Overused words

[TheWritingGroup]

I was searching a WIP for a particular line. I didn't remember the exact wording, so I searched for "now".

At least in that story, I used it about once a paragraph. In my search, I realized that at least 75% could be eliminated, without changing the meaning of the various sentences, and in fact making them stronger.

I have now facepalmed.

I hate when I do that.

-Annie

 

[ElectricBlue]

One of my standard edit practices is to drop the final version into an online word cloud tool, which identifies the top one-hundred words in the story (other than the basic words like the, a, to). Very useful for getting rid of repetition.

 

[NotWise]

"Just" is another word I've overused that can often be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence. I realized that some time ago, but it's hard to keep them down.

 

[LookN2Talk]

My wife pointed out the over usage of literally, so, also a lot. Now everyone in the family is trying to not use them at all in any writing. You are both so correct, very challenging.

 

[Voyeurkenneth]

I’m trying to use “Then” in more moderation.

 

[ElectricBlue]

I’m trying to use “Then” in more moderation.

I cured myself of "and then" some years ago. You can get by with one or the other, but only rarely do you need both.

 

[TheLobster]

You can get by with one or the other, but only rarely do you need both.

I posit, however, that the staggeringly effective and universally appropriate plot-moving device of "And then they fucked." absolutely does require both, every time.

 

[MK_Whimsy]

I think I used the word "slightly" way too much in one story and didn't realize it until much later.

 

[THBGato]

I was searching a WIP for a particular line. I didn't remember the exact wording, so I searched for "now".

At least in that story, I used it about once a paragraph. In my search, I realized that at least 75% could be eliminated, without changing the meaning of the various sentences, and in fact making them stronger.

I have now facepalmed.

I hate when I do that.

-Annie

*raises hand guiltily*

Yep, re-reading one of my stories all the 'now' usages jumped out at me.

 

[lovecraft68]

Almost and actually were the first words I beat to death and learned to purge. Started and began were next.

These days I keep saying "Of course" and another version of the then problem "Then again" I use these too often in a characters thoughts.

In dialogue its "I mean" and that stems from me using that often in my own speech and it translates into my characters saying it.

When I began writing I started actually fixing these in flow, but don't do that anymore. I mean I could, and of course I should as I'm almost tempted too, but then again, I think its better to just finish then go back through.

 

[Trionyx]

I have a list of over 25 words which I overuse or misspell. Once I have finished the first draft, I use the search function to find each of these to make sure they are needed and/or correctly spelled. However, it is important to, like, remember to let, like, overused words remain in certain, like, dialogues to mimic how people, like, really talk.

 

[Kumquatqueen]

My first drafts always have long run-on sentences involving 'and'. So I try to cut those out. Nowadays my second drafts contain too many 'but's (and not enough butt?)

I also have to triple-check that characters only smile or relax 'for the first time' once per story...

Then, after that, said, asked - all get reduced in editing.

 

[TheWritingGroup]

Almost and actually were the first words I beat to death and learned to purge. Started and began were next.

Actually is another one I overuse.

-Annie

 

[Nynah]

One of my standard edit practices is to drop the final version into an online word cloud tool, which identifies the top one-hundred words in the story (other than the basic words like the, a, to). Very useful for getting rid of repetition.

This is a great idea, I might start doing this as well. Do you have a particular favorite that you use?

I definitely know that I use "definitely" far, far too much.

 

[lovecraft68]

I have a list of over 25 words which I overuse or misspell.

Rhythm is a word I can't spell. I'll try once, twice, three times then I let spell check fix it. Its like a mental glitch, I cannot get that word right.

License is another, although I can usually get it after a couple of tries, but never the first.

 

[TheLobster]

I can relate to rhythm. Maneuver is another one I can never get right the first time.

But hey, at least I'm pretty sure I don't have trouble with simultaneous anymore.

 

[designatedvictim]

"Just" is another word I've overused that can often be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence. I realized that some time ago, but it's hard to keep them down.

Oooo... I just dropped one of my stories into one, just to test it out a bit, and just came out near the top of the heap.

Bit did, too.

Looks like most sex-related terms came up short.

 

[roadgem54]

i cringe when anyone says "iconic"

 

[PennyThompson]

One of my standard edit practices is to drop the final version into an online word cloud tool, which identifies the top one-hundred words in the story (other than the basic words like the, a, to). Very useful for getting rid of repetition.

Hopefully I'm not stepping on any toes, but I thought this deserved its own separate thread! Making Story Word Clouds

 

[Rob_Royale]

Very, usually, actually. I do it quite a lot and end up editing 90% of them out.

 

[Britva415]

“Alabaster,” my ass

 

[ElectricBlue]

This is a great idea, I might start doing this as well. Do you have a particular favorite that you use?

I definitely know that I use "definitely" far, far too much.

I use Worditout. You can put huge chunks of text in, you also get a link and make it private or public, link it back to a story.

I've changed devices, so I don't have any examples on this tablet.

 

[MrHereWriting]

Very, usually, actually. I do it quite a lot and end up editing 90% of them out.

View attachment 2520337

 

[Rustyoznail]

I was searching a WIP for a particular line. I didn't remember the exact wording, so I searched for "now".

At least in that story, I used it about once a paragraph. In my search, I realized that at least 75% could be eliminated, without changing the meaning of the various sentences, and in fact making them stronger.

I have now facepalmed.

I hate when I do that.

-Annie

I really hate that too...

Oh. Yeah. Really need to stop using really so much.

 

[StillStunned]

“Alabaster,” my ass

Alabaster? I barely knew her!