Simple words and phrases that we use every day can stand in the way of moving up. In an interview with Crystal Barnett, a senior HR specialist, Fast Company looked at eight phrases that send the wrong signals. Here are a few.

Starting sentences with the word “honestly” signals that an attack is about to follow. If “honestly” precedes a critique of a team member, the listener might hear “I’m willing to promote myself by attacking others.”

Peppering your sentences with “just” can sound negative, even passive aggressive in some contexts.

Barnett says responding to the boss with “Yeah, but” can come off as combative. Instead she recommends language that says, “I’d like to offer another perspective.”

She also says the phrase “I think” diminishes credibility. Try a phrase like, “Based on my experience” – which works better in today’s world where “knowing” is valued.

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