Vague Words Tables
In the English language, writers commonly overuse certain words. In an academic setting, writers have the opportunity to broaden their vocabulary, discouraging repetition and the use of informal words. In the matrices below are often misused or overused words and optional replacement words to potentially “spice up” an essay.
Modifiers
The tables below provide alternatives for commonly overused modifiers. Choose replacements that fit your meaning and tone.
| Modifier | Mild | Moderate | Strong |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very | Clearly, Considerably, Decidedly, Distinctly, Indubitably, Largely, Markedly, Notably, Recognizably | Awfully, Chiefly, Considerably, Especially, Incredibly, Obviously, Particularly, Quite, Substantially, Surprisingly, Uncommonly, Unmistakably, Wonderfully | Astonishingly, Absolutely, Exceedingly, Exceptionally, Extremely, Incontestably, Profusely, Strikingly, Unequivocally, Unquestionably, Vastly |
| A Lot |
Time: Often, Oftentimes, Sometimes Size: Many, Much, Several, Multiple |
Time: Frequently, Generally, Usually, Various Size: Bountiful, Considerable, Numerous |
Time: Persistent, Recurrent, Regularly Size: Multitude, Profuse, Vast |
| Big | Above average, Ample, Considerable, Great, Important, Large, Sizable | Copious, Crucial, Magnificent, Ponderous, Significant, Substantial, Vast, Huge | Boundless, Behemoth, Colossal, Endless, Enormous, Essential, Extensive, Gigantic, Gargantuan, Immense, Imposing, Limitless, Paramount, Prodigious, Voluminous |
| Small | Dinky, Faint, Light, Limited, Minor, Negligible, Puny, Slight, Superficial, Trivial, Undersized | Dwarf, Inconsiderable, Inferior, Miniature, Minimum, Microscopic, Petite, Scant, Tiny, Unsubstantial | Inconsequential, Ineffectual, Infinitesimal, Insignificant, Meager, Minute, Undetectable, Miniscule |
| Good/Great | Able, Acceptable, Accomplished, Adequate, Adept, Agreeable, Ample, Efficient, Favorable, Pleasing, Profitable, Relevant, Reliable, Satisfactory, Satisfying, Super, Useful | Admirable, Apt, Clever, Commendable, Honorable, Proficient, Qualified, Skillful, Sound, Splendid, Superb, Thorough, Valuable, Wholesome, Wonderful, Worthy | Advantageous, Excellent, Exceptional, Exemplary, Expert, Extensive, Flawless, Gratifying, Marvelous, Perfect, Reputable, Solid, Stupendous, Superior, Virtuous, Spectacular |
| Bad | Cheap, Dissatisfactory, Faulty, Grim, Low, Mean, Off, Poor, Regretful, Sour, Unpleasant, Unwell, Wrong | Careless, Defective, Deficient, Delinquent, Downcast, Grave, Harsh, Ill-suited, Imperfect, Inadequate, Inferior, Rancid, Rough, Sinful, Terrible, Unruly, Unsatisfactory, Wicked | Adverse, Awful, Corrupt, Detrimental, Dreadful, Diseased, Erroneous, Evil, Putrid, Ruinous, Vile, Villainous, Unacceptable, Degenerate, Debauched |
Emotion Words
The tables below provide higher-, moderate-, and lower-intensity alternatives for commonly used emotion words.
