Filler words in prose are words or phrases that don't contribute significantly to the meaning or impact of the writing. Here's why they're considered bad in prose. Filler words often dilute the strength of your writing. They can make your prose sound weak, hesitant, or uncertain. For example, instead of "He was very tired," try "He was exhausted." "Exhausted" has a stronger impact.
Filler words can distract the reader from the story or the main point you're trying to convey. Constant interruptions with fillers can break the flow and immersion for the reader.
Some fillers can make your writing seem imprecise or vague. Phrases like "kind of" or "sort of" can muddy the intended meaning. In published works, excessive use of filler words can make the writing appear amateurish or poorly edited. It can detract from the overall quality and professionalism of the piece.
Examples of common filler words in prose:
However, Also
Simply, Merely
Basically, Essentially
Just, Very, Really
Quite, Rather
Somewhat, A bit
Kind of, Sort of
Nevertheless, Furthermore, Nonetheless
In addition, Additionally, In conclusion
Regardless, Even so, Despite this
Moreover, Likewise, Similarly,
Here are more filler words and examples of alternatives:
Very tired: Exhausted, spent, bone-weary, fatigued
Really fast: Swift, rapid, breakneck, lightning-fast
Quite angry: Furious, incensed, livid, enraged
Rather sad: Dejected, despondent, heartbroken, mournful
Somewhat confused: Bewildered, perplexed, baffled, puzzled
A bit scared: Terrified, petrified, afraid, apprehensive
Kind of strange: Bizarre, peculiar, odd, uncanny
Sort of interesting: Fascinating, intriguing, captivating, compelling
Very happy: Ecstatic, overjoyed, jubilant, elated
Really loud: Deafening, thunderous, boisterous, clamorous
Quite cold: Freezing, frigid, icy, glacial
Rather hungry: Starving, famished, ravenous, voracious
Somewhat tired: Weary, fatigued, listless, lethargic
A bit nervous: Anxious, apprehensive, jittery, on edge
Kind of funny: Hilarious, amusing, comical, side-splitting
Sort of important: Crucial, vital, essential, indispensable
Very big: Enormous, gigantic, colossal, immense
Really small: Tiny, minuscule, minute, infinitesimal
Quite dark: Pitch-black, inky, shadowy, murky
Rather wet: Soaked, drenched, saturated, inundated
Somewhat dry: Arid, parched, desiccated, dehydrated
A bit messy: Untidy, disorganized, chaotic, cluttered
Kind of boring: Tedious, monotonous, dull, lackluster
Sort of exciting: Thrilling, exhilarating, electrifying, stimulating
Very beautiful: Stunning, breathtaking, magnificent, exquisite
Want to make your writing stronger? With MS Word, use the FIND function at the top of the page and search for different filler words in your text. Then either eliminate or replace them. Tools such as GRAMMARLY are also helpful.
By carefully choosing your words and eliminating unnecessary fillers, you can create stronger, more impactful, and more professional prose.
John Rovito
Comments