Whether you call them “deadwood,” “filler,” “fluff” or “clutter,” they’re the junk you almost never need in a sentence. These “couch potato words” occupy space, trip tongues and take readers down a long, winding path when a short, straight one would do.
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| Useless 'fillers' getting trashed |
Whenever you edit copy, feel free to discard these bits of grammatical gunk and literary lint.
1. Different
Writers often use “different” to indicate variety, but it’s not always necessary. Consider these examples:
In the sentences above, “types,” “segment” and “options” each implies difference, which makes “different” unnecessary. Removing “different” tightens up each sentence, and it prevents redundancy.
2. That
“That” rolls off the tongue when you speak, but it clutters your written sentences. Editing tip: CTRL+F your document for “that,” and cut it anywhere you can without convoluting your prose. Read these sentences aloud:
3. Currently
It feels necessary, I know. You feel like you have to say, “I currently work at Acme Company,” but you don’t. “I work at Acme Company” means the same thing.
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In rare cases, “currently” may help clarify what is now versus another time—but most of the time, a simple present-tense verb does the trick.
4. Certain, specific or particular
Cutting these words will strengthen a sentence, but replacing them with a more precise modifier will do even better.
5. Very, really, totally (any emphasizing adverb)
Instead of adding a boring adverb to emphasize the greatness of an adjective or verb—such as “really big” or “greatly appreciate”—use a stronger adjective or verb on its own.
Here are a few examples and alternatives:
Over to you, readers. Which words do you send straight to the chopping block?
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