Say This, Not That · Free
Delete the word. Read it again. Usually nothing is missing.
Filler words survive because they feel softening. Most of the time they only add length, and “thing” and “said” often hide a more precise word underneath.
Overused WordsConcise WritingConfidence
Instead of
I just wanted to just quickly check in about the thing we discussed.
Try
“Checking in about the pricing change we discussed.”
Why it works
Two “justs” and a “thing” cost you the one detail the reader needed: which topic.
Tone · Concise · Casual
Instead of
It's really really important that we're really clear here.
Try
“We need to be unambiguous here.”
Why it works
Repeating “really” adds emphasis to the sentence, not weight to the argument. A precise word does both.
Tone · Precise · Professional
Instead of
“I'm not going,” she said. “I mean it,” she said.
Try
““I'm not going,” she said. “I mean it.””
Often the fix is to drop the second tag entirely.
Why it works
“Said” is invisible and that's a virtue, the fix for too many tags is usually fewer tags, not fancier ones.
Tone · Concise · Strong
Replace the placeholder with the specific noun or verb hiding behind it.
the thing we talked aboutthe pricing change
Always. Name it.
a thing that helpsa tool / a habit / a rule
Pick the category word.
the whole thingthe whole project / evening / process
Say which whole.
just checkingchecking
Delete “just” unless it means “only”.
really goodexcellent
One word instead of two.
kind of / sort of(delete)
Unless you genuinely mean partly.
basically(delete)
It rarely simplifies anything.
said (loudly)called
Volume, no anger.
said (quietly)murmured
Low and private.
said (angrily)snapped
Short and sharp.
said (repeating)insisted
Holding a position under pressure.
said (explaining)explained
Giving reasons, the most overlooked one.
Careful with dialogue tags
Replacing every “said” with “exclaimed”, “opined” or “ejaculated” is thesaurus dumping. Readers skim “said”; that's exactly what it's for.
No account, no credits, just pick the version that reads better.
Which line is clearest?
How should you fix a page with too many “she said” tags?
When should you keep “just”?
Want help with your own wording?
Better Word helps you find stronger, clearer and more fitting words for what you want to say, free.
Try Better WordThink you can choose the right wording in context?
Real-World Practice drops the same decisions into real situations. Free, no credits.
Try Real-World PracticeSame meaning. Half the words.
“The movie was really good and very interesting.”
“The movie was compelling and unpredictable.”
One precise word beats an intensifier plus a vague one.
“I was very tired after the flight.”
“I was exhausted after the flight.”
Confidence is specificity, not volume.
“This is probably a stupid question, but…”
“One thing I want to check before we commit:”
