Academic Writing: What Words/Phrases Really Annoy You?
Taking a break from working on an essay, I have an idle question for all of you:

Are there any words or turns of phrase that you refuse to use in your academic writing? Or for that matter, words or turns of phrase that really upset you when you see them used in academic writing?

Apart from the usual cliches and passive voice usage, I had it drilled into my head early on as an undergraduate that 'however' was an absolutely unacceptable way to start a sentence -- primarily because it's a cheap way of making a transition in your thoughts. I've rewritten entire paragraphs in order to avoid using that word, and I've never regretted it.

But more specifically, as a historian I really can't stand the word 'inevitable'. If you learn anything in history, it's that NOTHING is truly inevitable, except that people will die eventually (and even then they don't always die when you want/expect them to). I personally prefer to use 'unavoidable' or 'inescapable', rather than 'inevitable'. Perhaps it's just a matter of semantics with me. *shrugs*

So what of it? Do you have a particular bete noir in academic writing?

(crossposted to academics_uk)