HOW TO CUT OUT OVERUSED WORDS

Very is very, very bad.

Words like very have to be the ultimate cop-out when it comes to quality writing. You'd be surprised how often we use them in everyday conversation, but cutting them out of your manuscript- or at least limiting their use- will take your work to the next level.

The goal is to reduce your use of "filler words" or words that you don't need to have. They take up space on your page, boost your precious word count, and don't do anything to further your story. Search for synonyms, creative replacement ideas, and better verbs. If you feel the need to add a very before your word, your word isn't strong enough.

Said should be reduced for a different reason. Amateur writers go overboard with the dialogue tags. First lesson, not every sentence your characters speak requires a dialogue tag. As long as two characters are going back and forth and it is clear who is speaking, a dialogue tag often isn't required at all. But, in the event that you do need to use one, using said every single time can be overwhelming. Switch it up with a better tag that helps set the tone more than just a simple said will. It should compliment and enhance the dialogue, not drown it out or make it monotone.

The two most commonly overused words in writing are very and said. Now, should you at some point use these words. Yes. But don't overdo it! There are several other words that are used far too often in amateur writing that you should look out for as well. These include of, adverbs, then, and suddenly, among several others. As far as the big two go, though, here are some better options to replace them in your writing.

Replacements for "very"

Replacements for "said"