Crutch words are commonly used phrases that we use to fill up a void during conversations and in our writing. They are often empty words, phrases, or expressions that can be seen as filler or unnecessary fluff. Knowing what your crutch words are and how to cut them out is essential for effective communication and writing.
Crutch words can include phrases like “you know”, “like”, “basically”, “so”, and countless others that show up in our day-to-day conversations and written work. In order to present ourselves in the most professional light, it is important to recognize when these crutch words come into play and learn how to cut them out of our language.
Do you find yourself using certain words or phrases more often than others in daily conversation? If so, you may be relying on crutch words. Crutch words are terms used as a filler when speaking, usually without meaning.
Identifying your personal crutch words is an essential step to improving your writing skills. A crutch word is a word or phrase that a writer relies on too heavily, which can make their writing seem repetitive and boring. Knowing these words allows you to take control of your writing and create more interesting and vibrant prose.
Start by recording yourself talking for five minutes straight. You can also practice with a partner or friend who will listen carefully as you speak and note any verbal tics that interrupt the flow of conversation. Once you have identified potential crutch words, please make a list of them so you can be mindful of them whenever they come up in conversations. You may also want to record yourself again after you have identified your crutch words, so you can evaluate any progress that's been made.
Crutch words are a common problem in writing, but they can be easily identified and removed. Crutch words are those that writers rely on as fillers when they don't know what else to say. They add nothing of value to the text, make it sound awkward, and detract from the overall clarity of the work. Common examples of crutch words include "like," "um," "basically," and "stuff." Knowing which crutch words to look out for is essential in learning how to identify and cut them from your writing.
When editing, pay attention to any overly frequent or unnecessary use of these types of words. While it's true that some may be acceptable in certain contexts, like using “basically” for emphasis or clarification, too many can get distracting for readers.
Crutch words are words that are used too often and can make your writing sound boring or repetitive. Here are some of the reasons why it can be beneficial to identify and eliminate these crutch words from your conversations and writing:
First, eliminating crutch words from your language improves communication clarity and makes your writing more interesting for readers. It also helps to ensure that the point you're trying to make is not lost in a sea of unnecessary filler words. Furthermore, cutting out crutch words is a great way to help strengthen your vocabulary by replacing them with more appropriate and descriptive alternatives. Finally, if you are trying to improve your writing or speaking skills, eliminating crutch words can help you transition from novice to professional status. For example, using the word "very" all the time can be very distracting to the reader and especially when there's no need for it. By eliminating "very," the writing can take on a more professional tone.
If you want to make sure your work stands out, here are some strategies for cutting down on your crutch words.
The first step is to identify which words or phrases you rely on too much. A great way to do this is by reading aloud what you’ve written. As you read, take note of any particular word or phrase that keeps coming up again and again. Once these crutch words have been identified, it’s time to start replacing them with more interesting and descriptive alternatives. Instead of simply saying “very good”, try something like “exceptionally excellent” or “superb” instead. Or instead of saying the following, try something like this is a list of or this is a list. Another great crutch word to watch out for is the word I. When you’re trying to show off your writing skills, it’s easy to slip into the habit of using I- statements.
Practicing self-awareness is the key to achieving success in any field of life and language. As a speaker, we can use specific words or phrases that detract from the impact of our speech and weaken our message. These “crutch” words are a common feature in day-to-day conversations, but they don’t always serve us well. Taking some time to analyze our speaking habits can help us recognize these crutch words and make adjustments for more effective communication.
Being mindful of how we communicate is an important part of self-awareness. Paying attention to which words we use most often can be helpful in finding areas where improvement is needed. Once identified, removing or reducing the usage of crutch words can have a major impact on how well your message is received and understood by others. That being said, there is no one-size-fits-all approach for eliminating crutch words. It will depend on the situation, your personality, and the type of message you are trying to convey.
Change can often be daunting, especially if it's something out of a person's comfort zone. However, instead of being fearful of the unknown, embracing change can help people grow and expand their skill set. This is especially true when it comes to cutting crutch words from a person’s writing. Identifying which words are crutches and learning how to cut them can greatly improve the overall quality of an individual's work.
By taking the time to identify these crutch words and break the habit of using them, writers can learn how to communicate effectively with their audience in a way that’s clear and concise. By cutting down on overused phrases or redundant language, writers can ensure that their message is getting across in the most effective manner possible.
