10 words you should stop using if you want to sound intelligent

From the Personal Branding Blog

The words we use say a lot about us, especially in the realm of intelligence.

Ditching certain words from your vocabulary can instantly boost how smart you sound. It’s not about using big, fancy words either—it’s about avoiding those that can diminish your perceived intellect.

In this article, I’ll share 10 words you should stop using if you want to sound more intelligent.

Let’s dive in and start refining your vocabulary today.

1) Basically

The word “basically” has a way of creeping into our conversations more than we realize. It’s often used as a filler word, much like “um” or “like”, and it doesn’t add any real value to our statements.

In fact, it can often make you sound less intelligent because it gives the impression that you’re oversimplifying things or talking down to your listener.

If you want to sound more intelligent, try to eliminate “basically” from your vocabulary. It’s not always easy, but paying attention to when and how often you use this word can make a big difference.

And remember, it’s not about using complex words instead—it’s about conveying your thoughts clearly and concisely without the need for filler words.

2) Literally

I confess, I’ve been guilty of this one myself. The word “literally” has become a frequent visitor in our everyday language. It’s often used for emphasis, but its overuse has diluted its meaning.

For example, I might say, “I was literally dying of laughter.” But was I actually on the brink of death? Of course not. Using “literally” in this way is not only grammatically incorrect but it can also make you seem less intelligent.

I’ve been making a conscious effort to use “literally” correctly or avoid it altogether. It’s a small change, but I’ve noticed it makes my language sound more precise and thoughtful.

3) Irregardless

Here’s a word that might surprise you: “irregardless”. Many believe it to be a valid word, but it’s actually not recognized in standard English.

The correct term is “regardless”, meaning ‘without regard’. The prefix ‘ir-‘ and the suffix ‘-less’ both mean ‘without’, so when used together, they create a double negative.

Thus, if you’re striving to sound more intelligent, make sure to use “regardless” instead of “irregardless”. It’s a simple switch that can significantly enhance the perception of your linguistic knowledge.

4) Very

The word “very” is one we tend to lean on when we’re trying to emphasize a point. But the truth is, it’s often a sign of laziness in our language.

Instead of saying something is “very good”, why not say it’s “excellent”? Instead of “very big”, how about “enormous”?

Replacing “very” with more descriptive words not only enriches your vocabulary but it also makes your statements more impactful.

5) Just

The word “just” can make you sound less confident and assertive. It’s often used to downplay our achievements or requests, as in “I just thought” or “I’m just saying”.

But doing so can undermine your credibility and make your statements seem less important.

Instead of using “just”, get straight to the point. Say what you mean without feeling the need to downplay it. This way, your words will carry more weight, and you’ll sound more intelligent and confident.

6) Try

The word “try” can imply the possibility of failure. It’s as if we’re giving ourselves an out before we’ve even begun. We say we’ll “try” to meet a deadline, or “try” to do better next time, but in doing so, we’re not fully committing to the task at hand.

This doesn’t mean we should ignore the possibility of failure—far from it. Recognizing potential challenges is a part of any intelligent approach. But by replacing “try” with more definitive language, we can express our commitment and resolution more effectively.

It’s a simple change, but it can make a world of difference in how others perceive our intentions and abilities.

7) I guess

Once upon a time, I found myself using the phrase “I guess” quite often. It was my safety net, a way to express an opinion without fully committing to it. But over time, I realized that it was diluting my arguments and making me sound less confident.

“I guess” can make it seem like you’re unsure of your own thoughts and ideas. It’s a phrase that can easily be replaced with a more assertive statement.

So, now instead of saying “I guess”, I say “I think” or “I believe”. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference. It’s helped me to communicate more confidently and assertively, adding credibility to my words.

8) Always/Never

You might think that using absolutes like “always” and “never” shows certainty and conviction. However, these words can also suggest a lack of flexibility and nuance in your thinking.

The world is rarely black and white, and intelligent people understand that. They appreciate the complexities and subtleties of different situations.

Instead of resorting to “always” or “never”, consider using more balanced language. Show that you understand there are exceptions to every rule and that most situations aren’t absolute. This subtle shift in language can make you come across as more thoughtful and intelligent.

9) Stuff/Things

“Stuff” and “things” are vague words that often don’t convey much information. They’re placeholders that we resort to when we’re too lazy to be specific or when we’re not sure what to say.

But using these words can make you sound less articulate and intelligent than you actually are. They dilute the clarity of your message and can leave your listeners confused about what exactly you’re talking about.

When you catch yourself about to say “stuff” or “things”, pause for a moment, and replace them with more specific and descriptive words. This will not only make you sound smarter, but it will also improve your communication skills.

10) Like

If there’s one word you should be cautious about, it’s “like”. This word, when used excessively as a filler, can significantly detract from your perceived intelligence. It can disrupt the flow of your thoughts and make your speech sound immature.

Instead, aim for clear, concise sentences. Pause if you need time to gather your thoughts instead of resorting to fillers like “like”.

Effective communication is key to sounding intelligent. So take the time to choose your words wisely.

Final thoughts: The power of language

The words we choose to use can greatly influence how others perceive us. They can either elevate our image or impede it. Therefore, being mindful of our word choice is crucial.

Each word carries weight and meaning, shaping the narratives we share and the impressions we leave. By eliminating certain words from our vocabulary – words that don’t serve us or accurately represent our thoughts – we can convey our ideas more effectively and sound more intelligent.

The goal isn’t to impress others with complicated jargon, but rather to communicate clearly and efficiently. After all, the true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination, as Albert Einstein once said. So let’s strive to use our words imaginatively and intelligently, creating conversations worth remembering.

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