Remove These Words From Your Vocabulary

In an age of emojis, declining newspaper circulation and people trying to get their points made in 140 characters or less, it's fair to say that words don't carry as much weight as they once did. But that doesn't mean improving your vocabulary won't help you out immensely. Or that you're not unknowingly using terms or phrases you wish you weren't. Some words, like "that" or "really" are more innocuous, while others such as "you know" (or maybe "douchebag") are just unnecessary. If you don't know which word you overuse, just ask someone close to you. They'll likely know. The good news is that you can rewire your language habits to both sound and feel more intelligent and confident. Here are a few suggestions on which words to drop.

That

It's an essential word, but "that" is often unnecessary or redundant—especially in the written form. Take a closer look at any email or document you've just written, and find a sentence containing "that." Try reading it without the "that." If the sentence works without it, delete it. Also keep in mind: When referring to people, don't use "that." You don't know people that live in that city. You know people who live in that city.

You Know

When you keep saying "you know?" at the end of each sentence or use the phrase as a filler or substitute for saying "um" in between ideas, you sound uninformed or unsure of yourself and the facts you're presenting. Don't introduce doubt in your audience by saying "you know" multiple times. Slow down and stick with the facts.

Really

There's no need to use "really" to modify an adjective. Or a verb. Or an adverb. Pick a different word (i.e. incredibly, immensely or genuinely) to make your point. And if you do use the word never repeat it to make a stronger point. That's just really, really weak.

Went

You went to Vegas? You went to that university? Or did you road trip with some buddies? Graduated from their business school? There are any number of ways to convey moving from here to there or attending something—don't miss out on a chance to add such crucial details when telling someone a story.

Just

This one's a common filler word and whether you're saying it out loud or writing it down, the word "just" often makes your sentence weaker, not stronger. Unless you're using it as a synonym for fair or impartial, don't use it.

Literally

This one's not so bad, but unfortunately it's been co-opted by so many people who misuse it (when what they really mean is figuratively) that it's hard to take anyone who uses the term these days seriously. We'd suggest avoiding it when possible to sidestep any assumptions that you're speaking in hyperbole instead of truly trying to convey a literal statement.

Like

No offense to all the teenagers out there, but most grown men don't want to sound like a teen when explaining something or telling a story. But that's just what you sound like when you pepper conversation with the word. Or use it as a stand-in for the word "said." Jon was not like, "See you tomorrow." Jon said, "See you tomorrow."

Day 2

Spend Less Time
on Your Phone

Volume 9 // 2017

When we started our 31 Days series, way back in 2009, it was an idea that began out of the natural tendency to see the new year as a restart of sorts. Each day, we put up a short tip or trick to help readers get a fresh start to the new year and step up their game. Then we did it again the next year and it's grown every year since, proving to be one of Valet.'s most popular series ever. This year, nearly a decade in, we've shifted the focus just a touch—narrowing in on skills and attributes we believe make you a better man. Little things that have a big, lasting impact on your life and the lives of those around you. Everyday this month, we'll introduce a topic or idea aimed at helping you look your best, feel great and be the civilized 21st century gentleman we all strive to be. Best of luck in 2017 and thanks for reading.

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