As much as - Very poor phrase - Use 'Much as' if possible.
Bald headed - Redundant phrase. You don’t need headed. Ex: He was bald-headed. Better: He was bald.
Be able to - Be able to: be capable of, be equal to, be up to the task, can, could, have the ability to, have what it takes to
Came to the - Example: I came to the realisation that... Better: I realised that
Has been - Also potential passive voice.
Have been - Also potential passive voice.
Have to be - This was included in cliches but not sure what the issue is with this phrase.
Kind Of - “Using these words is sort of annoying to the reader.” Reason: If using these words is only sort of annoying, you haven’t told the reader exactly what it is. If it is annoying, say so: “Writing this way annoys the reader.” If it is not annoying, tell the reader exactly what it is, e.g., “Using these words bothers readers.” Use words that mean what you are trying to say, and give the reader exact descriptions. This also applies to “kind of.”
One Of - It is either the most important or not. It’s either the best or not. Avoid saying “one of the most important,” “one of the best.”
Sat down - when used with Sat, the Down is implied and uneccessary.
Sit Down - Sit infers down.
Sort Of - “Using these words is sort of annoying to the reader.” Reason: If using these words is only sort of annoying, you haven’t told the reader exactly what it is. If it is annoying, say so: “Writing this way annoys the reader.” If it is not annoying, tell the reader exactly what it is, e.g., “Using these words bothers readers.” Use words that mean what you are trying to say, and give the reader exact descriptions. This also applies to “kind of.”
Stand Up - Stand infers up.
Stood up - when someomen stands, the up is uneccessary as it is implied.
There are - 'There are' is an empty phrase that did not add anything to the original sentence. Example: There are three things that you need to remember: close the window, lock the door, and bring the cake. Better: Remember these three things: close the window, lock the door, and bring the cake.
To be - The phrase 'to be' often is used in clauses that have 'passive voice'
Used to - “He used to write like this when he started writing.” Reason: Using fewer words to express an idea is almost always a good idea, so “used to write” can be written “wrote,” as in, “He wrote like this when he started writing.” The problem is that “used to write” and “when he started writing” both express events in the past, which is redundant. In nearly every case, “used to . . .” can be replaced with a past tense verb.
Decide - Words of this type filter the reader from the narative.
Decided - Words of this type filter the reader from the narative.
Desires - TBA
Experience - Words of this type filter the reader from the narative.
Experienced - Words of this type filter the reader from the narative.
Feel - Added From File
Felt - The author provides the feeling whereas a better sentence will allow the reader to experiences the sense.
Hate - Filtering the emotion from the reader. Show the character hates the subject. Example: Peter hated Paul. Better: When Peter thought of Paul he clenched his fists.
Hear - Hear: catch, eavesdrop, overhear, listen to, sound, sound like
Heard - Hear: catch, eavesdrop, overhear, listen to, sound, sound like
Imagines - TBA
Knew - Added From File
Know - Know: ascertain, assume, believe, bring to mind, decide, deem, discover, gather, get, glean, guess, infer, intuit, learn, posit, regard, remember, suspect, think, understand, wonder
Look - They filter the events through the readers’s perceptions. The corporal saw a grenade fly by and land in the foxhole. A grenade flew by the corporal and landed in the foxhole.
Looked - They filter the events through the readers’s perceptions. The corporal saw a grenade fly by and land in the foxhole. A grenade flew by the corporal and landed in the foxhole.
Love - TBA
Note - Words of this type filter the reader from the narative.
Noted - Words of this type filter the reader from the narative.
Notice - Added From File
Noticed - Added From File
Quiet - It was very quiet. Better: All sound had stilled into a mute silence.
Rather - Added From File
Realise - Added From File
Realised - Added From File
Really - Filler modifier. Try to do without, or think of a more powerful word you are modifying. Example: I’m really hungry. Better: I’m starving.
Remember - Added From File
Remembered - Added From File
Sad - Filters the emotion away from the reader. Show the effects of sadness rather than telling the reader that someone/situation is sad.
saw - Added From File
See - Added From File
Seem - Added From File
Seemed - Added From File
Seems - Added From File
Seen - TBA
Shock - Filters the emotion from the reader. Show the effects of shock rather than telling it was shocking.
Smell - Smell: detect the smell of, diagnose, get a whiff of, scent, smell like, whiff
Somehow - Added From File
Somewhat - Added From File
Surprise - Words of this type filter the reader from the narative.
