Stop Using These Words in English – Sound Smarter and More Precise 👇

Advanced Level | August 1, 2025

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If you want to speak English at an advanced level, word choice matters. Some words are so common that they weaken your message, make you sound less confident, or even confuse your listener. In this lesson, we’ll look at three groups of words you should stop using in English—and what to say instead.

1. Common Filler Words to Stop Using in English

Filler words like actually, basically, and literally often slip into our speech without adding meaning.

Example:
“I literally died when I heard that.” (You didn’t actually die.)

Instead, remove the filler or choose a word that adds value.

Better: “I was shocked when I heard that.”
Better: “It was surprising news.”

2. Overused Business Jargon to Avoid

In professional settings, jargon like synergy, circle back, and touch base can sound vague or cliché.

Example:
“Let’s circle back next week.”

Better: “Let’s meet again next week to review progress.”
Better: “We’ll continue this discussion on Monday.”

3. Weak or Vague Words to Replace

Words like thing, stuff, and nice are too general. They don’t create a strong image in the listener’s mind.

Example:
“I learned a lot of things in the meeting.”

Better: “I learned three useful strategies in the meeting.”
Better: “I got practical tips for improving sales.”

Quick Practice

Rephrase these sentences to avoid fillers, jargon, or vague words:

“We should touch base about that thing.”
“It’s basically a nice way to increase synergy.”
“I literally had so much stuff to do.”

Vocabulary List

Filler word – A word added for no real meaning.
Example: “Um” is a common filler word that adds no meaning to the sentence.
Jargon – Special words used in a particular group or profession.
Example: “Leverage our assets” is common business jargon.
Cliché – An overused phrase that has lost impact.
Example: “Think outside the box” is a cliché.
Precise – Exact and clear.
Example: Her instructions were precise, leaving no room for confusion.
Memorable – Worth remembering.
Example: The speaker’s story was so powerful it was memorable.
Leadership – The action of leading people or projects.
Example: His leadership inspired the team to work harder.
Specific – Clearly defined or identified.
Example: The report included specific data from last quarter.
Clarity – The quality of being clear.
Example: The teacher explained the grammar point with great clarity.
Professional – Related to a job or career.
Example: Her professional attitude impressed the client.
Impact – Strong effect or influence.
Example: The new policy had a positive impact on employee satisfaction.

5 Questions About the Article

What are the three groups of words you should stop using in English?
Why should filler words be avoided?
Give two examples of replacing business jargon with clearer language.
How do vague words affect communication?
What is one benefit of being precise?

5 Open-Ended Discussion Questions

Which filler words do you use most often?
How can replacing vague words improve your professional image?
Do you think business jargon is always bad? Why or why not?
Can you think of a time vague words caused confusion?
What strategies help you speak with more clarity?

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