Really: Another common word that we’re all guilty of using too much.It doesn’t particularly add anything, so why bother putting it in? Just: In my opinion, this word is simply a filler for a sentence.It almost indicates a question in the reader’s mind that says, “Are they confident about their response?” Perhaps, like maybe, just goes to show that you’re not sure of your answer. Perhaps: I am so guilty of using this word too much.Try thinking of another word that may impress your professors. It’s not needed and is definitely not the most descriptive word out there. For example: “The weather was very cold today.” Cross it out. Very: This is often used for emphasis of something.“Maybe” sounds like you are unsure of your answer. Maybe: When writing a paper, particularly an opinion paper, you want to try to avoid this word.It’s been so overused that “awesome” is boring. It’s not descriptive enough, and can be viewed as a sarcastic response to something. Awesome: This goes hand-in-hand with the word amazing.This word has been overused so many times that it really has lost its luster and appeal. Amazing: Yes, “amazing” is a great descriptive word, but only for certain situations.Want to keep it simple? Want to give your message and your paper more meaning? Want to make your paper more collegiate? Avoid these overused words. We eventually run out of information and begin to “fluff up” and colorize our papers with unnecessary words. We have all had to write those dreaded research papers or meet some sort of word count. Writing for social media outlets, newspapers, e-mails and essays all have one thing in common: keep it short and sweet, yet descriptive and detailed.

As a public relations and journalism major, there is one thing that I have learned to do, and that is simply to de-clutter my writing.

Another word for unnecessary verbage