How to Avoid a Platitude
Because platitudes reveal a lack of original thought, they are best if avoided or replaced with more original phrases.
In order to avoid using platitudes,
- Identify platitudes.
- Replace platitudes with more insightful and creative phrases.
Here are a few examples of platitudes and potential replacements:
Platitudinous Sentence:
Love means never having to say you’re sorry.
Although the idea that you can be guiltless and always yourself when in love is nice, it is often untrue, as love is more complicated than that.
Insightful Sentence:
Part of love is knowing how to accept when you have done something wrong and to take responsibility for that. Part of love is asking for forgiveness and giving forgiveness in return.
Whereas platitudes simplify, more sagacious sentences should aim to explain and clarify a complex idea rather than water it down.
Platitudinous Sentence:
Time heals all wounds.
Although this phrase may be true, its simplicity can be offensive to those dealing with serious traumas and sadness. When talking genuinely, a more insightful alternative would be better.
Insightful Sentence:
I hope you’ll feel better in time, but I know you’re going through a difficult period. I’m here for you if you need someone to talk to about it.
Platitudes are easy to deliver but hard to swallow for those who are dealing with complex situations and difficulties. More nuanced alternatives treat these subjects with care and respect.
When to Use Platitudes
Although we are encouraged to avoid platitudes, sometimes they are deemed appropriate. Sometimes a statement, while trite, can be soothing. It is true that “Tomorrow is another day” and on a bad day, this may be all we need to hear to feel more optimistic. It is also true that “People regret the things they didn’t do.” Although we all know this is what regret means, sometimes it is useful to be reminded of the simple and undeniable truth. Platitudes are common in everyday speech, though they should be avoided in academic and professional settings where specificity and honesty are prized more than sentimentality and shallowness.