Pick a word that actually matches the vibe.

Here’s a lineup of words that still have their magic intact:

Instead of “amazing,” try:

• Astounding (makes jaws drop)
• Incredible (hard to believe, in a good way)
• Remarkable (stands out for real reasons)
• Breathtaking (literally makes you pause)
• Phenomenal (next-level stuff)
• Mind-blowing (brain = exploded)
• Extraordinary (so far above average it’s in another zip code)

Next time you reach for “amazing,” stop and ask yourself: is it really amazing, or just kind of cool? Your language — and your readers — will thank you for being more honest about it.

4. “Literally”

This poor word. “Literally” used to mean something. It was the hero you called in when things were factual, real, and not up for debate. But then people started saying things like “I’m literally dying of laughter” while very much alive and not even wheezing. And just like that, “literally” went from precision tool to drama queen.

These days, “literally” gets thrown into sentences for emphasis, whether it fits or not. The result? Confusion, exaggeration, and the occasional grammar nerd twitching in the corner. And if your goal is to sound clear and credible, that’s not the vibe you want.

Here’s the deal: if something isn’t actually happening in real life — no metaphors, no exaggerations — don’t call it literal. You’ve got better words for that kind of flair. Keep “literally” for moments when you need your audience to know you’re not joking.

Use these instead, depending on what you’re trying to say:

Instead of “literally,” try:

• Actually (when it really happened)
• Truly (when you’re serious but not exaggerating)
• In reality (for fact-check moments)
• Without exaggeration (for clarity)
• Laughing uncontrollably (instead of “literally dying”)
• Freezing cold or shivering (instead of “literally freezing”)
• Impatient or eager (instead of “literally can’t wait”)

If you’re about to say “literally” and don’t want to be called out by someone with a dictionary app, pause and pick a word that actually fits. Your sentences will thank you. Literally.

5. “Like”

So, like, here’s the thing. “Like” used to have a job. A useful one. It made comparisons. It helped you describe stuff. But then it went full-time filler. Now it lurks in every sentence, turning adults into Valley Girl extras and making smart people sound… less smart.

We’ve all done it. “I was, like, shocked.” “It’s, like, a big deal.” Once “like” gets comfy in your speech, it multiplies. Quickly. And while it can sound casual and relatable in a text or a TikTok, overusing it in conversation, presentations, or writing can make you seem unsure or scattered — even if you’re not.

Want to sound more confident and polished? Cut the filler. Say what you mean. If you’re making a comparison, use an actual comparison. If you’re quoting someone, say you said it. If you’re just buying time to think, try pausing. Silence is underrated.

Here are some better options, depending on how you’re using “like”:

Instead of “like,” try:

• As a comparison: similar to, comparable to, akin to
• As a filler: just pause — or use “for example,” “such as,” “say,” etc.
• “I was like, ‘Wow.’”: I said, I told her, I shouted, I muttered
• “It’s like a big deal.”: It’s a big deal. It feels important. It seems major.

Here’s the short version: if you can take “like” out and your sentence still makes sense, you probably should. It’s not going extinct — it just needs a break.

6. “Good”

“Good” is the ultimate non-committal compliment. It’s what you say when you’re trying to be nice but don’t feel like putting in the effort. The meal? Good. The movie? Good. Your coworker’s 63-slide presentation? Uh… good?

The problem with “good” is that it doesn’t actually tell anyone anything. It’s vague. Safe. Bland. Like white bread in adjective form. Sure, it gets the job done, but nobody’s writing home about it.

If you want your words to carry more meaning, go for adjectives that actually describe what you mean by “good.” Was it delicious? Impressive? Relaxing? You’ll sound more thoughtful, and people might actually know what you’re talking about.

Try these instead, depending on the situation:

Instead of “good,” try:

• Good meal: delicious, mouthwatering, satisfying
• Good job: excellent, outstanding, well-done
• Good day: pleasant, lovely, refreshing
• Good idea: clever, smart, insightful
• Good result: successful, favorable, promising
• Good condition: pristine, flawless, like new
• Good effort: commendable, valiant, admirable

You don’t have to erase “good” from your vocabulary. But if you want your words to stand out, be specific. Don’t just say it was good. Say what made it good.

7. “Nice”

“Nice” is the human shrug of adjectives. It’s what you say when you don’t have time to think of anything better — or when you’re trying to sound positive without committing too hard. “He’s a nice guy.” “That was a nice meal.” “Your haircut is… nice.” You get the idea.

To be fair, “nice” isn’t wrong. It’s just vague. It floats there without telling anyone what you actually mean. Is the person kind? Is the meal delicious? Is the haircut stylish or just not horrifying? “Nice” keeps all that locked up and refuses to elaborate.

So, instead of sprinkling “nice” over everything like verbal parsley, go with words that actually describe the good stuff. Was the person friendly? Was the weather lovely? Was the house charming or just really clean?

Here’s your upgrade menu:

Instead of “nice,” try:

• Nice person: warm, kind, thoughtful, good-hearted
• Nice weather: beautiful, sunny, pleasant, clear
• Nice gesture: generous, considerate, sweet, thoughtful
• Nice house: cozy, elegant, well-kept, stylish
• Nice experience: enjoyable, memorable, relaxing, fun
• Nice smile: warm, genuine, inviting, radiant
• Nice atmosphere: welcoming, peaceful, relaxing, charming

In short: when you say “nice,” people still have questions. Swap it out for something that actually answers them.

