When writing an essay, it’s easy to throw in a lot of unnecessary words. You might be trying to hit a word count or just add extra words in without realizing it. These crutch words are frequently used in both casual and formal communication, often hindering clarity and professional demeanor.

Whatever the case, there are six words that you should avoid in your writing that take away from the context and tone. We’ll share these words with you, plus explain why you don’t want these six crutch words in your writing.

What are Crutch Words?

Writing is a complex process that requires attention to detail, creativity, and a strong command of language. However, even the most experienced writers can fall into common pitfalls that can detract from the quality of their work. 

One of the most significant pitfalls when writing is the use of crutch words. 

Crutch words are those words or phrases that writers rely on to avoid more precise language, often making their writing seem less confident or less engaging. Common crutch words include “um,” “like,” “you know,” “basically,” “actually,” and “literally.” For example, in your own writing, you might find yourself using words like these to soften your statements or add specific emphasis.

Crutch words can sneak into your prose without you even realizing it, diluting the impact of the message you want to send. 

So, by understanding what crutch words are and how they affect your writing, you can take steps to eliminate them and enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your work. 

Let’s explore some common crutch words and how to identify and remove them from your writing. But before that, first let’s try to answer why we use a crutch word in the first place.

Why Do We Use Crutch Words? 

Most of us know what crutch words are and understand that we shouldn’t use them. However, it’s almost like a habit or a tic, slipping out while we’re writing. 

Many rookie writers don’t realize they are using these kinds of words until it’s pointed out, often because they are nervous. The brain uses crutch words as placeholders while organizing thoughts. 

Most of the time, it’s due to a lack of experience, trying to match writing closely to how we speak. But, as we all know, writing and speaking are two very different things, requiring different words and formats.

For example, when you speak, you might say, “I basically want to say that the project is going well.” But in writing, you can be more direct: “The project is going well.”

The reasons why we use crutch words can vary, but they often stem from a desire to soften our statements, add emphasis, or simply fill space. By recognizing these patterns, you can start to eliminate them from your writing and improve its overall quality and impact.

Understanding Filler Words

Filler words, also known as crutch words, are those little words or phrases that we use to fill pauses in conversation or writing. They can give us a moment to think, emphasize a point, or soften the tone of a sentence.

Common examples of filler words include “um,” “ah,” “like,” and “you know.” While these words can be useful in casual conversation, they often become a habit and start to clutter our writing.

Overusing filler words can make your sentences less clear and more difficult to read. By understanding the role of filler words and recognizing when you use them, you can take steps to eliminate them and improve the quality of your writing.

How to Identify Problematic Language in Your Writing?

Identifying problematic language is a crucial step in improving your writing. This involves recognizing words and phrases that are overused, redundant, or unclear.

Crutch words like “basically,” “literally,” and “actually” can be particularly problematic, as they often make writing seem less confident or engaging.

Tools such as a word search and a grammar check can help you identify areas of your writing that need improvement. Additionally, writers should keep a list of their crutch words to manage them effectively during the editing process.

Additionally, reading your own writing out loud can help you catch awkward phrasing and unclear language.

Also, you can seek feedback from others, and being open to revision and editing can help you refine your craft.

By taking these steps, you can eliminate crutch words and enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

Six Crutch Words That Can Ruin Your Sentence

1. Actually 

“Actually” is not a terrible word if it’s used in the right way. Its meaning is perfect for clarifying statements or talking about something real. However, in writing, its misuse is what makes this word a crutch word.

Often, rookie writers throw it in as a way to add a little extra to a statement. For instance, “I actually don’t know” or “Actually, I’m from New York” are both ways they are used without relevance. Instead, take a break from the clarifications and create more direct sentences.  

2. Literally 

Writers say that there are tons of writers who overuse the word “literally.” It works well as an adverb, allowing you to describe an action and break it down to its most basic sense. However, that’s not how it is used in many writings, especially for writers who are just starting out. Instead, they use “literally” in its hyperbolic form to create an exaggerated statement.

For instance, “I literally haven’t eaten all day” and “She punched him in the face, literally” are both ways that it’s used for emphasis, something that you don’t need too much while writing. Overusing such words can detract from the overall story, making it less engaging and clear.

3. Basically 

When speaking about the most basic form of something, we can use the word “basically.” Its proper use should be to increase truth and reality in your writing, but that’s not always the way it’s used.

When we speak, we use “basically” a lot as a way to convey understanding and clarify what we’re talking about. In writing, however, it comes off as repetitive. When we add “basically” afterthought or phrase, we’re putting it in layman’s terms, attempting to make it easier or more concrete to understand.

Adverbs like “basically” can enhance language, but their overuse can weaken writing.

4. Honestly 

“Honest” is a word that we all know. It’s used when we want to show the truth or describe someone truthfully. However, we often use this word as a filler word to add extra oomph to what we are saying.

For instance, we may say, “I honestly have no idea.” Without the word “honest,” this sentence would be more direct and wouldn’t have a confusing tone to work through. It’s words like this that can be left out and wind up messing with the tone and context of the article paper we’re writing. 

5. Like 

We know that “like” is a popular word thrown in and out of all parts of a sentence. “Like” is meant to compare things, talking about how one thing is like another. It can also act as a feeling for a person or object. Still, we don’t know why we use it all the time.

You may hear a phone conversation where someone drops “like” four times, saying, “I literally like just saw her and like thought, wow, she’s like beautiful!” As you can see, it reads differently than it sounds when we say it, so try not to put it into writing.

However, in dialogue, crutch words like “like” can add realism and depth to character speech. Assigning specific crutch words to individual characters can help differentiate their personalities and speech patterns, making them unique and relatable to readers. Crutch words can add personality to dialogue, but should be used sparingly in writing to avoid cluttering the narrative.

6. Obviously 

When we’re describing something easily recognized, we can say that it is “obvious.” While this is the true meaning of the word, it’s still not the most used form, with many rookie writers using “obviously” in a more sarcastic way.

For instance, “You obviously have no idea” or “Obviously, she’s single.”

When using it in writing, it comes off as sassy and sarcastic, two things that you don’t want in an academic essay. Instead, eliminate it from your sentences and don’t repeat yourself, turning in a quality paper that doesn’t need crutch words to maintain clarity.

The Impact of Common Crutch Words on Writing

Common crutch words can have a significant impact on your writing, making it seem less confident, less engaging, and less effective.

Overused words and phrases, such as “almost everyone” and “generally,” can become redundant and lose their meaning. Additionally, crutch words can detract from the clarity of your communication, making it difficult for readers to understand your intended message.

So, by eliminating crutch words, you can improve the tone, grammar, and overall quality of your writing. This will make your work more engaging and effective, helping you to communicate your ideas more clearly.