Words, Phrases and Other Stuff to Avoid

In order to (No) = To (Yes)

Superfluous quotation marks. Don't you find this "distracting" and "annoying"? Only use quotes when actually quoting someone, a piece of work, or if using an original, unusual word or phrase (such as a freshly coined term). (And, by the way, never use finger quotes when you talk to me.)

Utilize (No) = Use (Yes) (Utilize means "to turn to practical use or account.")

Due to the fact that (No) = Because (Yes)

Despite the fact that or In spite of the fact that (No) = Even though or Although (Yes)

In terms of (Never, unless you're actually defining terms).

Never use a colon where a nice M dash will do. (Example: Here's what I think--you should come with us.)

Don't use since when you mean because. There's a some controversy on this one. Some purists believe that since only refers to time (It has been nine months since my last checkup.) I tend to agree but often find the two words synonymous.

One of the only (No) = The only (It is either the only one or it isn't. The same goes for one of the first or one of the last ...)

Almost never = Rarely or usually not (Yes)

Comprised of (No) = Comprises (Yes)

Don't confuse over with more than. Again, purists like to say that over refers to spatial relationships (The roof was over our heads) and that more than refers to numbers (There were more than 300 people at the party). But obviously, you can use over with generalized or implied numbers (He was going over the speed limit).

Snarky is not a word. Neither is Fashionista.