Cliches
Formal Phrase
All in all
After considering all points!
Having considered all points
Always
Frequently / Often / Usually!
Generally / In most cases
And (at the start of a sentence)
Also / Additionally / In addition / Moreover
Because (at the start of a sentence)
This is because
Besides
The most important point is that!
The over-riding point is that
(A) bit (disappointing)
Somewhat / rather / slightly (disappointing)
But (at the start of a sentence)
However
Crystal clear
Quite clear / Very clear
(X is a ) double –edged sword!
Every coin has two sides!
(there are ) pros and cons
There are advantages & disadvantages!
X may be either positive or negative!
There are both benefits and shortcomings
Everybody knows!
We all know
Most people believe!
A (large) majority of people believe!
According to Jones [1]\nSome experts (Jones,
2014) believe
Everywhere
In many places / Commonly / Generally
Financial tsunami / financial meltdown
A very serious financial crisis
First and foremost
The first and most important point / reason is
(A) golden opportunity
A unique opportunity/ A particularly good
opportunity
HKPU!
ICAC
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University!
The Independent Commission Against Corruption
(A) hot topic
A controversial issue [negative meaning]!
A much debated / discussed matter [neutral
meaning]
Last but not least
The final but still very important point is that
(It is a) must
It is essential / necessary / vital / crucial
Never
Rarely / seldom / infrequently
(In a) nutshell
In brief / To conclude / In conclusion
Obviously
Apparently / Seemingly/ It appears that / It seems
that
On the other hand
(Don’t use this phrase! You don’t have just 1
hand!)
Or (at the start of a sentence)
Alternatively / Otherwise
So (at the start of a sentence)
Therefore / Thus