A Rant About Writing
I have a real problem with the word “really,” in all its forms. You see, I have this tendency to really overuse that particular word, even when it’s not really needed. Now, you may think this is really a minor problem, but I’ve come to the conclusion that it really isn’t. Because really overusing a word, especially one that’s not really necessary, can really weaken a sentence. Which, in turn, really weakens the paragraph, the page, the chapter — hell, it really weakens the whole book.
If you’re a writer, I’m sure you really understand my dilemma. In fact, I’m really sure you also have a word that you catch yourself using more than you really need.
Please tell me I’m right.
Really!
REALLY? (Photo credit: the|G|™)
Reading, Writing, Ranting and Raving 
From a sometimes freshperson comp teacher, I share your pain. My too-frequent word is ‘actually’. This word is especially bothersome because it suggests that I usually lie, but this time i’m telling the truth. But really’s a big one for me and my students, too.
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I use that one too sometimes, but not really as much as “really.” hahahahaha!
Co-Vice PresidentNortheast Ohio Romance Writers of AmericaCheck out my blog at https://kymlucas.wordpress.com. “There’s no problem a library card can’t solve.” — Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown
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Actually, mine is “Actually” too.
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I use “clearly” kind of often too.
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I really liked your blog on the over use of the word really. I really did. It really hit home. I mean really it did. I didn’t really realize how much one uses the word really. It really was an eye opener. I’m really going to have to watch. I really can’t thank you enough. 🙂
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Really?
Co-Vice PresidentNortheast Ohio Romance Writers of AmericaCheck out my blog at http://kymlucas.me. “There’s no problem a library card can’t solve.” — Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown
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I really really enjoy your blog..in fact, I think I want to make “really” a verb, connoting excess feelings of one kind or another? ….I reallied your post…
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I love the idea of “really” as a verb, although I’m sure I’d then really be in trouble! I’d really use it all the time!
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