| Emotional Word | High Intensity | Moderate Intensity | Low Intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confused | Amazed, Astonished, Baffled, Bewildered, Disoriented, Flabbergasted, Perplexed, Stunned | Befuddled, Disorganized, Distracted, Doubtful, Perplexed, Puzzled, Surprised, Bemused, Nonplussed | Dazed, Indecisive, Lost, Misled, Uncertain, Undecided, Unsure |
| Scared | Alarmed, Fearful, Overwhelmed, Panicked, Petrified, Terrified | Afraid, Anxious, (Full of) Dread, Panicked, Panicky, Shaken, Tense, Worried | Apprehensive, Edgy, Hesitant, Startled, Surprised, Uncomfortable, Uneasy |
| Angry | Exasperated, Furious, Hateful, Hostile, Incensed, Indignant, Irate, Outraged, Raging | Aggravated, Annoyed, Fuming, Irked, Irritated, Mad, Offended, Provoked, Sullen, Sulky, Ticked | Bothered, Displeased, Fret, Fuss, Hassled, Peeved, Perturbed |
| Sad | Crushed, Despairing, Despondent, Hopeless, Devastated, Distraught, Gloomy, Grieved, Miserable, Heartbroken, Heavyhearted | Cheerless, Dejected, Disillusioned, Dismayed, Downcast, Forlorn, Glum, Hurt, Hurting, Melancholy | Blue, Discouraged, Disappointed, Down, Low, Somber, Sorry, Unhappy |
| Weak | Anemic, Ashamed, Depleted, Decrepit, Exhausted, Frail, Powerless, Useless | Fragile, Helpless, Inadequate, Inept, Run down, Sluggish, Spent, Vulnerable, Worn out | Feeble, Ineffective, Limp, Soft, Tired, Unable, Weary, Wimpy |
| Happy | Captivated, Ecstatic, Elated, Excited, Euphoric, Intoxicated, Joyous, Jubilant, Overjoyed, Thrilled | Cheerful, Delighted, Enthusiastic, Gleeful, Hopeful, Lively, Joyful, Optimistic, Peppy, Tickled, Upbeat | Blissful, Chipper, Content, Glad, Jolly, Light, Merry, Perky, Playful, Pleased, Up |
| Strong | Active, Emphatically, Potent, Fearless, Forceful, Vigorous, Mighty, Powerful, Unyielding, Virile | Mighty, Powerful, Unyielding, Virile | Able, Adequate, Assured, Capable, Firm, Stable, Steady, Solid |
Vague Verbs and Nouns
The table below provides alternatives for vague verbs and nouns that appear frequently in writing.
| Vague Verb or Noun | Alternatives / Replacements |
|---|---|
| Do | Accomplish, Complete, Conclude, End, Finalize, Finish, Finish up, Prepare, Ready, Terminate |
| Fix |
Repair: Attach, Clinch, Connect, Fasten, Install, Mend, Repair, Secure Decide/Make Right: Conclude, Correct, Decide, Define, Determine, Direct, Establish, Find a solution, Organize, Plan for, Settle, Solve, Stabilize All Words Together: Attach, Clinch, Conclude, Connect, Correct, Decide, Define, Determine, Direct, Establish, Fasten, Find a solution, Install, Mend, Organize, Plan for, Repair, Settle, Solve, Stabilize, Secure |
| Get |
Communicate: Call, Communicate with, Contact, Talk, Telephone, Write Evolve/Change: Change into, Come to be, Grow, Transport, Turn into, Transform Hurt: Aggravate, Agitate, Anger, Annoy, Apprehend, Damage, Disquiet, Exasperate, Harm, Hit, Hurt, Injure, Irritate, Perturb, Punch, Shoot, Slap, Strike, Unsettle, Wound Purchase: Acquire, Attain, Buy, Collect, Earn, Excite, Inherit, Obtain, Pick up, Pocket, Purchase, Receive, Retrieve, Seize, Take Understand: Comprehend, Fathom, Follow, Hear, Learn, Perceive, Phone, Realize, Understand, Win over Touch/Inspire: Affect, Arouse, Capture, Catch, Grab, Grasp, Grip, Have an impact on, Hold, Influence, Make an impression on, Melt, Move, Persuade, Reach, See, Sense, Soften, Stimulate, Stir, Sway, Touch With a goal in mind: Achieve, Attain, Become, Benefit, Gain, Profit, Secure, Realize |
| Things/Stuff | Accomplishments, Achievements, Acts, Actions, Adventures, Affairs, Articles, Belongings, Circumstances, Components, Concern, Condition, Contraption, Deed, Design, Detail, Device, Effort, Element, Endeavor, Enterprise, Entity, Episode, Event, Experience, Facet, Fact, Factor, Feat, Gadget, Gimmick, Goal, Idea, Incident, Ingredient, Instance, Item, Intent, Job, Matter, Meaning, Measure, Move, Object, Objective, Occasion, Occurrence, Operation, Organism, Particle, Performance, Point, Proceeding, Purpose, Reference, Relation, Scheme, Situation, Substance, Task, Tool, Unit, Work |