We all want to sound smart, don’t we? But sometimes, the words we use can unintentionally make us sound less intelligent than we are.

Words, my friends, are powerful. They can build bridges or burn them. They can make us appear more knowledgeable or, well, quite the opposite.

So, what if I told you that there are certain words that you should probably drop from your vocabulary if you want to sound more intelligent?

In this article, I’ll be sharing with you “7 words you should probably stop using if you want to sound intelligent”. Each word, believe it or not, could be holding you back.

So buckle up and get ready to polish your vocabulary. Because it’s time to leave those not-so-smart sounding words in the dust.

1) Basically

How many times have you started a sentence with “Basically”? You might think it’s a handy way to simplify complex ideas, but here’s the thing – it can often make you sound less credible.

“Basically” is one of those words that we throw around without much thought. It’s become a crutch word, something we rely on to fill gaps in our sentences. And while it might seem harmless, it can actually undermine your intelligence.

When you use “Basically”, you’re suggesting that the explanation you’re about to give is a dumbed-down version of the actual concept. It implies that either you don’t fully understand what you’re talking about or you underestimate the intelligence of your listener.

So, next time you want to sound intelligent, try to ditch “basically”. There’s usually a more specific, more intelligent word or phrase that could fit in its place. And trust me, your conversations will be better off for it.

2) Like

Ah, “like”. It’s a word I had a serious love affair with during my teenage years. Seriously, every other word in my sentences was “like”.

But as I grew older, and hopefully wiser, I realized how this little word was sabotaging my attempts to sound intelligent.

“Like” is a filler word that we often use when we’re trying to think of what to say next. It’s the equivalent of “um” or “uh”, and it can quickly become a bad habit if not checked.

Here’s an example. Instead of saying, “I was like so upset when he forgot my birthday”, I learned to say, “I was really upset when he forgot my birthday”. It’s a small change, but it makes a world of difference in how others perceive your intelligence and communication skills.

So, be mindful of your use of “like”. It’s a sneaky little word that can chip away at your credibility without you even noticing.

3) Irregardless

Here’s a word that has sparked many debates among language purists – “irregardless”.

Believe it or not, “irregardless” is considered a non-standard word in English. It’s actually a blend of two words: “irrespective” and “regardless”. Both mean the same thing, so blending them together is redundant.

What’s more, when you use “irregardless”, it can leave the impression that you’re trying to sound intelligent by using big words, but you’re actually misusing them.

Instead of “irregardless”, stick to using “regardless” or “irrespective”. They’ll serve you just as well, and you’ll avoid raising any grammar-enthusiast’s eyebrows.

4) Literally

“Literally” is literally one of the most overused words in the English language. The problem? Most of us use it incorrectly.

Originally, “literally” meant “in a literal or strict sense, exactly”. But nowadays, it’s often used to emphasize a point, even when what we’re saying isn’t literally true.

Consider this: “I was so embarrassed, I literally died.” Now, unless you’re a ghost typing this, you didn’t actually die. What you mean is you felt extremely embarrassed.

Misusing “literally” not only dilutes its actual meaning, but it can also make you sound less intelligent because it shows a lack of understanding of the word’s true definition. So, try to reserve “literally” for when you mean something exactly as it is.

5) Actually

“Actually” is a word that I’ve often found myself using when I’m correcting someone or asserting my knowledge on a subject. And I’ve realized over time how it can come across as condescending or know-it-all.

For instance, saying “Actually, it’s not pronounced that way” or “Actually, you’re wrong about that” immediately sets up a defensive tone in the conversation. It implies that the other person is fundamentally wrong, which can make them feel belittled.

I’ve learned that it’s better to use more collaborative language. Instead of “Actually, you’re wrong”, try “I think it might be this way instead”. It feels less confrontational and more respectful.

So, be cautious with “actually”. It might seem like a harmless word, but it can subtly affect the dynamics of your conversations.

6) Just

“Just” is a sneaky little word. It seems so innocent, but it can subtly undermine your confidence and authority.

When you say “I’m just checking in” or “I just think that…”, it can sound like you’re apologizing for your thoughts or actions. It reduces the impact of what you’re saying and can make you seem less assertive or confident.

Instead, try dropping the “just” and state what you’re saying directly. “I’m checking in” or “I think that…” sounds much more confident and assertive.

Remember, your thoughts and opinions are valid and important. Don’t diminish them by using the word “just”.

7) Very

“Very” is a very overused word. It’s an intensifier that we often throw in to try and make our points stronger. But here’s the thing – it usually has the opposite effect.

When you say something is “very good” or “very bad”, it doesn’t add much to your description. It’s vague and lacks imagination. More importantly, it doesn’t give your listener or reader any additional information about why something is good or bad.

Instead, try using more descriptive and specific adjectives. Instead of “very good”, say “excellent” or “outstanding”. Instead of “very bad”, say “terrible” or “dreadful”.

It not only makes your language more interesting and engaging, but it also shows that you have a rich vocabulary and a strong grasp of the English language.

Language: A reflection of the mind

The words we choose to use are more than just mere expressions. They are a mirror reflecting our thoughts, our education, and our level of self-awareness.

When we consciously decide to eliminate certain words from our vocabulary, we’re not just striving to sound intelligent. We’re making an attempt to understand and refine the way we think and communicate.

Each word we utter carries a weight, a history, and a potential impact. By choosing our words wisely, we’re choosing to be more precise, more thoughtful, and more credible.

So next time you speak or write, remember the power your words hold. Remember that you can make a difference, one word at a time.

It’s not just about sounding intelligent. It’s about being intelligent and making every word count. Because in the end, the way we use language is a testament to who we are and who we aspire to be.