Commonplace Quips

Worksheet Description

The “Commonplace Quips” worksheet introduces students to the concept of bromides, which are trite statements that are intended to be comforting or meaningful but have become clichéd and overused. It explains that a bromide is a type of truism that may sound profound or insightful but is often so obvious that it does not need to be stated. The worksheet provides examples of bromides and asks students to think of additional ones, potentially from their own experiences. This exercise invites students to engage with commonplace sayings and consider their impact on communication.

This worksheet is designed to teach students about the nuances of language, specifically how certain phrases can become worn out through overuse. It encourages them to identify bromides and understand their role in everyday language as comfort phrases that have lost their significance. By coming up with their own examples, students practice recognizing and critically evaluating the originality and authenticity of common expressions. This task also prepares them to share their findings with the class, promoting discussion and deeper understanding of how language evolves and the societal norms that influence these changes.