All writers have words or phrases that they overuse. “Just” is one of mine. I also have characters whisper and murmur too often.
Many writers have certain words which they always or frequently misspell. Some keystroke patterns just trip up certain fingers. (See? There’s a “just”!) I’m guilty of “wtih” for “with”. Additionally, I almost always overreach and have to correct “defauly” to “default”. (That’s right, I can’t type “default” by default.) I know that these words are problems for me, and I’m careful about catching them.
All of the writers I have ever worked with have weaknesses in these two areas. It’s not something to be ashamed of, it’s simply something to be aware of. I find it fascinating, on an academic level, because it’s something that seems to be universal and individual at the same time.
If you’re not sure which words you commonly overuse, ask your editor, or have a friend read over your manuscript. Sometimes they’re hard to spot for yourself, while others can see them for a mile away. It’s similar to the way we don’t notice ourselves adding “um” and “uh” into our speech.
Being aware of these things, catching them and replacing them will make your writing stronger. Catching the words you use too frequently and forcing yourself to think of alternatives, work around them, or leave them out entirely where they’re unnecessary, will sharpen your skills and get you thinking more deeply about your word choices. And that’s just a good thing all around!
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Good post, Gabrielle. In my own writing, I have to watch out for em dashes. I love them and so sprinkle them everywhere before I rewrite. They’re just so deliciously dramatic.
I use ‘just’ a lot and also found myself using ‘clearly’ through my current WIP. It’s so unconscious that when I do pick it up it just grates on my nerves. Things like: “Clearly he was jealous.” Well, if it’s so clear then why do I have to point it out??
Katharine: Thank you! I agree, em dashes are insidious.
Kerryn: I have to grin at that, because that’s exactly how you know it’s unnecessary. I have a couple of authors who use “And that’s when”, instead of “then” at times, and I feel the same way about it. I assume that what they’re relating next is what’s happening next! Unless otherwise specified, chronological linear action is understood. It doesn’t even need to be “then”; it can be taken out entirely.
“Actually” is another fun one. It only belongs if the action it’s modifying is out of character or somehow a surprise. “I actually went to the store today.” Well… is there some reason why you wouldn’t have?
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