Every word that makes writing sound machine-made — and the word to use instead.
The test: if you can swap in "use" or "help" with no loss, the original was filler.
| Cut | Use instead |
|---|---|
| leverage | use |
| empower | help, let |
| unlock | open, give access to |
| unleash | release, use |
| harness | use, apply |
| streamline | simplify, speed up |
| revolutionize | change, remake |
| dive into / delve into | look at, go through |
The test: remove it. If the sentence means the same thing, it was decoration.
| Cut | Use instead |
|---|---|
| cutting-edge | new, current |
| best-in-class | the best, leading |
| world-class | excellent — or name the proof |
| robust | strong, reliable |
| holistic | complete, whole |
| game-changing | important — or say what changed |
| seamlessly | cut it — things work or they don't |
Throat-clearing. Cut them and start with the thing you were about to say.
| Cut | What to do |
|---|---|
| it's important to note that | delete — then note it |
| it's worth noting that | delete |
| at the end of the day | delete |
| in today's fast-paced world | today, now |
| in conclusion / to summarize | delete — the reader can tell |
| that being said | but, still |
| needless to say | delete — then don't say it |
| with that in mind | delete |
If you wrote it, you believe it. State the claim.
| Cut | What to do |
|---|---|
| I think / I believe | state it directly |
| sort of / kind of | cut, or commit to the claim |
| basically / essentially | cut |
| it goes without saying | cut |