Writers worry about repeating words not because they want fancy language, but because they want to keep their natural voice. This article focuses on noticing habitual word patterns and gently expanding choices so prose stays clear and precise — more like developing editor awareness than using a thesaurus.
Often writers ask — usually in a slightly apologetic tone: “How do I stop repeating the same words?”
They often follow it with the confession that they don’t want fancy language or don’t want it to sound unnatural, or worse still, they don’t want to lose their voice.
Their concern is well placed.
This article is not about dressing up writing or swapping simple words for complicated ones. It’s about noticing patterns that creep into manuscripts — and widening your word options just enough to keep your prose fresh and precise.
Think of this less as a thesaurus lesson and more as editor awareness.
Why Repetition Sneaks In (Even for Good Writers)
Repetition isn’t laziness. It’s usually a sign of fluency.
When you’re drafting, your brain reaches for familiar, reliable phrasing so it can focus on story, argument, or momentum. That’s exactly what it should do.
The problem only appears later, when those default words cluster too closely together, carry more weight than they’re built for and/or flatten emotional nuance.
Editors notice this quickly — not because the words are “wrong”, but because they’re doing too much work.
The Usual Suspects: Words Editors See Again and Again
Below are some of the most commonly overused words and phrases that appear in manuscripts across genres — along with smarter, quieter alternatives to inspire you.
1. “Very”
Why it weakens prose:It intensifies without adding information.
Try instead:
- deeply
- genuinely
- acutely
- intensely
- or remove it entirely and strengthen the verb
Example:
❌ very tired
✅ exhausted / bone-weary / running on empty
2. “Really”
Why it appears:Writers use it to reassure the reader.
Alternatives:
- truly
- genuinely
- firmly
- clearly
- or delete and let the sentence stand on its own.
3. “Just”
Why editors flag it:It often minimises meaning without intention.
Alternatives depend on context:
- simply
- only
- briefly
- quietly
- or delete and reread — many sentences improve instantly.
4. “Suddenly”
Why it’s unnecessary:If something is sudden, the sentence structure should show it.
Alternatives:
- restructure the sentence
- shorten the lead-in
- let the action arrive without warning
5. “Seemed / Appeared”
Why it distances the reader:It tells us the narrator is unsure — even when they aren’t.
Alternatives:
- state the observation directly
- anchor the perception in sensory detail
6. “I realised / She realised”
Why it’s overused:It explains thinking instead of letting us experience it.
Alternatives:
- show the moment of understanding
- replace with action or physical response
7. “A bit / A little”
Why it weakens impact:It blunts emotion.
Alternatives:
- slightly
- faintly
- subtly
- marginally
- or sharpen the description instead.
Common Phrases That Creep In Unnoticed
When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to fall into the trap of using certain phrases that sound fine but actually weaken your writing. These phrases might seem normal, but they’re so familiar that they can slip by unnoticed — and that’s the problem.
Here are some of the most common offenders and how to make your writing stronger by avoiding them.
1. “At the end of the day”
We’ve all heard this one, and while it’s not technically wrong, it’s overused. The phrase doesn’t add anything new to your writing. It’s like a filler that doesn’t do much for the message you’re trying to get across.
Pro Tip: Try being more direct by deleting the phrase. For example, instead of saying “At the end of the day, we need to make a decision,” just say, “We need to make a decision.”
2. “In order to” → “Try to”
“In order to” can sound overly formal and sometimes unnecessary. Most of the time, you can simply use “try to” or “just” to get the same meaning across.
Pro Tip: Instead of writing, “In order to finish the project, I need to work late,” try “I need to work late to finish the project.”
3. “Began to” or “Started to”
Phrases like “began to” or “started to” can often be cut without losing meaning. They’re a bit like the “filler” words we talked about. If your sentence makes sense without them, leave them out!
Pro Tip: Instead of writing, “She began to read the book,” just say, “She read the book.”
4. “Felt like”
When you use “felt like,” it can sometimes make your writing feel passive. If you can, cut it out to make your sentences more active and direct.
Pro Tip: Instead of saying, “I felt like going for a walk,” just say, “I went for a walk.”
5. “There was” / “There were”
We often use “there was” or “there were” to start a sentence, but it can be a weak way to begin. It’s better to rewrite the sentence so it feels stronger and more direct.
Pro Tip: Instead of writing, “There were many people at the party,” try, “The party was crowded.” You’re cutting the extra words and making the sentence more powerful.
When you see these repeatedly, pause and ask: Is this doing work — or filling space?
By recognising these common phrases and making simple changes, your writing will feel more direct, clear, and engaging. The goal is to avoid letting these filler phrases take up space when they don’t add anything of value. Just get to the point and say what you mean!
A Better Question Than “What’s Another Word For…?”
Instead of asking: What’s a better word for this? Try asking: What exactly do I mean here?
That question leads you to:
- a more specific verb
- a sharper noun
- a clearer image
And often, the right word appears without searching.
Tools That Help Without Hijacking Your Voice
A traditional thesaurus can be overwhelming. Used carefully, the following tools are far more useful:
- Word frequency tools in Scrivener or Word
- Search function to spot repetition
- Wordsmith.org for daily exposure to alternatives without pressure
- Reading your work aloud — repetition becomes obvious quickly
Remember, the goal is awareness, not ornamentation.
A Practical Editing Pass You Can Try
Here’s a simple, low-stress approach:
- Pick one chapter only
- Search for the following words:
- very
- really
- just
- felt
- seemed
- For each instance, choose one of the following to replace it:
- replace
- refine
- remove
Stop there.
You don’t need to fix everything at once. Good editing happens in layers, not sweeps.
Your Voice Matters More Than Variety
Finally, a reassurance many writers need to hear: Repetition is only a problem when it distracts the reader.
Consistency is part of voice. The aim isn’t to sound clever. It’s to sound clear, confident, and intentional.
Better word choices don’t make your writing louder.
They make it quieter — and more precise.
References & Further Reading
Australian
- Queensland Writers Centre – Editing and craft resources
https://www.queenslandwriters.org.au - Australian Society of Authors (ASA) – Manuscript preparation advice
https://www.asauthors.org
International
Ursula K. Le Guin – Steering the Craft
Wordsmith.org – Daily word exposure and usage
https://wordsmith.org
Strunk & White – The Elements of Style (for clarity, not flourish)