In a fiction manuscript, weasel words are defined as words that suck the life out of the words next to them. I have a lengthy list of weasel words. Should they ALL be removed? No. Simply be aware!
These words are usually superfluous:
- that
- just
- a little, a bit
- really
- nearly, almost
- quite
- rather
- kind of
- very
- anyway
- any “ly” word
- like, sort of
- some, a lot
- began to / started to
- even
These words show that you are telling. Remove the words and rephrase to show, not tell:
- seem, seemed
- wonder, wondered
- thought
- knew
- felt
These words should be evaluated – are they carrying their weight?
- would / could / should
- up / down / back
Look for passive words and evaluate if you can modify the sentence. Here are words that clue you in on passive voice:
- is, are
- was, were
- had (use for flashbacks, but sparingly in normal writing)
- have been
- to be
Are you supposed to remove all weasel words? No. Simply make sure that you know they are there and are serving a purpose. Mary DeMuth once told me to limit the number of was/were words to one or two a page. My goal is two a scene, how about you?
Nice list. Thx.
Nike –
You’re welcome, glad to help 🙂 Heidi
Thanks, Heidi! My friend and I have been mucking through weasel words and when I recognized your name on a google search I came right here. =]
Patty,
Glad to help – come back to visit again soon 🙂 Heidi
I’m Patty’s friend who was mucking with her 😀 Thanks SO much for this!