Cut Filler Words

Published on March 17, 2026 | Written by Parpar

Cut filler words to improve your writing

Have you ever read a sentence that feels long-winded, repetitive, or overwhelming? The culprit is often the overuse of filler words, those tiny, seemingly harmless words that sneak into your writing without adding real value.

Filler words such as “just,” “actually,” “really,” “very,” or “like” might seem harmless in conversation, but in professional or non-fiction writing, they can dilute your message, distract your reader, and make your work feel less authoritative.

Note: In fiction, filler words aren’t always bad. Authors often use them to create realistic dialogue, casual narration, or character voice. The key is intention. Don’t let them weaken clarity when your goal is precision or authority.

Common filler words:

Intensifiers: really, very, extremely, absolutely
Hedges: just, actually, perhaps, maybe, sort of, kind of, I think, I believe
Discourse markers: like, you know, well, anyway, basically, honestly, simply
Redundant phrases: in my opinion, it seems that, as a matter of fact

Why they hurt your writing

They make sentences longer without adding meaning.
They reduce credibility and authority.
They make your writing less clear and professional.

How to eliminate filler words

Read Aloud: If a word doesn’t change the meaning, cut it.
Weak: “I think this is actually very important.”
Strong: “This is important.”
Ask Yourself: “Does this add value?”
Remove words that don’t strengthen your point.
Use Stronger Verbs: Swap weak phrases for precise action words.
Instead of saying: “make changes”, say: Revise
Instead of saying: “go quickly”, say: Rush
Limit Hedging: Speak with confidence.
Instead of saying: “I think maybe we should consider this”, say: “We should consider this.”

Keep a filler word checklist

Keep the list of filler words handy while editing your own writing. Highlight or remove any filler words you find (except in intentional fiction or dialogue):

Scan your draft, read it aloud, and strike out any word that doesn’t strengthen your point.

Filler words in fiction: When they work

In fiction, filler words can make characters sound realistic, reflect hesitation, or convey tone. Here are some examples:

“I… I don’t know if I can do this,” she whispered.
- Filler conveys hesitation and fear.
“Well, I guess we could try it,” he said, shrugging.
- “Well” and “I guess” make the dialogue casual and believable.
“I just… can’t believe it,” he muttered under his breath.
- “Just” emphasizes emotion and makes the moment feel intimate.

In these cases, filler words aren’t mistakes; they’re tools to enrich voice and character, which is exactly why fiction is more forgiving than formal writing.

Filler Words: Non-Fiction vs Fiction

Use Case	Filler Words	Why / How to Use	Example
Non-Fiction / Professional Writing	just, actually, really, very, like, I think	Usually unnecessary; weakens clarity and authority.	Weak: “I think this is actually very important.” Strong: “This is important.”
Fiction / Dialogue & Narration	well, just, I guess, like, actually, you know	Can create realistic speech, hesitation, or emotion; reflects character voice.	“I… I don’t know if I can do this,” she whispered. “Well, I guess we could try it,” he said, shrugging.
Both / Optional	sort of, kind of, maybe, perhaps	Use sparingly to soften statements, indicate uncertainty, or add a casual tone.	“I’m sort of tired, but I can keep going.”

Key Takeaways:

Non-Fiction: Trim filler words to be concise, authoritative, and clear.
Fiction: Use filler words intentionally to enhance dialogue or character voice.
Always Read Aloud: This helps detect which words strengthen meaning vs which just pad sentences.

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