Taste - Filters the sense experience from the Reader. "She could taste bile rising into her throat." "..., and bitter bile burned her throat. "
Think - TBA
Touch - Added From File
Touched - Added From File
Understand - TBA
Watch - Added From File
Watched - Added From File
Wonder - Removing readers from the introspection and adding useless words
Wondered - Removing readers from the introspection and adding useless words
Every - tba
Fairly - Indecisive and poor description.
Just - Weasel words" are a colloquial term for words or phrases used to avoid being forthright. Weasel words are used when the speaker wants to make it seem like they've given a clear answer to a question or made a direct statement, when actually they've said something inconclusive or vague.
Quite - Indecisive and poor word use.
That - In most circumstances, this word can be cut from the dialogue. Remove it, and if the sentence still makes sense, it was unnecessary.
Together - tba
Accordingly - Use simpler replacement, such as so. Ex: Accordingly, be careful next time. Better: So, be careful next time.
Actually - Actually - As a sentence modifier to add slight emphasis. Example: Actually, we all help clear up after a meal. Example: Actually, I haven't seen the film. Example: I'm not all that surprised actually.
Again - Again, once again, once more, over again -- (anew; "she tried again"; "they rehearsed the scene again")
Basicially - Added From File
Certainly - Example: "she certainly is a hard worker"
Clearly - If you hear this word used in conspirincy/ancient alien videos - The only thing that is clear is that it's bullshit.
Extremely - Added From File
Finally - Weak linking term. Be more precise. Ex: Finally, he got the job. Better: After five interviews, he got the job.
Frequently - Imprecise Phrase. Use something more specific. Ex: I frequently wash my car. Better: I wash my car daily.
Hardly - Hardly - Also indecisive. Example - "He hardly ever goes fishing" Example: "He was hardly more than sixteen years old"
Likely - Added From File
Literally - Example: "literally translated"; "he said so literally"
Moderately - Added From File
Most - The adj most has 2 senses (first 2 from tagged texts) 1. (76) most -- ((superlative of `many' used with count nouns and often preceded by `the') quantifier meaning the greatest in number; "who has the most apples?"; "most people like eggs"; "most fishes have fins") 2. (26) most -- (the superlative of `much' that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by `the'; a quantifier meaning the greatest in amount or extent or degree; "made the most money he could"; "what attracts the most attention?"; "made the most of a bad deal") Overview of adv most The adv most has 3 senses (first 3 from tagged texts) 1. (180) most, to the highest degree -- (used to form the superlative; "the king cobra is the most dangerous snake") 2. (63) most -- (very; "a most welcome relief") 3. (1) about, almost, most, nearly, near, nigh, virtually, well-nigh -- ((of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but; "the job is (just) about done"; "the baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded"; "we're almost finished"; "the car all but ran her down"; "he nearly fainted"; "talked for nigh onto 2 hours"; "the recording is well-nigh perfect"; "virtually all the parties signed the contract"; "I was near exhausted by the run"; "most everyone agrees")
Nearly - Can also be classified as an indesisive word. Example: He nearly dropped his toast. Better: His toast slid on the plate but he managed to stop it falling.
Probably - Added From File
Reasonably - Added From File
Relatively - Added From File
Simply - TBA
Suddenly - Added From File
Unfortunately - Normally at the start or end of a sentence.
Usually - Added From File
Virtually - Added From File
Almost - Consider replacing with a more definate word or change the phrase. Almost - indecisive. Example: The baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded. Better: Ther baby was falling asleep.
As - “As you write this word, poke out your eyes. It’s weak as it can cause confusion.” Reason: A person usually cannot do two actions simultaneously, so “as” doesn’t make sense in the first sentence. It could be rewritten, “Write this word, then poke out your eyes.” In the second sentence, the writer should use “because.” Until reading the rest of the sentence, the reader doesn’t know if “as” means two actions are occurring simultaneously or means “because.”
Big - Weak adjective. Replace with something more precise. Example: He was a big man. Better: He was six feet tall and 250 pounds.
Can - Consider replacing with a more definate word or change the phrase.
Could - Consider replacing with a more definate word or change the phrase.
Few - Example: A He had a few berries in the basket. Better: The basket was half full.
Got - Consider using the word sparingly. Ex: “She got to her feet,” Better: "She leapt/jumped/climbed/hurried to her feet.” Anything to show better action.
