What are “THE” over-used words in your prose?

Clutter—often from common, over-used words in everyday speech—is one reason for a pass by industry gatekeepers. Clutter creates a sluggish feel.

Clutter can bloat word count. That creates extra pages nobody can afford to publish or buy.

Lists of over-used words abound. An internet search will yield advice.

Editors and publishers tell us these are probably the top over-used words:  so, some, but, that.

Do a search for those in your work. (It’s a great topic for a critique group. Report in next month with what you find.)

We all have our “favorite” words, too. An internet search won’t find those. A good writing friend, experienced critique partner, or copy editor will find them for you.

At one time a friend of mine caught me using “And” too much at the beginnings of sentences. Was I trying for a snappy pace or attitude from the characters? Neither goal resulted from the “And Disease.” I’m glad for good critique friends! Also watch for compound sentences stacking up with “and” in your prose. Perhaps we’re in a hurry AND rush ahead too swiftly?

Guess what other word I catch over-used by writers?

“The.”

Over-usage of “the” brings in a sing-songy, irritating sense at times.

Example:  “They went to the store by the corner to get the macaroni and the sauce for the dinner.”

That example contains five instances of “the.” Notice how slow and awkward the sentence feels.

Here’s a new version with only one instance of “the”:  “At the corner store they bought macaroni and sauce for dinner.”  

Find your “favorite” words. Search for “the.”

Revise and improve your style, voice, and word count overnight.