44 LinkedIn Clichés to Avoid in 2026 … to sound original

By Azuka Onwuka

Not too long ago, corporate communication was littered with hackneyed expressions like “Think outside the box”, “It’s a win-win situation”, “Grab the low-hanging fruit”, “Take it to the next level”, “Image is everything”, etc.

Today, AI-sounding expressions and overused expressions have flooded LinkedIn, making posts predictable and similar.

If you want to sound like yourself (authentic and unique) in 2026, here are the 44 major clichés you must avoid:

i. The “I’m profound” clichés

1. Here’s the truth…

2. Let that sink in.

3. Let’s unpack this.

4. Here’s the thing…

5. If you know, you know.

6. I don’t usually post things like this but…

7. I’m about to say something controversial…

8. This might shock you but…

9. It’s not what you think.

10. Read that again.

11. Buckle up.

12. Here’s the harsh reality.

13. People buy from people.

14. No free lunch (even in Freetown).

15. It is what it is.

ii. The “corporate inspiration” clichés

16. Leadership is not a title.

17. Your network is your net-worth.

18. Culture eats strategy for breakfast.

19. People don’t leave companies; they leave managers.

20. Done is better than perfect.

21. We rise by lifting others.

22. Be the best version of yourself.

23. Step out of your comfort zone.

24. This moment taught me that …

25. Work smarter, not harder.

26. Unleash your potential.

iii. The “I just discovered a deep life lesson” clichés

27. I learned this the hard way.

28. What no one tells you about success is…

29. Nobody is coming to save you.

30. Stay humble. Stay hungry.

31. Consistency is the real flex.

32. Trust the process.

33. Your habits determine your future.

34. The game has changed.

iv. The “humble brag” structures

35. I’m happy to announce…

36. I’m humbled and excited…

37. Never thought I’d be sharing this…

38. Quick update:

39. So this happened today…

40. Full circle moment.

v. The “hot take” intros

41. Unpopular opinion:

42. No one is talking about this enough.

43. This might upset some people…

44. Not sure who needs to hear this, but…

Do you remember any overused expression that is missing in this list? Please add it.

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If you want a communication partner to work with you, at Re-wRight Consult, we work with organizations to turn “we need better communication” into measurable results. Reach out for more information.

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