Words to Leave Out, Words to Leave In: Sharpen Your Creative Fiction

Words to Leave Out

Filler Words

Filler words clutter your writing without adding value. Words like “just,” “really,” “very,” “quite,” and “actually” often don’t contribute meaning.

Weak: She was really very tired.

Strong: She was exhausted.

Cutting these words tightens your sentences.

Overused Adverbs

Adverbs weaken your writing if they’re overused. Choose stronger verbs.

Weak: He walked quietly.

Strong: He crept.

Adverbs aren’t always bad, but should be used sparingly and only when they add something unique.

Redundant Phrases

Redundancy slows your story down. Phrases like “free gift,” “end result,” or “past history” repeat ideas unnecessarily.

Weak: She nodded her head in agreement.

Strong: She nodded.

Trim the fat. Your readers don’t need to be told the same thing twice.

Clichés

Clichés are overused phrases that lack originality. “Dead as a doornail,” “light as a feather,” “time heals all wounds.” Clichés make your writing feel lazy. Instead, find fresh ways to express familiar ideas.

Cliché: Her heart skipped a beat.

Fresh: Her pulse stuttered, then raced.

Vague Descriptions

Vague words like “thing,” “stuff,” or “some” rob your writing of specificity.

Weak: He picked up some stuff from the store.

Strong: He grabbed a loaf of bread, a carton of milk, and a bag of apples.

Specific details make your story vivid.

Words to Leave In

Strong Verbs

Strong verbs bring writing to life. They create clear images and move the story forward.

Weak: She went to the store.

Strong: She dashed to the store.

Verbs like “dashed,” “sprinted,” or “strolled” paint a clearer picture than generic ones like “went.”

Sensory Details

Sensory details immerse readers. Describe what characters see, hear, smell, taste, and feel.

Weak: The kitchen smelled good.

Strong: The kitchen smelled of cinnamon and freshly baked bread.

Sensory details make your world feel real.

Dialogue Tags That Matter

Dialogue tags like “said” and “asked” are usually enough. Tags like “exclaimed,” “uttered,” or “declared” distract readers.

Distracting: “I can’t believe it,” she exclaimed.

Simple: “I can’t believe it,” she said.

If the dialogue is strong, the tag doesn’t need flashiness.

Specific Nouns

Specific nouns make writing precise. Instead of “car,” use “convertible.” Instead of “dog,” use “Labrador.”

Weak: He drove a car.

Strong: He drove a red convertible.

Specific nouns add clarity.

Emotional Language

Emotional language connects readers to characters. Show how characters feel through actions and thoughts, not just by telling.

Telling: She was sad.

Showing: She sank into the chair, her shoulders slumped, and stared at the floor.

Showing emotions makes readers care.

Examples in Action

Here’s a weak sentence and how it can be improved:

Weak: He was really tired after the long day at work, so he just went to bed early.

Strong: Exhausted from the grueling shift, he collapsed into bed before the sun set.

The strong version cuts filler words, uses a specific noun, and adds emotional language.

Final Tips

Read Your Work Aloud

Reading aloud catches awkward phrasing, redundancy, and filler words. If it doesn’t sound natural, it doesn’t read well either.

Edit Ruthlessly

Cut words, sentences, or entire paragraphs. If it doesn’t serve the story, it doesn’t belong.

Focus on Clarity

Communicate clearly. Avoid words or phrases that confuse or distract readers.

Trust Your Instincts

If a word feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut.

Creative fiction writing is choosing the right words and leaving out the wrong ones. Cut filler words, avoid clichés, and focus on strong verbs and sensory details. Every word counts.