Column Five

Quite Trite, If I Do Say So Myself!


The English language, and any language for that matter, is host to a sea of overused and, quite frankly, dead phrases. Because these phrases are used in everyday English so much, they can be appropriate in normal dialogue between characters in a work of fiction. Place trite phrases in an essay or other formal writing, however, and they will glaringly demonstrate the author’s lack of experience.


What constitutes a trite phrase or expression? By definition, “Trite expressions are those which are dull or stale because of overuse.”* These phrases have been used and repeated so much that they no longer convey their original feeling and thought. Some examples include “adding insult to injury,” “as luck would have it,” “dead as a doornail,” and “slow as molasses.” While the use of trite expressions is the mark of an inexperienced author, the changing of these phrases into original and lively descriptions can manifest the author’s genius.


Consider some of these suggested alterations to the trite phrases above that would convey a more original thought. “Commencing a particularly biting attack on his character…” does not use either “insult” or “injury,” but conveys the same thought in an original way. In the same way, “The awful winds of chance have willed it,” or “By the decree of mindless Fate…” could express to the reader “as luck would have it” in a much more interesting manner. “Dead as a doornail” has been used for so long that its meaning is only tacitly understood by modern readers. When one considers the basic meaning of the phrase, one must question what a doornail is and why it should be considered particularly dead! Perhaps something like “Possessing no breath of life” or “Dead as roadkill gathering flies” could be used instead, depending upon the context of the piece. For “slow as molasses,” one could use “With less speed than a snail on a prickly pear,” or “Slower than a grizzly bear on a tightrope.” Of course, some of these suggestions would be quite awkward when inserted into some paragraphs. That is why they are merely suggestions.


Every talented author should be capable of coming up with phrases that are sufficient to grip the reader’s imagination in a new and exciting way. The elimination of trite phrases from one’s writing is a slow and tedious process: it can be difficult to write differently than one speaks! However, the end result is always worth the extra effort: an essay without trite phrases will be enjoyable, original, and interesting.


(Note: This article was written with information taken from the Handbook of Grammar and Composition, third ed. Written by James A. Chapman. Published by A Beka Books, Pensacola: 1996. Page 139)


The Grammarian