The problem with outdated phrases is they become less meaningful and more cliched over time.
Words that fall into this category should be avoided as they can hinder our ability to connect and communicate with others.
This is particularly important in professional settings, such as client and work meetings and job interviews.
The last thing you want to do is say something that will put off the listener.
In this blog, I will cover:
- A list of common outdated phrases in the workplace
- Gendered language to avoid
- Phrases that undermine authority
- Insincere email phrases
And better alternatives for each one!
Outdated phrases and cliches in the workplace
Outdated phrases can be unprofessional or out-of-touch with modern workplace culture and norms. Using dated expressions may make you seem less credible or competent in the eyes of colleagues.
Overusing clichés or catchphrases can make your communication seem lazy or lacking original thought. It’s better to express yourself clearly and precisely.
Using fresh, contemporary language demonstrates that you are adaptable, self-aware and conscientious about how others perceive your words.
Here are ones to avoid and their replacement:
- Think outside the box > Consider new perspectives
- Low-hanging fruit > Accessible opportunities
- Synergy > Collaboration
- On the same page > In agreement
- Circle back > Revisit
- Touch base > Discuss briefly
- At the end of the day > Ultimately
- Move the needle > Make a significant impact
- Win-win situation > Mutually beneficial outcome
- Deep dive > Detailed analysis
- Take it offline > Discuss this later
- Push the envelope > Expand the boundaries
- Run it up the flagpole > Test an idea
- Let’s touch base > Let’s catch up
- Put a pin in it > Postpone
- Back to the drawing board > Start over
- On my radar > I’m aware of it
- Open the kimono > Share information transparently
- Par for the course > What’s expected
- Boots on the ground > People in the field
- Game-changer > A transformative idea or event
- Value add > Beneficial addition
- Silver bullet > Perfect solution
- New normal > Current standard
- Pivot > Change direction or strategy
- Bandwidth > Capacity to handle tasks
- 360-degree view > Comprehensive perspective
- Ecosystem > Network or environment
- Wheelhouse > Area of expertise
- Baked in > Included inherently
- Takeaway > Key point or idea
- Drill down > Examine in detail
- Scalable > Able to be expanded
- Best practice > Optimal approach
- Peel the onion > Examine in layers
- Leverage > Utilize effectively
- Optics > Perceptions
- Ping me > Contact me
- Close the loop > Conclude an issue
- Hard stop > Firm end time
- On your plate > Your responsibilities
- Go-to person > Expert or key contact
- Out of pocket > Unavailable
- Key takeaways > Important points
- Stake a claim > Assert a position
- Mission-critical > Essential
- Curate > Select or choose
- Ideate > Generate ideas or brainstorm
- Let’s circle the wagons > Let’s regroup or come together
- Bottleneck > Obstacle or delay
Gendered language to avoid
Gendered language often reinforces outdated stereotypes about gender roles and characteristics that have no place in a modern, inclusive workplace.
Gendered phrases can come across as unprofessional, diminishing credibility, especially when addressing mixed-gender groups.
Using gender-neutral language helps foster a sense of belonging and psychological safety for all employees, allowing them to contribute ideas without judgment.
Delete the following phrases from your vocabulary and use these instead:
- Chairman > Chair or Chairperson
- Businessman > Businessperson
- Manpower > Workforce or Staff
- Foreman > Supervisor
- Salesman > Sales representative
- Man-hour > Person-hour or Work-hour
- Mankind > Humanity or Humankind
- Manmade > Synthetic, artificial, or manufactured
- Spokesman > Spokesperson
Additionally, avoid traits implying masculine or feminine traits:
- Aggressive > Assertive
- Bossy > Decisive
- Emotional > Expressive, passionate
- Feisty > Energetic, spirited
- Pushy > Persistent, ambitious
- Sassy > Bold, confident
- Bubbly > Cheerful, lively
- Ditzy > Scatterbrained, absent-minded
- Hysterical > Overwhelmed, very upset
- Nagging > Persistent
Phrases that undermine authority
This category of phrases can convey a lack of confidence and self-belief and, in some instances, may sound dismissive and offensive. They shift away from the focus of your message and chip away at your credibility.
Here are the ones you want to put on your no-no list.
- I just wanted to add > I would like to add
- Sorry if this is a bad idea > I propose
- I’m not sure, but > My understanding is
- Does that make sense? > Let me know if you need further clarification
- I might be wrong > Based on my analysis
- This might be a silly question > I have a question
- Just my two cents > I recommend
- Hopefully this works > I expect this will be effective
- I guess > I believe
- I’m no expert > My research suggests
- Sorry to bother you > Thank you for your time
- If you get a chance > When you are available
- Just trying to help > I am here to assist
- It’s only my opinion > Based on the data
- I’m still learning > I am currently studying
- If I could ask a stupid question > I have a question
- Just > (omit this word entirely)
- I’ll try > I will
- Sorry > Thank you (where an apology isn’t necessary, e.g., Sorry for the delay > Thank you for your patience)
- This is probably not what you want to hear > The analysis shows
- Frankly > I would like to point out
- To be honest > In my experience
- Like > For instance
- Basically > In essence
Outdated email phrases
Text-based communication is already tone-deaf, and certain phrases can make you seem cold and uninterested.
When it comes to email niceties, we often include them as a segue to the main point of the email. Sometimes, this makes us sound uninterested and cold.
But there are ways around it. Use these replacements to sound more genuine in an email:
- I hope this email finds you well > I hope your week is going well
- Please do not hesitate to contact me > Feel free to reach out anytime
- As per our conversation > Following our discussion
- I just wanted to follow up on > I’m reaching out to see about
- Sorry to bother you > Thank you for your time
- To whom it may concern > [Address the recipient by name, when possible]
- I am writing to inform you > I’m getting in touch to let you know
- Enclosed please find > I have attached
- Thank you in advance > Thank you for considering this
- It has come to our attention > We have noticed
- I would like to extend an invitation > I’m excited to invite you
- At your earliest convenience > When you have a moment
- Please find enclosed > I’ve included
- For your review > For your consideration
- I’m not sure if you heard about > Have you heard about
- Kindly > Please
- We are pleased to announce > We’re excited to share
- Feel free to > I encourage you to
- Thank you for your understanding > Thanks for your flexibility
- If you require any further information, please contact > If you need more info, feel free to reach out
These help your emails sound less scripted and robotic.
Wrapping up
There will always be cultural considerations to account for, but what’s certain is that the workplace is evolving. It’s our responsibility to use appropriate terminology that makes people feel valued and included.
The right words help us connect with people, be they clients, managers or colleagues.
And it’s always worth supplementing your self-help practices with the support of an experienced public speaking coach who can provide you with more tailored guidance or enrol in an online public speaking short course.
Good luck! And if you want to hear more from me, you can find me on:
- YouTube
- Behind the mic on the Art of Communication Podcast
