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Words to Leave Out, Words to Leave In: Sharpen Your Creative Fiction
Every word you pick either pulls the reader deeper into your story or pushes them away.
Words to Leave Out
Filler Words
Filler words clutter your writing without adding value. Words like “just,” “really,” “very,” “quite,” and “actually” often don’t contribute meaning.
Weak: She was really very tired.
Strong: She was exhausted.
Cutting these words tightens your sentences.
Overused Adverbs
Adverbs weaken your writing if they’re overused. Choose stronger verbs.
Weak: He walked quietly.
Strong: He crept.
Adverbs aren’t always bad, but should be used sparingly and only when they add something unique.
Redundant Phrases
Redundancy slows your story down. Phrases like “free gift,” “end result,” or “past history” repeat ideas unnecessarily.
Weak: She nodded her head in agreement.
Strong: She nodded.
Trim the fat. Your readers don’t need to be told the same thing twice.
