In the table above, Marlowe has identified phrases in your novel that could be considered clichés or hackneyed phrases. Your goal shouldn’t be to avoid them altogether — readers are comfortable with a familiar turn of phrase every now and then — but rather to limit their use so that your your writing is original and engaging.

A cliché is a phrase or expression that has become so commonplace through overuse that it no longer wields any impact. Using too many cliches can undermine the quality and originality of a story.

A hackneyed phrase describes a term or expression that has become overused to the point of being trite and lacking originality. While a hackneyed phrase is often a cliché, the term emphasizes the repetitiveness that renders it dull and lifeless. 

• Revisit passages containing clichés to consider whether you can come up with a fresher turn of phrase. Be sure to be specific in your descriptions rather than applying a broad, generalized cliché. For example, if you wrote that one of your characters “knocked it out of the park,” rewrite to explain what they accomplished specifically that was so successful. Similarly, if you have described someone as looking “tough as nails,” replace that with details of their physical expression that lets readers form this judgment for themselves.
• Use the SELECT COMPS button to see how your novel compares to bestsellers in their use of clichés.

Don’t take our list and think you have to zap out every cliché or hackneyed phrase. Marlowe is merely tapping you on the shoulder to point out your usage patterns. Do you have a certain go-to cliché in certain situations? Using the same term a dozen times is probably too many. 

Also, remember that clichés can refer not just to phrases but also to story ideas, plot devices, or characters. The essence of a cliché is that it has lost its effectiveness and can make the storytelling feel predictable and uninspired. Ask your beta readers or editor for feedback on whether certain plot twists or character flaws are too predictable or overused.  

Every novel contains at least a few clichés, but using too many can significantly undermine the quality and originality of your story. Here are the main downsides:

• Lack of originality: Clichés dilute a story’s distinctiveness, making it harder for readers to engage with overly familiar ideas that can render the narrative predictable and uninspired.

• Perceived laziness: Relying on clichés can signal to readers that the author is not putting in the effort to create fresh content, leading to a perception of lazy writing. This can diminish the overall impact of the work.

• Emotional disconnect: Clichés often fail to evoke strong emotions or vivid imagery, as they are generalized phrases that lack specificity. Characters who embody clichés often lack depth and complexity, relying on stereotypes rather than unique traits or motivations. This can make them less relatable and engaging for readers.

• Cultural insensitivity: Some clichés may be outdated or offensive, reflecting societal norms that have shifted over time. Using such phrases can alienate readers or perpetuate stereotypes.