Writing is a powerful tool for expressing ideas, sharing knowledge, and connecting with others. However, even the best writers can fall into the trap of using words that make their writing less effective. These unnecessary words can clutter your sentences, confuse your readers, or weaken your message. In this post, we’ll explore 45 words you should consider removing from your writing. By eliminating these words, you’ll create clearer, more concise, and more impactful content.
Effective writing isn’t just about what you include—it’s also about what you leave out. Let’s dive into the list and learn how to refine your writing for maximum impact.
1-5: Unnecessary Fillers
Filler words are those that add no real value to your writing. They take up space without contributing meaning. Here are five common fillers you should avoid:
- Actually – This word often feels redundant. For example, “He actually did it” could simply be “He did it.” The word “actually” doesn’t add anything new.
- Basically – If something is basic, just say it plainly. Instead of “Basically, the process is simple,” try “The process is simple.”
- Clearly – Be careful with this one. What seems clear to you might not be clear to your reader. Instead of saying “Clearly, the solution is obvious,” explain why it’s obvious.
- Literally – Use this word only when describing something that is exactly true. Otherwise, it weakens your statement. For instance, “I literally died laughing” is an exaggeration unless you really passed out.
- Simply – Things aren’t always simple. Using “simply” can come across as dismissive or unrealistic. Instead of “Simply follow these steps,” try “Follow these steps carefully.”
6-10: Weak Adverbs
Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. While some adverbs are useful, many are weak and overused. Here are five adverbs to avoid:
- Very – This word is lazy. Instead of saying “very happy,” find a stronger word like “ecstatic” or “delighted.” Stronger words pack more punch than vague qualifiers.
- Really – Similar to “very,” this word waters down your writing. Replace “really tired” with “exhausted” or “drained.”
- Extremely – Like “very” and “really,” this word lacks precision. Instead of “extremely cold,” say “freezing” or “bitterly cold.”
- Totally – This word is rarely necessary. For example, “totally unacceptable” can simply be “unacceptable.”
- Absolutely – Often redundant, this word adds little value. Instead of “absolutely essential,” just say “essential.”
11-15: Overused Qualifiers
Qualifiers are words that soften or qualify statements. While they have their place, overusing them makes your writing sound uncertain or hesitant.
- Perhaps – If you’re unsure, state it clearly. Instead of “Perhaps we should reconsider,” say “We should reconsider.”
- Maybe – Similar to “perhaps,” this word suggests doubt. If you mean “maybe,” say so directly—or omit it entirely.
- Somewhat – Vague and imprecise, this word weakens your argument. Instead of “somewhat interested,” specify whether you’re “slightly interested” or “moderately interested.”
- Kind of – Informal and unclear, this phrase has no place in formal writing. Replace “kind of difficult” with “a bit challenging” or “fairly hard.”
- Sort of – Another informal filler, this phrase undermines your confidence. Avoid phrases like “sort of agree” and opt for clarity instead.
16-20: Repetitive Words
Repetition can bore your readers and dilute your message. Watch out for these repetitive words:
- Also – Sometimes necessary, but often redundant. Check if your sentence works without it. For example, “She enjoys reading and also writing” can become “She enjoys reading and writing.”
- Additionally – Like “also,” this word can feel repetitive. Instead of “Additionally, she loves hiking,” try “She also loves hiking.”
- Moreover – A formal word that often feels unnecessary. Simplify by saying “Besides” or “In addition.”
- Furthermore – Another fancy word that might not add value. Stick to simpler alternatives like “Also” or “Plus.”
- Again – Avoid repeating yourself unnecessarily. If you’ve already made a point, trust your reader to remember it.
21-25: Fluff Words
Fluff words pad your writing without adding substance. Eliminate them for cleaner prose.
- In order to – Simplify to “to.” For example, “In order to succeed, you must work hard” becomes “To succeed, you must work hard.”
- Due to the fact that – Replace with “because.” Instead of “Due to the fact that it rained, the event was canceled,” say “Because it rained, the event was canceled.”