Like - “Using these words is like baking with spoiled milk.” Reason: If this is like something, then it is NOT that thing. Giving accurate descriptions and using correct verbs will reduce your need to use “like,” e.g., “These words spoil your writing.” A good metaphor can enhance your writing, but using too many makes writing tedious, so try to think of a different way to express your ideas.
Lot - Use a word with more definite description of the quantities involved.
Many - Many is indecisive and should be replaced with a more descriptive or accurate word or phrase.
May - Consider replacing with a more definate word or change the phrase.
Might - Consider replacing with a more definate word or change the phrase.
Never - Replace with a more decisive word.
Nice - Your character can’t have “nice” hair. Tell the reader if it’s long, short, blonde, blue or whatever. The same for eyes. I hate reading that someone has nice eyes. How were they nice? What color are they? Are they almond shaped, large, small, hooded, intelligent? With a little imagination any writer can come up with more.
Often - Added From File
Short - Replace with something more precise. Ex: Bob was a short man. Better: Bob was four feet tall.
Small - Weak Adjective. Replace with something more precise. Ex: My desk is small. Better: My desk is only three feet wide.
Some - Added From File
Soon - Soon, shortly, presently, before long -- (in the near future; "the doctor will soon be here"; "the book will appear shortly"; "she will arrive presently"; "we should have news before long")
Sound - Consider replacing with a more definate word or change the phrase.
Tall - Weak Adjective. Replace with something more precise. Ex: The building is tall. Better: The building is six hundred feet tall.
Very - Use a stronger word that 'very' is modifying. Ex: I was very scared. Better: I was petrified.
Are - Potential passive voice.
Be - Potential passive voice.
Being - Potential passive voice.
By - Potential use of passive voice.
Is - Potential passive voice.
Was - Potential passive voice.
Were - Potential passive voice.
Breathe - Words that I commonly misspell
Clothes - Common errors that I need to check in my writing.
Cloths - Common errors that I need to check in my writing.
It's - Common errors that I need to check in my writing.
Its - Common errors that I need to check in my writing.
Though - Common errors that I need to check in my writing.
Through - Common errors that I need to check in my writing.
Attempt - Use simpler replacement, such as try. This word can be an example of nominalization too (verb or adjective turned into a noun). Use the verb or adjective form for more powerful sentences. Ex: Attempt it again. Better: Try again. Ex: His attempt at suicide was met with failure. Better: He attempted suicide but failed.
Belief - Nominalization (wordiness introduced when someone uses the noun equivalent of a verb or adjective). Use the verb or adjective form for more powerful sentences. Ex: It’s his belief that editing can be done with ease. Better: He believes editing is easy.
Brilliance - Nominalization (wordiness introduced when someone uses the noun equivalent of a verb or adjective). Use the verb or adjective form for more powerful sentences. Ex: Not all posts achieve brilliance. Better: Not all posts are brilliant.
Comparison - Nominalization (wordiness introduced when someone uses the noun equivalent of a verb or adjective). Use the verb or adjective form for more powerful sentences. Ex: He made a comparison between apples and oranges. Better: He compared apples with oranges.
Definition - Nominalization (wordiness introduced when someone uses the noun equivalent of a verb or adjective). Use the verb or adjective form for more powerful sentences. Ex: His definition of fun was sleeping and watching television. Better: He defined fun as sleeping and watching television.
Description - Example: Please give a description of the man who attacked you. Better: Please describe the man who attacked you.
Difficulty - Nominalization (wordiness introduced when someone uses the noun equivalent of a verb or adjective). Use the verb or adjective form for more powerful sentences. Ex: I’m having difficulty with math. Better: Math is difficult for me. Best: I’m struggling with math.
Ease - Nominalization (wordiness introduced when someone uses the noun equivalent of a verb or adjective). Use the verb or adjective form for more powerful sentences. Ex: He thinks editing is a task you can do with ease. Better: He thinks editing is easy.
Encouragement - Nominalization (wordiness introduced when someone uses the noun equivalent of a verb or adjective). Use the verb or adjective form for more powerful sentences. Ex: His encouragement helped my success. Better: He encouraged me and I succeeded.
Facilitate - Use simpler replacement, such as help, yield, or aid. Ex: Patience facilitates understanding. Better: Patience aids understanding.
Facility - Stilted phrase. Say exactly what an object is (school, hospital, government building). Ex: The facility had a large cafeteria. Better: Johnson Elementary School had a large cafeteria.
