Writers are often advised not to use clichés; many people see them as an enemy to effective writing. Even when I go to publish my posts here, I am warned not to use them – and yet, I have to admit a fondness for a good cliché.
The issue with any overused phrase is that, at its core, it’s a useful concept. That’s why they get overused – they fulfil a writing or speaking need. To say to a writer that they should never use these phrases is like telling a chef that they cannot use a certain ingredient. Yes, you can find much more specific ways around the issue, and you may hit on an exciting alternative. But, you’ll potentially be missing something too.
To someone like me, who wants to write accessible fiction in plain English, clichés are an easily understood shorthand. However, the trick to using them is to choose wisely and – keeping with our cooking theme – treat them as a seasoning, rather than the main ingredient.
I should say before I get going that this is not what I think about poetry – where unexpected and unusual similes and metaphors are essential for rhythm and structure.
So how do you minimise the risk of cliché overload?
Well for me the first thing is to accept I overuse them. In normal conversation, people who know me well will hear ‘at the end of the day’ or ‘for what it’s worth’ and many other phrases over and over again (sorry, all :-)); and because I use them in speech, I will use them in writing. They normally appear in sections of dialogue or in the thoughts of a character.
The next step is to make a decision where they work, and I can only do this by reading my writing and seeing how they affect it (positively or negatively). I sometimes keep them in sections of light-hearted dialogue between close family members; I wouldn’t want them in a dramatic scene but when people are more jokey and casual, their speech will be as well. Using well-known phrases reflects that.
Another time I may keep them is to emphasise the foolishness of a character – if they only speak in hackneyed phrases and spout ‘buzzwords’ it is so the reader can see their lack of originality and understanding.
Nearly every other usage gets cut out – but if one makes it through my revision and editing process, and past the eyes of the proofreader, it can stay: it’s earned its place in the writing!
I said last week that I bought a book on clichés and this is proving valuable at identifying what ones I use in my writing, and helping me think about what I could say instead. If, like me, you know you have to amend your writing language on occasion, it’s worth either investing in a book or investing some time in searching out alternative words and phrases.
Yes, clichés are something to be aware of as you write you stories down; but they are no less valuable to a writer than any other tool at their disposal – it’s all about how you use them.
Happy writing,
EJ
🙂
Becoming a writer 
So true about how you use them. In one of my books i have a character that talks in clichés, but I had to be careful now to overload the reader (and that wasn’t easy!) 😀
They can be very useful and fun – that’s why I ignore all those writing guides that tell you never to use them!
Look at us, all rebellious 😉
LOL! I’ve never like the ‘rules’ of writing! 😉
We follow our own rules…!
😉
What a great post! I’ve used cliche’s in my writing here and there but only when I thought they were necessary. But modifying a cliche can be fun too. Instead of the usual saying, you change a few words around and make it unique.
Thank you 🙂
I really like that way of thinking; taking something and making it yours is always good fun as a writer, especially if you can reverse the meaning of the cliche or saying by doing it!