Source: bing.comNeedless connectors, also known as filler words, are words or phrases that are not essential to a sentence's meaning, but are added for emphasis, clarity or simply to fill a gap. These connectors often make our writing sound cluttered and can detract from our message's effectiveness. In this article, we will discuss what needless connectors are, why they should be avoided and how to eliminate them from your writing.
What are Needless Connectors?
Needless connectors are words or phrases that serve no purpose other than to take up space in a sentence. These words do not add any meaning to the text and can often make the sentence harder to read and understand. Examples of needless connectors include:
- Actually
- Basically
- Definitely
- Literally
- Really
- Truly
- Very
These words and phrases can be replaced with stronger, more descriptive language that adds more value to the sentence. In short, needless connectors are the extra baggage that weighs down your writing and should be avoided whenever possible.
Why Should You Avoid Needless Connectors?
Needless connectors can make your writing sound clumsy and unprofessional. They can also distract from your message and make it harder for readers to understand what you're trying to say. Furthermore, using too many needless connectors can make your writing longer than it needs to be, which can be a turnoff for time-strapped readers.
Using too many needless connectors can also make your writing less persuasive. By cluttering your argument with distracting filler words, you can dilute the strength of your message and weaken the impact you're trying to make.
How to Eliminate Needless Connectors from Your Writing
The good news is that it's relatively easy to eliminate needless connectors from your writing. The key is to be aware of them and to actively seek them out when you're revising your work.
One way to eliminate needless connectors is to read your writing out loud. This will help you identify any awkward or unnecessary language that you may have missed when reading silently. You can also try reading your writing backward, sentence by sentence, to help you focus on each sentence's structure rather than its meaning.
Another strategy is to use a thesaurus to find stronger, more descriptive words to replace needless connectors. For example, instead of using "really," you might say "truly" or "genuinely." Instead of using "very," you might use "extremely" or "exceptionally."
Finally, try to be more mindful of your writing and the words you use. Take time to think about whether each word and phrase contributes to your message and whether it's necessary to include it. By being more aware of your writing, you can eliminate needless connectors and make your writing more concise, persuasive and effective.
Conclusion
Needless connectors are a common problem in writing, but they can be easily eliminated with a little effort and attention. By being aware of them and actively seeking them out, you can make your writing more concise, persuasive and professional. Remember, less is often more when it comes to writing, so always strive to make every word count.