Streamline Your Writing by Eliminating These 18 Words
Consider removing the following 18 words from your writing to improve overall readability:
Very and Really
Delete the adverb “very” as it’s a weak modifier.
Delete the word “really” for the same reason.
“Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined
to write ‘very;’ your editor will delete it and
the writing will be just as it should be.”
―Mark Twain
Eliminate filler words from your writing including:
Just and So
Generally, use adjectives and adverbs sparingly, and specifically, retire the following weak adverbs from your writing:
Absolutely
Actually
Basically
Completely
Definitely
Honestly
Literally
Totally
That
If a sentence makes sense without the word “that,” delete it.
Example:
I’m sure that everyone will miss her while she’s on vacation.
I’m sure everyone will miss her while she’s on vacation.
Both sentences are correct, but the second one is more concise, resulting in improved readability.
Always and Never
Generally, avoid absolutes such as “always” and “never”.
Went
Replace the generic verb “went” with a specific one such as “walked,” “ran,” “rode,” “drove,” etc.
Get/ Got
If the sentence will still make sense, replace the words “get” and “got” with any one of the following words:
achieve(-d), acquire(-d), attain(-ed)/ obtain(-ed), earn(-ed), gather(-ed), procure(-d), receive(-d), recapture(-d)/ regain(-ed)
Finally, strike redundant words as in the following examples:
Rather than armed gunman,
write gunman.
Instead of actual facts,
simply write facts.
The reason why should
simply be the reason.
Instead of add up,
simply write add.
Commute back and forth
should simply be commute.