Free tool · 11 languages
Cliché radar for motivation letters
Paste your letter and the radar marks the phrases committees read in letter after letter — “ever since I was young”, “prestigious university”, “the logical next step” — and explains what to write instead. 319 phrases in 11 languages, checked right in your browser.
Paste your letter here
In any of 11 languages. Stock phrases are marked as you type.
0 words
Runs in your browser — your text isn’t sent anywhere or saved.
Common clichés by language
The phrases the radar looks for, grouped by type. Writing in another language? Its list follows the same patterns.
Formula opening
2- I am writing to apply for…
- I hereby apply…
Instead
Open with a fact about you: the project, result or question that brought you to this programme.
“Since childhood”
4- ever since I was young
- from a young age
- since my childhood
- for as long as I can remember
Instead
Start from a recent moment the reader can picture: a course, project or job where the interest became real — with the year and a detail.
Passion claim
3- I have always been passionate about
- my passion for
- I have always been fascinated by
Instead
Show it: what you did on your own time, what you built or read, and what came of it.
Dream
3- it has always been my dream
- I have always dreamed of
- my dream university
Instead
Give the concrete reason this programme fits your plan: a module, a lab, a research topic, a skill you are missing.
Praise for the university
4- prestigious university
- world-renowned / world-class
- one of the best universities
- excellent reputation
Instead
Name what you actually checked — a course, a research group, the project format — and why it matters to you.
“Ideal environment”
2- the ideal environment
- a perfect fit
Instead
Say which part of the programme matches what you need, in one concrete sentence.
“Logical next step”
1- the logical next step
Instead
Spell out the link: what you can already do, what you can’t yet, and how this programme closes the gap.
Horizons and growth
4- broaden my horizons
- step out of my comfort zone
- personal and professional growth
- grow personally and professionally
Instead
Name the specific skill or knowledge you will gain and what you will do with it afterwards.
Polite filler
2- a unique opportunity
- I would be honoured
Instead
Cut it, or replace it with what you will bring: experience, a perspective, a project idea.
Self-praise
6- hard-working
- highly motivated
- team player
- quick learner
- strong analytical skills
- think outside the box
Instead
Swap each adjective for a short example: the situation, what you did, the result.
“Change the world”
3- make a difference
- make the world a better place
- give back to society
Instead
Name the concrete problem, field or kind of organisation you want to work on.
Assurance
2- I am convinced that this programme…
- I am the perfect candidate
Instead
Let the facts make the case, and end with a concrete plan instead of a promise.
Questions
Is one stock phrase a problem?
One phrase won’t sink a letter. The trouble is a letter built from them: each one takes the place of a fact only you could write. Treat every mark as a question — can I say this more concretely?
How does the radar work?
It compares your text with a list of common phrases in 11 languages, right in your browser — nothing is sent or saved. It doesn’t understand meaning, so it can miss a reworded cliché or mark a phrase you use on purpose.
Which languages does it check?
English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian and Finnish — all at once, so a letter mixing languages works too.
What else should I check?
How specific you are, how well you fit the programme, and the conventions of the country you apply to. Our free letter checker reviews these paragraph by paragraph.
Does Pennaway write letters with these phrases?
The generator is instructed to avoid stock phrases and builds the letter from your own facts: projects, results, courses and goals.