Writing is an art form that thrives on originality, creativity, and the ability to convey complex ideas in new and interesting ways. However, all too often, writers find themselves relying on clichés—phrases, expressions, or ideas that have been overused to the point of losing their impact. But what do you mean by cliché? In essence, a cliché is a once-effective expression or idea that has become stale through overuse, often serving as a shortcut for true creative thinking.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of clichés, explore the most common ones, and provide you with practical strategies for avoiding them. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist, a student working on an essay, or a professional drafting a report, understanding how to steer clear of clichés can elevate your writing and help you stand out. And if you’re looking for expert assistance, we’re here to help you proofread your books and all types of documents to ensure they’re free from these pitfalls.
Types of Clichés
Clichés can manifest in various forms, affecting different aspects of writing. Let’s break down the most common types:
- Phrasal Clichés: These are the most recognisable clichés—phrases that have been used so frequently that they’ve lost their original impact. Examples include “at the end of the day,” “better late than never,” and “think outside the box.”
- Plot Clichés: These are narrative tropes that have become predictable and dull due to overuse. For instance, the ‘damsel in distress’ or the ‘reluctant hero’ are classic examples of plot clichés. While these archetypes can still be effective, relying too heavily on them without adding a unique twist can make your story feel unoriginal.
- Character Clichés: These refer to overused character types, such as the ‘absent-minded professor,’ the ‘stoic detective,’ or the ‘manic pixie dream girl.’ These clichés can reduce characters to mere stereotypes, stripping them of depth and relatability.
- Situational Clichés: These are scenarios or situations that have been played out so many times in literature, films, and television that they no longer surprise or engage the audience. Examples include the ‘love triangle,’ the ‘unexpected inheritance,’ or the ‘villain revealing their master plan.’
- Descriptive Clichés: Overused metaphors and similes fall into this category. Describing someone’s eyes as ‘piercing blue’ or saying ‘her heart raced like a wild horse’ are examples of descriptive clichés that lack originality.
Cliché Examples in Sentences
To better understand how clichés manifest in writing, let’s look at some cliché examples in sentences:
- Phrasal Cliché: “At the end of the day, it is what it is.”
- Plot Cliché: “The hero, after losing everything, rises from the ashes to save the world.”
- Character Cliché: “She was the typical girl next door—sweet, innocent, and always cheerful.”
- Situational Cliché: “In a surprising twist, the underdog team won the championship.”
- Descriptive Cliché: “His muscles were as hard as rocks.”
These examples illustrate how clichés can slip into writing, sometimes unnoticed, and diminish the impact of the text.
How to Avoid Clichés
Now that we’ve identified common clichés and their various forms, the next step is learning how to avoid them. Here are some strategies to help you steer clear of clichés and keep your writing fresh and engaging:
1. Be Specific
One of the main reasons clichés are so ineffective is their lack of specificity. They’re general, vague, and don’t add much value to the narrative. Instead of relying on a cliché, try to be as specific as possible in your descriptions. For example, instead of writing “She was as busy as a bee,” you could say, “She was juggling three projects, answering countless emails, and she barely had time for a cigarette break.” This approach paints a clearer picture and adds depth to your writing.
2. Use Fresh Metaphors and Similes
Descriptive clichés often stem from overused metaphors and similes. To avoid this, challenge yourself to come up with new, creative comparisons that haven’t been used a thousand times before. For example, instead of saying “His voice was music to her ears,” you could write, “His voice was like a warm blanket on a cold winter night, soothing her worries away.”
3. Think Critically About Your Characters
When creating characters, avoid falling into the trap of relying on stereotypes. Take the time to develop their backstories, motivations, and quirks, making them more complex and realistic. Instead of writing about a ‘stoic detective,’ consider what makes your detective different from others—maybe they have a hidden passion for jazz music, or they struggle with social anxiety. These unique traits can help avoid character clichés and make your characters stand out.
4. Challenge Plot Expectations
Plot clichés often arise when writers stick too closely to well-worn narrative paths. To avoid this, challenge yourself to subvert expectations. If you’re writing a love story, instead of following the typical ‘boy meets girl’ arc, consider adding unexpected obstacles or exploring unconventional relationship dynamics. If your story involves a hero’s journey, think about what unique challenges they could face that haven’t been explored before.
5. Revise and Seek Feedback
Clichés often creep into first drafts without the writer even realising it. That’s why revision is crucial. When you revise your work, look out for overused phrases, predictable plot points, and stereotypical characters. Sometimes, simply rephrasing a sentence or adding more detail can help eliminate a cliché. Additionally, seeking feedback from others—whether it’s from a writing group, a friend, or a professional editor—can provide valuable insights into where clichés might be lurking in your work.
Why Avoiding Clichés Matters
Avoiding clichés is essential because it allows your writing to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Readers, whether they’re literary agents, publishers, or the general public, are drawn to originality and creativity. Clichés, on the other hand, can make your work feel generic and uninspired. By actively working to avoid clichés, you’ll be able to create stories, essays, and documents that are unique, engaging, and memorable.
Ready to Take Your Writing to the Next Level?
Writing without clichés can be challenging, but the results are well worth the effort. Whether you’re writing a novel, a business report, or an academic essay, steering clear of clichés will make your work more impactful and original. If you’re struggling to identify and eliminate clichés from your writing, we’re here to help.
Our team of expert proofreaders is ready to assist you in refining your writing, ensuring that your work is not only free of clichés but also polished to perfection. We can help you proofread your books, academic essays and dissertations, commercial documents and business reports, and other types of documents, giving you the confidence that your writing is the best it can be. Get a bespoke quote and let us support you in achieving your writing goals.
