Cliché is a term you’ll often hear when talking about creative work, including writing and art.
But what is a cliché, exactly? And how can you avoid using them in your writing?
We’re here to help.
In this post, you’ll learn what clichés are and why you should steer clear of them.
We’ll also provide examples of common clichés, and share tips for avoiding or subverting them in your writing.
What Is a Cliché?
A cliché is a phrase, idea, or element that has been overused to the point where it becomes predictable and loses its originality.
Some of the most common clichés are fixed expressions like “the grass is always greener on the other side” and “plenty of fish in the sea.”
But clichés can also be characters, plot twists, or themes. For example, the “chosen one” character is a popular trope in fantasy stories, and it’s considered to be cliché because it’s been used so much.
So, why do you need to avoid clichés in your writing? Let’s find out.
What’s So Bad About Clichés?
Clichés aren’t necessarily bad—they’re just a bit tired.
When a phrase or idea becomes cliché, it’s a sign that it’s been used so often that it’s lost its impact. Readers will recognize it immediately, and it won’t have the same effect as something fresh and original.
Clichés can also make your writing feel lazy or uninspired. It’s much easier to rely on a cliché than to come up with your own unique way of expressing an idea or describing a situation.
Another reason to avoid clichés is that they can make your writing feel generic. If your story is full of clichés, it’s going to feel like it’s been done before, and readers might lose interest.
For example, if your fantasy story features a “chosen one” character who has to defeat a “dark lord” to save the world, readers might feel like they’ve read that story a thousand times before.
That said, there are times when clichés can be useful. For example, if you’re writing parody or satire, you may want to use clichés to make fun of them or to subvert readers’ expectations.
But for the most part, it’s a good idea to avoid clichés in your writing.
Examples of Common Clichés
There are countless clichés out there, but here are some of the most common ones you’ll come across:
Cliché Phrases
These are expressions that have been used so often that they’ve lost their originality. Some examples include:
- The grass is always greener on the other side
- It’s not rocket science
- Don’t cry over spilled milk
- The early bird catches the worm
- There’s no place like home
- You can’t please everyone
- Every cloud has a silver lining
- All that glitters is not gold
- It’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all
- Time heals all wounds
- What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
Cliché Character Types
These are character archetypes that have been used so often that they’ve become predictable. Some examples include:
- The awkward nerd
- The bad boy
- The chosen one
- The damsel in distress
- The evil stepmother
- The femme fatale
- The mad scientist
- The rebel without a cause
- The stern father
- The wise old man
Cliché Plot Twists
These are plot developments that have been used so often that they’ve become expected. Some examples include:
- The main character was dead the whole time
- The villain is actually the hero’s father
- The character with amnesia regains their memory at a crucial moment
- It was all a dream
- The main character is revealed to have special powers or abilities
- The hero saves the day at the last minute
- The villain is defeated by their own hubris
- The love interest turns out to be the hero’s long-lost sibling
- The hero sacrifices themselves to save others
- The villain had a tragic backstory all along
Cliché Themes
These are themes or messages that have been used so often that they’ve become trite. Some examples include:
- The power of love conquers all
- Good will always triumph over evil
- The importance of family
- The value of hard work
- The dangers of technology
- The loss of innocence
- The corrupting influence of power
- The importance of forgiveness
How to Avoid Clichés
Avoiding clichés can be tricky, especially if you’re not aware of them. But with a little practice, you can learn to spot and avoid them in your writing. Here are some tips:
1. Be Specific
One of the most common reasons writers use clichés is because they’re trying to generalize or summarize a complex idea or emotion. But when you do this, you lose the specificity that makes your writing interesting and relatable.
For example, instead of saying “ John was as strong as an ox,” you could say “ John’s muscles rippled under his shirt as he lifted the heavy box without breaking a sweat.” This gives the reader a much clearer picture of John’s strength and makes your writing more vivid and engaging.
2. Show, Don’t Tell
Clichés are often used as a shortcut to convey an idea or emotion, but this can make your writing feel lazy and unoriginal. Instead of telling the reader what a character is feeling or thinking, show them through their actions, dialogue, and body language.
For example, instead of saying “ Jane was head over heels for him,” you could show Jane blushing when he talks to her, or trying to find excuses to spend more time with him. This lets the reader see Jane’s feelings for themselves and makes your writing more dynamic and engaging.
3. Use Your Own Experiences
Another way to avoid clichés is to draw from your own experiences and observations. This will give your writing a unique perspective and make it more relatable to readers.
For example, if you’re writing about a character who is dealing with loss, think about how you felt when you lost something or someone important to you. This will help you create a more authentic portrayal of the character’s emotions and make your writing feel more genuine.
4. Subvert Expectations
If you do find yourself using a cliché, see if there’s a way to subvert or twist it to make it feel fresh and unexpected.
For example, if you’re writing a story with a “ chosen one” character, you could subvert the trope by revealing that the prophecy was actually a mistake, and the real hero is someone completely unexpected.
This will catch readers off guard and make your story more interesting and original.
5. Read Widely
One of the best ways to avoid clichés is to read widely and pay attention to the language and techniques other writers use. This will help you develop your own unique voice and give you a better understanding of what works (and what doesn’t) in writing.
Try to read a variety of genres and styles, and pay attention to how other writers avoid or subvert clichés. This will help you develop a more nuanced understanding of language and give you more tools to use in your own writing.
What to Do If You Use a Cliché
If you find yourself using a cliché in your writing, don’t panic! It’s a common mistake, and it’s easy to fix. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Identify the Cliché
The first step is to identify the cliché and understand why it’s a problem. Is it a tired expression that’s lost its impact? Is it a character type that’s been done to death? Or is it a plot twist that’s become predictable?
Once you understand why the cliché is problematic, it will be easier to come up with a solution.
2. Consider Your Options
There are a few different ways you can deal with a cliché:
- Replace it with something more original: If it’s a cliché phrase, see if you can come up with a more unique way of expressing the idea. If it’s a cliché character, think about how you can make them more complex and interesting. If it’s a cliché plot twist, see if you can come up with a more unexpected development.
- Subvert or twist the cliché: As we mentioned earlier, sometimes you can make a cliché feel fresh by subverting or twisting it. This can be a fun way to surprise readers and make your writing more original.
- Use the cliché intentionally: There are times when clichés can be useful, such as when you’re writing parody or satire. If you’re using a cliché intentionally and for a specific purpose, it’s not necessarily a problem. Just make sure you’re aware of what you’re doing and why.
3. Revise and Rewrite
Once you’ve come up with a solution, revise and rewrite your work to remove or fix the cliché. This might involve changing a few words or sentences, or it might require a more significant rewrite. Be willing to put in the time and effort to make your writing as original and engaging as possible.
4. Get Feedback
Sometimes, it can be difficult to spot clichés in your own writing. That’s why it’s a good idea to get feedback from others, such as beta readers, critique partners, or writing groups. They can help you identify clichés you might have missed and offer suggestions for how to fix them.
Conclusion
Clichés are a common pitfall for writers, but with a little practice, you can learn to avoid them and make your writing more original and engaging.
Remember to be specific, show rather than tell, draw from your own experiences, and subvert readers’ expectations.
With these tips, you’ll be able to avoid clichés and make your writing stand out from the crowd.