Some students in my classes have asked for a list of words I hate. Here are the ones that are always at the top:
Currently
If there is a verb in the sentence, then you don’t need that adverb. It is redundant.
Incorrect: Beth is currently a writing professor. “Is” means it is happening right now. “Currently” is overkill.
Correct: I can’t think of an occasion where you would need it.
Hopefully
This is one of the most misused words in the English language. People use it to mean “I hope.” If that is what you mean, then use, “I hope,” for Pete’s sake! It is an adverb, which means it needs to modify a verb.
Incorrect: Hopefully, the envelope contains a bonus check. How is the envelope behaving in a hopeful manner?
Correct: She looked hopefully at the envelope, convinced that it contained a bonus check.
Utilize
I’ve mentioned it before, but it bears repeating: There is nothing wrong with the word “use.”
Incorrect: Utilize your knowledge of grammar to start a blog.
Correct: Use your knowledge of grammar to start a blog. See? “Use” is a perfectly good word.

Nauseous
People use this word to mean “I am sick to my stomach.” But what they should say is “nauseated” because that is what they are. If they are nauseous, then they cause nausea in others.
Incorrect: “I’m nauseous now,” said Eddie after riding The Flying Critter at the fair.
Correct: “The Flying Critter made me nauseated,” he said.
Partner
This is a noun, not a verb. Stop trying to “partner” with people, and just team up, join them or just combine completely in the sentence.
Incorrect: The SCAD writing department is partnering with the graduate studies department to present a lecture by Rebecca Skloot.
Correct: The writing and graduate studies departments are sponsoring the lecture.
There’s more, but this list has made me nauseated, and I need to lie down.
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