R.A.N.T. About A Lot of Very Bad Words That I Kind Of Just Really Hate When Editing

R.a.n.t. of week 02/15/15

Almost 30 years ago I wrote a short story series. The story consisted of two parts of four stories each. Recently, I've been thinking of the story and reread it. I was horrified when I realized how much editing work needs to be done. The writing was far from concise and even simple sentences were horrific run-ons. So this week, I've compiled a top 10 list of words I keep an eye on when doing my editing work. Do you find yourself overusing any of these words? Are there different words on your editing list?


ABOUT
Problem: This is a word I frequently over use resulting in sloppy, lazy writing.
Example 1 - Erick said, "What are you talking about? That never happened."
Example 2 - "I thought about how excited you were to get that assignment." Vicki replied.

Solution: Perhaps they can be written this way.
Example 1 - Erick says, "I don't understand. When did that happen?"
Example 2 - "I suddenly realized how excited you were to get the assignment," Vicki replied.
Example 3 - Blog header: A LOT OF VERY BAD WORDS THAT I KIND OF JUST REALLY HATE WHEN EDITING


VERY
This is a very bad word that is very much over used. I hate it very much. Very sloppy and unimaginative.
Example 1 - "It's just another computer." Kenny replies not very impressed.
Example 2 - "She wasn't very happy when I originally told her I wanted to join the newspaper team."

Deleting the word forces a more creative way of expressing my thoughts.
Example 1 - "It's another computer," Kenny says unimpressed.
Example 2 - "She wasn't enthusiastic when I told her I was joining the newspaper.
Example 3 - Blog header: A LOT OF WORDS THAT I KIND OF JUST REALLY HATE WHEN EDITING


A LOT
What does a lot mean? (Also notice it's two words). Is a lot of pennies in a dollar the same amount as a person who eats a lot of hamburgers during the week?
Example 1 - Mrs. Wright seems to appreciate this attitude a lot better.
Example 2 - "I suppose you and Jenni will be spending a lot of time together."

Explain what 'a lot' really means or simply delete it.
Example 1 - Mrs. Wright appreciated Erick's sudden change of attitude.
Example 2 - "I suppose this means you and Jenni will be spending a couple hours together every week?"
Example 3 - Blog header: 10 WORDS THAT I KIND OF JUST REALLY HATE WHEN EDITING


THAT
Another word adding nothing to the sentence. It cheapens whatever you are discussing.
Example 1 - "Andrea is the only one that seems to have a problem with me."
Example 2 - "What was it that broke the camels back?"

The sentence can be rewritten to sound better and with more meaning.
Example 1 - "Only Andrea has a problem with me."
Example 2 - "What finally broke the camels back?"
Example 3 - Blog Header: 10 WORDS I KIND OF JUST REALLY HATE WHEN EDITING


JUST
If something just happens, it happens right then and there. But do you need to say something just happened if you are already describing it's happening?
Example 1 - "I'm just glad I finally ended it."
Example 2 - "I think I've just lost my appetite."

Deleting 'just' makes the sentence flow better.
Example 1 - "I'm glad I finally ended it."
Example 2 - "That's disgusting! Now I've lost my appetite."
Example 3 - Blog Header: 10 WORDS I KIND OF REALLY HATE WHEN EDITING


KIND OF
Would you want someone to kind of give an explanation to you? It's a fuzzy statement, what does it mean exactly?
Example 1 - "I thought maybe she'd give me some kind of indication."
Example 2 - "It really is a must for anyone wanting to get into any kind of entertainment field."

Flesh out what 'kind of' actually means or just get rid of it.
Example 1 - "I hoped she'd tell me whether you aced the test or failed."
Example 2 - "It's a must for anyone looking to become a professional comedian."
Example 3 - Blog Header: 10 WORDS I REALLY HATE WHEN EDITING


REALLY
Like 'very', I really really hate this word. Using really is lazy writing.
Example 1 - "We really need to talk."
Example 2 - "I used to go out with her and we really don't get along any more."

Be more creative with your descriptions.
Example 1 - "You better sit down. We have to talk and you are not going to like it."
Example 2 - "We use to go out and saying we don't get along is an understatement."
Example 3 - Blog Header: 10 WORDS I HATE WHEN EDITING


BEGAN
I begin to cringe every time I see myself using this. Wait no, I don't begin to do it, then stop. I actually do it. This word should never be used if it describes something still happening.
Example 1 - People began to gather around to watch the demonstration.
Example 2 - She began to develop strong feelings for him the past few weeks.
Example 3 - Kenny began pointing at Erick and laughing hysterically.

Normally a person doesn't begin something, then suddenly stop. When they do something, they do it.
Example 1 - People gathered to watch the demonstration.
Example 2 - During the past few weeks Vicki developed stronger feelings for him.
Example 3 - Kenny pointed at Erick, laughing hysterically.


THINK
If a person is telling you about something, do they also have to tell you they are thinking about it?
Example 1 - "Why do you think she blames you?"
Example 2 - "I think Jenni will be able to help you."
Example 3 - "Do you think I care any more?"

Sometimes it's better to do something instead of thinking about it. Also, asking what a person thinks is redundant. When they reply, you'll know what they think.
Example 1 - "Why does she still blame you?"
Example 2 - "I'm assigning Jenni to help you."
Example 3 - "I give up. I don't care any more.


HAD
This word implies you no longer have whatever you are referring to. I have a problem using it when I shouldn't.
Example 1 - "I thought we had an honest relationship."
Example 2 - Erick did comply despite all the nonsense she had put him through.
Example 3 - Erick begins to tell Vicki what had just happened to him.

Rewrite so the sentence doesn't imply the situation no longer exists.
Example 1 - "Don't we have an honest relationship?"
Example 2 - Erick complied despite the nonsense she puts him through.
Example 3 - Erick starts explaining to Vicki what happened earlier but suddenly stops, not wanting to bring up Jenni again.