Filler words in writing: a list, and how to cut them

In speech, filler words fill time while you think. In writing, they fill space. They are words and phrases that can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence, and the sentence is usually stronger without them.

Not every instance is filler. "Very" in "the very first time" is doing something. The test is simple: delete the word and read the sentence again. If nothing is lost, it was filler.

• very, really, extremely: usually better replaced with a stronger word. "Very tired" becomes "exhausted".
• just: "I just wanted to say" becomes "I wanted to say"
• actually, basically, literally, totally: often add nothing
• quite, rather, somewhat, fairly: hedges that weaken a claim
• that: often removable. "She said that she would come" becomes "She said she would come".
• simply, clearly, obviously: can sound condescending, and the point is rarely obvious to everyone

• due to the fact that: because
• in order to: to
• at this point in time: now
• in the event that: if
• it is important to note that: delete, then state the point
• for all intents and purposes: in effect, or delete
• the fact that: often removable
• there is, there are at the start of a sentence: rewrite with a real subject. "There are many students who" becomes "Many students".

Essays attract filler because of word counts and the wish to sound academic. Markers notice it. Padding with phrases like "in today's society" and "throughout history" signals there is less to say, and it costs marks for clarity.

Cut filler first, then add substance if you are under the word count: an example, a counter-argument, a quotation analysed. That improves the essay instead of inflating it.

Edit in a separate pass from writing. Write freely first, then search for the words on the list above and question each one. Reading your work aloud is the best test: you will hear the padding that your eye skips over.

Do not cut everything. Some filler gives writing rhythm and a conversational tone, which matters for blogs, emails and scripts meant to be read aloud. Aim for clarity, not the shortest possible sentence.

If you are writing a script to record, keep some natural rhythm, since a script stripped of every soft word sounds read. The spoken filler problem is different and has its own fixes: see the list of filler words for speech.