WHAT ARE TABOO WORDS?

When you write a report, a thesis, or a dissertation, many words may be appropriate during informal conversations but are considered inappropriate in academic writing. Such words are called taboo words. These words are informal, subjective, vague, and are considered incorrect in this context. However, these taboo words can only be used when you are directly quoting a source. Assignment help can guide on the words to be avoided in your writings.

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CATEGORISING TABOO WORDS IN ACADEMIC WRITING

All taboo words used in academic writing can be grouped into the following categories:

1. TOO INFORMAL

All formats of academic writing are formal. The content used here is very different from the content used for blogs and articles.

TABOO WORD	EXAMPLE	CORRECT USAGE
A bit	I might be a bit late for work.	I might be late/running late for work.
A couple of, a lot of	A couple of people are coming over tonight.	Few people are coming over tonight.
Isn’t, can’t, don’t, won’t	He won’t do it today.	He will not do it today.
America	My cousin has come from America.	My cousin has come from the United States of America.
Sort of, kind of	I am feeling sort of cold today.	I am feeling somewhat cold today.
Till	Wait here till it’s 9.	Wait here until it is 9.
You, your (in second person)	You can see the results.	One can see the results/The results can be seen.

2. TOO UNSOPHISTICATED

Your formal work should have words and terms that are uncommon to use daily. Your writing may come across as rudimentary or immature if you use simple and basic terms. To improve your writing and to leave a lasting impression on your professor, you may want to use terms that people do not use often. It gives the idea that you are thorough with your understanding of the assignment you are working on. However, it is important to use sophisticated words only where necessary. Elongated words do not necessarily improve the quality of your writing as long as they convey the meaning directly.

TABOO WORD	EXAMPLE	CORRECT USAGE
Bad	The weather was bad yesterday.	The weather was unpleasant yesterday.
Big	A matter of big concern.	A matter of major concern.
Get	He gets good feedback from his customers.	He receives good feedback from his customers.
Give	The ending gives the readers a clue about the sequel.	The ending offers the readers a clue about the sequel.
Good	That is one good example.	That is one useful example.
Show	This image shows that…	This image illustrates that…

3. THE BEGINNING OF AN INFORMAL SENTENCE

While some phrases may be acceptable contextually, using the same words at the beginning of a sentence might give an informal look. It is better to not use such words if there is any confusion.

TABOO WORD	EXAMPLE	CORRECT USAGE
Also	Also, the opposition party was in favor of the bill.	Moreover, the opposition party was in favor of the bill.
So	So, we can conclude that our statement was right.	Therefore, we can conclude that our statement was right.
Besides	Besides, every investor contributed a percent to the deal.	Additionally, every investor contributed a percent to the deal.
And	And she had no other option but to agree.	She had no other option but to agree.

4. TOO EXAGGERATED

Academic writing should stir clear of any exaggeration. Adverbs, intensifiers, and superlatives should be avoided in the content as they boast highly about something and might get misinterpreted. It is better to use such words cautiously and only if they add value to the context.

TABOO WORD	EXAMPLE	CORRECT USAGE
Always, never	Scientists always argue when it comes to the theory of evolution.	Scientists typically/commonly argue when it comes to the theory of evolution.
Perfect, best, worst, most, and other superlatives	The perfect solution to the problem.	The ideal solution to the problem.
Very, too, extremely, and other intensifiers	Bees are very important for the ecosystem.	Bees are needed for the ecosystem.

5. TOO VAGUE

Using words with no certain or definite meaning can mess up the reader’s interpretation. All academic writing should be as specific as possible.

TABOO WORD	EXAMPLE	CORRECT USAGE
Thing	The report has many things to say.	The report has many details to say.
Stuff	He is dealing with his stuff.	He is dealing with his problems.
A long time, while	It’s been a long time/while since we met.	It’s been years/months since we met.

6. TOO SUBJECTIVE

In academic assignments, it is okay to express your point of view. But there are a few words that are subjective and can be taken in different ways by the readers.

TABOO WORD	EXAMPLE	CORRECT USAGE
Naturally	The participants naturally wanted to know more.	The participants wanted to know more.
Wonderful, beautiful, good, bad, etc	She received good feedback.	She received positive feedback.
Obviously, definitely, of course, etc	The figures obviously speak for themselves.	The figures clearly speak for themselves.

7. GENERALLY UNNECESSARY OR INCORRECT

These taboo words do not just apply to academic writing but various formats also. Incorrect or unnecessary words should never be taken into consideration.

TABOO WORD	EXAMPLE	CORRECT USAGE
Has/Have got	This lesson has got three chapters.	This lesson has three chapters.
Helps to/serves to	This point helps to add more meaning to the text.	The point adds more meaning to the text.
Literally	I am literally starving.	I am starving.
Would of/had of	This study would of considered…	This study would have considered.

8. OTHER TABOO WORDS

Words that fall into the following categories should be avoided:

• Jargon – Technical words that readers may not immediately understand.
• Clichés – Overly used expressions like every cloud has a silver lining.
• Abbreviations – Words like info, photo, TV, fridge, etc.
• Slang – words like cool, dope, legit, etc.
• Gender-biased words – words like firemen, mankind, salesmen, maid, etc.

SYNOPSIS

Taboo words should not be used as they lower the effectiveness of the text. There are exceptions when it comes to argumentative essays, personal statements, or quoting sources. The preface and the acknowledgment sections of your academic assignments can be free from these rules. An online assignment help service will guide you in writing effective and error-free academic essays.

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