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.
Whatever the case, there are 6 words that you should avoid in your writing that take away from the context and tone. Assignment service writers say that these words show up pretty often in writing, creating an ambiguous meaning. We’ll share these words with you, plus explain why you don’t want these six crutch words in your writing.
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 tick, slipping out while we’re writing. Many times, rookie writers don’t realize they are using these kinds of words until it’s pointed out. The majority of the time, it’s due to lack of experience, trying to match writing close to how we speak. But, as we all know, writing and speaking are two very different things, requiring different words and formats.
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 instead.
2. Literally
Writers at https://write-essay-for-me.com/write-my-paper-for-me/ (where an expert can write my paper for me) say that there are tons of writers that 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 that 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.
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 lament terms, attempting to make it easier or more concrete to understand.
4. Honestly
“Honest” is a word that we all know. It’s used when we want to show the truth or escribe someone truthful. 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 like 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. If there is one thing that Takeexamsonline drills in, it’s the proper use of “like when writing. By the way, I asked them to take my exam online twice.
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 make it to word count.
Stop Leaning on Crutch Words!
A lot of times, we aren’t aware that we’re adding crutch words into writing. We just do it automatically and don’t change it until it’s far too late. Instead of turning in your papers full of crutch words that don’t serve a purpose, be aware of what crutch words are and how you can keep them away from your paper.
When writing, you shouldn’t have to repeat yourself or clarify things with your readers, explaining them well the first time over. Thinking about it that way, you’re likely to keep from adding in many unnecessary words to get your point across and write clearer, more readable papers that will score you better grades. Improve your writing skills and the flow of your papers by leaving crutch words out and only using them in proper context.
