words to cut from your manuscript

 

 

 

Words to cut from your manuscript:

 

·        very, great, really, so,  like,  (as in “it was like so fabulous”), began (as in “I began to cry”)

·        any word that ends in “ly” – be careful with these – like: lovely, beautifully, totally, tragically, basically, actually, latterly, slowly, etc. - use sparingly

·        suddenly – this is used so often and so I am going to say NEVER use it.

·        Some people will say do not use any adverbs or adjectives - ever.

o   Better than an adverb is a better verb, instead of she ran fast – she sprinted or she raced. Always try to use better (meaning more specific) verbs. But I would not say never use an adverb. Banning adverbs and adjectives completely is dictatorial and absurd.

o   I am not opposed to adjectives and even multiple adjectives. I would simply try to make them specific (as with adverbs) and not generic. If it fits the style you are writing in, the voice, it works.

·        Any word that you use over and over again. Many of us don’t even realize that we are doing this. Look at your writing. Notice if you are doing this. Stop.

·        That – often not necessary. Only use when necessary. As in: I knew that he was wrong – instead try – I knew he was wrong. This kind of thing is all over the place.

·        Then – often not necessary – “Then he picked up the knife.”  - The “then” is not necessary here.

·        just – use with discretion. For some people this is a word they use over and over again.

·        rather, quite, somewhat, kind of - too weak and thus not necessary. Just say it unequivocally.

·        there is, this is, in order to – all unnecessary and wordy

o   instead of “There is a tadpole on my chair” – “A tadpole is on my chair.”

·        Not every line of dialogue needs a tag

·        Started – as in “He started to drink his beer.” – soooo unnecessary.

·        Over used words: awesome, wonderful, fabulous, terrible, horrible, stuff, a lot, etc.

·        The verb “to be” try to use something less generic and more specific. Sometimes, some people use this verb to excess. If it’s you start using better verbs.

·        You may use some of these words in dialogue because the character would use them – that is fine.

·        Do a search for these word and word types in your manuscript and might get a surprise. Didn't realize how much you used some of them? Didn't  appreciate how unprofessional they presented.