- At this point in time – Use “now” instead. For example, “At this point in time, we’re unsure” becomes “Now, we’re unsure.”
- For all intents and purposes – Simplify to “essentially” or “basically.” For example, “For all intents and purposes, the project is complete” becomes “Essentially, the project is complete.”
- With regard to – Replace with “about.” Instead of “With regard to the meeting, let’s reschedule,” say “About the meeting, let’s reschedule.”
26-30: Passive Voice Triggers
Passive voice can make your writing feel distant or unclear. Watch out for these passive triggers:
- Was – Active verbs are stronger. Instead of “The cake was baked,” say “She baked the cake.”
- Were – Like “was,” this word often signals passive voice. For example, “The rules were broken” becomes “Someone broke the rules.”
- Had been – Complex past tenses can confuse readers. Simplify whenever possible. For example, “They had been waiting for hours” becomes “They waited for hours.”
- Be – This verb often leads to passive constructions. Replace it with action verbs. For example, “The book will be published soon” becomes “The publisher will release the book soon.”
- Being – Another passive culprit. For example, “He is being annoying” becomes “He’s acting annoying.”
31-35: Redundant Phrases
Redundant phrases repeat information unnecessarily. Cut them for clarity.
- Free gift – Gifts are free by definition. Just say “gift.”
- End result – Results already imply an end. Simply say “result.”
- New innovation – Innovations are always new. Drop “new.”
- Final outcome – Outcomes are final. Use “outcome” alone.
- Exact same – “Same” is enough. There’s no such thing as a “somewhat same” thing.
36-40: Corporate Jargon
Corporate jargon can alienate readers and obscure meaning. Avoid these buzzwords:
- Leverage – Just say “use.” Instead of “Leverage our resources,” say “Use our resources.”
- Synergy – Too vague. Explain specifically how things work together.
- Best practices – Specify which practices you’re referring to. For example, “Adopt best practices” becomes “Adopt proven strategies.”
- Actionable insights – Say “useful information” or “practical advice” instead.
- Going forward – Use “from now on” or “moving ahead.”
41-45: Filler Verbs
Filler verbs dilute your message. Strengthen your writing by avoiding them:
- Think – Show, don’t tell. Instead of “I think it’s a good idea,” provide evidence or examples.
- Feel – Similar to “think,” focus on actions or facts. Instead of “I feel excited,” describe what excites you.
- Seem – Be direct. Instead of “It seems like a good plan,” say “It’s a good plan.”
- Look – Describe what you see. Instead of “It looks nice,” say “The colors are vibrant.”
- Try – Commit fully. Instead of “I’ll try to finish,” say “I’ll finish.”
Why Removing These Words Matters
Now that we’ve covered the 45 words to delete from your writing, let’s talk about why they matter. When you eliminate unnecessary words, your writing becomes:
- Clearer: Readers won’t struggle to understand your message.
- Stronger: Your points will carry more weight without weak qualifiers.
- More Engaging: Concise writing keeps readers interested.
- Professional: Avoiding jargon and fluff makes you appear knowledgeable.
Tips for Editing Your Writing
Once you’ve written a draft, go back and review it for these unnecessary words. Here are some tips to help you edit effectively:
- Read Aloud: Hearing your words aloud helps identify awkward phrasing.
- Use Tools: Grammar checkers like Grammarly or Hemingway App can highlight weak words.
- Ask for Feedback: Have someone else read your work and point out areas for improvement.
- Practice Regularly: The more you write and edit, the better you’ll get at recognizing unnecessary words.
Conclusion
Great writing is about precision and purpose. By removing these 45 words from your writing, you’ll create content that’s clearer, stronger, and more engaging. Remember, every word should serve a purpose. If it doesn’t, cut it out!
As you practice refining your writing, you’ll notice improvements in both your style and your ability to communicate effectively. So, take a deep breath, grab your red pen (or keyboard), and start editing. Your readers will thank you for it.
Happy writing!