Skip to Main Content

Mini-Module: How to Use Academic Vocabulary

Common Words to Avoid

Skills for Learning LogoCommon Words to Avoid Page 9 of 11

There are some really common everyday words that it is best to avoid in academic writing. Three of them are:

- "Get", - "Like", - "Thing"

Try to find ways to avoid these words. 

The problem is that they are too vague, and also they can be used too often. In everyday speech this is not a problem, but in academic writing it is not reliable.

For example, "Get" has many different meanings and this could confuse readers:

  • Move/Progress
  • Contract/Catch (a disease)
  • Become
  • Require/Make
  • Understand
  • Obtain