Commonly Overused Words (A-B)

Teachers should always have to be precise with the word they use to convey their meaning when either talking or writing.

Consult this simple THESAURUS to find alternatives for some commonly overused words. Consult a full-length thesaurus to find alternatives to words that do not appear here. Keep in mind that the choices offered in a thesaurus do not all mean exactly the same. Review all the options, and choose the one that best expresses your meaning.



ABOUT approximately, nearly, almost, approaching, close to
ABSOLUTELY unconditionally, perfectly, completely, ideally, purely
ACTIVITY action, movement, operation, labor, exertion, enterprise, project, pursuit, endeavor, job, assignment, pastime, scheme, task
ADD attach, affix, join, unite, append, increase, amplify
AFFECT adjust, influence, transform, moderate, incline, motivate, prompt
AMAZING overwhelming, astonishing, stratling, unexpected, stunning, dazzling, remarkable
AWESOME impresive, stupendous, fabulous, astonishing, outstanding
BAD defective, inadequate, poor, unsatisfactory, disagreeable, offensive, repulsive, corrupt, wicked, naughty, harmful, injurious, unfavorable
BASIC essential, necessary, indispensable, vital, fundamental, elementary
BEAUTIFUL attractive, appealing, alluring, exquisite, gorgeous, handsome, stunning
BEGIN commence, found, initiate, introduce, launch, originate
BETTER preferable, superior, worthier
BIG enormous, extensive, huge, immense, massive
BORING commonplace, monotonous, tedious, tiresome
BRING accompany, cause, convey, create, conduct, deliver, produce

In my next post, I will give you commonly overused words beginning with letters C-E.


source: Writing and Grammar (Communication in Action) published by Prentice Hall