You’ve all heard that filler words such as “um” and “like” need to be avoided when speaking, but did you know that there are a large number of words that will add clutter to your writing as well?
I’m going to tell you how to tighten up your prose in one of the easiest ways possible: delete most, if not all, of your filler words. I’ll identify the most common words, show you how to find out which ones are your own usual suspects, and tell you the few times when they are acceptable.
First off, what is a filler word?
It is any meaningless word or phrase that causes a hesitation in dialogue or narrative. You may notice that most of them are adverbs. There’s a reason why the “no adverbs rule” is mentioned so often by writing coaches, style guides, and editors.
A list of the 20 most common fillers:
- Like – This word is unnecessary as both a hesitation and a simile.
- So – My personal bad habit is to begin sentences with, “So,…”
- Clearly – Who is it so clear to?
- Therefore – Can you make your point, please?
- Already – This one is hard. Sometimes, it seems to give important information, but when removed, the sentence’s meaning does not change: “When I arrived, she was already there.”
- Just – This one shows up often. Most of the time, it just isn’t needed.
- Very, Quite – Usually show up without a comparison. “I’m very/quite angry with you.” Is there a possibility that you can be slightly angry?
- Really – Nope, fakely.
- Actually – I actually use this word a lot too. Ever notice that when people start a sentence with, “Actually,…” you roll your eyes and discount every word that comes after it?
- In Order – People think this phrase makes their work sound professional. But in order to sound professional, you have to know what you are talking about. That last sentence makes just as much sense when “in order” is deleted.
- You Know – If you think I know, why are you telling me again?
- That – “That” is one of those words that shows up so often in a narrative that it becomes annoyingly repetitive.
- Even – This one is very popular lately, but I can’t [even] fathom why people use this word outside of measuring objects.
- Basically – Just put it in basic terms the first time.
- A lot – A lot to whom?
- Well – Another unnecessary sentence starter.
- Okay – This is one of those words that can either be deleted from the beginning of a sentence or replaced with a better word, okay?
- Right – Unless you are giving directions, don’t use this word.
- Seriously – What? Don’t you think I can tell when you’re not joking?
- Little, A bit – See Very/Quite
Search and Destroy
To determine which filler words you use, complete a search in your word processor. Microsoft Word will allow you to search each of the words on the list above so that you can eliminate them where they are not needed. Read through the sentence. If it still makes sense without the word, delete it. Writing software such as Scrivener and WriteWay have a great feature that identifies your most commonly used words and gives you the number of times you use each word. Character names, important locations, and words like “the” and “and” should be at the top of this list. If a filler word is higher than any of these, you need an intervention and a long detox in the word reformatory.
Are these words ever appropriate to use?
Of course there are times! One such time is in dialogue. If it is in your character’s personality to use a particular filler word or phrase, use it. Is your character indecisive? Have him or her insert “um” or “well” to show this. This is one way to combat showing versus telling.
Telling: “Sure. I’ll do it,” she said indecisively.
Showing: “Um…Well, okay. I guess I’ll do it,” she said.
Using the same logic, they can sometimes be used in first-person POV. First, however, you need to determine who your character is narrating to (this determination does not happen nearly enough and I’ll cover it more in next week’s Notes). Are they speaking (figuratively) to their future children? A friend? A jury? The answer to that along with the POV character’s personality will let you know which filler words are appropriate and how often to use them in a narrative.
Still not convinced you should cut them out?
Remember this: Any good editor will delete them when they don’t make a point. You search your 80,000-word manuscript and find 5000 instances of various filler words. Your editor is charging you 1.2 cents per word. Are unnecessary words worth sixty bucks to you?
Looking for an affordable editor for your next book? I’m available and accepting samples for a free evaluation. Fill out the contact form here.
