Cliché

Cliché

Clichés are overused sayings or phrases that make your writing appear flat, weak, dull and unclear. A cliché is a phrase or idea that has been used to the extent that it has lost its original meaning – and its allure.

Examples of cliché

• Once upon a time

• Happily, ever after

• It was a dark and stormy night

• In a faraway land

• It was all a dream

• The ends justify the means

• All’s well that ends well

Whenever you use a cliché, you are knowingly writing something unoriginal. You should try to avoid using clichés – try rephrasing your text to make it concise and original. Take those worn-out expressions and replace them with fresh ones.