Writers are creatures who love words. I once played Scrabble with some fellow writers and we used every single tile. We love strange words and funny words. Words that string together to paint a picture or create an emotional reaction.
Uncovering Overused Words
Every writer has their favorite words and phrases. Words like back and things and walk. Was is another huge one that is often used way too often. You can find lists of common overused words. For example: Here.
It’s also essential to pay attention to your own writing because you may have favorite words that pop up often in your writing and you aren’t even aware of. Two of my go to words that not every writer overuses is shiver and fool.
So what can you do about these repetitive words and phrases?
First, you need to identify what words you overuse. There are several ways to do that. You can read your story out loud. Often beta readers will catch overused phrases. Sometimes you can find those overly common words by simply reading your book like you do any other novel.
Next, you need to make a list of what those words are. It is helpful to include some of the more common overused words as well. But in the end, this is your list.
Then, you need to go through your list, searching for your words. If you do the search feature in word, it highlights the word you are searching for. This makes for a great way to quickly visualize how often you use a word.
Lastly, you need to rewrite your sentences to not use the word as often. Find more creative ways to say what you are trying to say. But if you find yourself doing word gymnastics to avoid certain words, consider leaving that in there. Remember you don’t have to eliminate all of your favored words. Just most of them.
What are some of your overused words?