Crutch words are words that writers often overuse when another word can be used instead or the over used word isn't necessary. Count how many times you have used each word. If you feel you have used a word too often challenge yourself to limit or remove it. When replacing an over used word with a synonym, check the meaning of the replacement word as some words that are similar substitutes for a word mean something slightly different from the over-used word. Below are some commonly over-used words.
Eyes
Face
Hand
Chest
Stomach
Breath
Hurt
That
This
Said
Smile
Grin
Says
Almost
Very
Walk
Talk
Step
Notice
Try
Shiver
Well
Was & -ing verb
Adverbs
Began
Started
Could
Would
Should
Really
Were & -ing verb
There is
There are
Feel
Felt
Look
See
Glance
Gaze
Watch
Here
Have
Had
Went
Hear
Sit
Stand
Turn
Just
Down
Only
Up
All
Every
Across
Need
Seem
Think
Know
Believe
Sigh
Like
Sudden
About
Good
Happy
Sad
Angry
Important
Big
Small
Enjoy
Go
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