The 'totally' secret recipe to spice up your essays

English is considered the universal language and it may appear very plain and very easy to learn, but English really requires very good comprehension skills and very critical thinking. People can say things like it is as simple as ABCs and 123s but it’s more than that. It teaches you to be very persistent to learn.

Does that even look pleasant to your eyes?

Most of the writers begin filling their sentences with meaningless words and fillers, often sabotaging themselves and their works. Weak words can sneak into your writing anywhere, anytime - and when they do, they wreck the power of your work. The problem with filler words is that they’re unnecessary. They don’t add anything to your message; they only distract from your other words. Filler words weigh down a sentence and can add up to throw off the entire paragraph structure. Like editing a draft, removing the unnecessary filler words strengthens your remaining words, helping you communicate both clearly and succinctly.

Here are some weak words to avoid and some helpful tips for what you can use instead.

Very. It is one of those penny words that writers throw in to magnify another word but the only problem is, it doesn’t do that. To avoid using the word “very”, it is safe to start off with

a more descriptive adjective from the get-go. From the first paragraph, instead of saying “very

plain”, you can do better with"dull " or"bland ". Really. The word “really” is a crutch. It is used to convey accents but it fails dramatically in this. Really doesn’t tell us anything important and is inadequate as a description. It is an example of the writing the way we speak, but it just does not translate on paper or screen.

Things/stuff. While the writer may have a perfectly clear understanding of what “things” and “stuff” they are referring to, the reader does not. Your vague words may confuse readers as to what things and stuff? Where things and stuff? How things and stuff? Which things and stuff?

I believe/ I feel/ I think. These words do not inspire confidence in the reader. Instead, they do the exact opposite. Their use causes the reader to question the author’s authenticity and honesty.

Like. One of the most notorious filler words, like, is common in speech when the speaker prepares their next words. Don’t confuse like as a filler word in its usage in comparisons or for showing a fondness for something.

I mean, I guess, I suppose. Beginning sentences with these words is hedging language, words that soften the statement. These filler words come across as too passive, as if the speaker or writer is unsure. Confident communication is better.

The act of writing- from emails to articles and everything in between- involves taking the reader on a journey. Each word should move the reader closer to the conclusion of that journey. If it does not, get rid of it. Because it is proven and tested.