Failure - Nominalization (wordiness introduced when someone uses the noun equivalent of a verb or adjective). Use the verb or adjective form for more powerful sentences. Ex: His failure was caused by not studying hard enough. Better: He failed because he didn’t study hard enough.
Get - Weak verb. Cut it or use stronger verbs such as become, land, acquire, or retrieve. Ex: You need to get motivated. Better: Motivate yourself. Ex: How many clients did you get through starting a blog? Better: How many clients did you land through starting a blog?
Initial - Whenever possible and appropriate, use a simpler replacement, such as first. Ex: My initial thought was to flee. Better: My first thought was to flee.”
Intensity - Nominalization (wordiness introduced when someone uses the noun equivalent of a verb or adjective). Use the verb or adjective form for more powerful sentences. Ex: She has a high level of intensity. Better: She is intense.
Movement - Nominalization (wordiness introduced when someone uses the noun equivalent of a verb or adjective). Use the verb or adjective form for more powerful sentences. Ex: My movement startled the cat. Better: I moved and startled the cat.
Reaction - Nominalization (wordiness introduced when someone uses the noun equivalent of a verb or adjective). Use the verb or adjective form for more powerful sentences. Ex: My reaction caused everyone to be surprised. Better: The way I reacted surprised everyone.
Refusal - Nominalization (wordiness introduced when someone uses the noun equivalent of a verb or adjective). Use the verb or adjective form for more powerful sentences. Ex: His refusal to leave forced me to call the cops. Better: He refused to leave, so I called the cops.
Spend - If this word is followed by an ing verb, modify your sentence. Ex: How many hours do you spend writing each day? Better: How many hours do you write each day?
Transformation - Nominalization (wordiness introduced when someone uses the noun equivalent of a verb or adjective). His transformation into an athlete caused shock among his peers. Ex: He transformed into an athlete and shocked his peers.
Walk - Walk can be replaced with a more descriptive. Weak: He walked loudly up the stairs to his room. Strong: He stomped up the stairs to his room.
But - But - Conditional statement. Initial subject is conditional on another statement.
For - For - Intended to be given to. Example: 'There's a phone message for you'. Having the purpose of. Example: There's a sign there saying "boats for hire".
Nor - Nor - Neither one or the other. The subject is exclusive of the conditions expressed.
Or - OR - Used to connect dfifferent possibilities in a sentence.
So - So - used before a noun or before "not" to emphasize what is being said
Yet - Yet - still; until the present time. Example: 'I haven't spoken to her yet.'
Only - TBA Overview of adj only The adj only has 2 senses (no senses from tagged texts) 1. lone, lonesome, only, sole, solitary -- (being the only one; single and isolated from others; "the lone doctor in the entire county"; "a lonesome pine"; "an only child"; "the sole heir"; "the sole example"; "a solitary instance of cowardice"; "a solitary speck in the sky") 2. alone, only -- (exclusive of anyone or anything else; "she alone believed him"; "cannot live by bread alone"; "I'll have this car and this car only") Overview of adv only The adv only has 7 senses (first 6 from tagged texts) 1. (258) merely, simply, just, only, but -- (and nothing more; "I was merely asking"; "it is simply a matter of time"; "just a scratch"; "he was only a child"; "hopes that last but a moment") 2. (226) entirely, exclusively, solely, alone, only -- (without any others being included or involved; "was entirely to blame"; "a school devoted entirely to the needs of problem children"; "he works for Mr. Smith exclusively"; "did it solely for money"; "the burden of proof rests on the prosecution alone"; "a privilege granted only to him") 3. (13) only -- (with nevertheless the final result; "He arrived only to find his wife dead"; "We won only to lose again in the next round") 4. (6) only -- (in the final outcome; "These news will only make you more upset") 5. (4) only -- (except that; "It was the same story; only this time she came out better") 6. (2) only, only if, only when -- (never except when; "call me only if your cold gets worse") 7. only -- (as recently as; "I spoke to him only an hour ago")
Aspect - Vague noun. Cut or use more specific word. Ex: Commercials are an aspect of television I don’t like. Better: I love television, but I hate commercials.
Factor - Dull, unnecessary word. Replace with a verb. Ex: Avid reading was a factor in his writing ability. Better: Avid reading helped his writing.
Situation - Vague noun. Be more specific if possible. Ex: The situation got worse. Better: The riot got worse.