Filler Words - Should you use them?

Filler words are used to fill the gaps but result in slow-paced writing and the loss of the reader's attention.

Filler words are words such as;

Just

That

Only

Really

Slightly

Almost

Seemed

Perhaps

Maybe

Simply

Somehow

Absolutely

Basically

Actually

Now

A way to tell if you're using a filler word is to ask yourself, would the sentence make sense if the word was removed? If the answer is yes, then you have a filler word.

For example;

She swore that it would never happen again.

She swore it would never happen again.

He just didn't know what to do.

He didn't know what to do.

In both examples, removing the filler word did not change the meaning of the text, but it did increase the urgency when the word was removed.

Now, stop it!

Stop it!

Which one is most powerful?

You are more likely to stop with the second option than the first.

Further examples of filler words are;

Kind of

A little

Sort of

Very

For example;

The pie was very good

The pie was good / The pie was delicious / The pie was wonderful

In the above example, as well as removing the filler word, try changing 'good' for something more descriptive and passionate. This will create a much more vivid picture in your readers' mind and make your words come to life.

The list of filler words goes on and on. And I'm not saying to never use them. If you have a character who is timid or indecisive, then use filler words in their dialogue. But avoid these words in your description and in the lines of your proactive character, (unless they're undecided.)

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