I’ve just read Lifehacker’s post about the top 30 most irritating phrases or expressions, which compiles Oxford University’s top 10 most irritating phrases, and BBC Magazine’s 20 most hated cliches.  The latter is a result of a data analysis tool, while the latter is the result of an online survey.

I was more amused with BBC Magazine’s list because I have dealt with these cliches not only in my day to day communication with friends and family, more so in my dealings with clients who are from different parts of the world.

Here’s my own list of “most irritating expressions”:

1.  From here on out – I find this to be disjointed, even as a phrase.  Why make things difficult when you can simply say, “From now on…”

2.  On the same page – I am irritated with this simply because I’ve read and heard this over and over again.  “I am saying this because I wanted to be sure we’re on the same page”…”Let’s clarify things so that we’re on the same page”…blah blah blah

3.  My best - I read this (okay, I sometime use this ) as a salutation in some emails.  Until now, I do not know what this means in business communication.  I just use it because others use it, and because “Best regards” is over-used.

4.  Basically – I admit I am one of those who abuse this word.  Oftentimes, I do not even know why I always use it at the start of every sentence.

5.  Actually - This is the twin sister of “Basically”.

I’ll add to my list when I come up with others.

Do you have your own list “most hated expressions”?  Share it with us.