If you identified similes such as "like the dead," metaphors such as "keepers of the flame," and modifiers such as "bright and early" then you have a good eye for worn-out language. Sadly, many great phrases, such as "mother of all battles," are coined but quickly become overused. How many times did you get sick of hearing people say "Not!" a decade ago?
Cliches often sneak in the barn door (that's a cliche, by the way) when we try to be descriptive. Is the phrase you're about to use one that you've heard frequently in casual conversation, newscasts, and advertising? If so, it is probably a cliché or on its way there.
VIP Editing can catch the clichés in your manuscripts. We understand that not everyone knows when he or she is throwing a cliché out there and we want to help. We can point them out for you at no charge. Did we say no charge? Yes, no charge. Email us about this free service that we offer at vip_editing@yahoo.com
Cliches often sneak in the barn door (that's a cliche, by the way) when we try to be descriptive. Is the phrase you're about to use one that you've heard frequently in casual conversation, newscasts, and advertising? If so, it is probably a cliché or on its way there.
VIP Editing can catch the clichés in your manuscripts. We understand that not everyone knows when he or she is throwing a cliché out there and we want to help. We can point them out for you at no charge. Did we say no charge? Yes, no charge. Email us about this free service that we offer at vip_editing@yahoo.com