8. “Things”

“Things” might be the most overworked word in the English language. It covers everything and explains nothing. “I have a lot of things to do.” Cool — what kind of things? Laundry? Skydiving? Emotional growth? No one knows.

We use “things” when we can’t be bothered to be specific, which is fine in casual conversation. But when you’re writing or trying to make a point, “things” doesn’t pull its weight. It’s lazy. It’s vague. It’s the verbal equivalent of a shrug.

The good news? Almost every “thing” has a better name. If you can swap it for a more precise word, do it. Your writing will instantly sound clearer and more confident — and your readers won’t have to guess what you’re on about.

Here’s how to start replacing “things” with actual content:

Instead of “things,” try:

• Things to do: tasks, errands, responsibilities, chores
• Good things: benefits, perks, upsides, highlights
• Important things: priorities, essentials, key points
• Interesting things: curiosities, features, details, oddities
• Various things: items, elements, components, topics
• Personal things: belongings, possessions, valuables
• Meaningful things: values, beliefs, principles, lessons

You don’t need to ban “things” entirely. Just don’t let it be your go-to every time your brain hits autopilot. Be specific — it’s a surprisingly powerful upgrade.

9. “Stuff”

“Stuff” is what we say when we have no idea how to describe what we’re talking about. Or when we’re too lazy to try. “I’ve got a lot of stuff going on.” “Can you move your stuff?” “That’s my study stuff.” It’s vague, it’s overused, and let’s be honest — it’s a bit of a cop-out.

Now, “stuff” has its place. It’s casual, familiar, easy to say. But it also tells your audience… absolutely nothing. Are we talking about clothes? Books? Existential dread? Be specific and you instantly sound clearer, smarter, and more organized — even if you’re none of those things today.

Here are a few swaps to help you clean out your vocabulary drawer:

Instead of “stuff,” try:

• Bring your stuff: bring your gear, bring your belongings, bring your supplies
• All that stuff: all those details, all those factors, all those points
• Organize my stuff: organize my files, sort my papers, clean up my workspace
• Important stuff: key matters, critical tasks, major responsibilities
• Study stuff: study materials, notes, textbooks, flashcards
• Food stuff: groceries, ingredients, snacks, provisions

When in doubt, ask yourself what “stuff” you’re really talking about. If you can name it, you should. If not, maybe it’s not that important after all.

10. “Interesting”

“Interesting” is the polite person’s way of saying, “I don’t know what else to say.” It’s vague. It’s safe. It’s the verbal equivalent of nodding while mentally checking out. Was the book fascinating? Confusing? Infuriating? No clue — because you just said it was “interesting.”

It’s not that “interesting” is useless. It’s just too broad. When you use it without adding detail, it leaves people wondering what you actually meant. That might work in casual conversation, but if you’re writing, presenting, or trying to sound remotely thoughtful, you need more precise language.

The fix? Say what made it interesting. Did it spark a new idea? Was it unexpected? Emotional? Creepy? Nerdy? Give your reader something real to grab onto.

Here are some better choices, based on what you actually mean:

Instead of “interesting,” try:

• Interesting idea: thought-provoking, innovative, clever
• Interesting topic: compelling, relevant, timely
• Interesting person: charismatic, mysterious, unusual
• Interesting book: engrossing, vivid, unputdownable
• Interesting fact: surprising, eye-opening, bizarre
• Interesting conversation: stimulating, animated, insightful
• Interesting concept: unique, groundbreaking, original

If you catch yourself calling something “interesting,” pause and ask: interesting how? If you can answer that, great. If not, maybe it wasn’t all that interesting to begin with.

11. “Important”

“Important” sounds… well, important. But use it too often and it starts to lose its edge. Not everything is life-or-death. If every meeting is important, every task is important, and every email is important, then nothing actually is. Your audience zones out. Your coworkers roll their eyes. Your inbox gets ignored.

The problem with “important” is that it’s too easy. It doesn’t explain why something matters — it just declares that it does. And if you’re trying to get people to pay attention, you’ll need more than a vague flag waving in the air.

The fix? Choose words that show the kind of importance you’re talking about. Is it urgent? High-stakes? Meaningful? A turning point? The more specific your language, the more likely people are to actually care.

Try these instead, based on context:

Instead of “important,” try:

• Important decision: critical, life-changing, pivotal, high-stakes
• Important meeting: key, essential, strategic, high-priority
• Important task: urgent, time-sensitive, necessary, non-negotiable
• Important person: influential, prominent, respected, central
• Important fact: fundamental, crucial, must-know, game-changing
• Important moment: defining, milestone, historic, memorable

Bottom line: if you want people to understand why something matters, show them. Don’t just slap “important” on it and hope they take your word for it.

One Last Word Before You Go

I’m not here to ban words from your vocabulary or pretend you need to sound like a walking thesaurus. “Very,” “nice,” and even “literally” all have their place. But if you’re writing emails, blog posts, or trying to communicate clearly, it’s worth paying attention to the words you keep falling back on.

Language should feel alive. And swapping out the tired stuff for fresher, more precise words is one of the fastest ways to make your writing (and speaking) feel more confident, more vivid, and far less forgettable.

Start small. Pick one word you overuse (mine used to be “actually” — still working on it), and try replacing it for a week. You might be surprised how quickly your sentences start pulling their weight.

And if you catch yourself typing “very important,” no shame. Just scroll back up and grab a stronger option. I’ll be doing the same, one adjective at a time.